What Do Marriage & Family Therapists Do?

This blog answers your question: what do marriage & family therapists do? You may be on the search for counseling, either for yourself or your child. With this, you likely came across various different professions offering therapy. This includes psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, social workers, and more. It can be confusing to understand if there are vast differences between these professionals.

 

The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy provides a definition for MFTs (marriage & family therapists). They are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy and family systems. The AAMFT continues that they are licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders. This is within the context of marriage, couple, and family systems. 

 

Each mental health profession comes with different training and experience backgrounds. While they can overlap greatly, there are differences in their exact practices. For example, therapists cannot prescribe medication – only a psychiatrist can. We’re happy to share more information about what our talented therapists can support you with!

 

For more information on marriage & family therapists, read this resource from The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. For therapy in Simi Valley, we offer sessions in-person or virtually. Make sure to read our blog on Why Start Therapy?

 

What Do Marriage & Family Therapists Do?: What is marriage and family therapy?

Marriage and family therapy is a type of therapy that considers numerous factors. It takes into account a family’s patterns that influences an individual’s behavior. This includes your upbringing, social environment, household, relationships, and more. It is a form of counseling that looks at all aspects of your life. 

 

You can expect that marriage and family therapy is solution-focused and specific. Therapists are looking to establish goals for you and your presenting issues. Everyone comes to therapy with unique situations and goals for treatment. It’s important to consider that the process cannot be rushed. 

 

Sessions for therapy usually occur on a weekly basis. You can expect to meet consistently at the start, to establish rapport and share information. Your therapist will understand ways to support you and help guide you towards creating the life you want. This can look like processing things in session, and having you practice coping outside of therapy. 

 

Along your therapeutic journey, the therapist will provide you with a mental health diagnosis and a treatment plan. They constantly refer back to this, to track progress and make adjustments as needed. You can expect to collaborate with your therapist on establishing goals. 

 

Their ultimate goal is to provide you with a comfortable and non-judgmental environment. They want to ensure that you can reach your goals, cope independently, and work towards resiliency. For more information on therapy in Simi Valley, contact us today! Make sure to read our blog on First Time in Therapy: What to Expect.

 

What Do Marriage & Family Therapists Do?: Can they work with individuals?

Yes, marriage & family therapists can – and do – work with individuals of all ages. The title can be confusing at first glance. It may make you wonder if their scope is only limited to relationships and families. However, this is not the case. As mentioned, your therapist is trained in taking from these types of relationships. 

 

Relationships, whether familial, platonic, or romantic, all contribute to how you behave and function. We as humans are shaped from the moment we are conscious. Every situation is influential to how we continue to develop. Even as an infant, you are still learning and taking in from the world around you. We subconsciously remember and integrate aspects of our life during development.

 

In present day adolescence or adulthood, these experiences matter. We are more in-tune with our communication styles, perceptions and behaviors. In cases where there’s abuse, we may not be as aware of its harmful effects on us. This includes unhealthy relationships, where we may have experienced trauma. Tying your background into your therapy is essential for greater understanding.

 

So, how does this translate into working with a therapist one-on-one?

 

Your therapist is well-versed in understanding how these dynamics contribute to you as a person today. Oftentimes, it’s recommended to start individual counseling prior to any couples or family sessions. This is due to the fact that the therapist can hold 100% of the space for you. The focus on processing difficult emotions, memories, or present situations helps bring you awareness and insight. 

 

Although there may be issues you want to address directly with your partner or family, you can still do so individually. Make sure to read our blog on Couples Therapy or Individual Therapy for more information. We also have one on Teen Therapy or Family Therapy! 

 

Individual therapy in Simi Valley, Ca is a great resource available to you. We’re happy to discuss further questions you may have about starting therapy with us.

 

What Do Marriage & Family Therapists Do?: What issues can you address with them?

You can address an array of issues with a marriage & family therapist. Read more below about what issues you can address for the specific types of therapy:

 

Marriage Counseling / Couples Therapy

 

• Communication issues.

 

• Infidelity / Affairs.

 

• Intimacy / Sex life.

 

• Premarital counseling.

 

• Family planning / Pregnancy / Parenting.

 

• Co-parenting or blended family issues.

 

• Extended family related issues.

 

• Rekindling your connection with each other.

 

• Divorce / Separation.

 

• Finances.

 

Individual Therapy (includes teen therapy and individual adult therapy)

 

• Depression / Suicidal thoughts.

 

• Anxiety / Panic attacks.

 

• Grief / Loss. (Which we can experience in an array of situations; not limited to loved ones passing away).

 

• Stress management / Anger management.

 

• Life transitions. (This can include career, school, relationships, personal journeys, etc!). 

 

• Trauma / Childhood trauma / Present or past trauma.

 

• Identity issues / Sexuality / Body image issues.

 

• Relationships / Family Issues. 

 

• Self exploration / Greater self-understanding.

 

• Substance use / Substance addiction.

 

• Schizophrenia.

 

Still have questions about what marriage and family therapists do? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us through our contact form or by calling us. We’re happy to help see if we’re a good fit for your needs, and can support you through your journey.

 

In-person therapy in Simi Valley is ideal for those seeking a separate, safe space from their home. Check out our blog on Online Therapy or In Office Therapy to understand what format is best for you. Another great blog to read is ours on if you need Therapy or Medication to address your issues.

 

By seeking out support, you can begin your journey to feeling relief. You don’t have to go through finding the right level of support alone, either. By clicking here, you’ll read our blog on Information About Simi Valley Therapists.

 

Consider calling our therapy group at (805) 774-1506 for a free consultation on how you or a loved one can get started today!

 

Seek out a validating, safe environment with us today. We will help you get to where you want to be. Our therapists provide trauma therapy, teen therapy, individual adult therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, family therapy, and more in-office in Simi Valley, CA.