Running head: KINGRY CAREER EXPLORATION PAPER 1
Career Exploration Paper
Amber Kingry
Liberty University
Career Exploration Paper
KINGRY CAREER EXPLORATION PAPER 2
The purpose of this paper is to explore the results of the O*Net Interest Profiler taken by
this author. The O*Net Interest Profiler uses the Holland codes to rank an individual’s interest in
six primary categories consisting of realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and
conventional. This author’s top three scores were investigative, artistic and social. What this
reveals is that this author likes searching for facts, figuring our problems, teaching, providing
advice, and appreciates a work environment the allows creativity without following a set of rules.
This fits well with the occupation that this author has chosen to explore from the O*Net which is
occupation 21-1013.00- Marriage and Family Therapists (O*Net, 2012).
Career Field and Occupation of Choice
Marriage and family therapy fits well with the Holland investigative type in that the
marriage and family therapist works with clients to diagnose mental and emotional disorders
within marriages and family systems (O*Net, 2012). They then work to develop a treatment plan
to help treat the decided diagnosis. Since each couple and family are unique, this occupation is
ideally capable with the social and artistic Holland scores as it allows for creativity in working to
investigate and solve issues. As an individual in private practice, a therapist could have the
freedom to set their own hours and schedule.
Nature of Work
According to the O*Net (2012), Marriage and family therapists work to diagnose and
treat behavioral health disorders that impact marital and family systems. Therapists in this field
utilize various psychotherapeutic theories and techniques to help treat those individuals within
these systems. Therapists ask questions to assess and identify the source of the issue that has
brought individuals to counseling and to determine the source of the issue. They counsel
individuals on various issues ranging from unhappy relationships to child rearing and financial
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issues. Therapists work to encourage clients to learn and utilize skills that help them to deal with
their issues in ways that are constructive and healthy.
Therapists must maintain confidential case files that contain information such as progress
notes, assessments and treatment plans or recommendations. These files reflect the process the
therapist has utilized to determine the client’s issue or diagnosis and the treatment plan or plans
that were attempted. This information is obtained through intake interviews, testing, observation
and regularly meetings to discuss problems and progress. Unlike doctors, therapists work with
the client in the development of their treatment plan and though they make recommendations, the
client ultimately calls the shots. Therapists will consult with other therapists, doctors or
behavioral professionals as needed based upon the information gathered. This does not occur in
every case and is based upon each individual situation.
One of the most important aspects of being a therapist is the need to develop and
maintain interpersonal relationships. One must be caring and empathetic to the client’s pain and
issues. These things must be established in order to build trust or without them the therapist is
unable to build the rapport necessary in order to discover the client’s problems and develop an
effective treatment plan.
Working Conditions
Marriage and Family therapist work indoors usually in a hospital, clinic or office setting.
The majority of the time is spent sitting either face to face with the client or behind a desk. The
may provide phone or email consultations but most communication between the therapist and the
client occur face to face. Meetings with clients are usually for a specific duration so the therapist
must be time conscious and well organized in order to remain on schedule and maintain a good
relationship with the client.
KINGRY CAREER EXPLORATION PAPER 4
Therapists today utilize many different forms of technology including computers,
accounting software, email, spreadsheets and the internet. Some therapists utilize voice recorders
during sessions while others may use good old fashion pen and paper. It is the therapists choice
as to which they prefer.
Preparation and Qualifications
Preparation for the career of a Marriage and Family Therapists is quite extensive. The
minimum of a Master’s degree is required for most therapists and some may even require that the
individual obtain a post-master’s degree such as a Ph.D. Therapists are required to have
extensive knowledge, skill and in many cases at least five years of hands on experience. This is
usually performed as part of a supervised portion of training that occurs after an individual
obtains their Master’s degree. Georgia requires that the perspective counselor complete an
internship (CareerOneStop, 2014).
In addition to obvious schooling and state licensures, a therapist must also have good
interpersonal skills such as active listening and learning, critical thinking, and complex problem
solving to name a few. Possession of good communication skills such as writing and public
speaking are also necessary. Unlike therapists from a couple of decades ago, today’s therapists
must also possess knowledge of computers and electronics as more and more issues are related to
the internet.
