Los Angeles Chapter — California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
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Friday, June 26, 2026 9:00am-11:00am
Online Via Zoom
2 CE Credits
Sponsored by
Motivational Interviewing: From Ambivalence to Engagement
with Monica Powers, Psy.D.
Motivational interviewing is often associated with substance abuse treatment and helping a person move from a place of ambivalence about treatment to a willingness to participate and engage. These interventions can also be utilized by the primary mental health field to address specific behaviors and difficulties related to mental health, especially with adolescents. This presentation seeks to help practitioners utilize motivational interviewing skills to engage clients in beginning change behaviors who are much more connected to the behaviors in a manipulative way.
Educational Goals:
Attendees will be provided with specific examples of steps to work through Prochaska and DiClemente’s transtheoretical model.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:
Monica Powers, Psy.D. (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist who has championed personal resilience since 2007. She holds a doctorate from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and specializes in trauma, grief, and substance abuse for clients aged 11 and beyond. With specific interest in trauma recovery, her research on Hurricane Katrina survivors was recently republished in 2024, providing updates to her dissertation research. She currently serves as Program Director at ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers and has a small private practice under Dr. Powers Psychotherapy. She is Clinical Faculty at Antioch University and also supervises at ADR Wellness - a group practice. Throughout her career, Dr. Powers has remained dedicated to mentoring early-career clinicians and providing individualized, strength-based support to diverse communities.
For more information, contact Course Organizer/CE Networking Chair Shiji Yuan.
Event Details:
For: Licensed Therapists, Associates, Students, & Related Professionals
When: Friday, June 26, 2026 from 9:00am-11:00am
8:30-9:00: Check-In 9:00: Meeting/Presentation Begins 11:00: Meeting/Presentation & Related Announcements End 11:00-11:30: Participant Announcements (optional)
If you are interested in expanding your professional networking, sign up for Participant Announcements when you register. This segment is from 11:00am-11:30am, and is an optional 1/2 hour after the presentation.
After the presentation we will provide you with a link to a simple online test and evaluation questionnaire. When the test questions and the evaluation are completed, you will be provided with an online CE Certificate that can be personalized with your name and license information and either printed or saved on your computer.
Where: Online Via Zoom (Your registration confirmation email will include the Zoom link and instructions for accessing the event. A reminder email will be sent prior to the event.)
Cost:
$25 for LA-CAMFT/Other CAMFT Chapter Members, CSCSW Members
$15 for LA-CAMFT/Other CAMFT Chapter Prelicensed Members
$35 for Non-Members
$20 for Prelicensed Non-Members
Cost (2 weeks before event for licensed members):
$30 for LA-CAMFT/Other CAMFT Chapter Members, CSCSW Members
$40 for Non-Members
*Registration closes Thursday, June 25 at 10:00pm.*
(To be sure you receive any information we send prior to the event, please add networkingchair@lacamft.org to your known contacts or safe list and check your bulk, junk or promotions mailboxes for any emails from us about this event.)
Register online today! We look forward to seeing you on Zoom.
CAMFT Approved Continuing Education Provider 59450. LA-CAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs. LA-CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.
This course meets the qualifications for 2 continuing education credits for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
To receive CE certificate: Participants must sign in/sign out, and must complete an evaluation form upon course completion. For a Course Schedule, please contact Course Organizer at NetworkingChair@LACAMFT.org.
Refund policy: 48-hour notice required for refund of fee minus $5.00 administrative cost. Exceptions can be made for 48-hour notice in cases of emergency. Contact Course Organizer at NetworkingChair@LACAMFT.org.
Accommodations for Special Needs: Contact Course Organizer at NetworkingChair@LACAMFT.org.
Grievances: Program Administrator/CFO manages all grievances—and will acknowledge, investigate and remedy grievances. Response to grievances will be made in writing within 30 days. Contact them at cfo@lacamft.org.
