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This article presents a consideration of whether the term marriage in the title of the marriage and family therapy (MFT) profession continues to reflect the work that MFT professionals do. The authors describe relevant historical and professional identity issues, a rationale for revising the title of the profession (including demographic trends related to marriage and relationships, patterns of clinical practice, and the political context surrounding marriage), and a rationale for maintaining the current title of the profession (including administrative costs, value and ideological differences within the MFT profession, and the importance of a cohesive professional identity). The article concludes with recommended future directions for the profession's decision makers, researchers, and practitioners. Keywords: Professional identity, Marriage and family therapy, Couples therapy Article: Since the early days of the profession of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) in the 1950s (Broderick and Schrader 1991), social norms and demographic trends in marital and other intimate relationships have undergone a dramatic transformation (Cherlin 2004; Pinsof 2002). Over the years, family forms have become more diverse, resulting from such trends as rising divorce and remarriage rates, increased cohabitation before or as an alternative to marriage, women's greater participation in the workforce, and increasing acceptance of same-sex intimate partnerships (Cherlin; Pinsof). Although rates of marriage are high in the US (Cherlin; US Census Bureau 2006), many of the laws and social norms that govern the marital relationship have shifted or are being reconsidered currently. In light of these issues, this article presents a rationale for professionals in the MFT field to consider the extent to which the term marriage in its title helps or hinders the profession and the clients it serves. We focus on the MFT profession within the United States, noting that a full consideration of international perspectives, including the Canadian viewpoint, is beyond the scope of this article. Despite the trends listed above, the term marriage remains firmly entrenched within the identity of the MFT profession. However, this term may no longer accurately reflect the work done by MFT professionals in light of current demographics, professional practice patterns, and political issues surrounding marriage. The present time offers a unique opportunity for members of the profession to reflect upon its identity, its role in the social discourses surrounding marriage, and the extent to which the term marriage continues to reflect the most accurate and inclusive descriptor of the work that MFTs do. Examples of other terms that could be considered as alternatives to Marriage and Family Therapy include Couple and Family Therapy, Relationship and Family Therapy, Relational Therapy, and Marital, Couple, and Family Therapy. (Note that the intention of this article is solely to address the appropriateness of the term marriage as a descriptor of the profession, and that the issue of any broader changes in the title of the profession is beyond the scope of this article.) On the basis of legal definitions and social customs in American society, the term marriage excludes many types of couple relationships. However, terms such as couple and relationship are inclusive of marriage as well as many other types of intimate relationships.

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