What does a Family Therapist do?
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!
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