Annual Leadership Retreat
Sunday, June 28, 2026
12:00pm-4:00pm
Private Home in Valley Glen
By Invite Only
Hello!
You’ve likely felt it when you connected with someone at a special event, felt seen by a colleague at a CE or networking event, found a mentor, or discovered a new opportunity through an LA-CAMFT connection. It’s that LA-CAMFT magic that keeps us coming to events and staying connected, even when we may have other therapist communities closer to home. In my case, LA-CAMFT just feels like home.
That magic doesn’t happen by chance. It is lovingly and intentionally created by our members, volunteer leaders, past leaders, state leadership, and others who continue to support us. LA-CAMFT leadership is a collaboration of dedicated volunteers who contribute their time, talents, and ideas in ways that help us build community, utilize our strengths, and grow together.
While not everyone feels called to leadership, being an LA-CAMFT leader is truly a privilege. It is an honor to give back to our local therapist community, leave your mark on the LA-CAMFT legacy, and make lasting memories and friendships along the way.
On behalf of the LA-CAMFT Board of Directors, Jenni J.V. Wilson and I would like to officially invite you to the upcoming annual LA-CAMFT Leadership Retreat.
This year’s retreat will provide an opportunity to reflect on where LA-CAMFT is today while helping shape where we want to be five years from now. Together, we will explore future priorities, identify opportunities for growth, and chart a course for the next chapter of our organization. Just as important, the retreat will give current and prospective leaders a chance to connect, build community, and have fun over games, food, and prizes.
It was at last year’s Leadership Retreat that I made many of my first genuine connections with fellow board members. It is also where I felt truly welcomed and empowered to become more involved in LA-CAMFT leadership.
This year feels especially meaningful because of where LA-CAMFT finds itself today. Over the past year, we have seen renewed leadership involvement, member engagement, and community connection. New volunteers have stepped forward, committees have grown, and members have continued to show up for one another in ways that remind us why professional community matters.
What makes this growth particularly meaningful to me is that it was not guaranteed. During a period of unexpected transition, dedicated leaders stepped forward when the chapter needed them most, helping provide the stability and support that made this momentum and renewed sense of community possible.
As we look ahead, we have an opportunity to build on this momentum and intentionally shape the next chapter of LA-CAMFT together.
We value you and your perspective, and we hope you will join us as we reflect, connect, and co-create the future of LA-CAMFT.
Worried that you’re unsure about leadership or won’t have much to contribute? I encourage you to take a chance and see what LA-CAMFT leadership is all about. Your voice matters. After all, LA-CAMFT isn’t just an organization. It’s all of us.
Please join us in creating memories and forging our incredible future together!
Please also fill out this 2-question survey.
Looking forward to building community with you all!
Warmly,
Jessica Idoine
2026 President-Elect, LA-CAMFT
For: LA-CAMFT Board Members and prospective leaders (by invite only, registration codes will be sent via direct email)
When: Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 12:00pm-4:00pm (Check-In 11:45am)
Where: Private home in Valley Glen (address will be in registration confirmation and reminder emails)
Cost: FREE
*Registration closes Monday, June 22, at 6:00pm.*
If you have an emergency/health issue on the day of the event and you’ve already registered, please text Jenni J.V. Wilson, LA-CAMFT President, at 310.497.2669.
Middle Eastern North African (MENA) Therapists Community Group
First Monday of Every Month
Next Meeting: Monday, July 6, 2026 9:00am-10:00am
The MENA Therapists Community Group is a safe place across the Middle Eastern and North African therapist diaspora to build community and a sense of belonging. We hold an inclusive space to process the impact of cultural biases experienced by people of MENA descent and the effect it may have on our work as mental health professionals. Within the process, we will strive to create healing, support, and empowerment. We will collaboratively exchange ideas, experiences and resources while acknowledging cultural differences and shared similarities. As the poet Khalil Gibran states — “The reality of the other person lies not in what he reveals to you, but what he cannot reveal to you.” — our community will create a place to be seen, heard, and understood.
