(And Why Advanced Couples Therapy Training Is the Real Game-Changer)
The path to becoming a marriage counselor begins in the classroom — and eventually leads to the therapy room. Typically, it looks like this:
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Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.
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Master’s degree in counseling, marriage and family therapy, or clinical social work.
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Supervised clinical experience (internships and practicum hours).
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State licensure exam and application to your state’s licensing board¹.
Once you’re licensed, you’ll need to maintain your credentials with continuing education. And this is where the difference between a competent counselor and an exceptional one truly begins.
Most likely, in your path towards becoming a counselor, you will have clinical experience in working with couples as well as having taken some courses in marriage and family theory.
But how do you actually become a skilled and competent marriage counselor? College will only give you so much, experience will of course give you more, but what should you do when you want to become the BEST in your field, actually making an impact on the state of marriage and families- which is likely the reason you are looking into doing this in the first place, to make an impact in the world!
Why Basic Training Isn’t Enough
Graduate programs and clinical placements give you an introduction to working with couples. You’ll study marriage and family systems theory, practice basic interventions, and perhaps see a handful of couples under supervision. But real-world couples counseling is far more complex².
Couples often arrive in crisis — hurt, defensive, and locked in destructive patterns they’ve repeated for years. To help them, you need more than theory; you need advanced, specialized training that allows you to navigate volatile emotions, uncover core wounds, and guide couples toward lasting repair³.
The Link Between Expertise and Earning Potential
There’s also a financial incentive. The most skilled and sought-after marriage counselors can charge premium rates, especially if they have recognized certifications or expertise in a proven therapeutic model⁴. Advanced credentials signal to clients — and referral sources — that you can deliver results, which translates to both higher demand and higher earning potential.
Exploring Couples Therapy Modalities
There are several established, research-backed approaches to couples therapy. Some of the most recognized certifications include:
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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – Focuses on attachment needs and creating secure bonds.
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The Gottman Method – Uses decades of research on communication patterns and relationship stability.
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Relational Life Therapy (RLT) – Integrates skills training with deep emotional work.
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Discernment Counseling – Designed for “mixed-agenda” couples where one partner is leaning toward divorce.
Each has unique strengths, but one modality stands out for its depth, structure, and transformative impact: Imago Relationship Therapy⁵.
Why We Recommend Imago Therapy Training
Imago therapy helps couples understand that 90% of present-day conflict originates in childhood experiences and unmet needs⁶. By uncovering and exploring these early wounds, couples gain profound empathy for each other, moving from blame to connection.
Imago provides:
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A clear, structured dialogue process that eliminates shaming, blaming, and escalation.
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A developmental framework that connects past experiences to present behavior.
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Proven exercises that promote safety, emotional regulation, and deep listening.
For therapists, Imago offers both a philosophy and a toolkit — making sessions more effective and less draining.
Our Advanced Imago Certifications & Trainings
At The Marriage Restoration Project, we offer a complete pathway for licensed therapists and counselors who want to master couples work through advanced Imago Relationship Therapy training.
Your track will depend on your current credentials and desired level of certification:
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Foundational Imago Clinical Training – Learn the core principles, theory, and dialogue process.
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Advanced Imago Certification – Deepen your skills with complex cases, trauma integration, and long-term work.
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Continuing Education Workshops – Keep your skills sharp and meet ongoing licensure requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Becoming a marriage counselor requires formal education, licensure, and ongoing continuing education.
- Advanced couples therapy training is essential to move from competent to exceptional.
- Multiple couples therapy modalities exist, but Imago Therapy offers a unique blend of structure, depth, and emotional safety.
- Advanced credentials not only improve client outcomes — they also increase your professional credibility and earning potential.
- Our Imago Certification programs provide therapists with the tools, framework, and confidence to create lasting change for couples.
Sources
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. (n.d.). Marriage and Family Therapist Licensure Requirements by State.
- Gurman, A. S., & Fraenkel, P. (2002). The history of couple therapy: A millennial review. Family Process, 41(2), 199–260.
- Snyder, D. K., Castellani, A. M., & Whisman, M. A. (2006). Current status and future directions in couple therapy. Annual Review of Psychology, 57, 317–344.
- Geiss, S. K., & O’Leary, K. D. (1981). Therapist ratings of frequency and severity of marital problems. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 7(4), 515–520.
- Johnson, S. M., & Greenberg, L. S. (1994). The practice of emotionally focused couple therapy. Brunner/Mazel.
- Hendrix, H., Hunt, H., & Yanklowitz, S. (2019). Doing Imago Relationship Therapy in the Space-Between: A Clinician’s Guide. Routledge.
