Marriage and Family Counseling Degree Programs

A marriage and family counseling degree is among those that are the cornerstone of mental health. One of the most needed workers in today's world is those who are engaged in marriage and family counseling.

When a marriage or family becomes dysfunctional it is vital that someone knowledgeable in the area step in. Being able to diagnose mental and emotional disorders in patients will be possible with a marriage and family counseling degree. This degree is available in a regular college or online. Many accredited colleges offer these programs online, where it is possible for a person to take the courses required at their leisure. There is a wide opportunity for one to obtain an accredited decree if interested in entering this field of work. It is wise for a graduate, going into a job, to consult with other experienced people. Often people who have been in the field for a long time can give excellent tips on how to handle certain situations. With this information, and their education, a graduate student will be able to counsel people regarding their problems and help work out a solution that will be satisfactory to all.

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Marriage and Family Counseling Training and Education

University of Phoenix

• Counseling/Marriage, Family and Child Therapy

Walden University

• M.S. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
• M.S. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling - Forensic Counseling
• M.S. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling - Trauma and Crisis
• M.S. in Mental Health Counseling (CACREP-Accredited)
• Ph.D. in Human Services - Counseling
• Ph.D. in Psychology - Counseling Psychology

Capella University

• MS - Marriage and Family Therapy

Liberty University

• Master of Arts in Professional Counseling

Forensic Psychology Education and Training

Certain programs may require some classroom hours or practicum work but this is clearly explained when enrolling in the degree. When working in this field one receives the full confidence of the client, or clients, who will explain their problems in detail.

At times, if this involves an entire family, in which some of the participants may be reluctant to discuss their personal feelings. This will require a great deal of patience and insight in how to handle the situation. It is through training that a person is able to see through such situations, and offer advice, without becoming personally affected. Marriage and family counseling courses may include:

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

Marriage and Family Counseling Careers

This career requires a master's degree in diagnosing mental and emotional disorders as well as developing strategies to assist the people involved recover from their problems. Subjects such as Emotional Disorders, Small Group Intervention, Marriage and Family Situations, Child and Adolescent Counseling and others will be studied in the marriage and family counseling degree program. Licensing requirements vary from state to state with some licenses being available through the college involved.

This kind of counseling often covers a wide range of issues. These could include people involved in disasters, family conflicts, crisis and other things. Often there are family conflicts that are very complex and extend to the criminal justice system. This is a position where one is dealing with the emotions and often, deep distress, of the people being counseled. For people who like to assist others it is an excellent choice of careers. Some other areas of counseling include:

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

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The salary to be expected, by a graduate with a marriage and family counseling degree depends on the position. At the current time the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports: Marriage Counselor and Family Counselor, $43,210; Mental Health Counselor, $34,380 and Guidance Counselor, $47,530. These are beginning salaries and would increase over time. Job opportunities in this field are excellent. Due to stress, many families are under at the present time, more and more are seeking counseling. Counseling regarding behavior of young family members has also been in high demand recently, as well as marriage problems. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports job expectations to grow very fast through 2016.