Ann Nielsen

Chapter: BYU-Idaho
School: BYU-Idaho- Online
Learning
City: Rexburg
State: Utah
National Region: Pacific Region
Career Investigated: Marriage
and Family Therapy
Table of Contents

• Slide 3: Planning Process

• Slides 4-7: Self Assessment
• Slides 8-21: Evidence of Career Research
• Slides 22-24: Experience with Industry
• Slides 25-31: Samples of School Work & Schooling Requirements
• Slides 32-33: Career Planning
• Slide 34-35:Works Cited
FCCLA Planning Process Summary Sheet
• Identify concerns: What is a Marriage and Family Therapist? When is Marriage and Family Therapy needed? How
does it work? What are the Qualifications to be a Marriage and Family Therapist? Why use one?
• Goal: Learn about Marriage and Family Therapy
• Form a plan: Define what Marriage and Family is exactly, the experience/skills needed/ education and certificates
needed, the working conditions, the salary expectations, and what the expected job growth is.
• Act: I will interview Royal Nelson, a Licensed Clinical Therapist.
I plan to use typefocus, lbs.org, BYU-Idaho courses, AAFCS, career finders, bls.gov, study.com, aamft.com,
psychologytoday.com, and the class textbook “Foundations of Family and Consumer Science.”
• Evaluation: After this evaluation this class did hold interest to me and I plan to finish my bacholers’ in Marriage and
Family Counseling however, I am very interested in doing my masters in Licensed Clinical Therapy after
interviewing Royal Nelson.
• Follow-up: Perform the research needed to identify the following: 1. Research information - dig in for 2 hours. 2.
Compile data and other information in a clear way for 3 hours. 3. Reflect on findings and interest for 2 hours. 4.
Create video presentation visuals for 4 hours. 5. Record video for 2 hours. 6. Share information with peers and
family for 1 hour.
Section 1:
Self-Assessment
Section 1: Self-Assessment

My name is Ann Nielsen, I am from Fountain Green, Utah were I was born
and raised as a farmer's daughter were I was taught to work hard.

I love solving problems and helping others. I love to listen to their problems
and figure out a way to fix them.

I also love to learn and teach people what I have learned.

I love my family and know that the earth was created for families. I also
know that families are being severed by evil forces and I want to help
families to be able to overcome those hard times and stay together. There
is
nothing more beautiful or happier than being a part of a family.
Section 1: Self-Assessment

My Interest
I took a personal assessment test that resulted my personality, my
interests, values, and skills almost perfectly. They resulted in one of my
careers as a Marriage and Family Therapist. This was exciting because this
is what I what I am working on for my bachelors degree. I would like to
share with you what my results are.

With the Interests, I got a 55 percent in investigative which I believe is very

accurate because I am always finding myself wondering and trying to figure
things out. With social, I got 50 percent that I also have to agree with
because I do like to teach and serve others. Conventional and artistic I got
46
percent which is not too far behind social and investigative and I have to
agree with the conventional, I do like following guidelines it feels safe that
way and I know what I am getting into however, it is not as fun. As far as
artistic goes I love writing songs, but I don’t have enough patients to finish
them. (Type-Focus, 2020)
Section 1: Self-Assessment

My Value Under values, I picked working conditions as my first choice because it

is very important to me to have a job and stability. I also picked
achievement because I love to learn, grow, and achieve different things
because it helps me feel of worth and it is part of being a human. I also
like to be independent, to have the freedom to make my own decisions
especially when it comes to working on a project that I put my heart and
soul into. (Type-Focus, 2020).
Personality
One of my personality occupations was a Marriage and Family Therapist.
The education required is a master’s degree in psychology. Marriage and
family therapy teach others how marriages and families function and how to
function properly in order to keep marriages and families together. (Stastics,
2020) This is great for me because marriage and family is number one on
this earth and it is being attacked from every element possible. I want to
help keep marriages and families together.
Section 2:
Evidence of
Career Research
Section 2: Evidence of Career Research
Marriage and Family Therapy
What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?

Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is brief, solution-focused, specific, with attainable
therapeutic goals, designed with the end in mind (Therapy, 2020). MFT is a form of
psychotherapy that addresses the behaviors of all family members and the way these
behaviors affect not only individual family members, but also relationships between family
members and the family unit as a whole. As such, treatment is usually divided between
time spent on individual therapy and time spent on couple therapy, family therapy, or
both, if necessary. MFT may also be referred to as couple and family therapy, couple
counseling, marriage counseling, or family counseling. (Today, 2020)
Section 2: Evidence of Career Research

When Is Marriage and Family Therapy Needed?

The range of physical and psychological problems treated by MFT include marital and
couple conflict, parent and child conflict, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual dysfunction,
grief, distress, eating disorders and weight issues, children’s behavior problems, and
issues with eldercare, such as coping with a parent’s or grandparent’s dementia,
individual psychological problems, and child-parent problems (Therapy, 2020) MFT
practitioners also work with mental-health issues such as a family member’s depression,
anxiety, or schizophrenia, affective mood disorders, anorexia, childhood autism, chronic
physical illness, marital distress and conflict, and the impact these issues have on the rest
of the family. (Today, 2020) (Therapy, 2020)
Section 2: Evidence of Career Research
How Marriage and Family Services Work?

A licensed marriage and family therapist diagnoses and treats mental and emotional disorders, whether
cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. They do this by applying
psychotherapeutic and family system theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples,
and families for purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders. (Stastics, 2018)

MFT is normally short-term therapy consisting of an average of 12 to 50 sessions (Study.com, 2020). More
sessions may be required, however, depending on the nature and severity of the problem(s). Marriage and
family therapists regularly practice short-term therapy; 12 sessions on average. Nearly 65.6% of the cases are
completed within 20 sessions, 87.9% within 50 sessions. Marital/couples therapy (11.5 sessions) and family
therapy (9 sessions) both require less time than the average individuated treatment (13 sessions). About half of
the treatment provided by marriage and family therapists is one-on-one with the other half divided between
marital/couple and family therapy, or a combination of treatments. (Therapy, 2020)
Section 2: Evidence of Career Research
How Marriage and Family Services Work?

In couple or marriage counseling, the therapist will begin by meeting with both partners and then spend
some time with each individual. In family therapy, the therapist will also begin by meeting with the entire
family and then, if appropriate, meet separately with individual family members. The first session is
generally for information gathering, so the therapist can learn about the problem that brought you to
therapy, get the thoughts of everyone involved, and observe couple/family dynamics. At the same time,
you should be able to get a clear sense of the therapist’s role and competency, the goals of treatment,
and any “rules” to be observed in and out of sessions, such as who should attend which sessions and
confidentiality of any information shared between and among partners or family members and the
therapist. Over time, you will identify individual family roles and behaviors that contribute to conflicts,
identify specific challenges, and explore ways to actively resolve issues. (Today, 2020)
Section 2: Evidence of Career Research

What Are The Qualifications To Be A Marriage And Family Therapist?

Aspiring marriage and family therapists will need to be licensed in their state of residence. According to the U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics (BLS), the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the Occupational Information
Network, typical requirements include a master's degree in a field related to marriage and family therapy, like psychiatry,
psychology, clinical social work or other fields. Two years of supervised clinical field experiences are also required, as are
passing scores on a state-approved written exam. (Study.com, 2020)

Key skills for marriage and family therapists include good listening and people skills, compassion, the ability to think
critically and solve problems and computer skills, like proficiency with medical software, such as SOS Case Manager and
Anasazi Software Client Data System. (Study.com, 2020)

In May 2018, the BLS reported that the median salary for marriage and family therapists was $50,090 per year. (Study.com,
2020)
Section 2: Evidence of Career Research
Step 1: Bachelor's Degree

Individuals pursuing a career as a marriage and family therapist must first earn a bachelor's degree in order to prepare for
graduate school. Most marriage and family therapy graduate degree programs accept applicants with any major, provided
they've completed prerequisite courses in such areas as human development, research methods and counseling fundamentals.
(Study.com, 2020)

These courses are often available in psychology programs. Curricula introduce students to such principles as how attitudes
and opinions are formed and changed, how people think and learn, how memory works and how personality traits are
identified. Other disciplines that might be beneficial to prospective marriage and family therapists include sociology, human
studies, or another one of the social sciences (Study.com, 2020).
Complete Field or Practical Experiences

In addition to counting toward course requirements for undergraduate psychology programs, these hands-on learning
opportunities help students get into graduate school. Some universities report that successful program applicants have work
experience in the field. (Study.com, 2020)
Section 2: Evidence of Career Research

Step 2: Master's Degree

Marriage and family therapists need at least a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field, such as
psychology or clinical social work. Students should select a program that's accredited by the American Association for
Marriage and Family Therapy, since this designation ensures that a program adheres to national standards.

