Hire Marriage and Family Therapists
Family relationships are intricate. There are unique ways in which family relationships begin, develop, and intertwine. Working with couples and families takes skill, patience, commitment, and a whole lot of compassion. Marriage and family therapists are mental health professionals who work specifically with couples, families, and individuals who need support and guidance through problems, disorders, or illnesses.
When looking for a marriage and family therapist to hire, hiring managers need to consider several factors before creating a job announcement. They must identify the specific needs of the hiring facility or institution. Marriage and family therapists can work in a variety of different settings, including: outpatient mental health centers, social service agencies, substance abuse centers, hospitals, schools, and private practices. After clarifying the requirements, it’s time to draft a compelling job description that sets the tone for hiring and is the first communication between candidates and the hiring facility. Hiring managers should be clear, concise, and detailed. Carefully outline the responsibilities as well as requirements. These details will help candidates picture themselves working in your clinic or institution.
Aside from general job boards, it is best for hiring managers to post job announcements on healthcare-specific job boards, online groups, and in community groups as well. Getting referrals from other medical professionals and employees themselves is a helpful way to source candidates. Your staff may already know a licensed marriage and family therapist who could be a great fit.
Marriage and Family Therapist Responsibilities
Marriage and family therapists provide support and guidance to individuals, couples, and families who are facing issues affecting their well-being and mental health. Some examples include: grief, child or adolescent behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, marital conflicts, domestic violence, infertility, or substance abuse, among other things. Marriage and family therapists help their clients navigate their feelings and guide them towards healing every step of the way.
Marriage and family therapists observe and assess family roles, understand family relationships, and diagnose psychological disorders within the context of family dynamics. They develop an individualized treatment plan that is implemented session by session, gradually at a pace that is comfortable for their clients. Therapists help clients recognize unhealthy thoughts and behaviors and learn useful methods to cope with stress, anxiety, and other concerns. They help clients replace dysfunctional behavior patterns with healthy alternatives for better relationship outcomes.
Marriage and family therapists monitor the client’s response and progress to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment plan and modify it if needed. Detailed documentation of notes and observations are made in each session and serve as a guide throughout the treatment. Marriage and family therapists communicate with and update all other people involved in the client’s care. Therapists also recommend other resources and community support groups that are available to the patient. They may collaborate with other medical professionals and uphold patient confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
Marriage and Family Therapist Skills and Qualifications
Candidates must have a master’s degree in counseling or marriage and family therapy and generally have bachelor’s degrees in counseling, psychology, social work or a related field. Marriage and family therapists must have a license to practice. As the licensing guidelines may vary from state to state, hiring managers should verify the parameters first before making a hiring decision.
The ideal candidate must have work experience in the same role. Additionally, the candidate is an individual who is compassionate, trustworthy, and professional with excellent active listening and problem-solving skills. Moreover, strong communication skills and empathy are a must.
When families face tough times, the weight can be difficult to carry for all family members. Marriage and family therapists are skilled mental health professionals who can provide much-needed support, encouragement, and guidance.
