The Cats Were Still Suckling

On my 16th birthday, I asked for a cat of my own: a delicate and high-strung silver point Siamese. I named her Ina after a cat that lived on the shoulder of a hippie I’d met downtown the previous summer. Ina was a very anxious cat, not in small part because of the way we taunted and teased her.

Ina produced a litter of kittens whose father we never identified because the kittens were pure black. It was a pretty, interracial sight to watch her lying there, the white and silver mom with her pure black brood lined up nursing on her.

But something went wrong as the cats grew because they never weaned. When they were bigger than she was, they would be lined up, still suckling. We would shoo and, I’m sorry to say, slap them away to no avail. We’d come back later, and they’d be feasting again.

I have a patient whose 25-year-old son has moved back home and she is supporting him, both of them blaming the economy. I understand that finding a job can be challenging, especially for many young people just out of college. But this mother is interfering with her son growing up and emancipating. He’s “still suckling” when he’s bigger than she is.

In humans, it’s called “codependence” when we do for another adult something they should be doing themselves. It doesn’t help them; instead, it infantilizes and keeps them child-like and dependent. For each person in a codependent relationship, growth is stunted. Each needs to let go, wean, and get on with their life.

In addition to the son in the above relationship needing to move on and create his own adult life, the mother needs to let go of being an actively involved mother and deal with her sadness about her empty nest. Only then will she be able to create a fulfilling post-mothering life for her later years.

For humans who are struggling with codependency, we are lucky to have 12-step groups like Alanon and Codependents Anonymous and the classic self-help book Codependent No More by Melody Beattie. For cats like Ina and her babies, maybe someone will eventually step up to the plate and start self-help groups for other species. Any takers?

© 2022 Catherine Auman

Catherine Auman, LMFT is a licensed therapist with advanced training in both traditional and spiritual psychology with over thirty years of successful professional experience helping thousands of clients. She has headed nationally based psychiatric programs as well as worked through alternative methodologies based on ancient traditions and wisdom teachings. Visit her online at catherineauman.com.

LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee
Presents:

Black Therapist Support Group

First Saturday of this Month

Next Meeting:
Saturday, October 1, 2022
12:00 pm-1:30 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

Second Saturday of this Month
Location: Zoom Meeting

For more information contact Akiah Robinson Selwa, LMFT at aselwa@sunrisetherapycenter.org.

Event Details: 

For:
Licensed Therapists, Associates, and Students

Event Details: 
Saturday, October 1, 2022, 12:00 pm-1:30 pm (PT)
Time of Check-In: 11:50 am

Where: 
Online Via Zoom
Once you have registered for the presentation, we will email you a link to Zoom a few days before the presentation.

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  Diversity Committee, diversitycommittee@lacamft.org.

Register Here

Post-Divorce Custody Battles:
The Trauma to Kids

CUSTODY DISPUTES ‘post - divorce’ can cause MORE HARM than the divorce itself. This is because the child does not have a sense of time. They are RE-TRAUMATIZED as the fighting continues. Research shows that many negative impacts , severe depression, and anxiety usually do occur in the child when the anger between the parents continues after the divorce. 

WHY… do parents have custody disputes post-divorce? 

Factors That Lead to Child Custody Battles 

1. Similar Problems Still Exist Post-Divorce

The problems that occurred during the marriage don’t just magically disappear with divorce. Things like communication issues, hostility, and resentment remain. These issues often come out in custody disputes.

The most common reason that conflict continues even after the divorce is related to what happened during the marriage itself. While married, one parent believes that the other parent is lacking in basic parental skills. Maybe they see the other parent as irresponsible for not getting help for an addiction issue. Whether the marriage was plagued by infidelity, addiction, or trust issues, these will remain after divorce unless both parents do some serious self-work. 

John and Pam: When John picks up the kids from his ex-wife Pam’s house, he learns that she did not put the kids to bed on time, and they didn’t do their homework. Perhaps they had fast food for dinner. As a result, even after the divorce, John and Pam continue to argue just as they did before. Both continue to berate the other in front of the children, which is confusing and harmful to the emotional stability of the child. 

2. War Over Money

Things can get ugly when money is involved. Unfortunately, this is especially true when it comes to divorce cases. One parent may believe that the other one cares more about money than their child. They may accuse the other parent of being selfish and not contributing to their children’s needs. 

