What to Expect from Marriage and Family Therapy

Marriage and family therapy (MFT) is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals, couples, and families improve their relationships. MFTs view mental health issues and relationship problems through a family systems perspective. This means they see individuals as interconnected with their relationships rather than isolated entities. The goal of MFT is to identify and alter the dysfunctional patterns of relating that contribute to mental disorders and relationship problems.

Who Provides Marriage and Family Therapy? 

MFT is provided by licensed professionals who have a marriage and family therapist degree, and/or a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy. MFTs must complete coursework in psychotherapy techniques, family dynamics, ethics, and counseling. They are trained specifically to assess, diagnose, and treat relationship issues within the larger family system. In most states, MFTs must complete thousands of supervised clinical hours after graduation and pass a licensure exam to practice independently.

The Initial Sessions

The first few sessions serve as an initial assessment, where the MFT will ask questions about your family history, relationships, and current struggles. They will seek to understand the dynamics and patterns of relating within your family to identify sources of strain. MFTs take a holistic approach – they do not focus only on the diagnosed individual but consider the overall family environment. The MFT will work collaboratively with you to establish therapeutic goals.

The Therapeutic Process

Once the assessment is complete, the real therapeutic work begins. This usually involves 8-20 sessions over several months, but it can last years for more complex issues. The MFT will draw upon various techniques such as cognitive-behavioral, experiential, or psychodynamic approaches. These are tailored to meet the needs of each client. 

Sessions may occur individually, with couples, or with the whole family. The focus is on fostering insight into maladaptive relationship patterns and making positive changes. The MFT acts as an educator and coach, providing tools and guidance for improving communication and navigating family challenges in a healthy way. With an MFT’s support, you’ll learn how your family relationships contribute to emotional struggles and gain strategies for relating differently.

Potential Benefits

When successful, marriage and family therapy can lead to reduced anxiety and depression, improved family functioning, better conflict resolution skills, and increased relationship satisfaction. You may experience enhanced self-esteem, communication, and emotional intelligence. Children often benefit through improved behavior and school performance. 

How to Find an MFT

Here are some tips for finding a qualified marriage and family therapist (MFT):

• Ask for referrals from your primary care physician or another mental health professional you trust. They often have colleagues they can recommend.
• Search therapist directories through professional organizations like the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) or the American Family Therapy Academy (AFTA). Their websites allow you to search for licensed MFTs in your area.
• Check with your insurance provider. Many publish lists of in-network therapists that you can peruse.

With research and care, you can find an MFT well-equipped to help you meet your therapeutic goals. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to determine if a therapist is the right fit.

MFT provides families with a safe space to heal past wounds, gain mutual understanding, and create positive change.