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Relationships are at the core of family and community. It’s common for couples and families to experience challenges that affect their interactions. But when challenges are viewed as problems, or become the focus of flawed communication cycles, close relationships can spin out of control. Marriage and family therapists can help identify situations and patterns that get in the way of harmonious family relationships. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy program that can lead graduates to becoming licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT).
How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists usually need a master’s degree in a mental health field. Therapists also may have earned a doctorate, such as the Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology offered at Saint Mary’s. Before enrolling in either a master’s degree or doctorate program, students usually have earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology or another mental health field.
Students learn about family relationships and interactions. They study how families function and examine typical mental and emotional disorders that may cause disruptions. After graduation, therapists must complete supervised clinical work, which may be called an internship or residency program. During this practical training period, graduates gain experience in family therapy, psychotherapy, group therapy, and other therapeutic intervention models.
All states require a license for someone to become a practicing marriage and family therapist. Each state offers an examination and has continuing education requirements for maintaining a license. To qualify for the examination, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Earned a relevant master’s degree
- Provided a specific amount of client hours and non-clinical hours under the supervision of an approved LMFT supervisor in their state
Marriage and Family Therapist Duties and Responsibilities
The usual duties and responsibilities of a marriage and family therapist may vary by type of institution or client demographics. They may work as individual therapists offering family services or in the offices of other health practitioners. They also can become employed in outpatient treatment centers or government entities. The area of employment depends on the interests and talents of the marriage and family therapist.
Typical tasks performed by marriage and family therapists include:
- Listening to clients discuss emotional states and describe experiences
- Observing non-verbal communication exhibited by clients
- Helping clients identify challenges
- Exploring reactions and addressing harmful or counterproductive behaviors
- Helping clients develop skills and strategies for handling challenges
- Using tools, such as role-playing and reframing exercises, to clarify situations
- Facilitating family or group therapy sessions
- Referring clients to community resources and services
- Maintaining confidential client records
As well-trained, dedicated mental health professionals, marriage and family therapists must develop good listening skills. They are called upon to communicate clearly and dispel misunderstandings. The ability to remain objective helps clients gain greater perspectives on the family situation. Developing a calm demeanor and practicing peaceful communication techniques helps defuse charged feelings and scenarios.
Another desirable attribute of marriage and family therapists is the ability to hear about deeply personal matters, and comfortably discuss these while maintaining scrupulous confidentiality.
Acquire Skills and Training for a Career in Marriage and Family Therapy
The M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota can be completed in two years. The in-person courses take place on the Winona campus. During the master’s degree program, students complete 300 hours of clinical work, which assists them in choosing where they would like to continue accruing supervised credit hours after graduation. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), a part of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
The mission of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is grounded in the Lasallian Catholic education tradition. We offer respect and support to our students, encouraging them to awaken and empower their lives through education and the practice of compassion. These principles align with the goals of marriage and family therapists, who want to help people living in relationships flourish through listening and guidance.
Opportunities and Advancement for Marriage and Family Therapists
Marriage and family therapists are in demand, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting job growth at 15% through 2032. The median wage for this occupation in May 2022 was $56,570, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $98,700. These professionals may find themselves working collaboratively with other mental health experts and may choose to manage a therapy practice or otherwise coordinate community care models.
Apply to Our Marriage and Family Therapy Program
Join with like-minded psychology professionals who want to help families and couples negotiate the challenges inherent in relationships by enrolling in the M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Our admissions staff can help you determine eligibility and application procedures. For more information, contact us today.
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