Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage or family therapists counsel couples who are unhappy with their relationships, parents and children that don't get along, and families adjusting to divorce, illness or death. When children or teens react to problems at home by showing behavioural problems such as hyperactivity, or aggression, family therapy can be effective. Family and marriage therapists also see people with problems like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and alcoholism.

Marriage and family therapists begin by conducting interviews with the client or clients. Then they make a formal assessment of the situation and recommend a form of therapy. Most marriage and family therapists practice short term therapy. The work with their clients to set specific goals and a time frame in which to accomplish them. Therapists usually counsel members of the family individually as well as together. The programs they offer usually consist of between 12 and 20 sessions.


Marriage and family therapists can work for social service agencies or community based programs. Therapists employed by agencies and community programs usually work in offices or counselling centers. They typically work a 40 hour week which may include evening and weekend work. Some travel to clients' homes for appointments. When agencies are understaffed, therapists have large caseloads. Marriage and therapists in private practice set their own hours. many take advantage of their flexibility and work less than 40 hours a week.

There are a few education routes to become a marriage or family therapist. In all cases, however, you need at least a bachelor's degree and some post-graduate study. Many bachelor's degrees provide good preparation for training in marriage and family therapy. After completing a bachelor's degree, you can apply to a master's program in marriage and family therapy. Master's degrees take 2 to 3 years to complete. In order to research or study family and marriage therapy at a college or university, you need a PhD. These usually take an additional 4 to 5 years to complete.


At an agency or community program, an entry level therapist can make between $30,000 and $35,000 a year. Salaries increase with experience and level of responsibility. Experienced therapists can earn between $40,000 and $75,000 a year. Therapists who become agency or program directors can make over $80,000 a year or more.


I think this job would be good for me because I am a people person. It would be a good way to help others and make a difference in their lives. I am also a good listener which would help me in a job like this. The salary is also pretty good for a job like this. The cons of this job would be the long hours. 40+ hours a week is alot, especially if you have a family and other commitments. I also think this job would be emotionally and mentally challenging. It would be hard to take in all of the situations you deal with. Some of them may get to you emotionally.