Are you looking for a career that involves working with individuals, couples and families? A career as a marriage and family therapist may be ideal for you. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, a Lasallian Catholic university, provides a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program that prepares students to seek licensure as a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). Here, we discuss how to become a marriage counselor and the skills and qualities that are needed to thrive in the career.
What Is a Marriage Counselor?
A marriage counselor, also known as a marriage and family therapist, is a mental health professional who works with individuals, couples, and families to help them improve their relationships and overall well-being. Marriage counselors meet with clients to discuss their emotions and experiences in the context of relationships. They can also diagnose and treat cognitive and behavioral disorders. Other typical job duties of marriage counselors include:
- Evaluating clients to identify their emotional, behavioral, and psychological needs
- Asking questions that encourage clients to talk about their emotions, experiences, and struggles
- Helping clients process and adjust to difficult changes that relate to marriage and family dynamics
- Creating treatment plans that help clients with coping strategies and decision-making skills
- Referring clients to other specialists, resources, or services
- Completing and maintaining confidential files and records
Although marriage counselors work with married couples, they also work with individuals, unmarried couples, people in LGBTQ relationships, and families. To be a successful marriage and family therapist, it’s important to have strong communication and interpersonal skills. You should also be compassionate, attentive, and organized.
How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist
To become a marriage and family therapist, you will typically need a master’s degree from an accredited school in marriage, and family therapy.. Candidates must also gain hands-on experience through post-degree supervised clinical work where they work under the supervision of a licensed marriage and family therapist.
Every state requires that MFTs be licensed, which involves completing a state-specified number of hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience. In addition, therapists must pass a state-recognized exam, as well as the MFT National Examination given by the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
Advantages of a MFT Career
If you think you’d make a great marriage and family therapist, you may be curious about what benefits the career path can provide. There are several, including:
Bright Job Outlook
One of the main benefits of a career as an MFT is the bright job outlook it provides. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due in part to the increasing use of integrated care to treat multiple problems at one time.
Competitive Salary
Another benefit of working as a marriage and family therapist is the competitive salary it offers. According to BLS data, the median annual wage for marriage and family therapists was $58,510 in May 2023. MFTs working in state government generally make more than those who work in outpatient care centers, individual and family services, or offices of other health practitioners.
Satisfying and Fulfilling Work
Working as an MFT also offers the benefit of satisfying and fulfilling work. Although the work may be challenging at times, it can often feel satisfying for a therapist to know that they help their clients work through problems, develop coping strategies, effect positive change, and improve their overall well-being.
MFT Program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
The M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is available at our Minneapolis campus and has two start times per year. This program prepares you to seek licensure with the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy and become a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). As a Lasallian Catholic university, our program help students become compassionate and ethical leaders and be prepared to practice therapy in a diverse world. This 2-year program features courses taught by practicing professionals, combined with valuable hands-on experience with an opportunity to complete 300 hours of clinical work.
Our Marriage and Family Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). For more information, explore the admission requirements for this program, read through our program handbook, or schedule a campus visit.
Prepare For MFT Licensure at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
If you’re ready to take the next step toward becoming a marriage counselor or LMFT, apply to the M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Our program features person-centered education and principles to produce ethical and compassionate LMFTs who will make a difference in their clients’ lives. To learn more about the program or its requirements, request more information today to speak with an admissions counselor.
