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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:
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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 THE allows you to train in multiple disciplines, all in one location – usually with no additional coursework.
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
The MFT Difference • MFTs are trained to think systemically – to see each individual in the context of group membership & influence (friends, family, co-workers, culture, etc.)
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 • Skillsto 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 • AvgMFT 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 • 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.
Do I HAVE to study MFT? Absolutely not! 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.
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 canI get information? • AAMFT.org is a great place to start • Dr. Hal Barkley (Counseling Program Director) • Dr. Gay McAlister (Internship Director) • Your academic advisor