Relationships are an inherent part of life – whether interpersonal (e.g., family, friends, or coworkers) or physical (e.g., internal biological systems), these relationships significantly influence your thoughts and actions. The field of marriage and family therapy rests on the belief that relationships are the key to understanding our psychological state.
But what exactly is marriage and family therapy, and what do marriage and family therapists do? Learn more about this field and how to become a marriage and family therapist now.
What is marriage and family therapy?
Marriage and family therapy is primarily concerned with systems—the inter-relationships between the self and other things in the world. This branch of psychology posits that these relationships are at the core of our psychological state and therefore must be included in any meaningful psychological treatment.
This doesn’t mean that marriage and family therapy only happens when people are in the therapy room! At The Chicago School marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are trained to provide counseling services to individuals, couples, and families in need. MFT therapists work within the context of relational systems to address a variety of mental, emotional, and relational issues. They may also provide programs for relational enrichment, premarital preparation, and parent education.
More than anything else, marriage and family therapy focuses on deep, long-term change. Rather than looking only at symptoms, MFTs examine each individual within a larger systemic context, helping them understand not only their own psychological state but how it impacts (and is impacted) by the world around them.
What do marriage and family therapists do?
Marriage and family therapists approach psychology holistically. Whether through individual or family sessions, they identify specific aspects of the larger system that need to change in order for the individual to heal. They then identify specific actions the individual(s) can take to change the system, not just themselves. These actions can range from specific tasks and homework assignments to more broad, nuanced approaches over time.
No matter what, the MFT is always considering the variety of players in their patients’ lives, and never just the individual in isolation. When possible, marriage and family therapists often try to include multiple members of the system (often the family), knowing that involving more individuals typically leads to better results in changing their interactions!
What is the average salary for a marriage and family therapist?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a marriage and family therapist is $56,570.
What is the projected job growth for marriage and family therapy?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for marriage and family therapists is expected to increase by 15% by 2032. Most occupations are projecting about 3% growth. There will be about 10,600 marriage and family therapist job openings over the next decade.
Where can marriage and family therapists work?
Graduates of the marriage and family therapy program who acquire the MFT licensure can work as marriage and family therapists, marriage and family counselors, mental health counselors, clinical directors, and even senior administrators. Marriage and family therapists can work in the public and private sectors, pursuing careers in:
- Hospitals and community-based clinics
- Substance abuse treatment centers
- Mental health centers
- Social service agencies
- Private practice
- Higher education
How do I become a marriage and family therapist?
Like all branches of psychology, marriage and family therapy requires educational support. The first step to becoming an MFT is procuring a bachelor’s degree. While majoring in psychology or something similar during your bachelor’s program may be helpful, it’s not mandatory to complete the next step: earning an M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy. Additionally, once you get your master’s degree, you may choose to pursue a Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy, which is designed for pre-licensed, master’s-level mental health professionals looking to further their careers.
Once students earn their master’s degree, they can begin gaining clinical experience. This marriage and family therapy clinical experience is necessary in order to become a licensed MFT and is formally supervised. After gaining about two years of clinical experience (although this time varies by state), it’s time to get licensed. The state requirements for licensure vary, but all states require licensure applicants to have a master’s degree and to pass their MFT exam. Once you pass, you are officially a marriage and family therapist—congratulations!
Learn more about The Chicago School
If you’re interested in learning more about Marriage and Family Therapy programs at The Chicago School, fill out the form below to request more information.