Special Note: MENA Therapists Community Group meetings are intended as a place for MENA-identifying therapists to have a safe place amongst others in the same ethnic and cultural community to share and process their personal and professional experiences. Therapists from similar cultural backgrounds (e.g., South Asian, mixed identities that include MENA, etc.) are also welcome. If you are not MENA-identifying or from a similar cultural background and instead wish to join these meetings for the purpose of learning about the MENA population, we offer consultations separately. You are more than welcome to schedule a one-on-one consultation by emailing us.
Open to LA-CAMFT Members and Non-Members.
For more information, contact the facilitators at mena@lacamft.org.
For: Licensed Therapists, Associates, and Students
When: Monday, July 6, 2026 from 9:00am-10:00am
Where: Online Via Zoom (Upon registration for the presentation, you will receive a confirmation email that includes a link to our Zoom meeting.)
Cost: No charge
Facilitator(s): Perla and Susan
*Registration is open and available until the group begins.*
Black Therapist Support Group
Second Monday of Every Month
Next Meeting: Monday, July 13, 2026 6:00pm-7:30pm
A safe place for healing, connection, support and building community. In this group, licensed clinicians, associates and students can come together and process experiences of racism (systemic, social, and internalized), discrimination, implicit bias, and micro-aggressions, along with additional experiences that therapists of African descent encounter in the field of mental health. As the late great Maya Angelou once said, “As soon as healing takes place, go out and heal someone else.” May this space, be the support needed to facilitate that journey.
For more information, contact the Diversity Committee.
When: Monday, July 13, 2026 from 6:00pm-7:30pm (Check-In: 5:50pm)
Friday, July 17, 2026 9:00am-11:00am
Uncovering What’s Invisible: Cultural Considerations in Therapy with Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Clients
with Perla Hollow, M.A., LMFT and Susan Abdel-Haq, M.A., LMFT
This presentation offers a clinically grounded framework for understanding how cultural, historic, and sociopolitical factors shape the mental health experiences of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) clients. Drawing from clinical practice and lived experience, the presenters explore cultural values such as family centrality, honor, and collectivism, alongside systemic barriers including stigma, mistrust, and underrepresentation. Special attention is given to identity development, intergenerational conflict, trauma, and LGBTQ+ considerations within MENA contexts. Participants will gain practical tools for culturally responsive care, deepen their understanding of nuanced client presentations, and learn how to adapt therapeutic approaches to build trust and provide more effective culturally attuned treatment.
Attendees will gain a clinically grounded understanding of how cultural, historic, and sociopolitical factors shape the mental health experiences of MENA clients and how these factors influence engagement, trust, and treatment in therapy.
Perla Hollow, M.A., LMFT (she/her) is a Middle Eastern therapist in private practice in Manhattan Beach, CA, providing therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Her specialties include utilizing CBT to address anxiety, depression, phobias, body-focused repetitive behaviors, and OCD. She also provides family therapy for families with challenges around child behavioral issues. Previously, she worked in community mental health at The Help Group Outpatient Services. She has also received training in CBT at the CBT Treatment Center in Manhattan Beach. Perla earned her B.A. in Psychology from USC and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She is a first-generation immigrant from Beirut, Lebanon who is passionate about psychotherapy as well as bridging the cultural gaps that exist in the field, especially for Middle Eastern therapists and clients. She is also excited about being the co-founder of the LA-CAMFT Therapists of Color Mentorship Program and co-founder and co-facilitator of the LA-CAMFT MENA Therapist Community Group.
