

FFCA Training Impact & Satisfaction
For well over a quarter of a century, we have sought to continuously improve our standards for professional development programs featuring our International Families & Fathers Conference; Advanced Practitioner Credential Course™ (Unlocking Unlimited Potential)—includes 20+ activities developed by Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, drawn from decades as a clinician, professor, leader, and advocate; the FFCA DiSC Model — DISCOVERING THE BEST OF YOU: THE DiSC COURSE — A GUIDE FOR HELPING OTHERS GET TO THE NEXT LEVEL; and leadership development anchored by our OAR Leadership Institute: I AM Going Anyway.
We also feature mental health–centered trainings such as Including and Elevating Fathers in Family Mental Health Support—a SAMHSA-approved training that affirms alignment with evidence-based, prevention- and recovery-oriented practices. New in 2025: the QPR Suicide Prevention Certificate.
These tools are grounded in frameworks such as Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Schema Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Emotional Intelligence, and culturally affirming practices. FFCA’s curriculum meets the highest research-based and ethical standards. The Advanced Practitioner Credential Course™ is approved for CEUs by the National Association of Social Workers – Arizona Chapter. We proudly partner with institutions of higher education to expand CEU recognition across the disciplines of Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, Education, and Social Work—with over 10,000 practitioners trained.
Testimonials: Transforming Lives, Strengthening Families
At Fathers and Families Coalition of America (FFCA), we are committed to empowering professionals, strengthening communities, and transforming lives through our specialized training programs. The profound impact of our courses and conferences is not just a claim, but a reality that has inspired and motivated many. Don’t just take our word for it—listen to those whose lives and careers have been transformed by our programs.
“The training was great! Very informative and delivered in a way that was easy to follow and understand.”
“Highly recommend! It felt like we were having a conversation with a friend and not a work training at all.”
“Have an open mind and willing to take in and apply what is said to your daily life.”
“Highly recommend taking this course!”
“Be open to learning and viewing a different perspective.”
“The training was sincere, coming from the heart, and had a greater impact than I would have expected.”
“The training was very informative. Our presenter was awesome!”
“It was excellent and very exciting, I really enjoyed the presentation. The information I received was well needed.”
“This course gave me the confidence to do more advanced work with fatherhood and motivational interviewing.”
“Through this program, I learned to reflect on myself before helping others. The old adage about securing your oxygen mask before assisting someone else is as valid today as ever.”
“Understanding strength theory through the lens of kintsugi was a different and welcomed perspective.”
“The Advanced Practitioner Credential Course provided key insights into how to best serve fathers. It was extremely helpful in both my personal and professional development.”
“I really enjoyed each class. About seven years ago, I went on a deep personal healing journey, and this course reaffirmed my progress. There were a few areas that needed a tune-up, and this program helped me realign.”
“The Program is exceptional. It allows us to understand concepts from both a personal and professional perspective. We can collaborate with others in the group to discuss and develop our knowledge of the topic.”
“This is an intense training, but you learn a lot about yourself and the people around you. I highly recommend it.”
“The FFCA Training is an enlightening course that empowers you to discover the best of yourself by identifying your personality type, which helps you become aware of your strengths, limitations, and areas for growth, ultimately reaching your full potential. I highly recommend you allow yourself to take this course to gain valuable knowledge for your personal and professional growth. It's a journey of self-discovery and empowerment that will inspire and motivate you.”
“The DiSC training helped me implement better communication tools in my department. I now provide training to staff on how to collaborate effectively and navigate interpersonal dynamics in a more productive way.”
“I apply the DiSC model to my work with fathers, helping them build stronger relationships and navigate their personal and professional growth.”
“The networking and bringing people together to share knowledge, highs, lows, and successes was invaluable. FFCA provides opportunities to build your skill set, which, in turn, allows you to bring those skills to your community.”
