What Is A Marriage and Family Therapist and How Can They Help Me Feel Better?

Professionals in the mental health field may have different areas of focus.  Psychiatrists often times focus on medication management and at risk concerns.  Case managers will often serve at the hub of connection between different therapeutic team members.  School based counselors will often be available at school to help reduce symptoms in a school based setting. Social Workers can provide resources and often provide therapeutic services as well. While there are many different titles that therapeutic professionals may possess, in this post we are going to focus on Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT)

How Do I Know If a Therapist is The Right Fit For Me

When you conclude a meeting and reflect on the last hour, you should feel heard by your therapist.  In a perfect world, hopefully you gained a tool or attained a deeper understanding of the topic that was discussed.  Perhaps you feel lighter after leaving or feel a greater sense of self or ability.  Hopefully you left the meeting feeling connected and looking forward to the progress that could continue in the future.  Some or all of these possibilities could be reminders that you're meeting with the right fit.  However, if you're regularly leaving the session feeling more symptomatic or concerned about feeling heard than it could be a sign of a unbalanced relationship. 

What Does a Marriage and Family Therapist Do?

Despite the name, Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) can work with individuals, couples, groups, and family members.  Each professional will specialize in working in some areas more than others but the professional license does not exclude anyone.  In fact, in the state of California, most LMFTs offer more individual services than in any other modality.   In the state of California, MFTs do not prescribe medication, but they may participate in helping individuals notice changes and can assist with symptom management.  Marriage and Family Therapists can provide a safe and comforting space to minimize mental health symptoms and process life events.  

What Can You Offer?

Through the use of various psychotherapy methods and collaborative treatment measures, my clients develop life-changing habits to help them cope with any of life’s various obstacles. My therapy sessions are designed to teach,model, and coach people through their struggles and provide clients with effective tools to help them in all facets of their life.  I provide clients with references and resources to assist them on their own therapeutic journey at home. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about therapy or the specific services I provide.  

Stay Well,

Author

Megan Bowling, M.A., LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has been in the mental health field for more than ten years and is passionate to share mental health wellness strategies. ​