In 2021 the AAMFT Board of Directors approved an updated Strategic Plan. The introduction of the Plan states:
AAMFT is a responsive and nimble association, attuned to the contexts of our evolving environments and adaptive to circumstances that impact the profession and practice of systemic and relational therapies. With awareness of the growing need in mental health care for access, clinical excellence, and cultural diversity, AAMFT operates with strategic and generative aim in its organizational practices, policies, and processes to strengthen the profession and the practice of Marriage and Family Therapy.
This introduction, when unpacked, is quite multidimensional. Words and phrases such as nimble, adaptive, access, cultural diversity, and organizational practices set a high bar and hold the Board and staff accountable for these in the direction and operations of AAMFT. Of course, the overarching mission, “to strengthen the profession and practice of Marriage and Family Therapy” is always omnipresent within these actions. Over the last few years, there have been several examples of these practices already in action:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity—AAMFT has long been attuned to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and its impacts and intersections within our association. Recently, the AAMFT Board of Directors requested a complete audit of all policies, handbooks, and manuals to examine language and policies that may cause barriers for our DEI efforts.
For many years, AAMFT supported the informal interest network—African American, Latino/a, Asian, Native American (AALANA). AAMFT now has a Topical Interest Network, Margins to Center: Cultural Connections among C/MFTs, and the Queer and Trans Advocacy Network designed to give space and voice for clinicians invested in clinical and professional issues in these important personal and professional areas.
Advocacy—From Medicare to VA to state advocacy to Family TEAM, AAMFT is constantly adapting and striving to advance the profession. As I described in my last column, AAMFT will continue to engage in all practices (e.g., Behavioral Workforce studies) within our capacity to assist with advocacy efforts. Participating with Mental Health Liaison Group (an advocacy group of over 70 mental health organizations) and gaining their support for Medicare inclusion, demonstrates AAMFT has made great strides at gaining recognition for the profession and “having a seat at the table.”
Guidelines and Competencies—Whether guidelines are needed for specialized treatment settings or populations, AAMFT has diligently worked to help members with clinical practices. To advance the profession and practice, AAMFT is ensuring that clinical guidelines are developed by systemic thinkers rather than having guidelines imposed on us by other professions lacking a systemic perspective. We have made strides in some critical areas:
- Best Practices in the Online Practice of Couple and Family Therapy
- Competencies for Family Therapists Working with Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
- Competencies for Family Therapists Working in Healthcare Settings
- Clinical Guidelines for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual: Affirming Marriage and Family Therapy
Virtual vs In-person Events (including meetings)—For many years, associations flirted with hosting virtual events. The recent health context mandated more than flirtation, but rapid adaptation. AAMFT was nimble, adaptive, and able to maneuver in a very fluid situation. We pivoted and hosted events that more than doubled our attendance from in-person events and provided opportunities for MFTs around the world to learn and participate.
Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (JMFT) Strategic Plan—The creation of the JMFT Strategic Plan provides an updated frame for examining contexts and complexities impacting the publishing of scientific articles on the research, training, and practice of marriage and family therapy. Further, the special clinical interventions issue (January 2022), as well as the JMFT Article of the Year by Elizabeth Wieling and Jo Ellen Patterson et al., demonstrates the depth and breadth of members’ clinical work and how far the MFT brand has come in recent years.
Bylaws Changes—AAMFT’s bylaws change decreased barriers to inclusion and opened up membership possibilities thereby increasing access to AAMFT. Allowing expansion of membership from around the world and providing the opportunity for AAMFT to assist other countries and cultures with advancing the systemic family therapy in their communities helps to inform and educate practitioners and consumers about systemic family therapy.
Clinical Fellow—Elevating the Clinical Fellow status to members who have met the standards creates a credential that has long been recognized as the standard for clinicians practicing systemic family therapy. Now, AAMFT can be the home for those who are interested in the practice and profession (Professional member) as well as for those who have more advanced skills and training (Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor).
Branding—About 20 years ago, a group of members explored the possibility of a “Milk Mustache” campaign for MFTs. Although creating such an expansive advertising campaign was cost prohibitive, the concept of having “something” that would create a recognition of the profession and qualifications was on target. Today, AAMFT has the capability to take the next step in advancing the profession and practice—badges and branding. However, this step requires members to actively participate.
As diehard systemic family therapists, we hold a steadfast belief that marriage and family therapy is critical in helping individuals, couples, families, and communities. Yet, the perpetual problem has been penetrating the public consciousness and differentiating MFTs from other mental health disciplines.
Badges
The Credly Badge is a benefit geared towards Professional members with Clinical Fellow and/or Approved Supervisor designations. These badges are a way to highlight members’ competencies in a digital format that is easily shared via website and social media profiles.
With approximately 10,217 members eligible for the Clinical Fellow badge and 2,659 eligible for the Approved Supervisor badge, there is now a wonderful opportunity for our members to become prominent in MFT brand recognition. We currently have 3,458 downloaded Clinical Fellow Badges and 1,549 downloaded Approved Supervisor badges.
Clinical Fellow Designation
The AAMFT Clinical Fellow designation indicates a therapist has completed the rigorous training standards for independent practice of marriage and family therapy and is held to the highest ethical standards. Clinical Fellow designees demonstrate specific education, clinical training, and supervision in systemic marriage and family therapy. The AAMFT Clinical Fellow designation is recognized by some U.S. state licensure boards and worldwide as the standard for education and training in systemic therapy.
Approved Supervisor Designation
The AAMFT Approved Supervisor designation is the highest and most prestigious designation in the MFT field. Our Approved Supervisors fulfill stringent education and clinical training requirements to achieve this designation. Becoming an AAMFT Approved Supervisor demonstrates a strong commitment to developing one’s supervisory skills, as well as helping the next generation of systemic family therapists. It is recognized globally and accepted by some U.S. state licensing boards requiring MFT supervision.
Now, imagine if all Clinical Fellows and Approved Supervisors included these badges within areas of digital presentations! Over time, the brand of MFT, Clinical Fellows, and Approved Supervisors would undoubtedly gain traction and become a real asset for advancing the profession.
I hope this reflection on the many ways AAMFT is advancing the profession and practice, and thereby the brand, demonstrates that all members are connected through the systemic/relational lens. While we have accomplished a great deal, we must continue in our diligent efforts of advancing the brand!
I hope those of you eligible for the Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor badges download and display the badge wherever appropriate. This is a critical step in helping AAMFT advance the profession and practice of marriage and family therapy.
Resources
Approved Supervisor Designation
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Diversity is a reality of life reflected in the broadest spectrum of the many different ways that individuals identify and exist in the world. Inclusion is acknowledging and appreciating the reality and value of our diversity, intentionally enlisting and engaging the spectrum of different identities and experiences, and respecting what each person brings to the organization.