PLU Marriage and Family Therapy Program

Register now for the Fourth Annual Therapist of Color Conference on May 30th, 2026. Join us for this incredible experience as we welcome back keynote speaker, Natalie Gutierrez, LMFT. Additionally, we are thrilled to announce this year's conference will include afternoon guest speaker, Roy Fisher, LMFT. Click below for more details of what this years Conference has to offer. Lunch is included for this year's in-person attendees. There is a virtual option for the morning portion of the Conference. Early Bird registration costs are in effect until May 1st, 2026. Register at: https://www.plu.edu/mft/therapist-of-color-conference-registration/ . Learn more about this year's conference at https://www.plu.edu/mft/therapist-of-color-conference/ .

Save the Date!
More to come...but for now, block off Saturday May 30th, 2026 for this Incredible Event!

We are so proud of our Program Director - Fiona O'Farrell for the Educator of the Year award from WAMFT!

The Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy extends its heartfelt congratulations to the distinguished recipients of our 2024 awards. Your tireless dedication, innovative approaches, and profound positive impact on the lives of countless individuals and families across the state have not gone unnoticed. As luminaries in the field of marriage and family therapy, your groundbreaking research, compassionate clinical work, and visionary leadership serve as an inspiration to your colleagues and a testament to the transformative power of our profession. Your unwavering commitment to advancing the practice of marriage and family therapy, advocating for the needs of those we serve, and mentoring the next generation of therapists has strengthened our community immeasurably. On behalf of the entire association, we applaud your exceptional achievements and express our deepest gratitude for your enduring contributions to the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Washington. Congratulations once again on this well-deserved recognition of your outstanding work.

¨ Distinguished Clinical Fellow: Jennifer Sampson
¨ Diversity Award: Amanda Ibaraki Stine
¨ Educator of the Year: Fiona O'Farrell
¨ Family Advocacy Award: Carmilla Solomon
¨ Professional Member of the Year: Valerie Woods
¨ Student of the Year: Marina Masaki
¨ Supervisor of the Year: Katie Jo Glaves
¨ Volunteer of the Year: Danesha Deloatch

Students who've taken Dr. Nice's Law and Ethics class know that "it depends!" What other faculty catchphrases do you remember from your time at PLU?

Shout out to our PLU students who have joined committees!

Congratulations to all of our recent graduates! Kiara shares about the difference PLU has made to her:

As a first-generation college student, I am immensely proud and emotional looking at these photos from our ceremony this past weekend. I am forever grateful for the personal growth I have experienced during my time in this program and for the growth I will continue to experience as I progress in this field. A special thank you to Alexus, Quantas, and Lindsey, as well as the rest of the faculty, for your unwavering support, encouragement, and mentorship. Your belief in me means more than words can express!

Theory III students taking a break from narrative therapy to enjoy the Berry Festival in red square!

In his book "Ecology of the Mind," Gregory Bateson talked about "a difference that makes a difference." Here's another one of our current students sharing more about a PLU difference that's made a difference in their lives!

Madeline says -

"The PLU MFT graduate program was transformative to say the least. It equipped me with essential skills and deepened my understanding of family dynamics and therapy techniques. The comprehensive curriculum and hands-on experience provided me with the confidence and expertise to effectively support individuals and families in need. Overall, this program has truly shaped my career path and enriched my ability to make a meaningful impact in the field of marriage and family therapy."

In his book "Ecology of the Mind," Gregory Bateson talked about "a difference that makes a difference." Here's another one of our current students sharing more about a PLU difference that's made a difference in their lives! Meet Debbie -

"The PLU MFT faculty as well as my amazing cohort have helped me grow in so many ways. They not only have taught me the skills to work as a systemic clinician, but have also broadened my awareness of diversity and inclusion as I work with others. I have grown personally in ways I never thought possible and will never the same. Thank you PLU MFT!"

We are so proud of professor Alexus Hamilton, who was recently notified that she is the recipient of the 2024 AAMFT Dissertation of the Year Award for her work "Centering Black Therapists in Practice: Exploring Factors Contributing to Retention and Attrition." Congratulations, Dr. Hamilton!