A marriage and family therapists (MFT) helps individuals, couples, and children overcome and manage emotional and mental health disorders. This can include any problems in relationships such as family, marriage, and friendships. This is a specialized form of psychology, in which the therapist has training to examine personal relationships in family or marriage. Marriage and family therapists listen to
clients, their questions, and concerns to develop a plan and strategies to help with their concerns. The goal is to help the individual, family, or married couple improve their lives. Common focuses are placed on obsessive-compulsive disorders, depression, substance abuse, low self-esteem, and a range of anxiety issues. These disorders can affect the person directly as well as have an impact on their marriage and family. By treating the individual and their relationships with others
it is possible to overcome problems for a happier life, which the therapist helps the patient work towards. What Does a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Do?First of all, marriage and family therapists, also known as family therapists, couple therapists, and/or MFTs, diagnose and treat clients, who are experiencing relationship, family, couple, and personal issues. The goal of a marriage and family therapist is to improve the relationships within the family or couple. This professional studies the whole family (i.e. family unit), instead of focusing solely on the individual manifesting the symptoms. MFTs also treats issues like: parenting problems, child behavioral problems, marital problems, divorce, blended families/step-parents and children, substance abuse, addiction, alcoholism, bullying issues, learning disabilities, dysfunctional relationships, grieving, communication and problem-solving issues, depression, anxiety, phobias, etc. Psychological distress and psychological disorders are examined within the family context. A marriage and family therapist studies and analyzes interactional/communication patterns within families to help them break unhealthy habits and cycles. Treatment approaches may include: family participation, family therapy, and multi-family group therapy. Regardless of the treatment approach, the family system always plays an important role in the recovery process. Commonly treated disorders, illnesses, and issues:
Commonly Provided Services:
Why is Marriage and Family Therapy Important?Most people probably wish their family relationships could always go smoothly and be without conflict or problems. But unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Whether it is a relationship between a husband and wife or parents and children, relationships between family members can be complicated. People have different expectations, communications styles and past experiences that shape their life. These differences can lead to conflict. In addition, life circumstances, such as financial problems, job stressors and other issues can increase the chances of relationship problems. The problems in relationships can have a negative impact on entire families. Healing from conflict is not always smooth sailing. The good news is couples and family members who are having conflict do not have to try to solve their problems alone. Marriage and family therapy is an option for people who need help with relationship challenges and issues. A marriage and family therapist is a neutral third party who can help an individual take a look at their own behavior and provide strategies for resolving issues. For example, the ability to communicate well is often lacking when conflicts develop. Emotions run high and listening to the other person’s point of view is not always easy. Marriage and family therapists can help family members develop effective ways to communicate. Therapists can also play a vital role in helping clients develop more self-awareness, empathy and understanding. The skills and strategies learned during marriage and family therapy can help family members express their needs, heal from past hurt and misunderstandings and foster healthier and stronger relationships. What are the Requirements to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist?EducationPost-secondary education is required in two forms: undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The undergraduate program in psychology, sociology, counseling, or similar fields of study is highly recommended. It is a four year course where core courses are taken along with recommended electives relating to psychology, counseling, and sociology. The graduate degree program ends with the receipt of a master’s degree. It is a two year program with more emphasis on the candidate’s chosen field of study: marriage and family therapy. Courses may include child psychology as well as human development with a focus on how the brain develops, inherited versus social traits, and can include anthropology. TrainingIn addition to the university course work, candidates will have supervised practical training through an internship. Licensing boards vary from state to state; however, internship hours are typically 3,000 of supervised experience along with 104 weeks of training to gain their certification. Couples, family, and children is a minimum of 500 hours of internship training; while other hours can include individual, group, telephone, and telemedicine counseling hours. Additional continuing education courses, as well as independent study to maintain proper education levels are necessary. Psychology changes and with these revisions, therapists need to keep up to date. Licensing and CertificationsOnce the hours of course work and internship are met, a candidate can take the exam. The “pass” level can vary from state to state, like the internship training hours. If a person passes the exam they still have to wait for the actual issuance of the marriage and family therapy license. Details requirements outlined by the Board of Behavioral Science can be found here. Related Reading: How to Become a Family Counselor What Skills Do You Need To Be a Marriage and Family Therapist?
Where Does a Marriage and Family Therapist Work?Marriage and family therapists work in a range of settings including private practice, mental health facilities, hospitals, or social worker centers. Non-profit, public, and private facilities provide work environments for certified therapists. Marriage and family therapists in the private sector may own their company, which also requires managerial, administration, and marketing work. Individuals working within an organization or company will focus on helping patients as well as maintaining private records. There are local, state, and federal laws that apply to records and non-disclosure, which have to be maintained by the therapist. What are the Opportunities for Advancement?Marriage and family therapists working in hospitals, clinics, private practices, social work centers, and non-profit agencies may advance into supervisory, managerial, or administration positions. It is also possible to own their practice as a means of advancement. What is the Salary for a Marriage and Family Therapist?Ziprecruiter shows a 2022 average salary of $88,856 per year or $43 per hour. Salary is going to depend on the state, level of experience, and work placement. Starting salaries may be nearer to the national average wage of approximately $35,000. Individuals in the top salary bracket earn over $130,000 per year. Where Do Marriage and Family Therapists Make the Most Money?Marriage and Family Therapists in Nebraska, Texas and California earn the highest average annual salary of $115,257, $109,689 and $107,346 respectively. While MFTs working in Michigan, Arkansas and New York on average earn $104,002, $103,403 and $103,294 respectively. What is the Job Outlook for Marriage and Family Therapists?Job outlook for a ten year period, 2021 to 2031, is 14%. This is much faster than average. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the average is 11% for most occupations. It is projected that 9,100 jobs will be available in the next ten years. Related Reading
Further Reading
How long does it take to become a marriage and family therapist in California?Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements
Pass the clinical exam, and an exam on California Law and Ethics. Completion of two years of post-degree work experience as an MFT. A minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised experience, during a period of at least 104 weeks.
Where do marriage and family therapists make the most money?In fact, our research shows that Pennsylvania is the best state for marriage and family therapists in America. The best city in America for marriage and family therapists with the highest pay is Bensalem, PA.
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1. Pennsylvania.. How do I become a licensed marriage and family therapist in California?License Requirements. Obtain a Qualifying Master's Degree. Electronic Transcripts. ... . Register as an AMFT. ... . Live Scan. ... . Criminal Background Check. ... . Take and Pass the California Law and Ethics Exam. ... . Accrue Supervised Experience. ... . Take and Pass the LMFT Clinical Exam. ... . Obtain official LMFT license.. |