President's Message

Jennifer Stonefield, LMFT
LA-CAMFT President

International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day, observed annually on August 31st, aims to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of drug overdose. This global event serves as a platform to acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends who have lost loved ones to overdose. By highlighting the growing crisis of drug-related deaths, the day seeks to educate the public on the risks of drug use and promote policies that can help prevent overdose incidents. Various organizations and communities worldwide hold events, such as memorial services, educational programs, and community outreach, to commemorate the lives lost and spread critical information about overdose prevention and harm reduction.

The significance of International Overdose Awareness Day extends beyond remembrance. It is a call to action for governments, healthcare providers, and individuals to confront the stigma associated with drug use and addiction.

Stigmatization often prevents people from seeking help, exacerbating the risk of overdose. By fostering an open dialogue about the realities of addiction, the day encourages a more compassionate and informed approach to addressing the issue. It emphasizes the importance of access to treatment and support services, advocating for evidence-based strategies to reduce harm and save lives.

Strength is a recurring theme in the narratives surrounding International Overdose Awareness Day. The strength to break the silence and talk about addiction, the strength to seek help, and the strength to support others through their struggles are all vital components of the day’s message. It highlights the resilience of those in recovery and the courage of families and friends who fight to bring attention to the crisis. By uniting people in their shared experiences and collective efforts to combat overdose, International Overdose Awareness Day stands as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to endure and overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

Jennifer Stonefield, LMFT, is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. She’s always had a passion for psychology and going on the therapeutic journey with her clients reminds her of this every day. She has a wide array of clinical experience ranging from working with children in an educational setting to those suffering from dementia to individual work in several group, private practices where age holds no boundaries. She has an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Jennifer applies a person-centered approach when working with clients, as she believes that a “one size fits all” approach simply won’t cut it.

Annual Summer Picnic

sponsored by

Your Los Angeles chapter of CAMFT is pleased to invite you and your colleagues to our Annual Summer Picnic. Please join us for fun, food, and socializing on Sunday, August 11th, 2024 from 1pm to 4pm at Cheviot Hills Recreation Center, Area 2.

This is a great opportunity to reconnect, socialize and network with your colleagues and friends.  Family members & little ones welcome!

For more information, please contact Suzy Herbert at specialeventschair@lacamft.org.

Thank you,

Suzy Herbert

Special Events Chair

Event Details:

For: Licensed Therapists, Associates, Students, Related Professionals, and colleagues

When: Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 1:00-4:00pm

Where: Cheviot Hills Park (2551 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90064)

Parking: Free onsite parking

Cost: $5 ~ LA-CAMFT Members, Other CAMFT Chapter Members, and Non-Members

If you are experiencing financial hardship, please email specialeventschair@lacamft.org if you need support to attend this event.

*Registration closes Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 11:00pm.*

(To be sure you receive any information we send prior to the event, please add specialeventschair@lacamft.org to your known contacts or safe list and check your bulk, junk, spam or promotions mailboxes for any emails from us about this event.)

Editor's Note

Lynne Azpeitia, LMFT
Voices Editor

Pull Marketing Strategies for Psychotherapists: Attracting Clients Who Are A Perfect Fit For Your Practice

In today’s psychotherapy world, attracting clients who are a perfect fit for your private practice can be challenging. Traditional marketing techniques, often referred to as "push" marketing, involve actively promoting services through advertisements, direct mail, and other outbound methods. These push marketing methods can be costly and most therapists dislike these methods because they seem too salesy.

However, an alternative approach, known as "pull" marketing, can be more effective for psychotherapists seeking to build a loyal client base for the services they provide. Therapists find these pull marketing methods more amenable to their values, budget, and preferred ways of gaining visibility in the marketplace as well as in the professional community.

Pull marketing focuses on creating valuable content and experiences that naturally draw clients in. It works by showing potential clients who you are and what you can offer them. This especially appeals to those who are in need of the service you provide and is much more cost-effective than push marketing.

Pull marketing practices can include: word-of-mouth referrals, presentations and talks for clients as well as referral people and professional organizations, having an open house at your office, attending networking events, participation in a professional organization’s listserv; email newsletters that have content that is useful info for the public, an inviting website that has webpages with useful material: articles, books, resources, etc. As you can see these are relationship-based activities that do not cost much money because they are an investment of time.

Here are some examples of pull marketing strategies psychotherapists can use to fill their practice with desired clients.

