It is natural to feel apprehensive about setting an appointment for and coming to therapy. This information page is designed to help better prepare you for your first experiences at the AU MFT Center.
When you first call the Auburn University MFT Center to set an appointment, you will be asked a few personal questions, such as your full name, the names of those who might be joining you in therapy, your home address, your phone number, and explanation of what prompted you to call.
After answering these questions, you will be given a choice of dates and times for your first appointment, receive an explanation of our session fees, and then be directed to paperwork you will need to complete prior to your first session.
When you come to your first appointment at the AU MFT Center, you will be greeted at our welcome desk and your completed paperwork will be collected.
You will be introduced to your therapist, and s/he will direct you to one of our comfortable therapy rooms to begin your first session. In this first session, you and your therapist will get to know one another and start to set goals for your therapeutic progress. It is important that you come to this first session ready to be open and honest with your therapist, so that your journey can be tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.
We assure you that your use of the Auburn University Marriage and Family Therapy Center, and any information you share, will be kept confidential. Possible exceptions to your confidentiality, such as, if required by law in the state of Alabama, will be disclosed and explained to you before you agree to undertake therapy at the Center.
The Auburn University Marriage and Family Therapy Center is a training facility for graduate students enrolled in Auburn University’s Master of Science Marriage and Family Therapy Program. All therapists in this program will complete at least 500 therapy hours, and will receive at least 100 hours of supervision (individual and group), 50 of which must be directly observed (live or videotaped). Because of this commitment to offer rigorous training and outstanding professional services, all therapy sessions are video-taped and, at times, faculty supervisors and/or AU MFT Center colleagues may observe sessions from behind a one-way mirror. This is done to provide the best possible feedback to the therapists, ultimately ensuring high-quality care and experiences for our clients.
Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are well-trained mental health practitioners.
MFTs are trained in a variety of theories to treat families, couples, and individuals.
MFTs consider all important relationships in helping to reach a client’s goals.
MFTs believe that most problems, even problems considered to be individual problems, are best treated in relationships. For example, an individual with high anxiety will best be helped as friends and family gather to strengthen and encourage him/her.
Marriage and family therapists belong to the organization American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. For more information on MFT, visit the AAMFT website.
The difference between MFT and counseling is that the former (MFT) really focuses more on individuals, couples, families in the context of their interpersonal relationships, which is one of the major reasons that people seek help in their relationships with themselves and significant others. In addition, we also focus on these interpersonal relationships in the larger social context.
No one works harder for clients than a therapist in training. Intern therapists often have an observation team and supervisor providing input on cases to ensure the best quality treatment possible.
Therapists in training have the benefit of multiple perspectives and feedback to enhance the therapeutic experience. In addition, the MFT Center is able to provide high-quality therapy for a much lower cost than other non-training therapy centers.
If you are unsatisfied with any area of your life, therapy can be beneficial for you. Seeking help is difficult for most people. If you think you may need therapy, come for a session to further explore your options.
Therapy is not successful in treating all problems or healing all relationships, but we have seen many couples’ relationships restored and problems relieved. Furthermore, much of the success of therapy depends on the individual’s/couple’s efforts and commitment to change.
No. If you need an assessment, contact the Auburn University Psychological Services Center at (334)844-4889 located in Cary Hall.
If you have been ordered by the court to go to counseling, you are welcome here! We will, however need you to sign a waiver saying that we are allowed to disclose personal information to the court.
When treating children, we typically see the family as a whole. We will often meet with the child or the parents individually, as well. Sessions with the parents can be very beneficial for relieving the child’s problems because the parents spend much more time with the child throughout the week than the therapist is able to do. Overall, the structure of the sessions varies depending on the needs and goals of the family.
The MFT Center is OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC; you do not have to be an Auburn University student or an Auburn University employee to use our services. Auburn and Southern Union students are eligible to receive a discounted rate of $20.
Yes, you will have the same therapist for every session. If you feel that your therapist is not a good fit, you can request a change of therapist. Occasionally a therapist may need to transfer you to another therapist or refer you to another professional who may better suit your needs; however, most clients see the same therapist throughout their treatment.
At times, an individual will want to seek therapy for couple problems but their partner is unwilling to attend. In these cases, one partner is welcome to attend therapy alone. However, treatment for couple problems tends to be less effective with only one partner. Therapists often work with one partner in the couple on their individual issues or coping with life stressors.
Unfortunately, childcare cannot be provided. Please do not leave your child of any age in the waiting room.
Feel free to call the center at (334) 844-4478. Our receptionist will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have.
Yes! The intern therapists at Auburn University MFT Center are available to provide educational presentations on a variety of topics for your community group. Contact the Center by email (mftcenter@auburn.edu) or phone (334-844-4478) to request a presentation for your organization.