What is the focus of practice for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists?

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) primarily focus on relationship counseling, specifically addressing issues that arise within the context of familial and romantic relationships. Their training equips them with the skills to understand how individual behaviors and dynamics affect relationships and family systems. These therapists explore patterns of interaction and communication between partners, family members, and other significant relationships, aiming to improve interpersonal dynamics and support healthier relationships.

The emphasis on relationship counseling sets LMFTs apart from practitioners who concentrate more on individual psychotherapy, which focuses solely on the individual’s psychological issues without the broader relational context. While group therapy is conducted in various settings and can include relationships, it is not the singular focus of LMFTs. Similarly, vocational counseling, which aids individuals in career-related issues, does not align with the primary therapeutic focus of LMFTs, who are trained specifically to address relational and family concerns.