1. Establish a Strong Online Presence

In today's digital age, having a professional, informative, easy to use website is crucial. Your website needs to clearly communicate your expertise, services, and therapeutic approach. Think about including a blog where you can regularly post articles on topics that are of interest to your target audience. By providing valuable insights and advice, you position yourself as an authority in your field, which helps build trust and credibility.

2. Leverage Content Marketing

Content marketing is at the heart of pull marketing. Create high-quality content that addresses the specific needs and concerns of your ideal clients. This could include blog posts, e-books, webinars, and videos. For example, if you specialize in anxiety disorders, you could write a series of articles on coping strategies or create a video series discussing various treatment options. This type of content not only attracts potential clients but also demonstrates your expertise and commitment to helping them.

3. Optimize for Search Engines (SEO)

Search engine optimization (SEO) ensures that your content is easily discoverable by people searching for information related to psychotherapy. Use relevant keywords throughout your website and blog posts to improve your search engine rankings. For instance, if you specialize in cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression, include phrases like "CBT for depression" and "cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression" in your content. Higher visibility in search engine results increases the likelihood that potential clients will find and choose your practice.

4. Utilize Social Media

Social media platforms are powerful tools for pull marketing. Establish a presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and others, where you can share your content and engage with your audience. Use these platforms to share articles, tips, inspirational quotes, and success stories. Social media allows you to interact directly with potential clients, answer their questions, and provide support. It also helps you build a community around your practice, fostering a sense of connection and trust.

5. Offer No Cost/Free Resources

Offering free resources is an effective way to attract potential clients. Create downloadable materials such as guides, checklists, or worksheets that address common issues your ideal clients face. In exchange for these resources, you can ask for their email addresses. This allows you to build a mailing list that you can use for further engagement through newsletters and email marketing.

6. Engage in Online Communities

Participating in online forums and communities related to mental health can help you reach a broader audience. Platforms like Reddit, Quora, and specialized Facebook groups provide opportunities to share your knowledge and offer advice. By consistently providing helpful information, you can establish yourself as a trusted expert, which can lead to more clients seeking your services.

7. Host Talks, Workshops, and Webinars

Hosting talks, workshops and webinars on topics of interest can attract individuals who are looking for professional guidance. These events allow potential clients to experience your expertise firsthand and get a sense of your therapeutic approach. Offering a mix of free and paid events can help you reach a wider audience while also generating revenue.

Conclusion

Pull marketing is a subtle yet powerful approach for psychotherapists to attract their ideal clients. By creating valuable content, optimizing for search engines, leveraging social media, offering free resources, engaging in online communities, and presenting talks and workshops, you can naturally draw the type of clients you desire to your practice. This strategy not only helps fill your practice but also builds long-term relationships with clients who are a perfect fit for your services.

Lynne Azpeitia, LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor, is in private practice in Santa Monica where she works with Couples and Gifted, Talented, and Creative Adults across the lifespan. Lynne’s been doing business and clinical coaching with mental health professionals for more than 15 years, helping professionals develop even more successful careers and practices. To learn more about her in-person and online services, workshops or monthly no-cost Online Networking & Practice Development Lunch visit www.Gifted-Adults.com or www.LAPracticeDevelopment.com.

The LA-CAMFT 3000 Club

presents

Private Practice 101 Webinar 

Saturday, August 3, 2024

9:00am-10:15am

Online Via Zoom

Join LA-CAMFT and The 3000 Club at 9:00am on Saturday, August 3 for a special Private Practice workshop hosted by Turning Point Planning!

This presentation will provide a professionally guided workshop toward building and maintaining a successful clinical private practice.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the financial, tax, and business fundamentals of starting and building a private practice.
• Gain insights into the importance of consistent money practices and their impact on business growth.
• Learn the components and importance of a profit and loss statement for financial management
• Understand the process of establishing pricing for private practices, including the relevance of personal budgeting.
  

Once you have registered for the presentation, we will email you the Zoom link.

If you have any questions, please email prelicensed@lacamft.org.

We look forward to “seeing” you on Zoom!

Sincerely,

Javan Taherkhani

Pre-Licensed Representative/3000 Club Chair

Presenter:

David Frank is a financial planner dedicated to helping therapists feel organized and confident in their financial decisions.

As the founder of Turning Point Planning, he assists therapists in evaluating, organizing, and prioritizing their financial lives, both in their practice and personal affairs.

Dave's mission is to reduce financial stress and enable quicker, more confident decision-making.

