Career overview
Marriage and Family Therapists
O*NET-SOC 21-1013.00
Median pay / yr$63,780
OutlookRapid Growth
Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.
What it takes
The skills, knowledge, and credentials employers look for in Marriage and Family Therapists.
Skills employers look for
- Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Social PerceptivenessBeing aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
- Complex Problem SolvingIdentifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Judgment and Decision MakingConsidering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Knowledge areas
- Therapy and CounselingKnowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
- PsychologyKnowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
- Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Sociology and AnthropologyKnowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
- English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Certifications that help you get hired
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