Sally Olshan, M.F.T.
M.F.T. Information
In the Golden State of California, record numbers of citizens are seeking treatment for mental disorders that affect their work performance and personal lives. Personal and family stresses are greater, expectations for quality of life are higher, and access to qualified mental healthcare providers has improved as society has come to recognize the impact of mental health on physical well-being.
Millions of American adults have a serious mental disorder other than substance abuse. These mental illnesses cost society billions of dollars annually.
Mental illness can be as disabling to an individual as a serious heart condition and often more disabling than other chronic physical illnesses such as respiratory problems or diabetes.
Of all the reasons that individuals seek help, nearly half directly relate to interpersonal relationship problems, including marital issues, child-rearing difficulties, family and work related conflicts.
Patients who are treated by marriage and family therapists are more productive at work, visit their doctors less often, and have lower average lengths of stay at in-patient facilities.
MFTs are...
...Core mental health practitioners who are educated and trained to help with
relationship
difficulties
diagnosis and
treatment of mental disorders
emotional problems of
individuals, couples, families and groups
...Licensed by the State of California and must undergo extensive education, training, clinical fieldwork and pass two rigorous exams to demonstrate professional competency.
Marriage and family therapy includes…
...The examination of interpersonal relationships for the purpose of achieving adequate and satisfying adjustments toward a more productive marriage and family.
...Relationship and premarital counseling
...But is not limited to, the use of applied psychotherapeutic techniques, to enable individuals to mature and grow within marriage and the family.
...But is not limited to explanations and interpretations of the psychosexual and psychosocial aspects of relationships.
Therapeutic techniques used by MFTs include...
...Crises intervention
...Brief, focused psychotherapy to resolve problems or reduce symptoms in the shortest period of time
...More intensive, long term treatment that may be necessary to cure or relieve mental or emotional conditions
Marriage and family therapists may work with...
...Individuals
...Couples
...Families
...Children and Adolescents
...The Elderly
Marriage and family therapists can work in...
...Private practices
...California courts
...California schools
...Child protective services
...Mental health treatment centers
...Research centers
...Organizations
