How Can I Become a Family Therapist?
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Question:
I really want to go into family counseling. Can you tell me which degree is best for this career?
Answer:
Family therapy is a specialty within psychotherapy that focuses on the family unit as a system. The family therapist treats the whole family system and its dynamics, rather than focusing on problems only within an individual. Marriage therapists focus on communication and conflict patterns within couples.
You have several options you can pursue if you are excited about developing a career as a family counselor. Ultimately you will do best if you can become licensed as a LMFT (licensed marriage and family therapist). You apply for this license after getting a graduate degree and finishing the required supervised post-graduate training (usually two years or so).
Many people who are interested in the field of family therapy choose to get either a master’s in counseling or social work, or to get a clinical doctorate degree. The important thing is to get some coursework in family systems, human development, ethics and other relevant areas as well as receiving supervised training working with families. Family therapists can work in clinics, hospitals, and private practices.
To learn more about this interesting field you can check out (online) the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy which has information, resources and links.
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