Log InSign Up
Article

What does a Family Therapist do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A family therapist is a professional who helps families work through their issues. They may help families communicate better, resolve conflict, and understand each other's perspectives. Family therapists may also help families cope with major life changes, such as divorce or the death of a loved one.

Family Therapist job duties include:

  • Meet with clients to discuss their problems and goals for therapy
  • Help clients identify and understand the root causes of their problems
  • Develop treatment plans with clients and track progress over time
  • Conduct individual, family, and group therapy sessions
  • Teach clients coping and problem-solving skills
  • Refer clients to other resources or services as needed
  • Collaborate with other professionals to coordinate care for clients
  • Keep detailed records of client progress and treatment plans
  • Provide crisis intervention as needed
  • Supervise interns or trainees

Family Therapist Job Requirements

To become a family therapist, one must have a master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field. In addition, many states require family therapists to be licensed. Some states have specific licensure requirements for marriage and family therapists, while other states have general licensure requirements for all types of counselors. To become licensed, family therapists must typically pass an exam. Many family therapists also choose to pursue voluntary certification through the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). To be certified by the AAMFT, therapists must have a master's degree in counseling or a related field, complete two years of clinical experience, and pass a written exam.

Family Therapist Skills

  • Listening
  • Empathy
  • Communication
  • Conflict resolution
  • Negotiation
  • Mediation
  • Counseling
  • Psychology
  • Family dynamics
  • Child development
  • Parenting

Related: Top Family Therapist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Family Therapist

There are many different types of therapists out there, but becoming a family therapist is a unique process. Here are some tips on how to become a family therapist:

1. Firstly, you need to have a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. This will give you the basic knowledge and skills needed to become a family therapist.

2. Once you have your degree, you will need to complete a master's degree in counseling or therapy. This will provide you with the specific training needed to work with families.

3. After completing your education, you will need to obtain licensure in your state. Each state has different requirements, but generally, you will need to pass an exam and complete a certain number of hours of supervised clinical experience.

4. Once you are licensed, you can begin working with families! You may work in private practice, or you may work in a mental health clinic or hospital setting.

If you are interested in helping families heal and grow, then becoming a family therapist may be the right career path for you!

Related: Family Therapist Resume Example

Related: Family Therapist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

Similar articles