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Pathway: Counseling
Job: Family Therapist
Job Description
Family therapists apply principles, methods, and therapeutic techniques to individuals, family groups, couples or organizations for the purpose of resolving emotional conflicts. They modify perceptions and behavior, enhance communication and understanding among all family members, and help to prevent family and individual crisis.
Necessary Education
Bachelor’s Degree; possibly Master’s Degree dependent on type and location of employer and job position
Helpful High School Courses
English, Psychology, Sociology, Health, Child Development
Working Conditions:
- Often work flexible hours to accommodate families who need evening or weekend appointments
- Dealing with problems on a daily basis can be stressful
- Usually have private offices, in order to provide confidential and frank discussions with clients
Salary Range
- 2003, Delaware average annual salary,
$40,870
- 2003, Delaware average hourly wage,
$19.65
Career Ladder Information
- Most of the United States has some form of counselor credentialing, licensure, certification, or registry legislation governing practice
- Must participate in ongoing education to maintain certificates and licenses
- Counselors may become supervisors or administrators, or move into research, consulting, college teaching, or go into private or group practice
- Self-employed counselors who have well-established practices, as well as counselors employed in group practices, usually have the highest earnings, as do some counselors working for private firms, such as insurance companies and private rehabilitation companies
Personal Qualities and Interests
You:
- Have a strong interest in helping others solve problems
- Are able to handle stressful situations
- Are able to inspire respect, trust and confidence
- Are able to work independently or as part of a team
- Are able to follow the code of ethics associated with respective certifications and licenses
Did you know?
- Demand for family therapists is expected to be strong
- About 50% of all counselors have a Master’s Degree
Additional Information
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