Course requirements for these programs cover such topics as couples therapy, human sexuality, developmental science,
research methods and systems theory. Curricula will likely take two to three years of full time study, and includes an
extensive clinical practicum and a research thesis. (Study.com, 2020)
Participate in Research Activities

Some master's degree programs offer students opportunities to be members of faculty research teams. These experiences
enable aspiring marriage and family therapists to identify an area of interest, whether it's young adult behavior, treatment
methods for domestic violence, or home-based therapy for couples. (Study.com, 2020)
Section 2: Evidence of Career Research
Step 3: Clinical Experience

Aside from earning a master's degree, all states require marriage and family therapists to complete two years of
clinical experience. Marriage and family therapists can meet these requirements by volunteering their services or
becoming employed by nonprofit, charitable organizations, colleges, private practices, or any other agency that
provides mental health services. A licensed marriage and family therapist, psychologist, or social worker must
supervise this type of work experience. (Study.com, 2020)

Step 4: Licensing Exam

Once they've completed their education and clinical experience, aspiring marriage and family therapists can sit for
their state's licensing exam. Some states issue their own exam, while others use the Examination in Marital and
Family Therapy, which is administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards. This
four-hour, multiple-choice exam evaluates candidates' knowledge of such areas as client diagnosis, ethical
standards, and the development of treatment interventions. (Study.com, 2020)
Section 2: Evidence of Career Research

Step 5: Continuing Education

Marriage and family therapist licenses typically last for a two-year period. In order to renew these credentials,
therapists need to accumulate enough continuing education credits (CEUs). These are available through state-
approved workshops, courses, or online training programs. Marriage and family therapists can also earn
CEUs for their supervising or teaching responsibilities. (Study.com, 2020)

The steps towards becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist include earning a bachelor's degree,
completing a master's degree program, acquiring clinical experience, passing the licensing exam, and
completing continuing education requirements in order to maintain licensure. (Study.com, 2020)
Section 2: Evidence of Career Research
What are working conditions?

Marriage and family therapists help enhance communication and understanding among family
members in order to remedy such problems as alcohol and drug abuse or marital stress. Treatment
usually takes place over the course of anywhere from 12 to 50 sessions and combines individual and
family therapy. Marriage and family therapists work at mental health centers, hospitals, treatment
centers, government departments and postsecondary institutions. They deal with clients who suffer
from severe familial conflicts, so the job is stressful and demanding. Some therapists travel to patient
homes to administer treatment. (Study.com, 2020)
Section 2: Evidence of Career Research
What is the salary expectations in this field?

National estimates for this occupation: Top

Employment estimate and mean wage estimates for this occupation: Percentile wage estimates for this occupation:
Employment (1) Employment Mean hourly Mean annual Wage RSE (3) Percentile 10% 25% 50% 75% 90%

RSE (3) wage wage (2) (Median

48,520 3.7 % $26.03 $54,150 1.2 % )
Hourly Wage $15.31 $18.35 $24.08 $30.43 $39.54
Annual Wage $31,85 $38,17 $50,090 $63,30 $82,24
(2) 0 0 0 0

·
Section 2: Evidence of Career Research
What is the expected job growth in this field?

The outlook for this occupation is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies this as a "Bright
Outlook" occupation because they predict employment will grow much faster than the average for all
occupations between 2016 and 2026. (Stastics, 2018)

Why use a Marriage and Family Therapist?

Studies also show that clients are highly satisfied with services of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Clients report marked improvement in work productivity, co-worker relationships, family relationships,
partner relationships, emotional health, overall health, social life, and community involvement.

In a recent study, consumers report that marriage and family therapists are the mental health
professionals they would most likely recommend to friends. Over 98 percent of clients of marriage
and family therapists report therapy services as good or excellent.(Therapy, 2020)
Section 2: Evidence of Career Research
continued…….