“FFCA has enhanced my professional skills as a nurse working with fathers and deepened my understanding of the critical role they play in diverse family dynamics.”
“Through FFCA, I have grown not only as a professional but also as a provider. Being part of the International Conference planning group has been an amazing experience, allowing me to meet incredible people who have built my network both professionally and personally.”
“It was truly impactful to be part of a space where leaders and professionals gather to discuss real-world challenges and find solutions that uplift families.”
Why FFCA?
Real-World Application · Expert-Led Training · A Community of Change Agents
Our programs provide practical skills that directly impact the way professionals work with families, instilling confidence and competence.
Led by industry leaders in behavioral health, child support services, mental health, and social work—up-to-date, ethical, research-informed.
Opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals dedicated to family empowerment.
“This program helped me better understand myself and which areas I can improve. Most of the modules were interlinked, allowing for deep self-reflection. I personally think there are many aspects to learn through these sessions that can be applied in personal and professional life. You have been an excellent mentor in helping me understand how important it is to maintain balance in personal and professional life to become a better leader and work with teams.”
“This credential course is meaningful because it presents a variety of theories, practices, techniques, and assessment tools that can be applied regardless of career level—non-licensed to doctoral level. Dr. James, as the facilitator, was personable, open, and honest, and he demonstrated a passion for providing us with tools and a deeper understanding of our roles in helping others.”
“This course was packed with meaningful information for anyone who works with families. It covered different topics such as culturally appropriate methods, healthy father involvement, and evidence-based goal setting. This course also allows you to explore more about yourself and understand your own personality in order to effectively work with different types of personalities.”
“I entered this course because the families we help in any small way deserve us to be at the highest professional level we can be. What I received was a grounded approach to being present for the families whose lives I get to peek into, just for a moment.”
“This course covers so many psychological basics to help connect with fathers and families. It was great; the participation and inclusiveness were wonderful.”
“The DiSC FFCA Faculty Program was so worthwhile. It was challenging but worth every single lesson! Dr. Rodriguez has an amazing way of breaking things down and keeping everyone engaged. This class was not only about bringing DiSC to others but also about self-discovery. It was made clear that for us to be able to use DiSC as a tool to help others, we must first understand it for ourselves.”
“You should sign up if you are going to be present, engaging, and open-minded enough to embrace the opportunities to elevate and grow as an individual and team. This course will challenge your thought process and encourage you to become more intentional about life and leadership. The 'Ikigai' and 'Meet Me in Ten Years' exercises truly enhanced my outlook on life.”
“It provides a very good foundation for communicating with single parents.”
“People should sign up for OAR Leadership to have their eyes opened about themselves. If one knows more about oneself, then one can be more strategic in planning. This training will leave you wanting to do more, be more, and achieve more.”
“The OAR Leadership training was very engaging. Most of the discussion topics made me dig deep. Topics like what is my purpose and what are my strengths? I now apply these insights daily with my staff, helping to develop a more motivated and cohesive team.”
“This class is for anyone looking to grow. Understanding myself better and recognizing the differences in others has helped me communicate more effectively and lead with greater impact.”
“You are a massive inspiration to myself and others working on fatherhood in Africa! We have seen the conference reports—one day, we will do a Fathers and Families Conference in Zimbabwe!”
“We were amazed by this professional conference and the diversity of knowledge shared. We support Fathers & Families Coalition of America and are proud to be an Australia FFCA Affiliate.”
“Es sentir que eres parte de una organización comprometida con una mejor calidad de vida.”
“Fathers are the fabric of our future.”
“FFCA conferences continue to mature my understanding of fatherhood, year after year.”
“Fathers & Families Coalition of America Conference is an experience with far-reaching personal and organizational impact.”
“These workshops innovate critical thinking while mobilizing teamwork through individual experiences.”
“What we learn and share at these conferences in working collaboratively with each other goes on and on in this world.”
“Creating strong, healthy family foundations to build better futures for all communities.”
