A strong marriage and family therapist resume is essential for standing out in this competitive field.

Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance, writing a well-organized resume that highlights your skills, experience, and qualifications is crucial.

This guide will walk you through the best practices for writing a document that captures the attention of hiring managers and showcases your expertise in helping families and couples navigate their challenges.

Marriage and family therapist resume examples

Clinical marriage and family therapist resume sample

Clinical marriage and family therapist resume template

Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist Resume
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Resume for clinical marriage and family therapist | Plain text

Name: Emily J. Martinez
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: emily.martinez@example.com
LinkedIn: /in/emilyjmartinez

Objective

Experienced Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist with practice in providing psychotherapy and counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. Skilled in a range of therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Family Systems Therapy. Seeking a clinical role to help clients achieve emotional and relational health.

Education

Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
University of California, Los Angeles – Los Angeles, CA
Graduated: May 2015

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of California, Los Angeles – Los Angeles, CA
Graduated: May 2012

Licenses and Certifications

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) – California Board of Behavioral Sciences, License #123456
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) – 2017

Professional Experience

Senior Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist

Pacific Family Therapy Clinic – Los Angeles, CA

January 2017 – Present

  • Provide therapy for individuals, couples, and families dealing with a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and trauma.
  • Lead group therapy sessions focusing on conflict resolution and stress management.
  • Collaborate with psychiatrists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
  • Supervise a team of junior therapists and assist with case evaluations and treatment planning.

Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist

Crescent Health Behavioral Services – Los Angeles, CA

June 2015 – December 2016

  • Conducted therapy sessions using CBT, DBT, and EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) to support clients in resolving relationship issues and managing mental health concerns.
  • Developed individualized treatment plans and documented progress using case management software.
  • Worked with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ clients, military families, and trauma survivors.

Skills

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Family Systems Therapy
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Group Therapy Facilitation
  • Crisis Management
  • Active Listening
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Time Management
  • Emotional Intelligence

Professional Development

  • Advanced Training in Trauma Therapy – 2020
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certification – 2018

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer Counselor

Los Angeles Youth Center – Los Angeles, CA

March 2016 – Present

  • Provide pro-bono therapy for adolescents facing mental health challenges such as depression and substance abuse.
  • Facilitate group therapy sessions on life skills, conflict resolution, and emotional resilience.

Strong sides of this marriage and family therapist resume example:

  • Well-organized sections with clear headings and detailed job responsibilities, demonstrating a strong and progressive career path.
  • Specific certifications and licenses listed upfront, which enhance credibility and show readiness.
  • The inclusion of both professional development and volunteer experience, highlighting commitment to continued learning and community involvement.
How to properly format a resume for a marriage and family therapist?
  • Font: Opt for a simple option like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid fonts that are too decorative or hard to read.
  • Size: Keep it between 10 and 12 points for the main text and 14-16 for headings to ensure clarity.
  • Length: Limit your resume to one page if you're early in your career. Those with more experience can extend it to two pages.
  • Margins: Stick to the standard size of 1 inch on all sides to maintain a clean, balanced look.
  • Spacing: Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing for the body text and 1.5 for section titles to help the application appear less cramped.
  • Consistency: Ensure the format is uniform throughout. Apply the same style for headings, dates, and bullet points.
  • Emphasis: Utilize bold for titles and key points like roles or major achievements to guide the attention.
  • Graphics: Unless it's a creative job, steer clear of logos or images to maintain a professional presentation.

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Military marriage and family therapist resume example

Sample military marriage and family therapist resume

Name: James D. Stevens
Phone: (555) 987-6543
Email: james.stevens@example.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamesdstevens

Objective

Dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist with experience supporting military personnel and their families. Specializing in trauma recovery, stress management, and relationship counseling for military families. Seeking a position to continue offering compassionate care to military families in need of therapy and support.

Education

Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
University of Southern California – Los Angeles, CA
Graduated: August 2017

Bachelor of Science in Sociology
University of Southern California – Los Angeles, CA
Graduated: May 2014

Licenses and Certifications

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) – California Board of Behavioral Sciences, License #654321
  • Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC) Certification – 2018

Professional Experience

Military Marriage and Family Therapist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – Los Angeles, CA

April 2019 – Present

  • Provide individual, couples, and family therapy to veterans and active-duty service members, focusing on reintegration challenges, PTSD, and relationship issues.
  • Facilitate counseling sessions for military families dealing with deployment stress, emotional distress, and marital strain.
  • Collaborate with military doctors, social workers, and command officers to ensure holistic care for military families.
  • Offer crisis intervention services and develop therapeutic programs aimed at improving the emotional well-being of service members and their loved ones.

Marriage and Family Therapist

Red Cross Military Family Support Program – Los Angeles, CA

June 2017 – March 2019

  • Delivered therapy services for military families facing relationship difficulties and adjusting to deployments.
  • Specialized in trauma-informed therapy and grief counseling.
  • Provided support for families coping with long-term separation, injury recovery, and reintegration challenges.

Skills

  • Trauma-Informed Therapy
  • Military Family Counseling
  • PTSD Treatment
  • Stress Management
  • Marital Therapy for Military Couples
  • Deployment Adjustment Support
  • Active Listening
  • Crisis Management
  • Mindfulness Practices
  • Problem Solving

Military Experience

U.S. Army Reserves

Mental Health Specialist – San Diego, CA

June 2014 – 2020

  • Assisted military personnel with mental health assessments and treatment planning.
  • Conducted debriefing sessions for service members returning from deployment.