Event Details:

For: Prelicensed Associates and Students, Trainees, Interns, Newly Licensed Therapists, LA-CAMFT Members and Non-Members

When: Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 9:00-10:15pm

Where: Online Via Zoom (Your registration confirmation email will include the Zoom link and instructions for accessing the event.)

Cost: FREE of charge for pre-licensed attendees, $10 for LA-CAMFT members, $15 for non-members

*Registration is open and available until the presentation begins.*

(To be sure you receive any information we send prior to the event, please add prelicensed@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.)

Guest Article

The Secret Magic of Hawaiian Shirts

Chellie Campbell, Financial Stress Reduction Expert

A person will be called to account on Judgment Day for every permissible thing he might have enjoyed but did not. ~The Talmud

Financial stress reduction is as much about being relaxed and happy as it is about making a lot of money. Ideally, you want to be making more money and having more fun on a daily basis. Lack of either one creates stress and unhappiness.

A wealthy young stockbroker named Max, who had inherited money, took my financial workshop several years ago. Tense and unhappy when I talked with him on the phone, he seemed hesitant about attending the workshop, but agreed to come to the first class and see how he liked it.

Although I instruct everyone to dress casually, he wore a suit and tie. He had a rather negative attitude, made skeptical comments, and sat in a closed position with his arms tightly crossed. It was clear to me he had an attitude and needed some help, but I wasn’t sure I could reach him. However, by the end of the first class, he said he wanted to continue with the course.

During the second class, I ask each participant to share three opportunities and three obstacles they see facing them. Then, as a group, we offer each person creative suggestions for taking advantage of their opportunities or for solving their problems.

When it came time for Max to share, a lot of anger came pouring out. Once again wearing a suit and tie, he had no opportunities on his list and about twelve obstacles. As he spoke, I saw that his need for financial stress reduction wasn’t about money. He had that. What he didn’t have was fun.

At that point, I jumped in and asked him, “Where is the fun in your life?” 

Totally taken aback, he just stared at me.

I said, “Max, I’m giving you a special assignment for this week. You don’t need to work on money—you have that. What I want is for you to do as many fun things as possible this week. Go to the beach for a day and just lie in the sun and swim. Go to a movie in the afternoon. Rent a hotel room for a night and take your wife out on the town. Whatever you think is fun, do it. The sky’s the limit. Bring a list next week of all the fun you had to share with us."

As I spoke, he changed right in front of all our eyes. He started smiling. Then he grinned and blushed. He sat back in his chair and relaxed. Everyone applauded and envied his assignment.

He looked like a little kid at Christmas.

The next week, when he came to class with his “fun list,” he was wearing a Hawaiian shirt and sandals! He wore a Hawaiian shirt to every class from then on—and a smile.

Make fun your priority today. Take a day off. Get yourself a Hawaiian shirt.

Today’s Affirmation: “The more fun I have the more money I make!”

I love this story – I remember Max fondly. He was so much fun in his Hawaiian shirt!

When I was an actor, the costume always meant a lot to me in building my character. Was she funny and flirty? Strict and up-tight? A show off or an introvert? The clothes tell a lot of the story.

Shoes were particularly important. High heels, flats, or sneakers give you a totally different posture and attitude. In my theatre costume class in college, one day the instructor held up a pair of 1940s style high heels and said they were called “Open-toed Joan Crawford F** Me Shoes”. We all howled at that. One of those little bits of trivia that sticks in your mind forever. Hee.

An accomplished, professional friend of mine who had a corporate job always wore a suit to work and was in her finest no-nonsense business mode when dressed that way. Her young daughter picked that up immediately. She didn’t like it when her mommy put her jacket on, because along with it, she put on her business manner.

Whenever her mom came home from work, she’d say, “Mommy, jacket off!”

So, jackets off today, everyone! Relax, change your style, and have fun.

Chellie Campbell, Financial Stress Reduction Expert, is the author of bestselling books The Wealthy Spirit, Zero to Zillionaire, and From Worry to Wealthy: A Woman’s Guide to Financial Success Without the Stress. She has been treating Money Disorders like Spending Bulimia and Income Anorexia in her Financial Stress Reduction® Workshops for over 25 years and is still speaking, writing, and teaching workshops—now as Zoom classes and The Wealthy Spirit Group on Facebook—with participants from all over the world. Website: www.chellie.com.

LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee
Presents:

Black Therapist Support Group

Second Monday of Every Month

Next Meeting:
Monday, August 12, 2024
6:00 pm-7:30 pm (PT)

Online Via Zoom

Black Therapist Support Group

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.

