MFT Personal Statements Online Advising

 

The MFT personal statement can seem like the most daunting and difficult part of your application.

Silver lining, though: a well-written essay can:

1. Wake up a bored admissions committee (most essays they'll read are extremely similar)
2. Convey your real personality and make you come alive to your readers
3. Depict your experiences in movie-like clarity and detail
4. Show your best qualities and values
5. Help the reader see why you and their program are such a great fit

Simply put, the essay is not a to-do; it's a powerful tool to help you get accepted!

 

Lauren Hammond is our MFT essay expert and has been helping people write their marriage and family therapy personal statements for several years. Whether you just want some feedback on a draft, or you're staring at a blank Word doc and don't know where to begin, she is happy to help!

 

Contact Lauren directly at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or send us an email.

 

She works with people online via Zoom and via email / Google Docs. P.S. We offer GRE prep!

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1. MFT personal statement tips

2. MFT personal statement examples

3. MFT personal statement reviews

4. Learn more about Lauren, our MFT personal statement expert.

 

3 TIPS FOR COMPELLING MFT PERSONAL STATEMENTS

 

Here are three tips for crafting a compelling personal statement for a MFT program:

 

1. Show Your Passion for Helping Others and Interest in Family Dynamics

• Share a personal or professional story: Highlight an experience that sparked your interest in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), such as witnessing the impact of therapy in your own life, working with families or couples, or observing patterns of relational dynamics.
• Focus on relational themes: MFT emphasizes the systemic approach, so demonstrate your interest in understanding and improving interpersonal relationships and family systems.
• Connect your story to your aspirations: Explain why MFT is the best fit for your skills and goals, emphasizing your desire to make a meaningful impact.

Example:
"Growing up in a household where communication often broke down, I witnessed firsthand the emotional toll of unresolved conflict. It was during my time volunteering at a crisis counseling center that I realized the transformative power of therapy in fostering understanding and connection within families."

2. Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills

• Discuss your preparation for MFT training: Share your academic background (e.g., psychology, sociology, or related fields), internships, or work experience in mental health or social services.
• Demonstrate qualities essential to MFTs: Highlight skills like empathy, active listening, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity, providing specific examples.
• Mention growth and learning opportunities: Show that you are reflective and open to developing professionally, acknowledging what you’ve learned and where you hope to grow.

Example:
"During my internship at a community mental health clinic, I worked with diverse families experiencing trauma. Assisting a therapist in facilitating family sessions taught me the importance of creating a safe space for open communication, while also deepening my understanding of systemic influences on behavior."

3. Align Your Goals with the Program’s Mission

• Research the program: Identify aspects of the program that resonate with your interests, such as its focus on cultural competency, evidence-based practices, or a specific therapeutic approach like EFT or CBT.
• Explain your long-term vision: Share your professional goals, whether it’s working with underserved populations, specializing in couples therapy, or addressing intergenerational trauma, and how the program will help you achieve them.
• Personalize your application: Tailor your statement to reflect why the program’s unique strengths make it an ideal match for you.

Example:
"I am drawn to [Program Name]’s emphasis on multicultural competence in therapy, as I am passionate about serving diverse communities and addressing systemic barriers to mental health care. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to train in [specific therapeutic model or approach], which aligns with my goal of helping couples navigate relational challenges with empathy and insight."

 

MFT PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES

 

The below is an example of a compelling MFT personal statement - below, we'll explain what makes it work.

 

Growing up, my family wasn’t perfect—whose is? But we had a way of brushing issues under the rug instead of addressing them head-on. It wasn’t until I started therapy in my early twenties that I realized how much those unresolved dynamics had shaped me. Through that process, I gained tools to communicate better, understand myself more deeply, and even start mending relationships I thought were beyond repair. That experience inspired me to pursue a career in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), so I could help others navigate their own relationships and find healing.

In college, I majored in psychology, where I focused on courses related to human development and interpersonal relationships. One of my most memorable classes was Family Systems Theory. I was fascinated by how families operate as interconnected units and how patterns can be passed down through generations. It opened my eyes to the ripple effects of both healthy and unhealthy dynamics, reinforcing my desire to work with families and couples.

Outside the classroom, I gained hands-on experience by volunteering at a community counseling center. I assisted with workshops on conflict resolution and communication, primarily for couples. One moment that stands out was a session with a couple struggling to reconnect after infidelity. I didn’t lead the session—I was just an observer—but seeing the therapist guide them through that difficult conversation made me realize the profound impact an MFT can have. I knew I wanted to develop those skills and be that source of support for others.

I’ve also worked with children and teens in various roles, including as a mentor and a group facilitator for at-risk youth. These experiences taught me how to build trust, adapt to different communication styles, and navigate challenging emotional situations. One teenager I worked with had been struggling with anger and acting out at school. Over time, I learned that his behavior was tied to his parents’ recent divorce. This reinforced for me how much family dynamics influence individual well-being and strengthened my resolve to become a therapist who can address these root causes.

Pursuing a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy feels like the next step in my journey. I am particularly drawn to [University Name] because of its emphasis on multicultural competency and experiential learning. I want to be equipped to work with clients from diverse backgrounds and to tailor my approach to meet their unique needs.

My long-term goal is to work in a private practice setting, focusing on couples therapy and family interventions. I’m especially interested in helping families navigate major transitions, such as divorce or blending families, as I’ve seen how challenging those periods can be. Eventually, I hope to contribute to the field through community workshops or by mentoring aspiring MFTs.

The path that led me here hasn’t been straightforward, but every experience—from my own therapy journey to my academic and volunteer work—has solidified my commitment to this field. I’m excited to bring my empathy, curiosity, and determination to your program and to continue growing as both a person and a professional.

 

What we like about this statement:

• Personal Connection: The opening reflects the applicant's personal growth through therapy, making the essay relatable and emotionally engaging without over-sharing.

• Relevant Academic Background: The essay highlights a focus on human development and family systems theory, demonstrating academic preparation for the MFT program.

• Real-World Experience: Volunteer work and roles with at-risk youth showcase the applicant’s ability to work with diverse populations and navigate complex emotional dynamics.

• Imperfect but Honest: The conversational tone (e.g., “whose [family] is [perfect]?”) makes the narrative approachable and believable.

• Alignment with Program Goals: The applicant explicitly connects their interests to the program’s emphasis on multicultural competency and experiential learning, showing thoughtful consideration.

• Clear Career Aspirations: Specific goals (e.g., private practice, working with families during transitions) give the admissions committee a clear picture of the applicant’s vision for their future.

 

 

MFT PERSONAL STATEMENT CUSTOMER REVIEWS