Understanding Therapy

What is Therapy?

Psychotherapy, whether individual, marital or family, begins with a relationship based on trust and commitment between the therapist and the client. It is important that each client look for and work toward this connection at the beginning and throughout the therapeutic process since this connection is instrumental in bringing about a change for greater health and wellbeing.

Within the supportive environment therapy provides, individuals can learn to better cope with anxiety, depression, or mood swings. It can also help clients to come to a better understanding of themselves, come to realize that they have a choice and responsibility in bringing about positive changes. Similarly, couples, parents and children can benefit by increasing their self awareness and improving communication and other relational skills. Therapy can be long-term, lasting years or short-term, lasting only 10 sessions depending on various factors which include client resources, client input and commitment, other parties involved in therapy and type of change desired.

Who are Marriage and Family Therapists?

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy and family systems, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, couples and family systems. They evaluate and treat a wide range of mental and emotional disorders (anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, etc), other behavioral problems (children�s conduct or behavioral disorders), and address a wide array of relationship issues (marital distress and conflict).

MFTs broaden the traditional emphasis on the individual to attend to the nature and role of individuals in primary relationship networks such as marriage and family. MFTs take a holistic perspective to health care; they are concerned with the overall, long-term well-being of individuals and their families.

MFTs have a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy and at least two years of clinical experience. Licensed MFTs have passed a state licensing exam and an additional 1000 hours of clinical experience under supervision.