Susan Abdel-Haq, M.A., LMFT (she/her/hers) is a second generation Palestinian and a licensed psychotherapist practicing in California. She graduated from Pepperdine University in 2015 and has worked across school-based, inpatient, outpatient, and substance use treatment settings. She is trained in EMDR and Brainspotting and specializes in relational trauma, narcissistic abuse recovery, family-of-origin work, anxiety, substance use, and cultural identity exploration. Susan is passionate about holding space for people to work through the hard stuff and tap into their strengths. She is dedicated to creating culturally responsive spaces for clients and communities that have historically faced stigma around mental health. She has presented on cultural considerations when working with Arab and MENA clients in clinical and educational settings, including college campuses, community spaces, and corporate trainings on inclusion. She has also facilitated community groups supporting those impacted by the ongoing genocide in Palestine and currently serves as a co-facilitator of the LA-CAMFT MENA Therapist Community Group.
When: Friday, July 17, 2026 from 9:00am-11:00am
*Registration closes Thursday, July 16 at 10:00pm.*
LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee
presents
White Therapists Fighting Racism (WTFR)
Third Sunday of Every Month
Next Meeting: Sunday, July 19, 2026 3:00pm-5:00pm (PT)
The goal of White Therapists Fighting Racism (WTFR) is for white-identified therapists to become effective allies in support of decolonization and racial justice in our clinical practice, therapy association, and community. Recognizing that racism is maintained when whiteness is invisible to white people, WTFR provides a forum for white-identified therapists to explore what it means to be white. While this process includes learning about structural racism and deconstructing the false narrative about race, a primary focus in the group is on doing inner work.
How Do I Join? To join this group, please click here to complete our online submission form. Once submitted, a group facilitator will reach out to you for next steps.
For more information or if you have additional questions, please send all inquiries to the facilitators WTFR@lacamft.org.
When: Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 3:00pm-5:00pm (PT)
Where: Online Via Zoom (Once you complete the online submission process, you will be emailed a monthly Zoom link.)
Facilitator(s): Estelle, Randi, Hazel, and Stephen
Next Meeting: Monday, August 3, 2026 9:00am-10:00am
When: Monday, August 3, 2026 from 9:00am-10:00am
Annual Summer Picnic
Sunday, August 9, 2026
12:00pm-3:00pm
Cheviot Hills Recreation Center
Please join LA-CAMFT for our Annual Summer Picnic on Sunday, August 9, 2026 from Noon to 3 PM at Cheviot Hills Recreation Center - Picnic Area #2.
You're invited to spend an afternoon with your LA-CAMFT Community. This year's theme is Summer Beach at the Park and we're featuring both active and lounging activities! We'll have a volleyball net set up for those who love to play, a creativity table where you can let your artistic side shine, and a grounding/board game table for those who want to relax, maybe do a puzzle.
Essentially, the goal is to have fun on a hot summer day with good community. Come connect, play games, eat a delicious lunch, get to know each other, and maybe even go home with a raffle prize! Family members (including kiddos), colleagues and friends are welcome.
*Please note: This is picnic area 2 that is in the back of the park, NOT the same location as the Spring Celebration, which was area 1. Please wear comfortable, outdoor clothing and bring sun protective gear like sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.*
For more information, please contact Special Events Chair Emerald Aueyong.
For: Licensed Therapists, Associates, Students, Related Professionals, and colleagues
When: Sunday, August 9, 2026 from 12:00-3:00pm (11:30am - Check in)
Where: Cheviot Hills Recreation Center - Picnic Area #2 (2251 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90064)
(Map: https://recreation.parks.lacity.gov/sites/default/files/reccenter/cheviot-hills-recreation-center/media/newest-greatest-map.pdf)
Parking: Free onsite parking
$15 for LA-CAMFT Members
$10 for LA-CAMFT Prelicensed Members
$20 for Non-Members
$10 for Prelicensed Non-Members
Cost (2 weeks before event):
$20 for LA-CAMFT Members
$15 for LA-CAMFT Prelicensed Members
$25 for Non-Members
$15 for Prelicensed Non-Members
Cost (at the door):
$25 for LA-CAMFT Members
$20 for LA-CAMFT Prelicensed Members
$30 for Non-Members
*Registration closes Saturday, August 8 at 10:00pm.*
Next Meeting: Monday, August 10, 2026 6:00pm-7:30pm
When: Monday, August 10, 2026 from 6:00pm-7:30pm (Check-In: 5:50pm)
Next Meeting: Sunday, August 16, 2026 3:00pm-5:00pm (PT)
When: Sunday, August 16, 2026 from 3:00pm-5:00pm (PT)
Long Beach Meetup
Saturday, August 29, 2026
9:00am-11:00am
El Dorado East Regional Park
Hello LA-CAMFT Community!
