Master of Science in Counseling “Where the Pieces Come Together”

The SMU Advantage: 1 program + 3 track options + 2 specialization areas + Numerous elective courses = Maximum Marketability & Earning Potential

How the SMU Advantage Works One program, three track options: Licensed Professional Counselor Marriage & Family Therapist School Counselor Plus two specialization areas: Licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDC) Child & Play counseling Plus, numerous elective courses, summer courses at SMU-in-Taos, and study abroad opportunities

SMU Advantage allows you to train in multiple disciplines, all in one location – usually with no additional coursework. THE

The MFT Option What, Why, Who, How, & Where?

What is Marriage & Family Therapy? An approach to mental, emotional, and behavioral health that emphasizes the importance of relationships to individuals, couples, families, and larger groups Individual Family Community/Culture

The MFT Difference systemically MFTs are trained to think systemically – to see each individual in the context of group membership & influence (friends, family, co-workers, culture, etc.) ME WORK FAMILY

What do MFTs do? Work with individuals, couples, families, & groups in agency & private practice settings Address mental and behavioral health issues Promote mental, emotional, & relational functioning

Why Study MFT? Expanded Treatment Options Imagine an individual client comes to you to discuss conduct problems with her children. As she talks, you realize there are problems in her marriage that may create a tense home environment.

Why Study MFT? Enhanced Expertise As an MFT, you can: Do play therapy with the child Conduct parent training with the mother & father Provide couple therapy to the parents Work with family subsystems such as siblings Provide family therapy to facilitate whole family functioning

Why Study MFT? Expanded Practice Options Skills to treat individuals, couples, families & groups Competence to work with multiple ages, backgrounds, and complex problems involving multiple people Ability to offer effective brief therapy models

Why Study MFT? Financial Rewards! Versatility = Marketability Avg MFT Salary = $54,936 Avg LPC Salary = $47,350 Avg income dual license w/LMFT = $58,093 Top 10% of LMFT salaries avg $70,830 Sources: 2002 AAMFT Practice Research Survey Psychotherapy Finances Fee, Practice and Managed Care Survey (2000) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2009)

Why Study MFT? A Competitive Edge! Anticipated 30% occupational growth rate through 2016 (nationally) There are about ¼ as many MFTs as LPCs in Texas = MFT is less saturated as a field & MFT skills are in scarce supply when compared to market demand. MFTs can work in agencies, group or private practice, EAPS, hospitals & medical settings, the penal system, courts, divorce mediation, and as business consultants. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2009)

Who Should Study MFT? MFT may be right for you if… You think a lot about how families & other important relationships affect individual functioning & quality of life You are invested in improving relationships such as couples and parent- child relationships You want to work across the lifespan You like the idea of helping whole systems at the same time

How do I Study MFT at SMU? You have several options to suit your interests! LMFT Track – prepares you for LMFT licensure with room left over for electives LMFT Track – prepares you for LMFT licensure with room left over for electives LPC/LMFT Dual Track – prepares you for dual licensure in 60 hours (no added coursework) LPC/LMFT Dual Track – prepares you for dual licensure in 60 hours (no added coursework) LMFT Electives – prepare you to think systemically and work with relational issues within LPC or School Counselor licensure. LMFT Electives – prepare you to think systemically and work with relational issues within LPC or School Counselor licensure.

Do I HAVE to study MFT? Absolutely not! SMU Advantage The MFT option is one of the many components of the SMU Advantage: Being able to choose one discipline or combine multiple disciplines to suit your interests and career goals. MFT School Counseling LPC

Can I get help with… Knowing more about client contact requirements? Identifying good MFT internships? Understanding licensure requirements? YES! Dr. Keeling is your “go to” source for all things MFT. SHAMELESS MFT PROMOTER!!

Where else can I get information? AAMFT.org is a great place to start Dr. Hal Barkley (Counseling Program Director) Dr. Gay McAlister (Internship Director) Your academic advisor