Marriage and Family Therapy

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine the field of marriage and family counseling beginning with the history and development of the profession and its importance in the field of counseling. This paper will also evaluate five major themes relevant to Marriage and Family Therapy which include: roles of Marriage and Family Therapists; licensure requirements and examinations; methods of supervision; client advocacy; multiculturalism and diversity. The author will discuss significant aspects to the field of Marriage and Family Therapy such as MFT identity, function, and ethics of the profession. This paper will assess biblical values in relation to Marriage and Family Therapists and to the field
A master’s degree is two to three years (48-60 semester hours) of graduate study in a counselor education program at a college or university and a period of supervised clinical experience in counseling (http://www.bls.gov). According to Woolley (2010), a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy trains students for independent practice and prepares them for a doctoral education. A doctoral degree can take three to five years of advanced instruction in marriage and family therapy research and theory construction supervision (http://www.aamft.org). Woolley (2010) also stated “the primary purpose of doctoral education should be to prepare professionals to lead and further establish the discipline of Marriage and Family Therapy theoretically, clinically, and scholarly…” Advancement opportunities seem to be greater for those with a doctoral degree. This opens the doors to becoming supervisors, teachers, researchers, or advanced clinicians (http://www.bls.gov). Educational requirements are not the only qualifications necessary to be a marriage and family therapist. Personal characteristics of the person wanting to be in this field are of great significance as well. One must truly want to help others, be patient, and be physically and emotionally prepared to handle the situations in which they will encounter. You must follow a code of ethics, be respectful, confident, and trustworthy. Being a