After receiving treatment, almost 90% of clients report an improvement in their emotional health, and nearly
two-thirds report an improvement in their overall physical health. A majority of clients report an
improvement in their functioning at work, and over three-fourths of those receiving marital/couples or family
therapy report an improvement in the couple relationship. When a child is the identified patient, parents
report that their child's behavior improved in 73.7% of the cases, their ability to get along with other children
significantly improved and there was improved performance in school. Marriage and family therapy's
prominence in the mental health field has increased due to its brief, solution-focused treatment, its family-
centered approach, and its demonstrated effectiveness.

Today more than 50,000 marriage and family therapists treat individuals, couples, and families nationwide.
Membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) has grown from 237
members in 1960 to more than 25,500 in 2015. This growth is a result, in part, of renewed public
awareness of the value of family life and concern about the increased stresses on families in a rapidly
changing world. (Therapy, 2020)
Section 3:
Experience with
Industry
Section 2: Experience with Industry
ROYAL NELSON
Job Title: Licensed Clinical Therapist in the HOPE program at the Central
Utah Correctional Facility.

Education? Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, University of

Phoenix, 2012, 3 years.

Why did they choose this FCS Profession? It was the path of least
resistance at the time to stay in his comfort zone and just make more
money doing what he thought he was already doing. Started out working
with at-risk youth because it was a job that fit his needs at the time, and it
was just kind of the natural progression.

Describe their journey to obtaining the job they currently hold? No, he
definitely did not start out with this in mind. He started out as a pre-med
student with ambitions of becoming a medical doctor, or possibly even a
teacher. He got married and real life started, he had to find a job. He
started working in group homes for adjudicated young men and promoted
up the ranks, to eventually becoming the program director. He saw it as a
dead end job with no future or benefits, and at this point his schooling had
been put on the back burner to accommodate raising a family. He saw
getting a degree in counseling as a way to better support his family and so
decided to go back to get his Bachelor in Psychology and Master in Mental
Health Counseling.

What is their favorite part of the job? The schedule. Monday -

Thursday, 6:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Section 2: Experience with Industry
What are some of the greatest challenges? Given the environment
where he works, in a prison, and with the clientele he works with, the
greatest challenge is trying to help people who don't really want to change
or want the help. They buy into the program for the reduced prison
sentence, but have no real desire to make any lasting changes or take
accountability for their own lives.

Do they receive benefits? Yes, he receives benefits. He is a Utah state

employee with insurance and a pension plan.

Pay scale? The pay scale for Licensed Clinical Therapists working for the
Utah Department of Corrections starts at $24.48/hour and goes up from
there per the career ladder.

What are some things they suggest someone focuses on to gain

experience in this field? This is a tough one because as counselors the
experience doesn't come until you are already fully committed and in the
process. That is what the internships and licensing requirements are for.
They help you gain the experience. Apart from actual clinical experience
he suggests that the biggest thing a person seeking a career in counseling
does is to really examine why they are choosing this career field. It
typically is not a glamorous career. It is not lucrative, although it can be
through private practice and LOTS of time, work and effort.
You are working with people who are not at their best, and many times are
at their lowest point in their lives,and are lost. You really need to care and
have empathy towards them and be invested into helping them go through
their trials. The therapeutic relationship is the strongest predictor of
whether or not therapy is successful.
Section 4:
Samples of
School work &
Schooling
Requirements
Section 4:Samples of School work
Family and Consumer Science Timeline
https://byui.instructure.com/courses/113308/assignments/4499137/submissions/29599?download=4351
7300
Psych 111 Field Report Self Study
https://byui.instructure.com/courses/98020/assignments/3813793/submissions/29599?download=35294
864
Psych 111 Field Report Left Side Of The Brain
https://byui.instructure.com/courses/98020/assignments/3813835/submissions/29599?download=35636
274
Psych 111 Field Report Hysterics
https://byui.instructure.com/courses/98020/assignments/3814011/submissions/29599?download=36890
224
CIT 110 Excel
https://byui.instructure.com/courses/108392/assignments/4149053/submissions/29599?download=40160440
FDSCI 201 Natural Disasters
https://byui.instructure.com/courses/80498/assignments/2938701/submissions/29599?download=33699336
Child Welfare - Treatment Plan
https://byui.instructure.com/courses/110084/assignments/4297851/submissions/29599?download=44374444
Section 4:Samples of School work
Child Welfare - Treatment Plan
https://byui.instructure.com/courses/110084/assignments/4297837/submissions/29599?download=4297
3354
FAML 200 Marriage Preparation
https://byui.instructure.com/courses/115966/assignments/4656689/submissions/29599?download=4364
2718
FAML 200 Marriage Preperation
https://byui.instructure.com/courses/115966/assignments/4656695/submissions/29599?download=4381
8816
REL 121 Book of Mormon
https://byui.instructure.com/courses/115966/assignments/4656695/submissions/29599?download=4381
8816
REL 121 Book of Mormon
https://byui.instructure.com/courses/82892/assignments/3075631/submissions/29599?download=28502920
FDINT 211
https://byui.instructure.com/courses/66774/assignments/2321607/submissions/29599?download=25279176
Section 4:Courses
(Use of Family and Consumer Sciences Coursework/standards)