Looking to explore another part of the city and meet some Long Beach peers?
Join LA-CAMFT on Saturday, August 29th from 9 AM - 11 AM at the beautiful El Dorado Park in Long Beach for a fresh morning Meet-Up in nature with light refreshments, laughter, and conversation.
This is an opportunity to socialize, network, and release some stress with your LA-CAMFT friends, colleagues, and related professionals. You’ll also get the chance to spend time with some members of the LA-CAMFT Board of Directors and other LA-CAMFT Community Leaders.
This meetup is scheduled to last 2 hours and you’re welcome to arrive and depart at your own leisure. We will have 2 groups, one that will be doing a 2 mile loop and another paved ¼ mile loop. You’re invited to walk, hike, or socialize at homebase. No pressure to do an activity, we just want to get outside and get some time with our Long Beach/South Bay folks!
Light refreshments and snacks will be provided, but just in case, we highly recommend bringing your own hydration, light snacks (especially if you have preferences or allergies), and sun protective gear (i.e., sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.).
If you want to bring something for the larger group, let us know!
For more information or questions, contact Special Events Chair Emerald Aueyong.
If you have an emergency/health issue on the day of the event and you’ve already registered, please text 213.444.0143.
For: Open to all mental health professionals, licensure, associate, or student. Open for members and non-members.
When: Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 9:00am-11:00am (Check-In 8:45am)
Where: El Dorado East Regional Park (7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815 - see email confirmation and reminder for further instructions and map)
Cost: FREE (Please note parking is $8 per vehicle.)
*Registration closes Friday, August 28, at 10:00pm. *
(please note: this month is the Second Monday)
Next Meeting: Monday, September 14, 2026 9:00am-10:00am
When: Monday, September 14, 2026 from 9:00am-10:00am
(please note: this month is the Third Monday)
Next Meeting: Monday, September 14, 2026 6:00pm-7:30pm
When: Monday, September 14, 2026 from 6:00pm-7:30pm (Check-In: 5:50pm)
Next Meeting: Sunday, September 20, 2026 3:00pm-5:00pm (PT)
When: Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 3:00pm-5:00pm (PT)
Next Meeting: Monday, October 5, 2026 9:00am-10:00am
When: Monday, October 5, 2026 from 9:00am-10:00am
Next Meeting: Sunday, October 18, 2026 3:00pm-5:00pm (PT)
When: Sunday, October 18, 2026 from 3:00pm-5:00pm (PT)
Next Meeting: Monday, October 19, 2026 6:00pm-7:30pm
When: Monday, October 19, 2026 from 6:00pm-7:30pm (Check-In: 5:50pm)
Next Meeting: Monday, November 2, 2026 9:00am-10:00am
When: Monday, November 2, 2026 from 9:00am-10:00am
(no meeting in December)
Next Meeting: Monday, November 9, 2026 6:00pm-7:30pm
When: Monday, November 9, 2026 from 6:00pm-7:30pm (Check-In: 5:50pm)
Next Meeting: Sunday, November 15, 2026 3:00pm-5:00pm (PT)
When: Sunday, November 15, 2026 from 3:00pm-5:00pm (PT)
Next Meeting: Monday, December 7, 2026 9:00am-10:00am
When: Monday, December 7, 2026 from 9:00am-10:00am
Next Meeting: Sunday, December 20, 2026 3:00pm-5:00pm
When: Sunday, December 20, 2026 from 3:00pm-5:00pm
