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 CounselorMarriage & Family TherapistSchool 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 Advantageallows you to train in

multiple disciplines, all in one location – usually with no additional coursework.

THE

The MFT OptionWhat, 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

Individual

Family

Community/Culture

The MFT DifferenceMFTs are trained to think

systemically – to see each individual in the context of group membership & influence (friends, family, co-workers, culture, etc.)

ME

WORK

FAMILY

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 childConduct parent training with the

mother & fatherProvide couple therapy to the

parentsWork with family subsystems such

as siblingsProvide family therapy to facilitate

whole family functioning

Why Study MFT? Expanded Practice Options

Skills to 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 = MarketabilityAvg MFT 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 lifespanYou 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.MFT

School Counseli

ngLPC

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 can I get information?

AAMFT.org is a great place to startDr. Hal Barkley (Counseling

Program Director)Dr. Gay McAlister (Internship

Director)Your academic advisor