There is no perfect marriage. Every family at one point or another hits rock bottom, and that is where marriage and family therapists come into play.
Families today come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from extended families to single parents, blended families, and same-sex parents. Except for the apparent issues such as stress and money issues, all these families face different types of problems, and they are constantly trying to find a solution.
Continue reading to discover how you can start making money as a marriage and family therapist; it can be a very lucrative career.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Marriage and Family Therapist
Though most families and marriages have problems, which sometimes end up in divorce, it’s usually tricky to pinpoint what exactly the problem is, and this is typically left to the therapist. Depending on how serious the issue is, the therapist might have to sit with the couple first, listen to both sides and later figure out the root cause of the problem.
In most therapy sessions, family members usually do much of the talking, and the therapist only listens. The purpose is to watch some of the non-verbal cues. For instance, a child who keeps shrugging and rolling eyes every time their parent says something comes off as disrespectful.
After unearthing all the issues, a marriage therapist then helps to find possible solutions to help couples and families work through their problems. He or she will offer guidance and even teach you how to behave to stop these issues from ever recurring again.
Keep in mind, however, that this is not magic. You might even fail at your attempt. As such, never teach people not to argue, as this is part of what will happen in families. Instead, teach them how to communicate effectively and talk about their issues.
Where Do Marriage and Family Therapists Work?
If this is the career path you want to take, you might work in different settings; these range from mental health facilities to social service offices, schools, or private offices. The latter means you will be sought after by clients coming to your office for therapy sessions. In some cases, you might have to visit households, for instance, to observe living situations.
Eligibility to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist
To work as a therapist, you need to have attained a certain level of education to succeed in your career. You will need to achieve at least a degree in psychology, counseling, or social work. Throughout your studies, your aim should be to focus on family and marriage situations. To become a fully certified therapist, you need at least a master’s degree in a related field.
Furthermore, depending on which state you are working in, you might be required to complete several hours of supervised fieldwork. Check with your state licensing board to confirm how many hours of fieldwork you need before you start working.
Expected Salary for a Marriage and Family Therapist
Likewise, pay depends on the state you live in. The United States Bureau of Labor Statics states that, as of May 2014, therapists earned an average of $51,730 yearly. On the other hand, if you want to work alone, you can set your rates according to demand. It is advisable, however, to start small and increase charges as time goes by.
Conclusion
Marriage and family therapists are so much in demand nowadays. As long as you have all the requirements, training, and the target clientele, you should start your therapy sessions. Otherwise, we wish you good luck!
Also read – How to Become a Hypnotherapist