Family, marriage, and other related counsellors provide therapeutic support to individuals, couples, and families to improve relationships and address personal issues. Their key responsibilities include:
- Conducting assessments of clients' needs
- Creating treatment plans
- Providing support through couples therapy or group counseling
- Developing specialized strategies based on clients' unique circumstances
- Helping clients cope with mental illness, emotional disorders, substance abuse, chronic illness, marital distress, and significant life transitions
- Assisting with behavioral disorders and family dynamics
- Developing communication skills and addressing divorce or separation issues[1]
Regarding work-life balance:
- Counsellors typically work between 35 to 40 hours per week
- Work hours may include evenings and weekends to accommodate clients' schedules
- The job can be emotionally demanding, requiring good self-care practices[3]
Maintaining work-life balance can be challenging for counsellors. Many supervisors expect long hours, and the workload often extends beyond regular working hours. This can lead to isolation and impact self-esteem. However, counsellors are encouraged to establish realistic and healthy work-life boundaries that prioritize family time and personal well-being alongside meeting their professional obligations.[22]
How to Become Family, marriage and other related counsellors -
Steps to become a family, marriage, or related counsellor in India:
- Complete 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 50% marks
- Earn a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Counselling, or a related field
- Pursue a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a similar specialization
- Clear competitive exams like NET (National Eligibility Test) or SET (State Eligibility Test)
- Gain relevant experience through internships or work
- Obtain necessary certifications or licenses for specific fields
Key skills and competencies required:
- Compassion and empathy
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Active listening skills
- Organizational skills
- Speaking skills for effective communication with clients[5]
Additional important skills include:
- Analytical thinking for breaking down complex issues
- Problem-solving abilities
- Patience and adaptability
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries
- Business skills for managing private practice
- Continuous learning and professional development[26]
Salary:
The average monthly salary for marriage and family counsellors in India is around INR 50,000. However, salaries can vary based on experience, location, and specialization.[6]
Career Progression:
Counsellors can advance their careers through various paths:
- Moving up in counseling centers or private practices
- Specializing in specific areas of family and relationship counseling
- Transitioning to supervisory or managerial roles
- Starting their own private practice
- Pursuing academic or research positions
Industry Trends and Future Outlook:
- Increasing integration of technology, including teletherapy and online counseling
- Growing focus on diversity and cultural competence in counseling
- Emphasis on specialization and niche services
- Adoption of holistic approaches considering interconnected physical and mental health aspects
- Increased use of evidence-based practices and outcome measurements
- Collaboration with other healthcare professionals in interdisciplinary teams
- Growing awareness and incorporation of trauma-informed care
- Focus on specialized techniques like Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Evolving insurance policies and public initiatives covering mental health services[8]
The future outlook for family, marriage, and related counsellors in India is generally positive. There is a growing demand for qualified professionals in this field, with increasing awareness about mental health issues and a shift in attitudes towards seeking professional help. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of mental health support, creating more opportunities for counsellors across various settings.[11]
Citations:
[1] https://gsep.pepperdine.edu/blog/posts/4-benefits-of-becoming-a-marriage-and-family-therapist.htm
[2] https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/insight/psychology/family-therapists-evolving-role-navigating-modern-relationship-challenges/
[3] https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/2276/ca;jsessionid=6917B81147D308930680F3F9F3BAC26E.jobsearch75
[4] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-relationship-counselor
[5] https://www.ollusa.edu/blog/how-to-become-a-marriage-and-family-therapist.html
[6] https://collegedunia.com/courses/bachelor-of-science-bsc-psychology/types-of-counsellors
[7] https://www.docthub.com/diploma-course-in-counselling-and-family-therapy-CT1899
[8] https://futurelift.in/career-library-details/marriage-and-family-counselor
[9] https://bkwsc.org/certificate-course-in-family-and-marriage-counseling/
[10] https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/marriage-and-family-therapist-salary-SRCH_KO0,29.htm
[11] https://www.scdl.net/blog-details/Opportunity-and-Career-in-Psychological-Counseling.aspx
[12] https://www.mywellnesshub.in/blog/how-effective-is-marriage-counseling-in-india/
[13] https://www.okbu.edu/news/2016/10/career-opportunities-in-marriage-and-family-therapy.html
[14] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/marriage-and-family-therapists.htm
[15] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/should-i-be-marriage-and-family-therapist
[16] https://www.umassglobal.edu/news-and-events/blog/how-to-become-a-marriage-and-family-therapist-steps-to-a-rewarding-career
[17] https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/marriage-and-family-therapist
[18] https://apps.illinoisworknet.com/cis/Clusters/OccupationDetails/100513?parentId=111000§ion=conditions§ionTitle=Working+Conditions
[19] https://ritusingal.com/blog/marriage-and-family-counseling-strengthen-your-relationships-today/
[20] https://www.allpsychologyschools.com/marriage-and-family-therapy/job-description/
[21] https://acu.edu/2020/12/18/4-benefits-of-becoming-a-marriage-and-family-therapist/
[22] https://onlinedegrees.bradley.edu/blog/how-counselors-can-achieve-work-life-balance
[23] https://www.betterteam.com/marriage-and-family-therapist-job-description
[24] https://www.franklin.edu/career-guide/marriage-and-family-therapists/what-do-family-services-counselors-do
[25] https://www.pacificoaks.edu/voices/psychology/how-to-become-a-marriage-and-family-therapist-in-california/
[26] https://txwes.edu/academics/health-professions/graduate-programs/professional-counseling/news--events/department-news/top-five-list/top-five-list-news-archive/5-skills-that-make-you-a-great-candidate-for-a-masters-degree-in-marriage--family-therapy/
[27] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-marriage-counselor
[28] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dic40uslbPM
[29] https://www.franklin.edu/career-guide/marriage-and-family-therapists/what-do-marriage-and-family-therapists-do
[30] https://jessup.edu/blog/academic-success/how-to-become-a-marriage-and-family-therapist/
[31] https://www.mindler.com/blog/how-to-start-a-career-in-counselling/
[32] https://www.online-psychology-degrees.org/list-articles/5-key-skills-of-marriage-and-family-therapists/
[33] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-relationship-counselor
[34] https://www.guidemylife.in/2024/09/22/why-do-you-need-post-marriage-counseling/