Perhaps one parent isn’t thinking about what is in the best interest of their teen/ kid. INSTEAD, they only want to spend less money on child support. They may be demanding 50/50 custody solely for the purpose of paying less money, even if this does not fit the scheduling, the school location, nor the development needs of each particular child. 

Fights over child support can cause years of resentment and severe conflict, especially when the custody issues end up BACK in court. This is why MEDIATION post-divorce is so crucial. It keeps you out of court. 

The mediator's goal is to understand each parties concerns and issues around custody. He/she works to create solutions that most appropriately fit the needs of your child. 

3. Mental Health Issues Are Interfering 

Sometimes when dealing with child custody issues, one of the problems may be that one or both parents have a mental health issue that is affecting their ability to parent. This can cause serious custody disputes. 

Things like substance abuse, mood disorders, and personality disorders can make it hard for one or both parents to resolve issues. These issues can cause a lot of chaos and unpredictability, which can lead to problems. 

If one of the parents has a personality disorder like narcissism or borderline personality disorder, they may be unable to see the pain that they are causing their children. They may lack empathy and scream at their kids calling them names, oblivious to the damage they are causing. This is seen in the FATHER/ MOTHER MALICIOUS SYNDROME. 

The problem is that the parent with the MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE may see themselves as competent, when in fact, they are not. They may be totally unrealistic in their view of themselves as it relates to their parenting abilities. 

THIS IS WHY your mediator should be a LICENSED CLINICIAN. They have the training and skill to work with difficult personalities and abusive behavior. 

4. Punishing the Other Parent  

Often, in many divorce cases, one of the spouses does not want the divorce. They’re enraged over the fact that they can’t stop it, that they can’t control the situation. As a result, they become bitter and angry. Often this is demonstrated in how they use the children to punish the other parent. This is sometimes called malicious parent syndrome or malicious mother/ father syndrome. 

The parent who is bitter may not show up to take the child to a special event as they had promised. Or they may pick them up late. Possibly they keep them longer than they’re supposed to in order to intentionally frustrate the other parent. Out of bitterness, they are sabotaging the custody arrangements. They are using their kids as pawns to get back at the other parent or for the purpose of parental alienation—to turn their children against the other. As a result, the kids feel unimportant and unworthy. 

The mediator is a guide, a negotiator and an EDUCATOR. They are compassionate but ‘direct and firm’ about the damage this type of negative and bitter behavior has on one's child. 

What Can You Do 

As a parent, you play a significant role in your children’s adjustment to the divorce. Here are some strategies to help you avoid custody disputes. 

1. Practice Competent Listening

One of the keys to learning how to co-parent as divorced individuals, as it relates to creating an appropriate parenting plan, is developing your listening skills. I call this competent listening. 

This means that you put your agenda aside when you have conversations about the kids. 

Stop trying to convince the other of how bad their parenting is. Instead, state your concerns, and allow them to express themselves. 

Stop arguing. 

If they argue with you, ask questions to get a clear understanding of what they believe. This should slow things down. Then, state your reasons again and let them know that this is how you will respond in the future. 

Arguing will only remove the chance of them ‘’thinking.’’ Demonstrating that you really want to understand them will dilute the hostility. But at the same time, reaffirm your boundaries, letting them know how you intend to act in future conflicts. 

Take note of when you yourself are becoming hostile. You can practice mindfulness to learn how to notice and to stop it when you are becoming hostile or overreacting. Try to stay in the conversation. It may take professional help in learning this skill. 

2. Seek Professional Help 

One of the goals of getting counseling is to help both of you understand how children are affected by your arguing. It’s educating both of you in terms of the trauma that is caused by further custody battles. 

Also, it’s important that you take note of when you are becoming hostile. You can practice mindfulness to learn how to notice and to stop it when you are becoming hostile or overreacting. Try to stay in the conversation. It may take professional help in learning this skill. 

This information will hopefully subdue some of the arguments and bring more realistic solutions to the custody issues. A professional mediator will show you appropriate ways of answering and communicating without forcing your agenda. 

Professional help will educate you about the developmental and emotional needs of your children. This is key for helping them as they move on in life and strive to develop healthy and meaningful relationships. 

3. Minimize Interactions With The Other Parent 

If need be, because of a mental health issue or in cases where the other parent is abusive, it’s best to just minimize contact with the other parent as much as possible. You may need to get the courts involved to do this, and that is okay. Never feel guilty about acting in the best interests of your child or children. 