Opportunities and Future Outlook
In 2013 the median wages for this occupation was $48,160 (O*Net, 2012). Overall, this
occupation is growing at a faster than the national average at a rate of 22% and higher. In the
state where this author lives, Georgia, the median salary is slightly higher than the national
average at $52,400 (CareerOneStop, 2014). Additionally, the increase in therapists in Georgia is
KINGRY CAREER EXPLORATION PAPER 5
growing considerably faster than the national average at a rate of 55% (CareerOneStop, 2014).
This occupation has a bright future in the state that this author resides.
The number of people seeking help with issues, mental and emotional, is rapidly
increasing compared to previous decades. Individuals have come to recognize the value of
therapy and seek it more openly than ever before. This has made a substantial impact on the
growth of marriage and family therapy.
Economic and Non-Economic Benefits
The occupation of Marriage and Family therapy provides an essential service to any
community by not only helping individuals deal with emotional and mental issues, but also by
helping individuals develop better problem solving skills, communication skills and stress
reducing skills which has an impact on crime, employment and overall health of an individual
(Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014). These services are sought and needed in most communities
and serve as a major benefit to those communities in which they are present.
Individuals and families who seek and receive therapy tend to be overall healthier
resulting in fewer visits to the doctor. The result in savings in medical expenses and the drugs
related to treatment. Another benefit is a decrease in missed work. When an individual is out
from work, it places a hardship on the employer and other employees. Therapy tends to decrease
missed work while increasing performance.
An additional benefit of therapy is that individuals and families tend to find happier and
healthier relationships with others. The quality of life is greatly improved as individuals learn
how to prevent or deal with conflict in relationships often preventing separation and divorce in
marriages. This allows for more children to be raised in healthy happy intact homes which is
much needed in today’s society.
KINGRY CAREER EXPLORATION PAPER 6
Disadvantages and/or Special Situations
Marriage and Family therapy is specific and serves to cover the gap that may exist with
traditional therapy. One disadvantage is that therapy can be lengthy and time consuming. In our
busy society today, many people simply do not have the time to invest in long term therapy yet
many problems cannot be addressed otherwise. This leads to another disadvantage which is that
therapy can sometimes be costly and long term therapy can really turn out to be more expensive
than an individual can afford. Some insurance companies will cover some costs and with the
changes brought about by Obama Care this is truer than ever. The problem is that not all
therapists participate in insurance contracts requiring clients to pay up front and then file with
their insurance company for reimbursement.
Conclusion
In consideration of the results from the Interest Profiler, the O*Net Summary Report and
the Career One Stop information, it is this author’s belief that Marriage and Family therapy is the
most appropriate career path for them. This the path that was chosen six years ago and it has not
changed since then. The only thing that has really changed is the setting in which to perform this
occupation. There was a point in which it seemed clear but as more information was obtained,
this is not so certain anymore. More exploration of the different options will have to occur to be
certain of the setting that this author would like to practice.
The tools utilized to create this paper and to explore career information was priceless.
Not only has it confirmed the information that was already known but has also provided
additional information that had not been considered. This tools will definitely be shared with
others even if career development is not the primarily focus of this author’s selected career.
These tools were shared with this author’s daughter who is graduating high school in a few
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weeks. She had been struggling with picking a major and these tools were extremely helpful in
bringing about focus and providing answers to her regarding the career options she was
considering.
References
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Career One Stop (2014). Occupation Profile: Marriage and Family Therapists: Georgia.
Retrieved from Career One Stop website: http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?
optstatus=011000000&soccode=211013&id=1&nodeid=2&stfips=13&search=Go
National Center for O*NET Development. (2012). Summary Report: Marriage and Family
Therapists. (O*Net Report No. 21-1013.00). Retrieved from O*Net Online website:
http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/21-1013.00
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (2014). Occupational Outlook Handbook:
2014-2015 Edition, Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists.
Retrieved from the U.S. Department of Labor Website:
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/mental-health-counselors-and-
marriage-and-family-therapists.htm
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