President's Message

Jennifer Stonefield, LMFT
LA-CAMFT President

National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month

National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month is observed every October. It is a critical initiative aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues and the importance of early detection. This month-long observance emphasizes the need for accessible mental health screenings, particularly for depression, which affects millions of people worldwide. By encouraging individuals to take charge of their mental health, this month of awareness seeks to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and promote open conversations about mental well-being. 

National Depression Screening Day is held annually on the first Thursday of October and Is a key event within this month. On this day, free, confidential screenings for depression and other mental health conditions are available at various locations, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and online platforms. This day is an opportunity for everyone to assess their mental health and learn how to seek help if needed. Early detection of depression is imperative, as it can lead to more effective treatment, significantly improving the quality of life for those affected.  

The strength of an individual during National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month lies in one’s ability to empower themselves with the tools and resources they need to understand and address their mental health. By utilizing widespread access to screenings and encouraging open dialogue, this initiative fosters a more supportive and informed community. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce the prevalence of untreated mental health conditions and promote a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

Some signs of depression to be aware of may include, but are not limited to:

- apathy or numbness 

- changes in appetite and/or sleep patterns 

- feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

- inability/difficulty caring for one’s hygiene needs

- irritability

- isolation from others

- loss of interest, especially related to previously enjoyed activities 

- persistent low mood

Remember that you or someone you know and love are not alone. Stay strong.

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.

October 2024
CE Networking Event & Presentation
including Q&A

Friday, October 25, 2024
9:00am-11:00am

Online Via Zoom

2 CE Credits

Hoarding Disorder in Older Adults: Application of Cognitive Rehabilitation and Exposure Sorting Treatment (CREST)

with John Gault, LCSW

Hoarding Disorder (HD) affects 2.6% of all adults, across genders, cultures and backgrounds. The disorder can be particularly detrimental for older adults who may live in dangerous conditions due to fall risks, mobility issues, expired medications, and more. Cognitive Rehabilitation and Exposure Sorting Treatment (CREST) is an innovative and emerging treatment for hoarding disorder. It combines cognitive rehabilitation skills to reinforce older adults’ abilities to plan, organize, and problem solve, using those skills to enhance the application of exposure therapy in practicing discarding belongings. This presentation provides an overview of Hoarding Disorder (including diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, and pathology), details the CREST protocol, and reviews past and ongoing research in treatment development.

There will be opportunities during the presentation to ask questions of the presenter. We provide 2 CE Credits for attendance at this presentation.

Educational Goals/Learning Objectives:

Participants will learn how to identify and assess Hoarding Disorder (HD) in older adults and how the innovative Cognitive Rehabilitation and Exposure Sorting Treatment (CREST) can be used with clients/patients to improve their home safety and quality of life. At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Identify hoarding disorder by DSM-V diagnostic criteria.
2. Describe and outline the components of CREST and their functional utility in treatment.

Presenter:

John Gault, LCSW (he/him) is a licensed clinical social worker with the VA San Diego and UC San Diego. He has been working in clinical practice and treatment research on Hoarding Disorder since 2017. Mr. Gault was an integral part of early implementation and development of the UCSD CREST Community Program, the only public clinical treatment program for Hoarding Disorder in San Diego County. He has also been with the VA San Diego since 2020 in health sciences research on Hoarding Disorder and implementation science.

For more information, contact Jenni J.V. Wilson.

Event Details:

For: Licensed Therapists, Associates, Students, & Related Professionals

When: Friday, October 25, 2024 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 Members
Other CAMFT Chapter Members
CSCSW Members
$15 for Prelicensed Members
Other CAMFT Chapter Prelicensed Members
$35 for Non-Members
$20 for Prelicensed Non-Members

*Registration closes Thursday, October 24 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 Jenni J.V. Wilson, 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 Jenni J.V. Wilson, LMFT, Course Organizer, at NetworkingChair@LACAMFT.org. Accommodations for Special Needs: Contact Jenni J.V. Wilson, LMFT, Course Organizer, at NetworkingChair@LACAMFT.org. Grievances: Program Administrator, Di Wilson, LMFT, manages all grievances—and will acknowledge, investigate and remedy grievances. Response to grievances will be made in writing within 30 days. Contact her at cfo@lacamft.org.

