CourseAdvisor - Your Source for Education and Training

by CourseAdvisor

How to Become a Marriage or Family Counselor

Marriage and family therapists help individuals, couples, and families resolve conflicts. Marriage and family therapists use their understanding of family systems to:

• Help family members modify their perceptions and behavior
• Prevent emotional crises
• Provide non-medical psychotherapy
• Carry out research
• Teach classes

Education and Requirements

Marriage and family therapists usually have a master's degree although there are some opportunities available for those with a bachelor's degree. Different states have different requirements for marriage and family therapists regarding licensure and certification.

Earnings

The middle 50 percent of people in this specialty earned between $33,000 and 54,000 in 2006. Self-employed marriage and family therapists tend to make the highest earnings.

Career Outlook

Employment for marriage and family therapists is growing faster than other occupations. Job growth is largely due to the fact that it is far more common for people to seek professional assistance from marriage and family therapists for challenges that arise within relationships at home.

On the Job...

Marriage and family therapists enjoy comfortable work conditions, whether they are in an at-home practice or working from an agency. Flexible hours are required since marriage and family therapists must be available to accommodate the schedules of busy families and couples.