Career In Marriage Counseling

A career in marriage counseling can be both lucrative and rewarding. Professionals typically earn salaries in the middle 30s to the middle 60s depending on degrees and place of employment. Counselors are highly trained to help couples in crisis work through emotional conflicts and hopefully reach a point of reconciliation. The work is rewarding in that therapists can help husbands and wives avoid joining the ranks of couples who choose to permanently end relationships. Divorce not only has devastating affects on spouses, but also adverse impacts on children, extended family and the community at large. Aside from the emotional and economic turmoil troubled couples produce, a byproduct of divorce is troubled youth. At-risk children may perform poorly in school or drop out altogether. Drop-outs will not be qualified to meet the demands of higher paying jobs. A shortage of qualified workers adversely impacts a nation's economy. Additionally, the stability of the traditional family unit is compromised as children of divorced parents are more likely to fail at their own marriages than those from two-parent homes. A career in marriage counseling could place an individual in the unique position of "rescuing" future generations by helping couples resolve issues and stay married. "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14).



Educational qualifications for individuals seeking a career in marriage counseling include a minimum of a master's degree from an accredited university or college, and two years of practical clinical experience under supervision. Master's degrees earned in guidance and counseling, sociology or human relations are usually acceptable. During a graduate's practicum, students have the opportunity to observe professionals interacting with clients as they are being interviewed. A student might also have access to privileged or confidential information and must comply with certain ethics. Sharing client information is strictly prohibited, just as in a doctor/patient or attorney/client relationship. After an extended period of time, clinical experiences should enable students pursuing a career in marriage counseling a chance to interact with a select number of clients with minimal supervision and input from a senior counselor.



In addition to degree requirements, most states require professionals to take continuing education courses to keep licenses current. State licensing agents determine the curricula and credits awarded for continuing education courses offered throughout the year. Most licensed practitioners pursuing a career in marriage counseling attend evening or weekend courses at local colleges or universities or enroll online. Professional counselors and therapists must pass a written exam for renewing licenses, typically every three or four years. The cost for attending continuing education courses online or in person is the responsibility of the counselor. Occasionally, continuing education credits are given for attendance at certain career seminars or conferences. Interested parties can benefit by attending such educational programs to help meet state requirements.



Due to increased divorce rates in the U.S. and abroad, there is an increased need for people seeking a career in marriage counseling. Local public and private social service agencies and clinics; some churches, non-profit agencies, and religious organizations; and public and private companies may employ marriage counselors. Those who elect to go into private practice and undertake a career in marriage counseling may find ample opportunity to make a good income. Private practitioners may offer one-on-one sessions on a fee-based program with couples in crisis over a short or long term. Group sessions are the least expensive, while intensive weekend or week-long interventions at a resort or secluded setting can get quite pricey. Sessions are usually initiated by one spouse and followed by meetings with husbands and wives present to assess concerns. Skilled professionals can ascertain individual grievances and help guide partners towards a mutual understanding of relevant issues and how to resolve them. Therapies include behavior modification, mediation, or conflict resolution.



Unlike secular therapists, Christian counselors use biblically-based principles to aid couples in marital crisis. They reason that the best advice comes not only from textbooks, but also from the Book, the Holy Word of God. Most marital conflicts can be addressed by guiding couples through the scriptures; applying biblical principles to resolve differences; or helping husbands and wives forgive one another through mediation. Born-again believers in Jesus Christ often feel more comfortable dealing with a Christian therapist rather than secular agencies. Spirit-led counsel gets to the core of marital conflict by applying tried and true biblical wisdom, knowledge and understanding to help husbands and wives reconcile differences and find the way back to marital harmony. "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple" (Psalm 119:130).



Individuals interested in pursuing a career in marriage counseling may browse websites from colleges and universities or private organizations. Prospective students should be sure to enroll in an accredited institution to ensure the best possible education and to safeguard their professional reputation. Institutions may award certificates or diplomas based on the level of expertise. Certified counselors can find employment at public and private social service agencies, but cannot expect to earn the same salary as a professional, especially those who hold doctoral degrees. Becoming certified, securing employment, and then enrolling in programs which offer higher educational degrees might be a viable option for those seeking career advancement. By enrolling in an accredited institution, pursuing continuing education credits, and staying current on licensing requirements, therapists can expect to reap the rewards of a lucrative occupation for decades. The potential to help thousands of troubled couples resolve marital conflicts exists, ensuring the future viability of the traditional family and society at large.