Answers to frequently asked questions about Marriage and Family Therapists?
If you are experiencing problems with your spouse or other family members, marriage and family therapy may help. This therapy can address specific problems such as drug abuse and infidelity, and it can also teach couples and families how to improve their communication and conflict resolution skills. If you need help with family conflicts, you’re not alone. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy reports that their accredited therapists treat 6.1 million Americans annually, or 2.1% of the U.S. population. Read on for answers to the most frequently asked questions about marriage and family therapy.
What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) specialize in interpersonal and family dynamics. They usually have a two-year master’s degree or a doctoral degree, training in family systems and psychotherapy and at least two years of experience in a clinical setting. MFTs are licensed to diagnose and treat emotional and mental disorders within the context of family relationships, couple relationships and marriage. This treatment often focuses on developing communication skills and addressing anger, resentment and intimacy issues.
What qualifications do MFTs have?
Qualifications for MFTs vary from state to state. Generally, marriage and family therapists must complete an accredited graduate or post graduate program of between two and five years. They must then accumulate at least two years of supervised clinical experience. After MFTs have the required amount of experience, they can take either a state licensing exam or the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) national exam.
What exactly is marriage and family therapy?
Marriage and family therapy is short-term therapy that focuses on the well-being of individuals and families. Marriage and family therapy lasts for an average of 12 sessions and is often a combination of one-on-one and couple/family therapy. These treatment sessions are solution focused and family centered. They address a set of relationships instead of an individual and are designed with an end point in mind.
Marriage and family therapy can treat many emotional disorders and health problems. Besides marital and family distress, marriage and family therapy can improve problems related to alcoholism, adolescent drug abuse, obesity, dementia from aging and a range of other issues.
Does marriage and family therapy work?
The couple or family’s attitude toward therapy is the most important factor in predicting whether it will work. If one spouse has already decided on a divorce, even a brilliant MFT won’t be able to save the marriage. However; when spouses or family members are committed to working out their issues, marriage and family therapy has an excellent rate of success.
Studies repeatedly show that marriage and family therapy does improve most clients’ lives. A recent article published by the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy interviewed 526 clients from 15 different states about their marriage and family therapy experience, and 98.1% rated their therapy as good or excellent. Three out of four of these same clients reported improved marital and family relationships, and a majority also noticed improved functioning in other areas of their life such as work and physical health.
Is marriage and family therapy a good choice for me?
Marriage and family therapy can help with many issues. Therapy is something to consider if you and your spouse or family are repeatedly facing problems with:
• Infidelity
• Communication
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Loss of a family member
• Step-parenting or blended family issues
• Violence
• Childhood trauma
• Misbehavior or discipline issues
• Balancing home and work demands
Marriage and family therapy is designed to find long-term solutions to family issues as quickly as possible. The lasting benefits of marriage and family therapy include better communication and conflict resolution skills, more satisfying relationships and increased overall health and happiness.
What is the cost of marriage and family therapy?
Costs for marriage and family therapy vary by MFT and region but are generally between $75 and $200 per hour. The average cost is around $100 per session, and many therapists bill on an income-based sliding scale. Some MFTs accept insurance and some do not. Marriage and family therapy is one of the most cost-effective forms of therapy. Its short and solution-focused approach keeps sessions to a minimum, and the AAMFT reports that sessions with an MFT cost about 60% as much as sessions with a psychiatrist. Marriage and family therapy reduces long-term stress and has been shown to decrease overall healthcare use by 21.5%.
How do I choose the right MFT?
The National Directory of Marriage and Family Counseling offers a variety of articles on choosing an MFT plus a service that locates qualified MFTs in your city and state. The AAMFT also has a list of all of its members available online and its own MFT locator service.
Consulting internet resources is a great way to find an MFT, but friends and family members can also give valuable referrals. Talk to everyone you know who’s been to couples or family therapy and find out their opinions about the experience. Local community mental health centers can also often refer clients to an MFT.
When you’ve narrowed your search down to a few possible MFTs, call each one for a phone consultation. This should give you an idea of the MFT’s personality and approach to therapy. During your initial office visit, your MFT should talk to you about what you can expect from counseling, their treatment methods, their qualifications plus fees and scheduling.
The benefits of marriage and family therapy are many. Anyone experiencing significant problems in their home and family life should consider calling an MFT for a consultation. MFTs are extremely well-trained and provide effective, low-cost treatment that can significantly improve the lives of couples and family members whose problems have become overwhelming. Don’t just hope for things to get better. Take a stand for your emotional life and the emotional life of your family by contacting a Marriage and Family Therapist and facing your issues today.