Editor's Note

Lynne Azpeitia, LMFT
Voices Editor

Getting Paid: 6 Tips For Introducing Yourself Successfully Online and In-Person

With so many online meetings, presentations, and events, therapists introduce themselves a lot. Here are 6 tips to make the most of your introductions online & in person and to create a positive, professional image. These tips reveal little details to include when introducing yourself—and will help you get known in the therapeutic community.

TIP 1

When introducing yourself VERBALLY, online or in person, be sure to include all the information a person needs to contact you.
If people don’t have the right information, they can’t contact you about a

• referral, job or training opportunity
• question or if they need more info
• speaking opportunity or something else

Make it easy & convenient for people to

1. Know your full name
2. Have your contact information

Include this information when introducing yourself:

1. Full Name: First & Last Name(s)
2. License Status or Professional Designation
3. Where You Work. Private Practice or FULL NAME of Business, Program, Agency, School, Organization, Counseling Center, School, Hospital. If you’re a student, full name where you attend.
4. City Where the Business, Program, Agency, School, Organization, Practice is located. Even if you only work virtually, include a location—it helps people remember you.
5. Who You Work With Or Specialties. If you don’t yet have specialties, just mention who you would like to work with.
6. Your Pronouns. If it fits for you or your community, the pronouns you use can be included—in English and or any other language you or clients, colleagues, community, others speak. Where you place your pronouns is up to you—after your full name, professional status, address, or anywhere else it fits best for you in this list.

Samples

Hi, I’m Ana Chavez, LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor. I’m based in West LA where I have a Private Practice working in person and remotely with clients. I work with individuals and couples and specialize in work-related stress, anxiety, and relationship issues.  

Michael Weinstein, LMFT, CAMFT Certified Supervisor. In my Pasadena Private Practice I provide remote therapy sessions to clients throughout the state of California and specialize in anger management, relationship issues, and couples in conflict.

Sandra Ho, LCSW. At the Gender Health Center in Los Angeles, I counsel, in person and virtually, children and adults who are exploring gender identity and/or sexual orientation issues and those who are Trans/gender diverse. My pronouns are she, her, ella. 

Derek Johnson, AMFT, at Angeles University Counseling Center in Culver City, under the supervision of Shanda Ramos, LMFT, I work with clients who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ and/or the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Community. I specialize in anxiety, trauma, and relationships.

Sometimes it may be possible to add a short sentence that personalizes your introduction: Tina Duvall, LMFT. At the Beverly Counseling Center I specialize in working with teens and young adults who have eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and anger management issues. Send me your angry teenagers, the angrier the better! They’re my favorite clients to work with.

TIP 2

Online, AFTER you introduce yourself VERBALLY in a group video call, always type your name & contact information in the chat.

Type in chat: full name, license status or professional designation, where you work, location, email, phone, website—and pronouns if that fits for you; and three or four words on who you work with or your specialties.

No more than 3 words or initials (EMDR, SE, TRM, etc.) about who you work with. Nothing else or people will ignore it. People stop listening after 3 sets of initials.

Samples

Shuri Moore, LMFT, Santa Monica and Online, ShuriMoore@gmail.com, 310.123.4567,

ShuriMoore.com, GenZ & Millennial Women. Pronouns she, her, hers.

At the end of your contact info you can also add something about how to contact you--Contact by email or text is best.

Shuri Moore, LMFT, Santa Monica and Online, ShuriMore@gmail.com, 310.123.4567,
ShuriMoore.com, GenZ & Millennial Women. Pronouns she, her, hers.
Contact by email or text is best.

TIP 3

For online professional events, make sure your screen name is your full name not just a first name or nickname. 

The more your full name is seen, the more people will remember it. If you don’t type your contact info in the chat then knowing your first & last name will be easy to Google. Take advantage of this opportunity.  

Type this info under your picture on video platforms.

