What is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)?

MFTs are mental health professionals trained in Family Systems and Psychotherapy. MFTs are licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders. MFTs focus on the overall, long-term well-being of individuals and their families.

Why use a Marriage and Family Therapist?

The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) says it best:

Research studies repeatedly demonstrate the effectiveness of marriage and family therapy in treating the full range of mental and emotional disorders and health problems. Adolescent drug abuse, depression, alcoholism, obesity and dementia in the elderly -- as well as marital distress and conflict -- are just some of the conditions Marriage and Family Therapists effectively treat.

Research indicates that marriage and family therapy is as effective, and in some cases more effective than standard and/or individual treatments for many mental health problems such as: adult schizophrenia, affective (mood) disorders, adult alcoholism and drug abuse, children's conduct disorders, adolescent drug abuse, anorexia in young adult women, childhood autism, chronic physical illness in adults and children, and marital distress and conflict.

Studies also show that clients are highly satisfied with services of Marriage and Family Therapists. Clients report marked improvement in work productivity, co-worker relationships, family relationships, partner relationships, emotional health, overall health, social life, and community involvement.

In a recent study, consumers report that marriage and family therapists are the mental health professionals they would most likely recommend to friends. Over 98 percent of clients of marriage and family therapists report therapy services as good or excellent.

After receiving treatment, almost 90% of clients report an improvement in their emotional health, and nearly two-thirds report an improvement in their overall physical health. A majority of clients report an improvement in their functioning at work, and over three-fourths of those receiving marital/couples or family therapy report an improvement in the couple relationship. When a child is the identified patient, parents report that their child's behavior improved in 73.7% of the cases, their ability to get along with other children significantly improved and there was improved performance in school. Marriage and family therapy's prominence in the mental health field has increased due to its brief, solution-focused treatment, its family-centered approach, and its demonstrated effectiveness. Marriage and family therapists are licensed in 46 states and are recognized by the federal government as members of a distinct mental health discipline.

What can I expect in therapy?

All sessions are conducted in a confidential setting. The therapist will listen to your story and assist you in setting realistic goals, in a professional and caring environment. Change requires commitment, courage, and consistency—all necessary to reach your goals.

How long will therapy last?

There is no set number of sessions for therapy. It may last a few weeks, months, or longer. The average length of therapy, based on weekly sessions, is from 2 to 6 months. The therapeutic process depends on the readiness and commitment of the client, in addition to the duration and severity of the problem. We will regularly assess how therapy is progressing for you.

What if my partner won't attend? Will it help for me to attend therapy sessions alone?

Absolutely! Partners may believe the therapist will take sides, or they might not feel comfortable opening up to a stranger. Therapy can assist you and be a source of support.

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.

Where is your office? What areas do you serve?

We serve our clients exclusively online, utilizing the tele-mental health program Doxy.me. We can see clients who reside anywhere in Virginia or Kentucky—all via remote counseling. We can also conduct remote sessions for clients residing in one of these states who are temporarily located some place other than Kentucky or Virginia; for example: TDY, TAD, traveling on business or vacation.

Do you offer telephonic sessions?

We do not normally conduct sessions via telephone. Occasional exceptions may be made for existing clients due to extraordinary circumstances. If you would like to discuss the possibility of telephonic sessions, please contact Kay.

How do I get started?