Thursday, November 22, 2012
Marriage and Family Therapist or Psychologist?
Someone looking for a therapist recently asked me, "What's the difference if we see a marriage and family therapist or a psychologist?" This person wants to work on her marriage, yet didn't really know how to find a good therapist or what would be best for her. I observed how stressful and overwhelming this process could be for a new client. At first I stumbled trying to answer her question, and then I got into it.
Think of it this way, I said, "When a couple begins therapy with a MFT, most likely the relationship will be the focus of conversation. But, the therapist will also want to know about the broader influences on the couple as well. They will probably look for patterns, and effects, and solutions. They will try to see life from each person's perspective. This therapist will probably use collaborative language, and honor that you are the expert on your life.
From what I understand, a psychologist will also be interested in talking about the relationship, but at some point may begin to focus on each individual. They may look to see what is negatively affecting the relationship, what each person could 'fix' about themselves, and often end the sessions with a diagnosis signifying a sort of 'character flaw'. You may leave feeling as though this therapist knows better than you want you need. It may seem that the therapist is privileged to information you don't have and will be an expert on how to change your life".
Neither approach is good, bad, or better. There are some really great therapists from both orientations. I just think it's really important to be an informed consumer. I'm so glad she asked this question.
www.connectedliving-fl.com
Dr Corinne Scholtz, LMFT
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. Marriage Counseling
ReplyDeleteYour blog is really impressive, you included much knowledge for us. It genuinely had good content. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeletemarriage proposals sri lanka
Eating disorders counselor Columbus Ohio Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our.
ReplyDeleteMaryam I Love U
DeleteA very excellent blog post. I am thankful for your blog post. I have found a lot of approaches after visiting your post. counselling vernon
ReplyDeleteYou have worked nicely with your insights that makes our work easy. The information you have provided is really factual and significant for us. Keep sharing these types of article, Thank you. Spells To Stop A Break Up
ReplyDeleteYou have worked nicely with your insights that makes our work easy. The information you have provided is really factual and significant for us. Keep sharing these types of article, Thank you. Family lawyer New Orleans
ReplyDeleteI generally want quality content and I found that in your post. The information you have shared about Trance Mediumship Course.is beneficial and significant for us. Keep sharing these kinds of articles here. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI generally check this kind of article and I found your article which is related to my interest.Psychologist cape town Genuinely it is good and instructive information. Thankful to you for sharing an article like this.
ReplyDeleteYou are providing good knowledge. It is really helpful and factual to increase one's knowledge. Well you should check this out too Online Psychological Consultancy Services. And again please continue sharing your data it's really helpful. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this article that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteMarriage Counseling Ashburn