To be a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMT), you must pass the written portion of the certification exam. There are many ways you can take the test and the most popular way is online. You simply register online with a testing site, pay the fee, and then you’ll be sent a code that you need to enter on your computer. Then you’ll receive a login ID, password, and a PIN number for your electronic score card.
There are a few things to remember about taking the exams. First, take your time. It’s easy to become anxious while waiting for the results, but you’ll be pleased you took your time when you see the certificates. Some LMTs offer a review of previous exams and will let you know which ones you didn’t pass. This may make the difference between getting your license and not getting it.
Next, when working with clients, you’ll need to do a couple of tasks. You’ll need to help the client remember what the main issues were in their past relationship and help them identify new negative behaviors. Some of these include: anger, blame, guilt, resentment, disrespect, blame, estrangement, distance, lack of closeness, communication problems, trust issues, and dishonesty. As an Online Marriage and Family Therapist, you’ll help the client explore and work through these issues so they can overcome them.
In addition, you’ll need to keep a record of the activities that your client does online. The records will include all online conversations and interactions between your client and the therapist. You’ll need to keep track of the length of time that each session runs. Generally, you’ll want to aim for at least an hour, though shorter sessions may be appropriate depending on the individual. When scheduling sessions, think about times when both of you are available. If possible, try to arrange for the therapist to be available at a time when your client is available, but that doesn’t always happen.
Once you’ve worked with a couple of clients, you’ll begin to notice some patterns that they bring about in terms of their difficulties. These include: being too attached to their problems, resisting change, being perfectionists, having unrealistic expectations, not wanting to make changes, having unrealistic hopes, and comparing themselves to others. To be a good Marriage and Family Therapist, you’ll have to work to change these behaviors so your client feels less overwhelmed and more equipped to deal with typical conflicts in their lives.
After you obtain your license to become a Marriage and Family Therapist from your state’s Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, it’s important to work towards continuing education credits. This will ensure that you continue to work in good standing with your state’s licensing boards and agencies. Most states require a minimum number of hours of training and practice before you can apply for certification. If you work in enough states to meet this requirement, you’ll be able to continue your work as a Marriage and Family Therapist even if you move to another state.
It should be relatively easy to find a state where you can sit for the Marriage and Family Therapy licensing exams. In order to work as a Marriage and Family Therapist, you’ll need to work for at least two years in good standing with a state board of marriage and family therapy before you can take the licensing exams. Your state may even have a specific deadline for you to begin your training. You can learn more about your state’s licensing requirements by visiting their website. Once you’ve decided which state you’d like to work in, you can get started on the application process immediately. Make sure that you have all of the necessary paperwork in place before you start so that everything will be completed in a timely manner.