Open to LA-CAMFT Members and Non-Members

First Saturday of this Month
Location: Zoom Meeting

For more information contact the Diversity Committee, diversitycommittee@lacamft.org.

For:
Licensed Therapists, Associates, and Students

Event Details: 
Monday, August 12, 2024, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm (PT)
Time of Check-In: 5:50 am

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

Online Registration CLOSES on the date of the event.
(Registration is open and available until the group ends.)

Questions about Registration? Contact Stara Shakti, LMFT   at DiversityCommittee@lacamft.org.

Member Article

Divorce Mediation in High Conflict Situations

Steven Unruh, MDiv, LMFT

Imagine a couple, let’s call them Sarah and John, caught in the turbulent storm of a high-conflict divorce. Their once-loving relationship has turned into a battleground of resentment and anger. Legal proceedings seem like a never-ending maze, leaving them emotionally drained and financially depleted. As a divorce mediator with over 30 years of experience, I’ve witnessed countless stories like Sarah and John’s, where the traditional adversarial approach only exacerbates the pain. But what if there’s a better way? Let’s explore how divorce mediation can offer a beacon of hope in even the most challenging situations.

The Problem

Divorce, especially in high-conflict scenarios, presents a myriad of challenges that can feel insurmountable to those involved. Legal battles, escalating costs, and prolonged court proceedings create a hostile environment, further fueling animosity between parties. Emotionally, divorce takes a toll on individuals, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression, disrupting familial bonds and leaving scars that may take years to heal.

The adversarial nature of traditional divorce proceedings often perpetuates a win-lose mentality, where neither party achieves closure or satisfaction, failing to acknowledge the humanity and complexity of each individual’s situation, leaving them feeling dehumanized and disempowered. It’s clear that the current system is failing those experiencing divorce, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

How Divorce Mediation Works in High Conflict Situations

As a seasoned divorce mediator, I’ve dedicated my career to guiding couples through the tumultuous waters of divorce with compassion and understanding. Here are some key points to consider when exploring divorce mediation as an alternative approach:

1. Facilitating Communication

Divorce mediation offers a neutral space for couples to communicate effectively, fostering constructive dialogue and problem-solving. Unlike traditional adversarial proceedings, mediation provides a safe environment where parties can openly and honestly express their concerns and interests. This open dialogue allows for a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives, facilitating the resolution of conflicts in a collaborative manner.

By encouraging active participation and mutual respect, mediation empowers couples to take ownership of their decisions and work towards mutually beneficial agreements. Ultimately, the goal of mediation is to promote communication skills that extend beyond the divorce process, laying a foundation for healthier co-parenting relationships and future interactions. Through facilitated communication, mediation enables couples to navigate the complexities of divorce with dignity and respect, paving the way for a more amicable and sustainable resolution.

2. Empowering Decision-Making

In contrast to traditional litigation’s imposition of decisions by a judge, mediation empowers couples to take charge of crucial matters like child custody, asset division, and alimony. This autonomy fosters the creation of durable and mutually beneficial agreements. By actively participating in the decision-making process, individuals gain a sense of ownership over the outcomes, resulting in agreements that better reflect their unique needs and circumstances. This collaborative approach not only promotes greater satisfaction with the final resolution but also fosters a more amicable post-divorce relationship between the parties involved. Ultimately, empowering couples to make their own decisions through mediation can lead to more sustainable and harmonious outcomes for all parties involved in the divorce process.

3. Reducing Conflict and Cost

Mediation offers a route to resolving disputes outside of the courtroom, effectively minimizing both the emotional and financial tolls associated with divorce. Research indicates that mediated divorces are typically swifter and less costly than litigated ones, enabling parties to conserve resources for their post-divorce adjustment. By sidestepping prolonged legal battles, couples can not only achieve resolution more efficiently but also mitigate the strain on their emotional well-being. This reduction in conflict and financial burden not only benefits the individuals involved but also fosters a smoother transition into the next chapter of their lives, ultimately promoting greater long-term stability and well-being for all parties affected by the divorce process.

4. Prioritizing Children’s Well-being

Divorce mediation prioritizes children’s well-being by crafting parenting plans focused on cooperative co-parenting and minimizing the impact of divorce on them. Mediators ensure that discussions center around the children’s best interests, fostering stability and harmony within the family unit. This child-centric approach equips parents with strategies for effective co-parenting post-divorce, ultimately promoting a healthier family dynamic moving forward.