Volunteer Experience

Veteran Support Group Facilitator

Wounded Warrior Project – Los Angeles, CA

May 2018 – Present

  • Facilitate group counseling for veterans coping with trauma, PTSD, and reintegration issues.
  • Help develop coping strategies and provide emotional support to participants.

Why this example of a marriage and family therapist resume will impress HR specialists:

  • Clear emphasis on military families, which demonstrates specialized expertise and understanding of a unique client base.
  • Additional experience showcasing the candidate's direct involvement in military mental health services, building trust in their background.
  • A strong balance between therapeutic skills and trauma-informed care, ensuring comprehensive care for service members and their families.
Should I choose a marriage and family therapist resume objective or summary?

Resume summary

Ideal for those with job history. It highlights your expertise, accomplishments, and key qualifications in just a few sentences.

  • When to use: Opt for this if you have notable experience and want to highlight your skills quickly.
  • Length: 3-4 lines.

Marriage and family therapist resume summary sample:

Experienced marriage and family therapist with over 5 years of expertise in couples therapy and family counseling. Adept at helping clients overcome communication barriers and emotional challenges.

Resume objective

This option is more suitable for newcomers. It focuses on your career aspirations and how you aim to contribute to the organization.

  • When to use: If you're just starting or shifting fields.
  • Length: 2-3 sentences.

Marriage and family therapist resume objective example:

Compassionate and dedicated therapist aiming to apply counseling skills to improve clients’ mental and emotional well-being.

How to showcase your marriage and family therapist resume skills?

The skills section directly reflects your ability to succeed in therapy roles.

  • Hard skills are practical competencies that you learn through formal education or training.
  • Soft skills refer to interpersonal attributes, such as how well you communicate or empathize with clients.

Marriage and family therapist resume hard skills:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Family Counseling
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Stress Reduction Techniques
  • Assessment and Diagnosis
  • Trauma-Informed Therapy
  • Marriage Counseling
  • Child and Adolescent Therapy
  • Conflict Resolution

Soft skills for marriage and family therapist resume:

  • Empathy
  • Patience
  • Active Listening
  • Communication
  • Problem-Solving
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Conflict Management
  • Adaptability
  • Teamwork
  • Rapport Building

Entry-level marriage and family therapist resume template

Beginner marriage and family therapist resume sample

Marriage and Family Therapist Resume
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Marriage and family therapist resume with no experience | Text version

Name: Sarah L. Green
Phone: (555) 246-8135
Email: sarah.green@example.com
LinkedIn:/in/sarahlgreen

Objective

Recent graduate with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, eager to begin a rewarding career in counseling. Passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families facing relationship challenges. Looking for an entry-level position to apply academic knowledge in a practical setting while continuing to learn and grow in the field.

Education

Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Loyola Marymount University – Los Angeles, CA
Graduated: December 2025

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
University of California, Berkeley, CA
Graduated: May 2023

Professional Experience

Intern Marriage and Family Therapist

Loyola Marymount University Counseling Center – Los Angeles, CA

September 2023 – December 2024

  • Provided therapy services to students dealing with stress, anxiety, and relationship issues under the supervision of licensed therapists.
  • Conducted assessments and provided brief solution-focused counseling sessions.
  • Participated in group therapy sessions for students struggling with mental health challenges and adjustment to university life.

Therapy Intern

Berkeley Community Mental Health Center

June 2022 – August 2023

  • Assisted licensed therapists in providing individual therapy for clients from diverse backgrounds.
  • Supported family therapy sessions and assisted with case management.
  • Conducted intake assessments and documented session notes.

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Family Systems Therapy
  • Empathy and Compassion
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Case Management
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Problem Solving
  • Time Management
  • Communication
  • Group Therapy Facilitation

Honors and Awards

  • Outstanding Graduate Student in Therapy – Loyola Marymount University, 2024
  • Dean's List – University of California, Berkeley, 2021

Volunteer Experience

Mental Health Volunteer

Berkeley Community Health Foundation – Berkeley, CA

January 2021 – June 2022

  • Assisted in organizing community events to raise awareness about mental health issues.
  • Provided emotional support and information on mental health resources to community members.

This sample marriage and family therapist resume is effective for several reasons:

  • It focuses on relevant academic qualifications and internship experiences, which is ideal for someone at the beginning of their career.
  • Emphasis on transferable skills, like active listening and empathy, which are key in the therapy field.
  • Volunteer section helps showcase the candidate's commitment to mental health, even outside of formal work history.
What academic credentials should I add to my marriage and family therapist resume?

The education section is vital for demonstrating your qualifications and therapeutic foundation.

Here’s what to include in this block:

  • All your degrees, starting with the most recent.
  • The name of the educational institution and graduation dates.
  • If applicable, certifications like Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or related credentials.
  • Any relevant coursework, specializations, or additional training.
How to organize the experience section in a marriage and family therapist resume?
  • Job titles: Clearly state your role, such as "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist."
  • Dates: Add both the month and year for each position you’ve held.
  • Duties: Focus on key responsibilities and notable achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
  • Results: Where possible, include measurable outcomes (e.g., "Improved patient satisfaction by 25% through consistent family therapy sessions").
  • Tailor to the role: Adapt your experiences to match the requirements of the specific job you are applying for.
  • Language: Begin each bullet point with an impactful action verb like "Developed," "Led," or "Improved."
  • Brevity: Keep the entries clear and concise. Highlight your most relevant contributions without overloading the reader.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you'll be equipped to create a marriage and family therapist resume that accurately reflects your skills and dedication to the field.

Make sure to tailor your document to each position you apply for, highlighting the experiences and qualifications that align with the job.

A good resume sample is your ticket to opening the door to your next career opportunity.

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