Foundations Requirements - Bachelor Degree

Required - 2.000 GPA - 120 Hours - 30 Res Hours
• Take 14 credits of religion
• Physical Science - Natural Disasters
• Life Science - Environmental Stewardship
• American Foundations - American Foundations
• Cultural Awareness - Global Hotspot: Pakistan
Section 4:Courses
(Use of Family and Consumer Sciences Coursework/standards)

736 Marriage and Family Studies - Bachelor of Science Degree

Intro Marriage & Family Studies
Family Relations
Parenting
Marriage
Money Management
Family Stress and Coping
Family Theories & Dynamics
Family & Community Relationships
Family Practicum
Child and Family Advocacy
Section 4:Courses
(Use of Family and Consumer Sciences Coursework/standards)

736 Marriage and Family Studies - Bachelor of Science Degree

continued……
Research Methods
Developmental Psych Lifespan
Internship
145 Professional General Emphasis
Infant and Toddler Development
Early/Middle Development
Adolescent Development
Communication Essentials
Professional Presentations
Group Dynamics
Section 4:Courses
(Use of Family and Consumer Sciences Coursework/standards)

145 Professional General Emphasis continued……

Persuasion
Conflict Management and Negotiation
The Family
Preparation For Marriage
Intro Family & Consumer Science
General Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Social Psychology
Sociology of the Family
Introduction to Social Work
Section 5:
Career Planning
Section 5:Career Planning
The best degree for Marriage and Family therapy at BYU-I. This also fits in with many Family
Consumer Science degrees that would also work as a bachelor's’ if you wanted to pursue Marriage
and Family as a masters.

The type of professional development opportunities that someone interested in this career field
would be to first realize that the experience doesn’t come until you are already fully committed and
in the process. Second, really examine why they are choosing this career field. It typically is not a
glamorous career. It is not lucrative, although it can be through private practice and LOTS of time,
work and effort.

You are working with people who are not at their best, and many times are at their lowest point in
their lives,and are lost. You really need to care and have empathy towards them and be invested
into helping them go through their trials. The therapeutic relationship is the strongest predictor of
whether or not therapy is successful.
 References
Stastics, U. B. (2018, May). Occupational Employment and Wages, 21-1013 Marriage and

Family Therapists. Retrieved from U.S. Bureau Of Labor Stastics:

https://www.bls.gov/oes/2018/may/oes211013.htm

Works Cited Study.com. (2020, March 5). How to Become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist?

Retrieved from Study.com:

https://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Licensed_Marriage_and_Family_Therapist.h

tml

Therapy, A. A. (2020). About Marriage and Family Therapists. Retrieved from AAMFT:

https://www.aamft.org/About_AAMFT/About_Marriage_and_Family_Therapists.aspx

Today, P. (2020). Marriage and Family Therapy. Retrieved from Pschology Today:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/marriage-and-family-therapy
Works Cited References
Idaho, B. (2020). Academic Catelog. Retrieved from BYU Idaho:

https://www.byui.edu/catalog#/programs/B1N6pweYM?bc=true&bcCurrent=Family%20and

%20Consumer%20Sciences%20Education%20Composite&bcItemType=programs