Marriage and Family Therapy
Marriage and Family Counseling Research Paper
COUN 501-B43-Couselor Professional Identity, Function, and Ethics
Denna Harrison
Liberty University
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
Fall 2012
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine the field of marriage and family counseling beginning with the history and development of the profession and its importance in the field of counseling. This paper will also evaluate five major themes relevant to Marriage and Family Therapy which include: ethical dilemmas in marriage and family counseling, premarital counseling qualifications of marriage and family therapists including licensure and certification. The biblical insight related to marriage and family therapy will also be explored as well as my personal reflections about this topic.
History and Development of Marriage Counseling
Marriage counseling was established in the early 1930's. Counselors recognized the advantages and effectiveness of treating married couples in joined sessions. This growing appreciation for patterns of relationships in families led to numerous studies on marital conflict and dynamics and the effects on children's development. In 1932, there were three marital clinics said to open. They worked with individuals and their difficulties adhering to traditional gender role expectations. Developed and founded in the late 1970’s was the Marriage and Family Therapy’s code of ethics which is called The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). The organization's philosophy was that marriage and family therapy were two separate areas, each with their own histories, concepts and differing practices. (AAMFT, 2012)
Introduction of Marriage and Family Counseling
Counseling is to help persons understand and clarify their views of their life space, and to learn to reach their self-determined goals through meaningful, well-informed choices and through resolution or problems of an emotional or interpersonal
COUN 501-B43-Couselor Professional Identity, Function, and Ethics
Denna Harrison
Liberty University
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
Fall 2012
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine the field of marriage and family counseling beginning with the history and development of the profession and its importance in the field of counseling. This paper will also evaluate five major themes relevant to Marriage and Family Therapy which include: ethical dilemmas in marriage and family counseling, premarital counseling qualifications of marriage and family therapists including licensure and certification. The biblical insight related to marriage and family therapy will also be explored as well as my personal reflections about this topic.
History and Development of Marriage Counseling
Marriage counseling was established in the early 1930's. Counselors recognized the advantages and effectiveness of treating married couples in joined sessions. This growing appreciation for patterns of relationships in families led to numerous studies on marital conflict and dynamics and the effects on children's development. In 1932, there were three marital clinics said to open. They worked with individuals and their difficulties adhering to traditional gender role expectations. Developed and founded in the late 1970’s was the Marriage and Family Therapy’s code of ethics which is called The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). The organization's philosophy was that marriage and family therapy were two separate areas, each with their own histories, concepts and differing practices. (AAMFT, 2012)
Introduction of Marriage and Family Counseling
Counseling is to help persons understand and clarify their views of their life space, and to learn to reach their self-determined goals through meaningful, well-informed choices and through resolution or problems of an emotional or interpersonal
References: Burks, H.M. and Stefflre, B, (eds) (1979). Theories of Counseling, New York: McGraw-Hill Clinton & Ohlschlager (2002). Competent Christian counseling: Foundations and practice of compassionate soul care. Colorado Springs, CO: WaterBrook Press. ISBN: 1578565170. Corey, Corey, & Callanan (2011) ACA code of ethics (2005), Retrieved September 10, 2012 from http://www.counseling.org Hines, P Wright. N (1992) The Premarital Counseling Handbook: Moody Publishers ISBN- 0802463827 National Directory of Marriage and Family Counseling Retrieved September 20, 2012 from www.counsel-search.com