Marriage Counselors, also known as Marriage and Family Therapists, provide guidance, therapy, and instruction to individuals and families for the purpose of preparing couples for marriage; resolving, avoiding, or eliminating marital conflicts; creating, improving, or restoring marital harmony; or assisting in adjustment to divorce.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Marriage Counselor may:

Collect data about clients by using testing, interviewing, discussion, and observation techniques

Evaluate data to determine the nature and sources of clients' concerns

Determine the advisability of counseling or refer clients to other specialists in such fields as medicine, psychiatry, legal aid, and home economics

Counsel clients on concerns such as unsatisfactory relationships, divorce and separation, child rearing, home management, and financial difficulties

Assist clients in understanding and gaining insight into the causes of their concerns, define goals, and plan action to eliminate or correct problems

Follow up on the results of counseling and refer clients to other counselors for further therapy.

Act as consultant to various agencies

Write articles for professional journals and other media

Work aids used by Marriage Counselors may include:

• Professional journals, references, and other publications

• Counseling, therapy, and progress reports

• Records and files

• Community services, referral directories

• Testing and assessment materials

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Marriage Counselors may specialize in these areas:

MARRIAGE COUNSELORS, also known as marriage and family therapists, provide guidance, therapy, and instruction to individuals and families for the purpose of preparing couples for marriage; avoiding, resolving, or eliminating marital conflicts; creating, improving, or restoring marital harmony; or assisting in adjustment to divorce.

Marriage Counselors may specialize according to the counseling method used such as individual, conjoint (couples), family, or group. They may also specialize in a particular area of marital therapy such as premarital, marital, divorce, post-divorce, or remarriage. Some Marriage Counselors may specialize in working with particular age groups such as children, adolescents, adults, or senior citizens.

045.107-054 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY COUNSELORS provide individual, marital and family counseling to adults and children. They assist clients in identifying personal and interactive problems, and in achieving effective personal, marital, and family development and adjustment.

Individuals working in related areas may also render marriage and family therapy services.

195.107-018 FAMILY CASEWORKERS are social workers who specialize in assisting individuals and families having problems with family relationships or other areas of social functioning which may affect family harmony. (See MOIScript #187.)

Counseling psychologists provide guidance services to individuals, alone or as members of a group, to assist them in achieving more effective personal and social relationships and greater educational and vocational development. (See MOIScript #186.)

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Depending upon the particular work situation, Marriage Counselors tend to work independently rather than under close supervision. They may work alone in private practice, with other Counselors in group practice. They may also work as members of a team with other professionals in several different occupations. They usually work indoors in comfortable offices.

Marriage Counselors work a regular 35-40-hour week. In most cases, Counselors work evenings or weekends at times convenient to their clients. Counselors who are consultants might have to travel to and from various agencies.

Marriage Counselors may join professional associations such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and its state affiliation, the Michigan Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Association members must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities concerned with the communication of data

• Activities directed toward the presumed good of people

• Activities which bring recognition or appreciation from others

You Should Be Able To:

• Reason logically

• Understand the meanings of words and ideas

• Communicate well, both in speech and writing

• Strictly observe confidentiality of client's information

• Deal with people using tact, consideration, and insight

• Make decisions based on personal judgment and verifiable data

• Influence others' opinions, yet remain impartial

• Help others to develop the ability to plan and make decisions

• Work well under pressure and/or with frustration,

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Realize that clients may blame you for their problems

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If you charge $60 an hour for your services, in a 8 hour day, what is your maximum gross pay?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Stress is the body's response to external conditions (or stressors) that upset our equilibrium.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining any changes a couple can make in their lifestyle to aid in the marriage.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to listen to a couple and then decide what changes can be done to help the marriage.

Individuals who wish to do marriage counseling in Michigan must be registered by the Board of Marriage Counselors of the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services. To qualify, applicants must be Michigan residents; have a doctorate in psychology, sociology, psychiatry, marriage or pastoral counseling, or a related field; plus 5 years of professional experience which includes at least 1 year of specialization in marriage counseling under the direct supervision of a certified Marriage Counselor. They may also qualify by having a master's degree in social work or marriage or pastoral counseling from an approved institution plus 5 years of professional experience.

Clergy members and Michigan licensed psychologists, physicians, and attorneys who give advice to couples and their children as an incidental part of their duties do not have to obtain a Marriage Counselor's license. Social workers employed by government or social service agencies are also exempt.

Although not required, Marriage Counselors may also be certified by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy provided they have at least a master's degree, with specific coursework in marriage and Family Counseling, plus 200 hours of direct supervision with a qualified supervisor, and 1,000 clinical contact hours with families.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond High School) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2200 MATH

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

037 COUNSELING

Counseling Programs provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment assisting people in making personal, marital, employment, or vocational adjustments. Different programs lead to differing counselor occupations.

