Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
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Background –
Licensed therapists work with couples and families in a therapeutic capacity to overcome problems within their relationship. General duties may include encouraging clients to discuss emotions and experiences, leading discussions about the future of the relationship and referring clients to resources in the community. More specific techniques may include cognitive behavioral therapy and other empirically based therapy techniques.
What can I expect to make as a licensed therapist? $49, 170*
What classes at GVSU may help me in my career? Discuss with your advisor which courses among those on this list, along with other courses not listed here, would best serve your career goals.
- PSY 452 – Counseling: Theories & Applications
- PSY 381 – Group Dynamics
- PSY 357 – Psychology of Language
- PSY 331 – Adolescent Development
- PSY 310 – Behavior Modification
- PSY 302 – Psychology of Adjustment
- COM 202 – Critical Interpretation
- COM 301 – Interpersonal Communication
- COM 303 – Small Group Communication
What additional training is required? You will need a masters degree and a clinical license.
What skills are applicable for someone working in this field? Excellent active listening and observation skills, empathy, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as oral and written communication skills are very important. The ability to work independently or within groups, to organize multiple clients and to manage time effectively, as well as to handle stressful situations is applicable to this field.
Employer Possibilities - generally work in private practice, hospitals or mental health centers, substance abuse treatment centers, or nonprofit organizations. It can be hard to get paid for marital and family therapy if you are in private practice because insurance may not cover this treatment.
*Bls.gov (2016) for Licensed Therapists