How to Become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist or Counselor

Marriage problems and family dysfunction will always be around so long as there are marriages and families, but with the help of therapists or counselors, couples and their children can find ways to overcome their problems. Becoming a marriage therapist or family counselor is a straight forward process; anyone with enough drive and time to invest in education can obtain a license within a few years.

The primary requirements are good listening skills, education in psychology, sociology, and counseling, and most importantly, a can-do attitude for solving problems.

Instructions

1. Before you take steps to gain licensing qualifications, understand that as a marriage therapist you will encounter a lot of the same problems over and over again, as well as some truly bizarre situations. You must lend fresh ears to each story, and reserve judgment to focus on finding solutions.

   You may meet many couples for whom you think divorce is really the best solution, or couples who never should have married in the first place. However, they want to be married, and you are paid to find ways to help them achieve that. Think of tough cases as puzzles or brain teasers.

2. If you think you have what it take to be a good marriage counselor, the next step is to review your state's licensing requirements for therapists and counselors. Check wtih your state's Dept of Public Health, or similar agency. Note that the terms "marriage therapist" and "marriage counselor" are more or less interchangeable. The precise definitions may vary by state, but both practitioners perform the same services.

   Though the regulations are somewhat different, most states require the following: masters degree or higher in some field, many graduate level classes in psychology and family counseling, pre-licensure field experience (arraged through your school), licensing exam, background check and drug tests, and continuing education credits to maintain or renew the license.

3. Next, enroll in a course of study that will fulfill the education requirements. If you do not have a master's degree, you can earn one in an area of psychology, social work, or counseling. If you already have an advance degree, you can take college courses in psychology and counseling. There are also online institutes that offer degrees in marriage and family therapy.

4. When you have passed the necessary courses, the next step is to gain some field experience. There are many community outreach programs that hire trainees, and in some states you can shadow a licensed marriage counselor. Check with your state and school.

5. The last step in the process is to take the licensing exam. Review your academic and training notes so you can pass the first time.

6. When the board has approved your application for a license, you can add the qualification to your resume and begin your new career as a marriage and family therapist.