M ARRIAGE AND F AMILY T HERAPISTS By: Shoshana Conley

T ASKS & C ONDITIONS : Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders. Determine the nature of the disorder, whether it is cognitive, affective, or behavioral. Apply clinical techniques to work with clients and develop treatment plans. Keep accurate and up-to- date reports of client meetings and professional support. Refer clients to other professionals if necessary. Keep up to date with new and improved treatment methods and techniques.

I NTERESTS Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others. Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules. Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

S KILLS Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. Talking to others to convey information effectively. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences. Actively looking for ways to help people. Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

G ROSS S ALARY :

E DUCATION N EEDED : Education and training requirements for counselors are often very detailed and vary by State and specialty, but a master’s degree usually is required to become a licensed counselor. Counselor education programs in colleges and universities often are found in departments of education, psychology, or human services. Fields of study may include college student affairs, elementary or secondary school counseling, education, gerontological counseling, marriage and family therapy, substance abuse or addictions counseling, rehabilitation counseling, agency or community counseling, clinical mental health counseling, career counseling, and related fields

R EAL B USINESSES :

F ASTEST G ROWING O CCUPATIONS : 2010 National Employment Matrix title and code EmploymentChange, Median annual wage, Marriage and family therapist ,720

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