Job Description of a Marriage & Family Therapist
A marriage and family therapist specializes in helping clients improve or resolve problems within their marriage or families. Working as a marriage and family therapist involves acquiring the necessary education, counseling duties and administrative tasks. The median salary for a marriage and family therapist, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2008 was $44,590 per year.
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Education
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An individual interested in working in the marriage and family therapy field needs to acquire education and training. A marriage and family therapist position requires a and master's degree, which usually takes two years to complete and includes courses in marriage and family therapy, clinical experience---working with clients under supervision---and assessment. Passing a state licensure exam is also required.
Job Tasks
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A marriage and family therapist diagnoses and treats couples, individuals and families. These clients seeking help are often experiencing conflicts such as a cheating spouse, blending families or depression. Unlike other a traditional therapists, a marriage and family therapist doesn't focus on clients' internal conflicts. Instead, the therapist focuses on behavior and perception via encouraging better communication and understanding between family members.
The therapist teaches clients skills to improve communication, foster understanding and resolve disputes. -
Administrative Duties
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The marriage and family therapist interviews clients to find out their specific problems and needs. Also, the therapist observes clients to discover problems between family members. She may employ techniques like administering tests to obtain information. After the initial interview, the marriage and family therapist develops specific treatment plans to resolve clients' marriage and family problem. She may modify treatment plans, if needed. Creating, maintaining and updating clients' files are duties of this therapist.
According to Career Planner, a marriage and family therapist position involves writing evaluations for clients involved in court proceedings such as child custody and divorce proceedings. These evaluations consist of providing recommendations on which parent should receive sole custody or settling visitation disputes. She may also testify in court cases.
Supervising health care providers, such as counselors, assistants and office workers, is another duty for a marriage and family therapist.
Conferring with Other Professionals
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The therapist works with other therapists to analyze cases and coordinate counseling services, according to Career Planner. Before writing court evaluations, the marriage and family therapist confers with law enforcement, social workers and principals to gather information about clients, according to Career Planner. Also, the therapist refers clients, when needed, to counselors, physicians or lawyers.
Hours and Working Environment
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This position requires working evenings and weekends in addition to normal daytime hours, according to Florida Health Centers. Thus, a marriage and family therapist should keep flexible hours to accommodate clients' schedules.
Employers seeking a marriage and family therapist are private practices, hospitals, community health organizations, clinics and day treatment programs. Schools and governmental agencies also hire marriage and family therapists.
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References
- Photo Credit the marriage image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