What’s Next?

You might be thinking, “But what if my ex-spouse is unwilling to participate in mediation?” It’s essential to recognize that mediation is a voluntary process, and both parties must be willing to engage in good faith negotiations. However, even in cases where initial resistance exists, skilled mediators can often facilitate meaningful dialogue and ultimately reach mutually acceptable solutions.

If you find yourself facing the challenges of divorce, know that you’re not alone. Consider exploring the option of divorce mediation as a more humane and constructive alternative to the adversarial legal system. By choosing mediation, you’re taking a proactive step towards reclaiming control of your future and fostering a more amicable resolution to your divorce.

Remember, the journey towards healing and resolution begins with a single step. Reach out today to learn more about how divorce mediation can help you navigate this challenging time with dignity and grace.

Together, we can rewrite the narrative of divorce and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

Steven Unruh, MA, MDiv, is a Divorce Mediator and LMFT. He and his team at Unruh Mediation complete the entire divorce process, including all assets, pensions, properties, alimony and child support—along with all required documentation. Unruh Mediation files in 13 different courthouses throughout Southern California. Website: stevenunruh.com.

White Therapists Fighting Racism
LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee Affinity Group

Third Sunday of Every Month

Next Meeting:
Sunday, August 18, 2024
3:00 pm-5:00 pm (PT)

Online Via Zoom

White Therapists Fighting Racism

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, White Therapists Fighting Racism 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. To learn more, click on the Diversity Committee page.

Open to LA-CAMFT Members and Non-Members

For:
Licensed Therapists, Associates, and Students

Event Details: 
Sunday, August 18, 2024, 3:00 pm-5:00 pm (PT)

To join this group, go to  https://lacamft.formstack.com/forms/wtfr_member_questionnaire. 

For more information contact Randi Gottlieb at rgottliebmft@gmail.com.

Guest Article

Body Image As We Age: From Dissatisfaction to Acceptance

Kim Scott, LMFT

In the height of summer, aka bathing suit season, it seemed like a perfect time to delve into the subject of body image. The idea came to me when I invited a friend over to swim and lounge by the pool. Her response was a hard no. She said, “I would not subject anyone to seeing my old, fat body in a swimsuit!” This made me curious about how our feelings about our bodies change (or stay the same) as we age.  While we often associate body image issues with teens, these concerns can resurface as we age, significantly impacting mental health, quality of life, and even physical health.

In this article, we will explore the research on aging and body image, examine the unique factors contributing to body image issues in later life, and discuss the psychological, social, and physical challenges associated with poor body image. Additionally, we will offer strategies for therapists to assist clients in moving towards body acceptance—or at least body neutrality.

The Reality of Aging and Body Image

A study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders by Dr. Sara M. Hofmeier and colleagues analyzed responses from 1,849 women over the age of 50 to understand their feelings and thoughts about their bodies as they aged. The average age of participants was 59. The findings were striking: 79% reported that their weight or shape affected their self-perception, and 62% indicated that their weight or shape negatively impacted their lives. Moreover, 70% were actively trying to lose weight.

Although body image concerns affect both men and women, men generally report higher levels of body satisfaction compared to women.

A Glimmer of Hope

Other studies offer a more hopeful perspective, suggesting that body satisfaction remains relatively stable over a lifetime and may even improve slightly with age. However, given the pervasive negative self-perception that many women hold about their bodies, the notion of stability doesn't equate to significant improvement.

Factors that Contribute to Body Dissatisfaction with Aging

Let's dive into some of the key factors contributing to body dissatisfaction as we age. One of the primary culprits is our society’s obsession with youth and thinness. When being young and slim is held up as the ideal, the natural signs of aging—wrinkles, age spots, sagging skin, and changes in weight—can make us feel unattractive and ashamed.  Ashamed that we let this (aging) happen to ourselves.

Menopause can also cause weight gain and body composition changes due to the decrease in hormones. Even women who have never had body image issues can suddenly face challenges during this time of life. In addition to the physical changes that begin in peri-menopause and continue into menopause, emotions can become heightened, sex drive can decrease, and societal messages about a woman’s decreased attractiveness in this new phase of life can contribute to plummeting self-esteem.

A 2014 study conducted by Kathryn L. Jackson and colleagues suggested that poor body image in menopause adds additional risk to mental health and increases the episodes of depression.