Final Thoughts 

For the sake of your children, it’s important to try to co-parent in a respectful, compassionate, and cooperative manner. The ex will always be your child's other parent. Don’t use your children as pawns in a battle with your ex. They are the ones who suffer the most.

Steven Unruh is a Divorce Mediator and LMFT. He completes the entire divorce process along with all the documentation. He files in 13 different courthouse throughout Southern California. Website: stevenunruh.com.

LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee
Presents:

Therapists of Color Support Group

Sunday, October 9, 2022

Second Sunday of Every Month

11:00 am-1:00 pm

Via Zoom

Therapists of Color Support Group

A safe place to receive peer support and process experiences of racism (systemic, social, and internalized), discrimination, implicit bias, racist injury, aggression, and micro-aggressions, along with additional experiences that therapists of color encounter in the field of mental health.

Open to LA-CAMFT Members and Non-Members
Second Sunday of Each Month
Location: Zoom Meeting

For more information, contact the LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee at DiversityCommittee@lacamft.org.

Event Details: 

For:
Licensed Therapists, Associates, and Students

Event Details: 
Sunday, October 9, 2022, 11:00 am-1:00 pm (PT)
Time of Check-In: 10:50 am

Where: 
Online Via Zoom
Once you have registered for the presentation, we will email you a link to Zoom a few days before the presentation.

Cost:
No Charge

Online Registration CLOSES on the day of the event.

Questions about Registration? Contact Diversity Committee, diversitycommittee@lacamft.org.

Register Here

In diversity there is beauty
and there is strength.

Maya Angelou

From Breadcrumbing to Zombieing:
An Online-Dating Dictionary for the Uninitiated

Do you have clients who are navigating the world of online dating? If you haven’t been dating in the last few years, you need a primer to navigate all the latest dating trends and terms. Here is a roadmap to some of the trends—both new and old.

How is dating different now?

Communication

People have entire courtships via text, which most millennials refer to as “talking”—as in, “When we were ‘talking’ last night, he ‘said’ X, and then I ‘said’ Y.” The unlucky dater who is much better in person than on a 5-inch screen draws the short straw here. By the same token, people are attracted to matches who are clever texters, even if they may be sorely lacking as partners in real life.

Choice

Literally thousands of potential matches are available to anyone with enough time and energy. Daters believe they can be super picky about what they are looking for, because there is so much choice. Do you prefer a guy with a beard—no problem! Do you prefer a woman who surfs—you got it!

This illusion of choice results in many daters giving up very quickly after meeting someone if they don’t feel instant chemistry. I often have young women in my office who complain that they aren’t good at being themselves on first dates, and that guys should not just write them off if they seem too chatty or too quiet. Yet they do the same thing to the guy who doesn’t text them back quickly enough in-between dates. Abundance of choice makes you less persistent.

Rejection

Rejection hurts—and there’s a ton of rejection in today’s dating world. In fact, we know that rejection, even virtual rejection, fires up the same part of our brains as physical pain. Anyone on the dating apps these days knows that they need to be emotionally ready to experience constant rejection as part of the process. Not just after a date, like in the old days, but every single time they open the app.

The Lingo:

New Words for Old Behavior: (Sorry Millennials, you didn’t invent this stuff!)

Breadcrumbing

When someone gives you just enough attention to keep you interested.

Benching

Similar to breadcrumbing—keeping you “on the bench” in case the first string doesn’t work out.

Ghosting

Suddenly disappearing without a trace. Almost everyone I see in my practice complains about being ghosted, and almost everyone I see has also ghosted someone. It’s marginally acceptable now.

Zombieing

When a date from the past arises from the dead to suddenly send you a message as if nothing ever happened in-between.

Submarining

Same as zombieing, basically. Different metaphor.

Words for Behavior Made Possible by New Technology:

Orbiting

When someone is on all your social media but never contacts you directly. Frustrating if it’s someone you’d like to see less of, but sometimes exciting if you think they’re interested in you. Unfortunately, if they are interested in you, and this is how they show it, it’s not a particularly good sign…

Haunting

Same as orbiting, different metaphor, more negative.

New Words That Are Interesting Psychologically:

Whelming

One of the newest arrivals in the dating dictionary, “whelming” was just coined at the end of January this year. It describes the behavior when a match complains that they are totally overwhelmed by all the attention they are getting on the apps.