Marriage Counseling requires at least a graduate degree in psychology (see program #145), sociology (see program #162), medicine with a psychiatry specialization (see program #102), social service (see program #161), or a related field.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling requires at least a bachelor's degree in a behavioral science such as psychology (see program #145), sociology (see program #162), or a related field. Increasingly, a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling is required (see program #177).

Employment Counseling requires at least a bachelor's degree in guidance and counseling (see program #156), psychology (see program #145), sociology (see program #162), social work (see program #161), personnel administration (see program #128), public administration (see program #146), vocational counseling (see program #177), or a related field.

Courses vary from school to school and between areas of specialization.

               Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.myfuture.com

CASEWORKERS AND COUNSELORS

Just like some civilians, some military personnel can develop problems with drug or alcohol abuse. Others may develop depression or other emotional problems. Caseworkers and counselors help military personnel and their families to overcome social problems. They work as a part of a team that may include social workers, psychologists, medical officers, chaplains, personnel specialists, and commanders.

What They Do

Caseworkers and counselors in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Interview personnel who request help or are referred by their commanders

• Identify personal problems and determine the need for professional help

• Counsel personnel and their families

• Administer and score psychological tests

• Teach classes on human relations

• Keep records of counseling sessions and make reports to supervisors

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include health, biology, psychology, sociology, social science, and speech. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in working with people

• Patience in dealing with problems that take time and effort to overcome

• Sensitivity to the needs of others

Training Provided

Job training consists of 8 to 10 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in counseling. Course content typically includes:

• Orientation to counseling and social service programs

• Interviewing and counseling methods

• Treatments for drug and alcohol abuse

• Psychological testing techniques

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.

Work Environment

Caseworkers and counselors usually work in offices or clinics.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian caseworkers and counselors work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools, and public agencies. Their duties are similar to duties in the military. Civilian caseworkers and counselors, however, are usually required to have a college degree in social work, psychology, or counseling. They may be called group workers, human relations counselors, or drug and alcohol counselors.

Physical Demands

Caseworkers and counselors need to speak clearly and distinctly in order to teach classes and work with personnel who have problems.

Opportunities

The services have about 800 caseworkers and counselors. On average, they need about 100 new caseworkers and counselors each year. After job training, caseworkers and counselors work under close supervision. With experience, they work more independently and may supervise other caseworkers.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Postsecondary programs in counseling may offer opportunities for experience. Because of the education and experience required, few opportunities exist for students to explore this field. It may be possible to discuss the work with a Marriage Counselor.

               School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Marriage Counselor employer

internships

volunteer work with a Marriage Counselor employer

community service work with an agency

To enter this field, a person may apply directly to private employers or governmental agencies which provide social and family services. Counselors may also open a private office, form a partnership, or join a group practice. Assistance in locating positions may be available from college placement offices and professional associations. Openings may be found through want ads in newspapers or professional journals.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Marriage Counselors depend on whether or not the counselors are in private practice, their level and area of education, and experience. Those in private practice tend to earn the highest salaries.

Nationally, in 1996, Marriage Counselors with a doctoral degree, psychology licensing, and credentials from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy may earn as much as $50,000 to $100,000 annually, especially if they are in private practice. In 1996, the average hourly wage for these counselors was $85.00. Beginning counselors working for social services agencies earned considerable less.

Fees charged by Michigan Marriage Counselors in private practice are estimated to be between $50 and $100 per hour of counseling. Most Counselors charged more than $75 per hour (1997). Some charge lower fees, depending on their client's ability to pay. Counselors in private practice use part of their incomes to pay business expenses.

Some Marriage Counselors work for a social service agency and have a private practice to supplement their incomes. Some also do consulting and/or research work for the same purpose.

Most salaried Marriage Counselors receive benefits such as life, health, and disability insurance; paid holidays and vacations; and some type of pension plan. Self-employed Counselors pay for their own benefits.

Professional certification is an important factor for advancement, as well as experience, education, and professional reputation. With experience and demonstration of professional competency, Marriage Counselors often move into supervisory or administrative positions. Some start private practices. A doctoral degree in a field related to marriage counseling is becoming increasingly important in advancement.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

In 1996, the number of licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in the United States was 46,000. The marriage and family therapy field is currently in a stage of growth and development. The supply of Marriage Counselors is expected to increase as national standards become more uniform.

There are approximately 1,100 registered Marriage Counselors working in Michigan . Almost all worked in the service industry in clinics, hospitals, colleges and universities, community-supported professional counseling agencies, and other institutions providing health and welfare services. Many Counselors worked in private practices, either exclusively or in addition to salaried positions.

More Marriage Counselors will be needed in the future because of increased stress of American marriage and family life. As the public becomes more aware of this type of service, an increase in the number of people seeking marriage counseling should occur. Most insurance companies at the present time do not pay for marriage counseling services unless referred by, or supervised by, a licensed physician. With the current emphasis on managed care, however, the reimbursement picture may be changing because Marriage Counselors tend to provide shorter-term counseling.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Marriage Counselor can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development