Jennifer Sampson, PhD, LMFT, CST, and Sar Surmick, LMFT, were featured in the AAMFT docuseries Jobs of Tomorrow—Marriage and Family Therapy. This six-episode educational series explores the profession of marriage and family therapy, highlighting the unique paths to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT). The series features interviews with MFTs with diverse backgrounds and passions, aiming to inspire those interested in the field by fostering a positive and educational atmosphere.
Amidst the growing mental health crisis, the demand for MFTs has increased. Trained to address various clinical issues—such as depression, anxiety, marital stress, child-parent conflict, and trauma—MFTs focus on assessing relationship patterns and behavioral influences to create personalized therapy plans. The docuseries emphasizes the importance of holistic treatment, empowering clients, and understanding the impact of societal factors on MFT practice. Through real-life interviews, the series showcases the rewarding nature of the profession and its vital role in helping individuals navigate life’s challenges.
Sampson was the Chair of Seattle’s Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) Program where she had been a faculty member since 2017. With over twelve years of academic experience, Sampson earned her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University in 2008 and her doctorate in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota in 2013. She has been practicing therapy since 2007, focusing on personal and interpersonal growth, communication, and sexuality. Her leadership roles have included serving as the President of the Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and co-founding The Hoarding Project.
Surmick, LMFT, is a faculty member in Antioch’s Couple and Family Therapy Program and Sex Therapy Certificate Program. She specializes in identity, non-monogamy, consent, and adult sexuality. Holding a master’s in counseling psychology with a systems focus from Saybrook University, Surmick works with individuals, couples, and groups and supervises MFT Associates. Surmick is the founder and director emeritus of the Consent Academy and continues to develop and teach consent education nationwide. As a non-binary trans therapist, Surmick continues to raise awareness about non-binary and genderqueer identities in therapy in conjunction with the AAMFT.
Listen to Tech’s Transformative Influence on MFT here.
Listen to Diversity in Practice: Having Healing Conversations here.