This is most often characterized as obnoxious behavior that shows the “whelmer” for the jerk they are. Most likely, though, this behavior is simply the easiest way for someone to prove their desirability in the 7 seconds of attention they are allotted from their latest match. Awkward, yes; jerk, no.

Patia Braithwaite, who coined the term “whelming,” says, “Whelming is what happens when my matches spontaneously lament about how overwhelmed they are by their other matches instead of, you know, flirting with me.” I would posit that flirting with her is exactly what this guy was doing, however badly.

Fleabagging

A term coined from the popular show, Fleabag, where Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s character repeatedly dates the wrong guy. Of course, repeatedly dating the wrong guy is what dating is. When you find the right guy, you stop. So many of my clients bemoan the fact that all the guys they date are just wrong. This is generally where we take a moment to clarify expectations.

Fleabag’s character takes this practice to the limit, though, when she chases after a priest in Season 2. Perhaps Fleabagging should be reserved for describing people who date others only if they are completely inappropriate or unavailable.

Fleabag is such a colorful show, that there is some controversy over what the term Fleabag actually means. Don’t be confused if you hear it used to describe someone who slips a critical comment into an otherwise inane conversation, or to describe a character who speaks in asides directly to the audience.

Negging

Negging is when someone puts their date down by saying something negative about them—a “neg”—to make them feel inferior. Often it is subtle, and the recipient isn’t even quite sure if it’s a joke or if it’s real. Either way, they are often caught in a web of manipulation, as they try hard to impress them and prove them wrong. This toxic dynamic can be strangely compelling, and I have seen quite a few clients in my office who have fallen victim to this practice.

This is my personal favorite of all the new dating terms, because it describes a practice that therapists have long seen in relationships, but that clients rarely understand. Having a specific name for it means that public awareness of this behavior is skyrocketing, which is always a good thing when it comes to unhealthy relationship dynamics.

Good news for therapists—though dating has changed, feelings are the same! Unhealthy behaviors adapt to recent technology, but rejection, heartbreak, and all the feelings associated with dating are timeless

This article was previously published here and is used with the permission of the author.

Amy McManus, LMFT, helps anxious young adults build healthy new relationships with themselves and others after a breakup. Amy’s blog, “Life Hacks,” offers practical tips for thriving in today’s crazy plugged-in world. Learn more about Amy from her website www.thrivetherapyla.com.

LA-CAMFT Therapists of Color Mentorship Program: Call for Therapist of Color (TOC) Mentors

During our “Anti-Racism as a Movement, Not a Moment” Roundtable in August 2020, we came together as a therapeutic community to discuss and address racism and discrimination. We collaborated on what LA-CAMFT can do to be an actively and overtly anti-racist community. We specifically identified needed supports that we as therapists of color and as a therapeutic community wanted to see provided. One of the many needed supports identified was a Therapists of Color (TOC) Mentorship Program.

In January 2021 a group of students, associates and licensed therapists of color formed the Therapists of Color (TOC) Mentorship Program Committee and met on a monthly basis to discuss and begin the creation of this program. The committee spent quality time on the purpose statement, guidelines, interest form, marketing, launch date, and more. The development of the program are the contributions of the following committee participants: Akiah Selwa, Destiny Campron, Jenni Villegas Wilson, Leanne Nettles, Lucy Sladek, Maisha Gainer, Matthew Fernandez, Nehemiah Campbell, Perla Hollow, Rachell Alger, Raven Barrow, Stara Shakti, and Tina Cacho Sakai.

The LA-CAMFT Therapists of Color (TOC) Mentorship Program exists to help address inequities experienced by professional mental health therapists of color and intersections with other historically marginalized groups. The first of its kind amongst CAMFT chapters, LA-CAMFT is committed to ensuring quality mentorship for therapists of color by therapists of color. The mentorship program is intended to help bridge the gap of identifying and creating opportunities for growth and advancement in the field, guide clinicians across various stages of professional development, increase accessibility and sustainability in the field, and assist therapists of color to confidently provide services from their culturally authentic self.  

At this time, we are Calling for Therapists of Color (TOC) Mentors who are committed to this mission and more:

• Qualifications: Licensed in the State of CA (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, PSYD, etc) 
• Commitment: 6 to 12 months with the option to continue independently.
• Frequency: 1x per month or mutually agreed-upon schedule of meetings, which may occur via phone, virtual platform, email exchanges, or face-to-face meetings.
• Types of Mentorship Relationships: 1-on-1 and/or group mentorship (your choice) .
• Mentors do not need to be LA-CAMFT Members. 

