The Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center, Inc. became a corporation in July, 1999, as an outgrowth of the Training Center founded by Salvador Minuchin, M.D. in 1975 for systemic family therapy and training, at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic. The Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center offers Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT) training, education, consultation, and research in family and couples therapy, and developmentally based approaches to child, adolescent and adult behavioral health issues. The Center has trained thousands of mental health and other human service professionals in the practice of family therapy, examining the social ecology of the home, school, and community environments.
Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT) is a clinical model also utilized throughout the state of Pennsylvania to increase child wellness/safety and reduce risk of out of home placement/psychiatric hospitalization for children with Severe Emotional Disturbance (SED). ESFT works through the relationships in the family and their ecosystem to create meaningful change for the child and their caregivers. As such, ESFT is an impactful treatment approach for disrupting Inter-generational and Complex Developmental Trauma.
Check out of Continuing Education Store.
Watch the high level overview of Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT), based on the logic model. ESFT guides the clinician to work developmentally, relationally, contextually and trauma informed to strengthen parental leadership, attachment, co-regulation and connection to community. The child-focused goals of treatment include reducing symptoms, preventing hospitalization or out-of-home placement, and improving the child’s ability to handle the demands of home, school, and peers. Check out of Continuing Education Store and Systemic Training Products. Email administration@pcfttc.com with questions.
Email administration@pcfttc.com with questions.
Why Choose Us for Your Training Journey?
At the Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center, we don’t just teach therapy—we cultivate transformation. Here’s what sets us apart:
✨ Expert-Led Training
Our programs are designed and delivered by seasoned professionals with deep expertise in systemic family therapy, including Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT).
✨ Hands-On Learning
We believe in learning by doing. From live supervision to practical tools, our training ensures you leave with skills you can apply immediately.
✨ Tailored Support
No two journeys are the same. That’s why we personalize your training experience to meet your unique professional goals and challenges.
✨ Community Focus
Join a network of dedicated therapists passionate about making a difference. Collaboration, growth, and shared knowledge are at the heart of what we do.
✨ Proven Impact
Our graduates leave with confidence, ready to foster healing in families and communities with a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach.
💡 Ready to elevate your practice? Let’s start building a stronger future—together.
