MFT Exam Prep

Last week’s MFT blog explored a complicated question on child abuse and neglect reporting. This week, we continue exploring the topic of abuse and neglect, but shift our focus to elders and dependent adults. In California, the laws regarding elder and dependent adult abuse overlap quite a bit with those for child abuse, but there are also some differences to keep in mind. lmswexamprepwelfarerights-219x300.jpeg What are some of the key differences? While this is not an exhaustive list, a few to be aware of include: 1. Therapists are only mandated to report when the elders/dependents are

In Wednesday’s blog, Bethany reviewed a question on child abuse and neglect reporting. Since this is a question that will likely appear more than once on your licensing exams, let’s continue with this topic. While it’s a topic that has historically caused therapists uncertainty and anxiety both as practitioners and test takers, it is not one you need to fear! When Amanda Rowan created TDC’s test prep materials, it was important to her not only to build your skills as a test taker, but to also allow you to bring that new knowledge into your clinical practice. This was something I loved about

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Conflicts within a family are a regular occurrence, and can sometimes require outside help, such as a mediator who can give proper advice to help mend what may be on the verge of breaking. Some people find joy in defusing relationship problems and helping others see what they can do to change. If you feel that you are among these people, becoming a marriage and family therapist may be the right path for you. Marriage and Family Therapy is among the most rewarding professional careers. Assisting others and making lives a little bit brighter every day, is a gift that some of the most kind and selfless people possess. If you feel you are among this gifted group, you may have the right mindset to become a marriage and family therapist. What is involved in becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist? Let’s start with the job description: Simply put, a marriage and family therapist is responsible for educating family members so they can resolve their own conflicts within marriage and family. A therapist will use his or her knowledge of family theory and apply techniques and principles to help struggling couples and families find a proper resolution to help them sustain healthy relationships. This type of professional should have an advanced degree and be comfortable being self-employed. Very few will work with social service organizations. What type of projected growth to expect: The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that there were approximately 33,700 of this type of therapist who were employed in the U.S. in 2014. An increase of 15% was projected over the years of 2014-2024. That is an increase of 5,000 jobs by the end of the year 2024. What are the factors of growth: Health insurance plays a big role in the career growth of a marriage and family therapist. Health insurance is now required to cover mental health counseling services, which means more people are taking advantage of this service. How you can improve your prospects: There is a very small number of marriage and family therapist in rural areas of the United States, so these areas offer the best prospects for employment. All professionals must hold a license in the state where they practice. Certification and licenses will boost your career prospects. What to expect from your salary: This goes back to the findings of the Bureau of Labor Statistics of 2014. They have reported that a marriage and family therapist earned an on average salary of $48,000 annually. However, annual wages for the low 10% was $30,510, and the high 10% was $78,920. Employers that paid the highest wages were both through the government and religious organizations. If you feel like becoming a marriage and family therapist is your true calling, you now understand what it takes and a general idea of what your career path will look like. You can find all the information you need to become the light for those who are suffering with their marital and family relationships on our website. Bringing loved ones back together is something that comes with a whole lot of patience and heart. Do you have what it takes?

Benefits of Pre-Marital Counseling They’re excited. They’re in love and the day is quickly approaching when they marry the man/woman of their dreams. The next phase in life looks great. Most soon-to-be couples ask ‘What can possibly go wrong when you finally get to spend the rest of your days with your special someone?’ Why Few People Seek Pre-Marital Counseling Marriage is a big commitment, yet few engaged couples outside of religious communities go to pre-marital counseling. While most faith communities require couples to attend pre-marital counseling, couples with no faith background shy away from counseling. This has to do with fear. They don’t want to put a kink in a blossoming relationship. Engaged couples can be naïve and believe they can properly sort out their differences later. How Pre-Marital Counseling Can Help The benefits of pre-marital counseling, however, far outweigh the risks of addressing potential conflict before marriage. As a marriage and family therapist (MFT), you can offer engaged couples valuable advice. You can give them an unbiased, honest, outsider’s perspective on each partner’s shortcomings and bring up issues that need to be discussed before marriage. No marriage, after all, will be without disagreements and conflict. Pre-marital counseling is a key component in ensuring that couples will have marriages that last. You can address the communication and conflict resolution issues that lead to divorce and prepare them with a plan and solution for dealing with these inevitabilities.

All of us at the Therapist Development Center are pleased to announce that our new program for the California MFT Clinical exam has been launched!

Shout it from the roof tops: "Woo Hoo! Therapist Development Center has launched the California Law and Ethics Courses for LCSWs and MFTs!" We know a lot of you have been waiting patiently and we are proud to say that we have delivered the outstanding course therapists have come to expect from us. (And if you buy before the end of the year - you can save $50 -- see below).

In January of 2016, California will switch its LCSW and MFT licensing exams.

What happens if a client dies? Social workers and MFTs frequently ask me legal and ethical questions related to their private practice or licensing prep. One question that I get asked about a lot is the limits to confidentiality, and when we can, or cannot release information. It’s really tricky because there are a lot of different factors that go into this. As practitioners we have a responsibility to our clients and legal responsibilities as well. Let’s take a closer look at this with a sample question: