There are many problems affecting families and couples today, such as adolescent and child behavioral problems, emotional difficulties, lack of communication and past family patterns that are sometimes hard to break. The support for couples and families is quite different today than it was decades ago.
Marriage & Family Counselors Save Couples and Families
Marriage counseling in the past was a practice that was greatly misunderstood and steeped in stigma. But in recent years, when couples have become more liberated in their way of thinking, they realized that counselors are integral to their well being and quality of life. A marriage & family counselor treat individuals within the context of their relationships. By analyzing the family structure, a marriage counselor or family therapist can evaluate where the difficulties lie and institute a plan for resolution. These work in progress marriages are governed by the following principles and practices:
- Spending quality time together. They recognize that like all other aspects in life, you get back what you put in. Even with a hectic schedule, make time together a priority by having a designated date night or family night to have bonding moments together.
- Making compromises. Every day you should address each other’s needs through compromise and sacrifice in big and small things.
- Accepting help. You should recognize and accept that you do not have all the answers to deal with challenging issues that you face. Sometimes your challenges may mean a short stay at a rehab center. A [intlink id="133" type="post"]rehab center[/intlink] is a place of healing, not a place of condemnation.
- Recognizing that all marriages have stages. Marital life will always have your ups and downs and those who understand and accept this fare better and stay together longer.
- Treat each other with dignity and respect in words and actions.
Once a couple and their family observe these 5 practices, they will enjoy a better quality of life and a harmonious relationship with one another. Marriage & family counselors can be a very rewarding career as they often witness the positive results of their counseling as marriages are mended.
How to Become a Marriage Counselor
Based on the Bureau of Labor and Statistics Office, there are more than 24,000 employed marriage & family counselors including the part-time and self-employed counselors. The annual salary across all states is $45,310 and may go higher. To be one, you need to have a Master’s Degree in marriage & family counseling which consists of a 2 or 3 year program. It usually covers adolescent psychology, group therapy, human growth, development and sexuality, marriage and family systems and principles and techniques of counselling to name a few.
There are several online schools to research if you want to become a marriage counselor. Phoenix.edu, Capella.edu, LibertyOnlineCounseling.com, Argosy.com and many others advertise online programs to become accredited marriage counselors. However, be sure to check with your local and state agencies that regulate these services to be sure that you are enrolled in a program that will provide you the proper credential for your community once you have graduated.
Remember, there is no shame in needing help from a marriage counselor, any more than needing the occasional services of a rehab center or taking life coaching courses. Counseling is available to help you enjoy a greater degree of peace today.