Here are some of the many rewards for being a Therapist of Color (TOC) Mentor:

• Guide, teach, and inspire the next generation of TOC mental health professionals.
• Establish and promote a culture of support within our profession.
• Build intergenerational relationships.
• Contribute to new developments in the field.
• Receive LA-CAMFT benefits for volunteering your time, knowledge and wisdom. 

If you are interested in becoming a Therapist of Color (TOC) Mentor, would like to receive more information and/or receive the Interest Form, reach out to us at tocmentorshipprogram@lacamft.org. 

With Gratitude and Solidarity, 

LA-CAMFT Therapists of Color (TOC) Mentorship Program Committee

LA-CAMFT Online On-Demand CEU Courses from Charter for Compassionate Education

LA-CAMFT is excited to announce new additions to our online on-demand CEU offerings from Charter for Compassionate Education. Starting in April, you can find links to these great online CEU courses on the LACAMFT.org Home Page under the Information tab:

Emotional Intelligence for a Compassionate World (On Demand) (Barbara Kerr) (20 CEUs)

Maybe you’ve thought about how empowering it could be to join with others who are willing to take action for a more compassionate world.

And maybe you’ve recognized that building Emotional Intelligence skills could be helpful to you in your work with clients, your personal relationships, as well as in building a more compassionate community where you live.

Emotional Intelligence skills and competencies can become the fertile ground for a more compassionate world. The skills that contribute to Emotional Intelligence can lead to the development of empathy and compassion—in individuals, in families, in the workplace, in communities, and among the interconnected societies of people throughout the world.

During this course, you will discover your own Emotional Intelligence strengths, learn ways to add to your Emotional Intelligence competencies, and consider practical ways to apply your skills to build a more compassionate world.

Compassionate Integrity Training (CIT) (10 Week Live Course) (30 CEUs)

Have you ever wondered how you could cultivate the compassion called for in the world or help others cultivate that compassion? Compassionate Integrity Training (CIT) is a great place to start!

CIT is a resiliency-informed program that cultivates human values as skills, so we can thrive as individuals, and a society, within a healthy environment. By learning skills to calm our bodies and mind, becoming more emotionally aware, learning to practice compassion for ourselves and others, as well as engaging with compassion in complex systems, we can build towards compassionate integrity: the ability to live one’s life in accordance with one’s values with a recognition of common humanity, our basic orientation to kindness and reciprocity.

LA-CAMFT’s Declaration
of Inclusion, Diversity, and Anti-Racism

Psychotherapy can be transformative in a democratic society, and can open intellectual inquiry that, at its best, influences and results in lasting positive change. In recognition of our shared humanity and concern for our community and world, LA-CAMFT loudly and overtly disavows all racism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, classism, ableism, ageism, and hate speech or actions that attempt to silence, threaten, and degrade others. We in LA-CAMFT leadership hereby affirm our solidarity with those individuals and groups most at risk and further declare that embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity are central to the mission of our organization.

As mental health professionals, we value critical reasoning, evidence-based arguments, self-reflection, and the imagination. We hope to inspire empathy, advocate for social and environmental justice, and provide an ethical framework for our clients, our community, and ourselves.

We in LA-CAMFT leadership are committed to:

(1) the recognition, respect, and affirmation of differences among peoples

(2) challenging oppression and structural and procedural inequities that exist in society, generally, and in local therapeutic, agency, and academic settings

(3) offering diverse programming content and presenters throughout our networking event calendar, as well as in our workshops, trainings, and special events

While we traverse the turbulent seas of the important and necessary changes taking place in our country, in order to form a “more perfect union.” we wish to convey our belief that within our community exists an immense capacity for hope. We believe in and have seen how psychotherapy, therapeutic relationships, and mental health professions can be agents of positive change, without ignoring or denying that the practice and business of psychiatry, psychology, and psychotherapy have historically been the cause of great harm, trauma, and emotional toll, particularly for people of color and other marginalized groups. We are committed to doing our part to help remedy that which we have the position, privilege, and/or resources to do so.

At LA-CAMFT events, all members are welcome regardless of race/ethnicity, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, disabilities, religion, regional background, Veteran status, citizenship, status, nationality and other diverse identities that we each bring to our professions. We expect that leadership and members will promote an atmosphere of respect for all members of our community.

