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To become a licensed couples or marriage therapist, individuals typically need to complete approximately 6 to 8 years of higher education and supervised training. This process generally begins with earning a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, which takes about 4 years. Following this, aspiring therapists must complete a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or a similar discipline, which usually takes 2 to 3 years and includes coursework, clinical practicum hours, and sometimes a thesis. After obtaining the master's degree, candidates are required to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours—often around 2,000 to 4,000 hours—over 1 to 2 years, depending on state requirements. Finally, they must pass a licensing exam to practice independently. Overall, becoming a qualified couples therapist involves a significant investment of time, education, and practical experience to ensure they are well-prepared to support clients effectively.