As was announced last year, in 2021 AAMFT will be launching a brand new event, the Systemic Family Therapy Conference (SFTC). Designed as a reimagined approach to the traditional AAMFT Annual Conference, the SFTC takes a holistic approach to the development and enhancement of family therapists. Just like our dynamic profession, SFTC targets three key areas:
- Enhancement of the systemic thinker as an individual focusing on personal and professional growth
- Development of cutting edge clinical skills and training to propel our profession forward
- Integration into vital community and institutional systems that shape our global society
Check out our FAQs below to find out more about this dynamic new event, how it will be launching in 2021, and how you can get involved!
When will the SFTC be held?
This year's SFTC will be November 10 – 12. With the ongoing travel and event challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our debut event in 2021 will be held online but we are truly excited about this. Our 2020 virtual online annual conference united a record number of attendees from every continent in the world and eliminated barriers for attendees to access vital systemic training. We learned a lot with that format and are excited to build upon it for 2021. The schedule will be built around timing to accommodate as many time zones comfortably as possible.
What will the format of the SFTC be?
SFTC will be true to its mission and spend time over the three day event holistically meeting all of the areas of training and development for systemic thinkers. SFTC aims to be the most comprehensive event for systemic thinkers starting with personal and professional development, moving into cutting edge clinical skills and training, and ending by examining the role of systemic therapy in our communities and institutions and their impact on our global society.
Sessions will employ cutting edge adult learning methodology with optimized timing and content delivery methodology, interactivity, and engaging presentation dynamics.
What is AAMFT's role with the SFTC?
AAMFT is the founding sponsor of the SFTC; however, we envision it growing to be a global partnership of key drivers in the systemic family therapy profession helping create a distinct voice and a training home for all systemic thinkers.
What will the cost of the SFTC be?
For this inaugural SFTC, AAMFT in its role as founding sponsor, will be significantly subsidizing registration costs for all AAMFT members to reduce barriers to attending. Registration for AAMFT Professional members will be offered at a 75% discount and Student members will be able to attend for free. Registration opportunities for prospective members and non-member attendees interested in systemic therapy will be available as well.
How can I be a speaker for SFTC?
AAMFT is launching a brand new speakers' bureau where MFT speakers and educators can highlight their areas of interest and unique presentation abilities and modalities. Speakers for SFTC and future AAMFT events will be selected. The AAMFT Speakers' Bureau will also be available for AAMFT engagement programs and other family therapy and mental health associations to access our dynamic MFT speakers. Interested in developing your profile? Keep an eye on the Family Therap-eNews for more information next month.
Are there going to be exhibition and sponsorship opportunities available for SFTC?
Yes! Send an email to [email protected] and we will add you to our list to receive information when it is available this spring.