Posts Tagged ‘certified counselors’
Family Marriage Counseling Has Demonstrated Profound Areas Of Effectiveness
Research indicates that family marriage counseling is particularly effective in treating adult Schizophrenia, mood disorders, adult alcoholism and drug abuse, behavioral disorders in children, teenage drug abuse, anorexia, childhood autism, chronic illnesses and marital conflict. Sometimes the root cause or cycle of dysfunction is obvious, but other times it takes a professional to illuminate the intricate dynamics of cause-and-effect, action-and-reaction. Through family and marriage therapy, family members learn how to better understand one another and cope with complex issues to become a stronger, more cohesive unit.
A professional who is licensed in marriage and family counseling is someone who is trained in psychotherapy and family systems, as well as someone who is licensed to diagnose and treat mental disorders. On average, family and marriage therapists will have thirteen years or more of clinical practice in their field and hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree in marriage therapy and family counseling. Since 1970, the number of marriage family counselors has burgeoned from 237 to 23,000, who are licensed in 48 states and are actively treating more than 1.8 million people.
There are many benefits of seeking family marriage counseling. In this safe environment, family members can finally express their feelings openly and honestly, without the situation escalating into destructive and hurtful shouting, physical violence or animosity. Certified counselors can guide the discussion, identify problem areas and train family members in communication skill building and positive problem solving methods. Sometimes what needs to be changed isn’t always entirely obvious and it takes a trusted, impartial professional to help those involved to understand how he or she is part of the problem, rather than part of the solution. Attending counseling sessions is often viewed as an opportunity for a “fresh start,” which in itself can facilitate successful healing.
When looking for family marriage counseling professionals, parents should seek someone with a graduate or post-graduate doctoral degree. Family and marriage therapists may come from a background in psychology, psychiatry, nursing, social work, pastoral counseling or education. The Federal government has designated family and marriage therapy as one of the core branches for mental health counselors. An appropriate counselor should be certified and listed with the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT).