About Marriage and Family Therapists

If you are new here, it might seem like the world of counseling and therapy is overwhelming! Truthfully, I don’t blame you. You aren’t the first person to struggle to know where to begin when it comes to therapy. Maybe this is your first time seeing a therapist. Maybe you are an experienced therapy client and you are looking to see someone new. No matter your starting point, it can be helpful to understand how therapy works and who you will meet with when you come into our office. Today, you will learn more about marriage and family therapists, and how they can help you in counseling (Related article: About Marriage and Family Therapists).  

What is a marriage and family therapist?

Marriage and family therapists focus on your relationships. But, that doesn’t mean your therapist is limited to only working with you in marriage and family counseling sessions. Marriage and family therapists can work with you in individual, marriage, or family counseling. Additionally, they can also help you with mental health issues like depression and anxiety (Related article: Seen and Safe: Talk therapy as adventure and not a simple “chat”). 

Training and Experience

Licensed marriage and family therapists receive special training to help you navigate your most challenging problems. To start, your therapist earned a bachelor’s degree. Next, they earned or are working towards at least a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. Additionally, your therapist has also received many hours of supervision and training from an experienced mentor therapist. All of this preparation has given them the knowledge and tools to help you in your therapy appointments.

It’s About Relationships

Marriage and family therapists are trained to understand your life and your social connections. Your life revolves around your relationships. For example, on a typical day, you interact with your family, friends, and coworkers. So many of your experiences will involve your connection with others.  Marriage and family therapists work from this point of view. They will take a holistic approach to solving problems with you in therapy. (Related article: Three Principles of Emotional Health).  So, that means that even if you are seeking help for personal mental health problems in individual therapy, a marriage and family therapist can help.

Ready to get started with a marriage and family therapist? Start family therapy today in Orem, South Jordan, or Spanish Fork.

Written by Lauren Adkins