In a diverse community, the goal of inclusiveness encourages and appreciates expressions of different ideas, opinions, and beliefs, so that potentially divisive conversations and interactions become opportunities for intellectual and personal growth. LA-CAMFT leadership wants to embrace this opportunity to create and maintain inclusive and safe spaces for all of our members, free of bias, discrimination, and harassment, where people will be treated with respect and dignity and where all individuals are provided equitable opportunity to participate, contribute, and succeed.

We value your voice in this process. If you feel that our leadership or programming falls short of this commitment, we encourage you to get involved, and to begin a dialogue with those in leadership. It is undeniable that the success of LA-CAMFT relies on the participation, support, and understanding of all its members.

Wishing good health to you and yours, may you find yourself centered in feelings of abundance, safety, belonging, and peace.

Standing together,
The LA-CAMFT Board of Directors and Diversity Committee

Attention LA-CAMFT Members!
2022 LA-CAMFT Board Meeting Dates

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at a LA-CAMFT Full Board Meeting? LA-CAMFT members are invited to attend monthly Full Board Meetings hosted on Zoom.

October 14
November 11
December 9

Online Via Zoom

Voices Publication Guidelines for 2022

Calling all community writers and contributors!

Are you searching for a unique platform to express your passions and showcase your expertise in the Marriage and Family Therapy field? Look no further, as we welcome your input!

Following are the due dates and publication guidelines for submitting articles and ads for the 2022 calendar year to Voices, LA-CAMFT's monthly newsletter:

Upcoming Voices Newsletters	Submission Deadlines
December	November 1

 

 

LA-CAMFT Publishing Guidelines for Voices

• All submissions are DUE by the 1ST of each month.
  • Around the 15th of each month, you will receive the editor’s call for articles for the next edition of VOICES.
  • This editor’s call will allow contributors to have up to 2 weeks to put together all the material for submission by the 1st of the month.
  • Around the 25th of each month, you will receive the editor’s second and last call for articles, reminding contributors to submit completed articles by the first should they wish to be included in VOICES.
  • In this last call for submissions, the editor will include a list of the content planned for the next edition of VOICES. This editorial list will note submissions received as well as submissions expected but not yet received and which must be received by the 1st in order to be included.
  • Any submissions received after the 1st, will be included in the following month's edition of VOICES.
• ARTICLES are 500–1000 word submissions by LA-CAMFT members, sponsors, speakers, or recognized experts in their field. Only universal file formats, like Word (.doc and docx.) will be accepted as submissions. If an article is submitted in a “.pages” format, it will be returned to the submitter.
• HYPERLINKS in articles must be individually typed into the body of the article by the writer and must be included at time of submission. It is the responsibility of each writer to “type in” the hyperlink(s) in their own work when the article is submitted. Putting “LIVE LINK” in the body of an article won't work. When multiple links are being included, this must be made clear by the writer as to where each link is to be featured.
• IMAGES: All personal headshots or images must be attached to an email as either a JPEG, PNG or TIF. Images pasted into an email are not acceptable since the quality of such photos is diminished. Any images received in the body of the email may result in delayed publication of the submission.
• AUTHOR TAGLINES: Author taglines are a short paragraph of 50 to 75 words after the end of the article in which the author is identified. It includes the author's full name, pertinent professional credentials, a short business description, and website address with a HYPERLINK. Email addresses and phone numbers are not included — the only exceptions are lacamft.org emails. All taglines are limited to 75 words, MAXIMUM. This word count includes the author's name and website.
• IMAGES OTHER THAN PERSONAL HEADSHOTS. There is an issue about images. When you submit an image other than a personal headshot, you must provide proof of how you obtained that photo. Following is a link that covers the importance of copyright issues, but especially so when it comes to anything “Internet.” (Sued for Copyright Infringement)
• AN ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN:
  • Helpful tips, strategies, analysis, and other specific useful clinical, educational, business or professional marketing or networking information.
  • A review of literature or arts (reviewer not related to or in business with the creator of the item being reviewed).
• AN ARTICLE MAY NOT CONTAIN:
  • Reference to commercial products or services being sold or distributed by author;
  • Information that is only useful if the author’s book or other materials are purchased
  • Suggestions that the reader attend the author’s workshop, conference or podcast for more information;
  • Any other material that could be construed as an advertisement, rather than an article;
  • Language that could be construed as defamatory, discriminatory, or offensive