Body dissatisfaction can also be exacerbated by changes in mobility and physical functioning, health issues, chronic pain, and medication side effects. These changes can leave us feeling disconnected from the bodies we once knew so well, leading to feelings of frustration, betrayal, and again, shame.

By acknowledging these factors, we can better understand the challenges faced by our aging clients and help them work towards fostering a more compassionate and accepting view of their bodies.

Psychological Impacts

Poor body image can lead to numerous psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and a decrease in sex drive. As people age, these issues can become intertwined with other life stressors, such as retirement, health problems, and changes in social roles. The death of a spouse can also impact body dissatisfaction and insecurities as the individual considers dating again.

Social and Physical Challenges

Socially, poor body image can lead to isolation and avoidance of activities that might highlight physical appearance or eating. Sadly, I have seen this many times in my practice where clients forgo participating in social events because they are embarrassed about their weight or appearance.

Physically, it can also result in unhealthy behaviors such as extreme dieting or excessive exercise, which can further harm overall health. It can also make the individual avoid seeing their doctor for fear of getting on the scale or learning that they have other physical ailments.

Moving Towards Acceptance

Below are some strategies to help clients move towards body acceptance:

1. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): This can help clients acknowledge and accept the physical realities of aging, mindfully observe rather than fight their negative cognitions, explore their values and how they fit with or contradict their negative body image, and identify action steps to feel better and more comfortable in their body as it changes.

2. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This can help clients identify, challenge, and change negative thought patterns about their bodies. This can be extremely helpful because often negative cognitions about our bodies and aging are deeply engrained and steeped in unconscious societal biases.

3. Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: Encouraging practices that promote self-kindness and present-moment awareness can reduce the harsh self-criticism often associated with poor body image.

4. Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Focusing on health rather than weight can help clients develop a more positive relationship with their bodies.

5. Community and Support Groups: Connecting clients with others who share similar experiences can provide much-needed support and reduce feelings of isolation.

Conclusion

Body image issues do not simply fade away with age. They can resurface and bring with them significant challenges. However, with appropriate strategies and support, it is possible to foster a more accepting and compassionate view of one's body, enhancing both mental and physical well-being.

Kim Scott, LMFT is a licensed marriage, family and child therapist. She has a private practice in Granada Hills where she works with couples and individuals, in-person and via Telehealth. Kim has been licensed for 30 years and has expertise in working with older adults and women issues. To learn more about Kim's practice and to read more of her articles visit her website: www.kimscottmft.com

Therapists of Color (TOC) Mentorship Program

TOC Mentorship Program Committee Gears Up for 2024 with Enthusiastic Matchmaking

The Therapist of Color (TOC) Mentorship Program Committee convened in May to embark on one of the most anticipated tasks of the year: matching mentors and mentees for the 2024 cycle. The atmosphere was electric as committee members pored over interest forms, each brimming with unique stories, aspirations, and goals. The excitement was palpable, and the dedication to making thoughtful, intentional matches was evident in every discussion.

Reading through the interest forms was not just a task but a delightful journey into the diverse and dynamic lives of our applicants. Each form provided a glimpse into the passions and potential of both mentors and mentees, making the selection process both inspiring and challenging. Committee members were deeply moved by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by everyone involved, reinforcing the importance of creating meaningful connections that will foster personal and professional growth.

On June 1st, our 4th mentoring cohort began, with all our mentees successfully paired with licensed mentors of color. Mentors and mentees kicked off the 4th cycle by participating in a virtual orientation organized by the committee, where they learned about program highlights and available resources. We are one month into the 6-month mentorship program, and the feedback from both mentors and mentees has been exceptional. They appreciate the connections established and feel a great sense of relief knowing they have additional support within their professional village.

Our committee is steadfast in its mission to pair individuals in ways that will maximize the mentorship experience. We believe that these connections will not only provide guidance and support but also cultivate lasting relationships that transcend the program. As we move forward, we are filled with optimism and excitement for the incredible journeys that await our 2024 mentors and mentees. The TOC Mentorship Program is more than just a matching process; it is the beginning of transformative experiences that will shape the future of our community.

Congratulations again to all our 2024 mentors and mentees selected this year!

Call to Action: If you are interested in joining the program next year, visit our webpage and drop us an email. We are excited to connect with you and provide further information!

Keonna Robinson, MA, LMFT, is the TOC Mentorship Program Chair. Visit: TOC Mentorship Webpage. Email: Tocmentorshipprogram@lacamft.org.