Marriage and Family Therapist

Your Fit

Income

$68K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

14.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are mental health professionals who specialize in treating individuals, couples, and families with a range of psychological, emotional, and relational issues. They apply therapeutic techniques and interventions to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.

Sample job titles:

Clinical Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Outpatient Therapist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Marriage and Family Therapist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Marriage and Family Therapist earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Marriage and Family Therapist.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$44K per year	$52K per year	$68K per year	$87K per year	$102K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $2.6K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Marriage and Family Therapist do?

Work environment

MFTs typically work in private practices, mental health centers, hospitals, or community health organizations. They may also work in schools, corporate settings, or conduct online therapy sessions. Their work environment requires a comfortable and confidential space conducive to open discussion and therapy.

Quick task list

Conducts therapy sessions with individuals, couples, and families.
Diagnoses and treats mental and emotional disorders within the context of relationships.
Develops treatment plans and therapeutic interventions.
Maintains confidential records and case notes.
Collaborates with other healthcare professionals when necessary.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Couples Therapy: Focusing on relationship issues between partners.
Child and Adolescent Therapy: Specializing in the treatment of children and teenagers within the family context.
Divorce and Separation: Assisting families through the process of divorce or separation.
Grief Counseling: Helping families deal with loss and bereavement.
Substance Abuse: Addressing addiction issues within a family setting.

Description

Marriage and Family Therapists are dedicated to helping people navigate relationship challenges and mental health issues within the context of their family and intimate relationships. They use a variety of therapeutic approaches to address issues like marital conflict, child and parent relationships, and individual psychological problems that impact the family system. MFTs must be skilled in communication, empathy, and problem-solving, and have a deep understanding of family dynamics and therapy techniques.

This profession requires a unique blend of psychological knowledge and interpersonal skills. MFTs need to be able to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds and help them open up about personal and sensitive issues. It's essential for therapists in this field to be non-judgmental, patient, and maintain a high level of professional ethics and confidentiality.

The career can be both emotionally challenging and rewarding. Therapists often form deep connections with their clients and play a crucial role in helping them achieve personal growth and improved relationships. The success of therapy can be immensely gratifying, but working with individuals and families in distress can also be emotionally taxing.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families.
Witnessing the positive transformation in relationships and individual well-being.
Continuous learning and personal growth through diverse client interactions.

You might make a good Marriage and Family Therapist if you are...

Passionate about helping others improve their relationships and mental health.
A good listener and communicator, able to facilitate open and honest discussions.
Empathetic and non-judgmental, with an understanding of diverse life experiences.
Interested in human psychology and family dynamics.
Able to handle emotional stress and maintain professional boundaries.

Pros:

Deeply fulfilling and impactful work.
Variety in daily work and client issues.
Flexibility in work settings, including private practice opportunities.

Cons:

Emotional demands of dealing with complex and sensitive issues.
The need for continuous professional development and staying updated with therapy techniques.
Managing the business aspects of private practice, if applicable.

How to become a Marriage and Family Therapist

Typical education

A master's degree in marriage and family therapy, psychology, or a related field is required, which generally takes about 6-7 years of post-secondary education including undergraduate studies. State licensure is also necessary, which involves additional supervised clinical experience and passing a state-recognized exam.

High school preparation

Courses:

Psychology and sociology to understand human behavior and social relationships.
Communication for developing effective interpersonal skills.
Health education to learn about mental health and wellness.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in community service organizations, particularly those that offer counseling or support services.
Participating in clubs or groups focused on mental health awareness.
Engaging in peer mentoring or conflict resolution programs.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or a related field.
Pursue a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related discipline.
Complete supervised clinical experience required for licensure.
Pass the state licensing exam and engage in ongoing professional development.

More resources

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) - Provides resources, training, and certification for MFTs.
International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC) - Offers a platform for professional development and networking.
Psychology Today - Therapists Directory - A useful resource for understanding the work of marriage and family therapists.
The Gottman Institute - Offers training and resources based on research into relationships and therapy.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.