What it Takes to Become a Marriage Therapist

In today’s world of rising divorce, marriage therapists are becoming more demanded. Because of this, becoming a marriage therapist is a career that can help you to meet your long term goals, provide you with job security and give you an opportunity to give back to the community.

Being a marriage therapist is a very important job that holds the responsibility of other people’s lives. The job can be very demanding and require a lot of your time, but on the other hand you have the option of working for yourself and making your own hours and therapist practice.

If becoming a marriage therapist is something that interests you, determining whether or not the career is a good fit for you is the first step!

Is a Career as a Marriage Therapist Right for You?

If you can answer yes to the following questions, becoming a marriage therapist may be right for you:

1. Do you pride yourself in your work ethic?

2. Are you a responsible person?

3. Are you a respectful person?

4. Do you find that you’re able to keep your emotions in check so as not to allow them to make you a biased counselor?

5.) Are you prepared to behave in a professional fashion at all times while working,

and wearing suits to work everyday?

6.) Do you and other people around you fell that you’re a good listener?

7.) Do you have patience to deal with things when they aren’t going fast enough or the way you want?

Requirements for This Career

Getting involved with the community is a good way to prepare yourself for your new career as a marriage therapist. Working on your listening and patience skills along with maintaining a self motivated attitude is also another good way to prepare.

When it comes to schooling requirements, the first thing you will want to do is attend a 4 year college and major in psychology. Once you’ve completed your degree in psychology, you will need to earn your B.A. in marriage and family counseling, which will require an additional 1-2 years of schooling.

Your degree in psychology and marriage and family counseling are required, but consider taking an additional class or 2 in early childhood development or other human interest courses. Although these won’t be required, they will certainly help you to exceed what is expected of you as a marriage therapist.

Finally make sure to check with the area you’ll be counseling in, as some regulations may vary slightly from place to place.