Page 5 - March April 2017 FTM

When put to the test, the holism of leadership, dedicated members, and talented professional services held strong. Although this fight is behind us, and we should take time to celebrate the outcome, assuredly, there will be more challenges to the profession. At the same time, looking into the future, I feel great pride and excitement about our Association and profession.
AAMFT is experiencing a renaissance of sorts. In recent months, AAMFT hosted a delegation from China wanting to learn about how we operate, our history and
the development of the profession. It was exciting to field questions about regulation, governmental involvement in the association and profession, and practice patterns of marriage and family therapists.
Other exciting recent events include:
• The Leadership Symposium had over 120 attendees and generated a great deal of excitement and energy
• AAMFT was asked to consult internationally about how to process ethical complaints
• AAMFT released online therapy guidelines—some of the more advanced in the behavioral health field
• Exciting entrepreneurial planning by members and division leaders if the bylaws vote passes this summer
• The upcoming Clinical Institutes in Dublin, Ireland has AAMFT collaborating with local mental health delivery services; and
• An invitation for AAMFT to attend the Asian Association for Marriage and Family Therapy this November, in Tokyo, Japan.
With over 1,100 members engaging in the Emerging Professionals Network, and a growing demand internationally for the profession, AAMFT is poised to advance the next generation of therapists. The exciting endeavors, challenges and opportunities reflected in this FTM highlight a new era of marriage and family therapy. There is an air of eagerness and anxiety (at least for me) in each article.
The title of Ben Caldwell’s article typifies the depth and speed of changes. A once fundamental tenant of marriage and family therapy—privacy—is being questioned.
Millennial generation therapists and clients might possibly rewrite the level of importance that confidentiality plays in the therapy process. These types of head scratchers make me realize that the times are quickly changing. I hope AAMFT can
change as quickly to remain a relevant association for our members.
To remain relevant and able to meet swiftly changing needs, it will be important for members to support the AAMFT Board
of Directors by approving the proposed bylaws changes that will be open for voting this summer. As the vote nears, I encourage you to review the information shared in Family Therap-eNews and
by your divisions and get involved, get engaged, and help us dream of what our Association looks like for the future.
AAMFT certainly has produced results
that should resonate with all members, regardless of tenure. These results would simply not be possible without the forward thinking of the AAMFT Board and the wonderful engagement and assistance from members who help AAMFT to be a truly member-informed association.
- Tracy Todd, PhD
Emerging
Professionals
Network
Becoming an MFT is one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also be overwhelming and challenging as you begin the next phase of your career. AAMFT is here to help you navigate this exciting journey!
With the new Emerging Professionals Network, you gain exclusive access to support resources and content tied to your specific needs. The Network is free. Sign up today!
http://networks.aamft.org/emergingprofessionals/home
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