Counseling the unemployed: Exploring MFT trainees’ perceptions of a pilot clinical program: Exploring MFT Trainees' Perceptions of a Pilot Clinical Program

Many experiencing the recent "great recession" in the United States have faced unemployment and economic difficulties. Yet sparse literature regarding how to be of assistance in working with clientele facing such issues exists. In this qualitative study, data from 16 marriage and family therapy trainees regarding their perceptions after participating in a "Counseling the Unemployed" program was attained. From the participants' experiences, four themes emerged, which included: common presenting problems, differences in clinical work with those employed versus those experiencing unemployment, helpful therapeutic experiences when working with unemployed clientele, and some of the unhelpful components in counseling the unemployed.