Marriage & Family Counseling

Scope of Work for Marriage and Family Counselors

There are many problems affecting families and couples today, such as adolescent and child behavioral problems, emotional difficulties, or the acting out of past family patterns that are sometimes difficult to break.

Additionally, the support for couples and families is quite different today than it was decades ago. Families of all sizes turn to counseling to help sort through their often overwhelming daily obstacles.

More Than Couples Therapy

Marriage and family therapists treat individuals within the context of their relationships. By dissecting the family structure, a marriage counselor or family therapist can evaluate where the difficulties lie and establish a plan for resolution.

Here is a short list of the type of issues that marriage and family counselors treat:

• Adolescent behavioral problems
• Bereavement
• Depression
• Domestic violence
• Infertility
• Infidelity
• Marital difficulties
• Substance abuse

In addition, marriage and family counselors (MFCCs) treat a host of other mental health issues that affect the general public. For a more detailed list of marriage counseling and family issues, visit the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Also, be sure and read the interview with a marriage and family counselor for an in-depth look at what they do and who they help.

Marriage and Family Counselor Salary

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports 18,500 employed marriage and family counselors in May 2005, including part-time and self-employed counselors. The average annual salary across all states is $42,300, with the higher percentiles averaging at $53,000 - $68,000 per year.

Degrees in Marriage and Family Counseling

A master's degree in marriage and family counseling is a 2- to 3-year program. Marriage and family counseling courses typically cover these areas:

• Adolescent psychology
• Counseling theories
• Group therapy
• Human growth and development
• Human sexuality
• Marriage and family systems
• Principles and techniques of counseling
• Substance abuse
• Theories of psychotherapy

In addition to the core curriculum that should satisfy state licensing requirements, you will choose one or more elective courses focused on marriage and family counseling.

Finally, you will be required to complete a practical internship where you will receive hands-on experience as a marriage and family counselor. Your internship will be supervised by a professional and usually take up more than half of your final year of study.

Check your state's licensing requirements.