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What distinguishes marriage and family therapists from other mental health professionals?
A family orientation coupled with rigorous training requirements make marriage and family therapists (MFTs) uniquely qualified to provide mental health services. MFTs are trained in various models of therapy in order to prepare them for work with families, couples, individuals, and groups. The training of MFTs includes live supervision by experienced MFTs, which is unique among the mental health disciplines.
Research shows that marriage and family therapy is a cost-effective, short-term, and results-oriented form of treatment. In a recent study, researchers found that clients report high satisfaction with marriage and family therapies, with significant improvements in areas of emotional and physical health, functioning, and relationships.
98.1% of all clients surveyed rated services as good or excellent.
98% indicated that they felt they had been helped in dealing more effectively with problems (Doherty & Simmons, 1996).
The field of marriage and family therapy is recognized by the federal government as a core mental health profession, along with psychiatry, psychology, social work, and psychiatric nursing. Minnesota also supports the profession by licensing marriage and family therapists.
Do I have to be married to go to a marriage and family therapist?
No. Individuals often seek marriage and family therapy for help with behavioral problems, relationship issues, or mental and emotional disorders. Individuals may also enter marriage and family therapy to work on issues which may be preventing them from being in a relationship or to work on issues from a marriage or a relationship that has ended. Couples need not be married to seek or benefit from marriage and family therapy. Anyone who wants to improve their relationships can benefit.
Premarital therapy is increasingly popular, as in postmarital therapy (of divorced couples who share children, extended family, friends or property). Persons who are involved in other relationships, whether friendships, alternative marriages, a parent and child, siblings, or co-workers also seek therapy to solve problems to strengthen their relationships.
What if I'm not "sick" or "crazy," but have ordinary problems like everybody else - problems I do not think are serious enough to need therapy?
The idea that only those with a mental illness can benefit from marriage and family therapy is a myth. All of us traverse a series of normal and expected developmental stages, each posing challenges and possible pitfalls. For example, as adults move from productive employment into retirement, the family may need special support to make necessary changes and adjustments.
Changes, stress, and problems can be expected in any relationship and therapy can help to prevent small problems from becoming serious. Marriage and family therapists are trained to ameliorate problems, strengthen relationships, and prevent problems from getting out of hand.
What if my spouse/whole family won't participate?
Not all family members have to take part in marriage and family therapy for it to be effective. Uninterested family members often get involved in the therapy later if there is a least one motivated person in the family.
What qualifications should I look for in a marriage and family therapist?
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) has developed standards for the education and training of marriage and family therapists. The U.S. federal government and many states have utilized AAMFT's standards when drafting laws regarding marriage and family therapists.
AAMFT Clinical Members have a minimum of a masters degree, including specific graduate training in marriage and family therapy. Clinical members have also completed at least two years of supervised clinical practice with couples and families; this included live supervision of trainees' cases by experienced MFTs, which is unique among the mental health disciplines.
AAMFT Clinical members are trained in diagnosis, assessment, and treatment and are trained to use a variety of therapeutic techniques and processes. AAMFT Clinical Members observe a strict code of ethics and welcome inquires about their training, experience, theoretical orientation, and fees.
How do I find a marriage and family therapist?
There are many ways to find marriage and family therapists.
First get the names of several marriage and family therapists. Often people ask their family physician, clergy, or friends for recommendations.
Look in your local Yellow Pages directory under "Marriage, Family & Child Counselors." Under this heading, look for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy listing, or look under individual listings for the words "AAMFT Clinical Member."
Call the Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy for a referral (651-278-8463)
Visit the Therapist Referral Directory of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
(If you have an emergency or are in crisis, Call 911.)
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Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Box 211259
Eagan, MN 55121-1259
651-278-8463
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