What types of therapy can an MFT do?

[Tessie]

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Hello, a senior undergraduate and I'm in the process of applying to eight graduate programs for marriage and family therapy. I would REALLY appreciate it if any MFT student/ MFTs could be kind enough to answer my questions.

I just had my first interview for an MFT program yesterday. Afterwords, I felt very excited, but also a little doubtful that I'll be able to do exactly what I want to do as a marriage and family therapist. The program seems great, but I'm very interested in specializing in treating anxiety and mood disorders in children and adolescents, and I didn't get much feedback as to whether I'll be well prepared to do this as an MFT.

Anyway, I was searching online for MFTs that seem to be doing exactly what I want to do (treating anxiety and mood disorders). My question is, then: As far as treating anxiety and mood disorders, can an MFT use techniques such as exposure therapy, CBT, client-centered talk therapy, etc.? From what I've researched, it seems that MFTs use more general therapy techniques, and it is the clinical psychologists that use more specific techniques such as these. Is this true? Or can MFTs just as well use these more specific types of techniques?

(I know that, of course, MFTs work with a large variety of other family and couples issues, and I am interested in doing this, as well). I just really want to be sure that I don't realize that I've made a mistake once it's too late, and that I should have actually pursued a doctorate in clinical psychology.

I apologize for such a long, complicated post and again, I'd be so grateful if anyone could take the time to answer my questions.

THANK YOU!!!

 

[erg923]

That is generally true, but there is no reason yo can't utilize these techniques assuming you learn about them thoroughly and get proper training and supervision in utilizing them. That will probably takes some extra effort and seeking of resources/training on your part over and above your standards training curricullum.

 

[Tessie]

okay, great, thanks erg923! Can I ask you, what program are you in right now/ which program did you complete?

thanks again!

(also, I'd really like to hear from others who have gone through MFT training before or are right now: what did they teach you as far as therapy techniques?)

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I know a couple of MFT programs, and they were family systems based. That doesn't mean they all are, but it seems like a popular approach. Within that framework the students use a number of different techniques. Definitely inquire with the school and some professors about the training and what most people do coming out of each program.

 

[erg923]

I am fourth year Ph.D. in clinical psych.

 

[lookitssara]

Well there's a difference between: being able to do it legally, finding a position (private or otherwise) where you get to, and being well-trained in it.

For the first one, I believe yes. For the second, you need to have proof of such training and experience. For the third, you may want to make sure the programs you are looking for are going to provide this for you. From my understanding (not personally in a clinical program, but my supervisor is an LMFT), marriage and family therapists don't usually do that sort of thing. Where they may commonly come into play there, is helping a family improve functioning and understanding when a child or adolescent has one of those disorders.

Sorry to be so long winded: I'm just trying to say that you should really make sure the program is going to offer you those opportunities.

 

[Tessie]

I see. Okay, well thank you all so much, that's really helpful! I'll be sure to check with all the programs I applied to and make sure they include that type of training.

Also, lookitssara, do you think your supervisor would be up to answering some questions for me? Is there a way I could get into contact with him/ her?

Thanks again everyone!