1. Full Name; First & Last name(s)
2. Professional Status: AMFT, APCC, ACSW, Trainee, Student
3. Optional

1. For Students

Samples

Ana Chavez, LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor. West LA

Michael Weinstein, LMFT, CAMFT Certified Supervisor. Pasadena

Sandra Ho, LCSW.  Pronouns: she, her, ella.

Derek Johnson, AMFT Antioch Alum. My pronouns are they/them

Danika Jones, Trainee, Pepperdine Student

TIP 4

For in person events, STAND UP when you ask a question/make a comment—to the speaker or whole group—from your chair or seat at a table.

• Standing up means people can see you, hear you, and take in you and your info better.
• If you’re not on a stage or platform people won’t be able to see you unless you’re standing up
• Don’t start talking until you are fully standing up.
• Not talking until you are standing gives people a moment to shift their attention to you so they don’t miss the beginning of what you say.

TIP 5

Each time you ask a question verbally in an online group of more than 5 or an in person event—BEFORE you ask your question--Say your full name & professional designation--Then ask your question     
       
Sample (Said Aloud)

Calvin Jordan, AMFT (slight pause), my question is…

State your name each time you ask a question. Repetition of this kind is good!

Optional: Include your location after your professional designation:

Sample (Said Aloud)

Tina Gonzalez, CSPP Student, Covina (slight pause), my question is…

Stating your FULL NAME before you speak makes it easy for the speaker, moderator or person monitoring the chat to quickly pair your name with your face.

Yes, video platforms have names below the screen view. However, when you state your name first, the speaker or person monitoring the chat doesn’t have to take their attention away from looking at or listening to you, to read and process your name—and neither do participants. Not only do people appreciate this, they tend to have a positive impression of you and they have a better chance of remembering your name the more times they hear it, see it or are exposed to it.

Stating your Full Name before you speak:

1. Allows the speaker to know you by name and to address you by name while answering your question

TIP 6

For in person events, on your nametag be sure to print your Full Name so it is easily readable.
​
That’s all on how to make the most of your introductions, get known in your community, and further your career. 

Happy Introductions.

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

Navigating the Road to Licensure

(offered by CAMFT)

Friday, October 18, 2024

9:00am-12:00pm

Online Via Zoom

3 CE Credits

Navigating the Road to Licensure

with Luke Martin, Esq.,

CAMFT Staff Attorney

Join the 3000 Club for an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the many challenges facing pre-licensees working toward licensure.

This presentation is intended to provide an overview of the licensing process for pre-licensees as they work toward licensure in marriage and family therapy. Topics to be discussed include: the marriage and family therapy licensing process; supervised experience requirements for applicants; supervisor qualifications and supervision requirements; licensing examinations; and common employment issues pre-licensees encounter with their supervisors.

Educational Goals/Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1. Record the number of hours and the number of weeks of supervised experience required.
2. Identify the “options” for counting hours currently available to pre-licensees.
3. Apply how the 90-day rules impacts their ability to count hours.
4. Differentiate how to advertise themselves in the various stages of licensing.
5. Organize their hours by documenting on the correct BBS-related forms.
6. Review their incremental progress toward licensure and decide on their best strategies to take to complete their 3000 hours.

Presenter:

Luke Matthew Martin, Esq. is a member of the State Bar of California since 2011, joined CAMFT as a Staff Attorney in 2019. He holds a Master of Business Administration with honors and a Juris Doctorate Degree specializing in Child, Family, and Elder Law with honors. Before coming to CAMFT, Luke ran a private practice focusing on civil litigation and represented several businesses with annual revenues in the millions. He has been recognized by the State Bar of California with the Wiley E. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Legal Services for his legal assistance in helping victims of domestic violence. In addition to his work at CAMFT, Luke is an adjunct professor for several universities, serves as the adjunct representative on a university’s faculty senate, co-chairs a dissertation committee, and is a member-at-large for two non-profit boards. In his free time, he likes to sleep.

