Marriage and Family Therapists apply family systems theory, principals and techniques to individuals, families, and couples to resolve emotional conflicts. In doing so, they modify people’s perceptions and behaviors, enhance communication and understanding among family members, and help to prevent family and individual crises. Marriage and Family Therapists also may engage in psychotherapy of a non-medical nature, make appropriate referrals to psychiatric resources, perform research, and teach courses about human development and interpersonal relationships.
Many counselors work in an office where they see clients throughout the day. Because privacy is essential for confidential and frank discussions with clients, counselors usually have private offices. Marriage and Family Therapists often work flexible hours to accommodate families in crisis or working couples who must have evening or weekend appointments.
Education and training requirements for counselors are often very detailed and vary by State and specialty. Prospective counselors should check with State and local governments, employers, and national voluntary certification organizations to determine which requirements apply.
Education and training. A master’s degree is usually required to be licensed as a counselor. Counselor education programs in colleges and universities are often found in departments of education or psychology. Some employers provide training for newly hired counselors. Others may offer time off or tuition assistance to complete a graduate degree. Often counselors must participate in graduate studies, workshops, and personal studies to maintain their certificates and licenses, if applicable.
In Wisconsin, Marriage and Family Therapists held about 350 jobs in 2007. A growing number of counselors are self-employed and work in group practices or private practice, due in part to new laws allowing counselors to be paid for their services by insurance companies and to the growing recognition that counselors are well-trained, effective professionals.
Employment for counselors is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. However, job growth will vary by location and occupational specialty. Job prospects should be good due to growth and the need to replace people leaving the field.
Employment change. Marriage and Family Therapists will experience growth of 30 percent, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This is due in part to an increased recognition of the field. It is more common for people to seek help for their marital and family problems than it was in the past.
In Wisconsin, average annual earnings of wage and salary marriage and family therapists in May 2006 were $51,130. The entry level wage was $32,500. The experienced wage level was $64,940.
National median annual earnings were $36,020 in individual and family social services, the industry employing the largest number of Marriage and Family Therapists. Self-employed counselors who have well-established practices, as well as counselors employed in group practices, usually have the highest earnings.
The above wage data are from the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey program, unless otherwise noted. For the latest State and local earnings data, visit the following page:
Counselors help people evaluate their interests, abilities, and disabilities and deal with personal, social, academic, and career problems. Others who help people in similar ways include Teachers, Social & Human Service Assistants, Social Workers, Psychologists, Physicians & Surgeons, Registered Nurses, Occupational Therapists, and Human Resources, Training, & Labor Relations Managers & Specialists.
Last Modified Date: December 18, 2007 (BLS) & June 11, 2008 (WI LMI)
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