What is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist?
"Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) are mental health professionals
trained in psychotherapy and family systems, and licensed to diagnose and
treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage,
couples and family systems.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists broaden the
traditional emphasis on the individual to attend to the nature and role of
individuals in primary relationship networks such as marriage and the
family. LMFTs take a holistic perspective to health care; they are
concerned with the overall, long-term well-being of individuals and their
families.
LMFTs have graduate training (a Master's or Doctoral degree) in
marriage and family therapy and at least two years of clinical experience. Licensed marriage and family therapists are recognized as a 'core' mental health
profession, along with psychiatry, psychology, social work and psychiatric
nursing."
For more information, visit the web site for the American
Association for Marriage and Family Therapy at www.aamft.org.
What is Marriage and Family Therapy or Systemic Therapy?
"A family's patterns of behavior influences the individual and therefore
may need to be a part of the treatment plan. In marriage and family
therapy or systemic therapy, the unit of treatment isn't just the person -
even if only a single person is interviewed - it is the set of
relationships in which the person is embedded.
Marriage and Family Therapy is:
- brief
- solution-focused
- specific, with attainable therapeutic goals
- designed with the 'end in mind.'
Licensed marriage and family therapists treat a wide range of serious clinical
problems including: depression, marital problems, anxiety, individual
psychological problems, and child-parent problems.
Research indicates
that marriage and family therapy is as effective, and in some cases more
effective than standard and/or individual treatments for many mental health
problems such as: adult schizophrenia, affective (mood) disorders, adult
alcoholism and drug abuse, children's conduct disorders, adolescent drug
abuse, anorexia in young adult women, childhood autism, chronic physical
illness in adults and children, and marital distress and conflict."
Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why
people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing
psychological issues, or present stressors that are causing some anxious or
depressive traits--such as unexpected changes in one's life, i.e. divorce or
a work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own
personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide
insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges.
Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety,
conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life
transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the
most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater
self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have
successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's
nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact,
therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a
helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking
responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment
to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting
benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers,
re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy.
Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping
strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles,
unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and
creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous
asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family
concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can
provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the
direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how
well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the
benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their
specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues
and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule
a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around forty-five
minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or
longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth.
There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the
therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to
track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed
and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most
effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the
sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility
for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in
their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
- Compassion, respect and understanding
- Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
- Real strategies for enacting positive change
- Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of
action. Working with your medical doctor or your psychiatrist, you can
determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term
solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be
solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy
addresses the root cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb
our progress. Sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being is often
achieved with an integrative approach to wellness.
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