For more information or 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

Event Details:

For: Pre-Licensed Therapists (Students, Associates), Licensed Therapists & Related Professionals

When: Friday, October 18, 2024 from 9:00am-12:00pm (Check-In about 5 minutes prior)

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:
$10 for LA-CAMFT Members

Other CAMFT Chapter Members

   CSCSW Members

$5 for Prelicensed Members

Other CAMFT Chapter Prelicensed Members

$20 for Non-Members

$5 for Prelicensed Non-Members

(Contact event organizer for those experiencing financial hardship/with need for financial accommodation.)

*Registration closes Thursday, October 17 at 10:00pm.*

(Please add prelicensed@lacamft.org to your known contacts or safe list and check your bulk, junk or promotions mailboxes.)

Note: If you can't make it on the day but would still like access to the recording, we will send out the recording along with the post survey / CE evaluation link to all those who register so please go ahead and register anyway. The recording will not be sent to you if you are not registered.

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.

Register online today!

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 Jenni J.V. Wilson, 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 Jenni J.V. Wilson, LMFT, Course Organizer, at NetworkingChair@LACAMFT.org. Accommodations for Special Needs: Contact Jenni J.V. Wilson, LMFT, Course Organizer, at NetworkingChair@LACAMFT.org. Grievances: Program Administrator, Di Wilson, LMFT, manages all grievances—and will acknowledge, investigate and remedy grievances. Response to grievances will be made in writing within 30 days. Contact her at cfo@lacamft.org.

Member Article

Celebrating National Mentoring Day

Gabriela Flores, LCSW

October 27th is National Mentoring Day, a day to celebrate people who have provided support, guidance, and valuable advice in your life. Whether this has been something formal or informal, mentors can help with personal development, career goals, and building confidence. The Therapists of Color Mentorship Program offered through LA-CAMFT aims to provide all of this and more through a unique cultural lens and perspective. 

Approximately, one year ago I began searching for a mentor at the suggestion of a colleague. I came across a post on social media and decided to apply for the Therapists of Color Mentorship Program. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the idea of finding fellow therapists of color seemed very appealing and certainly something I had never seen advertised before. I soon learned that this program is one of a kind and was impressed by the pioneering efforts of its founding members. 

Initially, I joined the Therapists of Color Mentorship Program last year as a mentee. Personally, I was interested in finding a support network that could help me navigate recent transitions in my career. I had recently been promoted at my organization and was experiencing some stress with regards to dealing with the nuances of being new to management and leadership roles. I very quickly found a caring and supportive group of individuals who provided me with a safe space, acceptance, and lots of great suggestions and advice on how to handle this transition in my career. Having a mentor empowered me to navigate my new role with increased confidence and a sense of pride for this personal accomplishment. 

This experience left such a lasting impression on me that I decided to return this year as a mentor and have also joined the mentorship committee. Participating in this project has been an incredibly rewarding experience where I have been able to receive so much support, have had the opportunity to pay it forward and help other colleagues, while also giving back to my community of mental health professionals. 

As therapists of color, we often experience situations in our profession where our unique backgrounds and experiences can be invalidated. Throughout our careers, and depending on the settings we may work in, it may be challenging to find other mental health professionals that look like us. It may be difficult to find role models that can offer us a roadmap along the way and help us feel seen and heard. Having a mentorship program for therapists of color by therapists of color has been a wonderful idea that has brought together communities of color through shared experiences and stories, and thus contributed to a truly enriching experience. 

This month, as we honor National Mentoring Day, I would like to salute all those who dedicate themselves to being mentors, as well as the mentees who actively seek guidance to bridge the gaps between their personal and professional growth. I also hope I’ve inspired others to join our Therapist of Color Mentorship program and make a difference in someone’s life. 

Happy Mentoring Day! 

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

Gabriela Flores, LCSW

TOC Committee Member and Mentor

TOC Mentorship Webpage

TOC Email: Tocmentorshipprogram@lacamft.org 

Email: gflorescast17@gmail.com

Images: all images were taken by Gabriela Flores using a personal smartphone device.

LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee
Presents:

Black Therapist Support Group

Second Monday of Every Month

Next Meeting:
Monday, October 14, 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, October 14, 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

Eating Disorder Recovery Affirmations 1-10

Joanna Poppink, LMFT

Affirmations used on a regular basis open positive pathways in your heart, mind and imagination.

Over time your psyche accepts that what you affirm is possible and you will recognize opportunities.

How to use these affirmations:

1. I happily nourish my body and receive full satisfaction from moderate meals.
2. I welcome all my feelings knowing they guide me to my true self.
3. I deserve love and respect as I am.
4. I enjoy excellent health.
5. I have abundant energy.
6. I enjoy the colors, smells, and feel of life around me.
7. I am confident in the workings of my mind.
8. I am trustworthy. I can rely on me.
9. I say "yes" only when I mean it.
10. I say "no" when I feel it and mean it.

Find More Eating Disorder Recovery Affirmations:

Recovery Affirmations 1-10

Recovery Affirmations 11-20

Recovery Affirmations 21-30

Recovery Affirmations 31-40

Recovery Affirmations 41-50

Recovery Affirmations 51-60

Recovery Affirmations 61-70

Recovery Affirmations 71-80

Recovery Affirmations 81-90

Recovery Affirmations 101-110

Recovery Affirmations 111-120

Recovery Affirmations 121-130

Recovery Affirmations 131-140

Joanna Poppink, LMFT, psychotherapist, speaker, and author of Healing Your Hungry Heart: Recovering from Your Eating Disorder, is in private practice and specializes in Eating Disorder Recovery for adult women and with an emphasis on building a fulfilling life beyond recovery. She is licensed in California, Florida, Oregon, and Utah. All appointments are virtual. Website: EatingDisorderRecovery.net

LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee
Presents:

Therapists of Color Support Group

Now Meets Every Quarter

Next Meeting:
Sunday, October 13, 2024
11:00 am-1:00 pm (PT)

Online 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
Meets every quarter
Location: Zoom Meeting

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

For:
Licensed Therapists, Associates, and Students

Event Details: 
Sunday, October 13, 2024, 11:00 am-1:00 pm (PT)
Time of Check-In: 10:50 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 day of the event.

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

In diversity there is beauty
and there is strength.

Maya Angelou

Guest Article

Gender & Pronoun Assumptions and What to Do

Van Ethan Levy, LMFT, LPCC

The way someone shows up in the world is often how people perceive their gender. They look at what we are wearing, the clothing of our material, the colours, our cell phone covers, our water bottle colours, the types of shoes, the colour of our glasses, do we have long hair, short hair, a beard, body hair, how we stand, the way we talk, the jewellery we are wearing if we are wearing make-up and much more. Of course, not everyone wears and/or has access to the above. People are often looking for visual indicators to determine what our gender is so that they begin engaging gendered language.

It is crucial to break the habit of looking at someone and/or their name to determine what pronouns they use and what their identity is. We need to get out of the habit that certain colours, postures, designs, fabrics, jewellery, make-up, and much more are for specific genders and not others. The reason this is important is that it prevents us from causing unintentional harm by misgendering someone.

Misgendering someone means using the wrong pronouns and/or gendered language that does not match the person’s identity. It is important to use the pronouns that the person shares with you are their pronouns. If the person does not share their pronouns and/or you do not know them, then use the person’s name. If you do not know their name and you are trying to refer to them, talk about them and/or engage them to use a descriptor. An example is "the person in the blue shirt", versus "that guy over there".

Quick definitions 

What are 'Societal constructs'? These are ideas that have been created as well as accepted by people in positions of power who dictate what is acceptable and/or appropriate.

What is 'cis' and/or 'cisgender'? This is a term used for when someone’s identity matches the gender they were assigned at birth.

The societal constructs communicate that male pronouns are he/him; female pronouns are she/her and gender-neutral pronouns are they/them and/or other pronouns that people use. However, there is no such thing as male/female/gender-neutral pronouns. Our societal constructs have dictated that he/him are male, she/her are female and they/them are gender-neutral. There are many people whose identity does not fall within the gender spectrum of solely male and/or female and still use she/her and/or he/him pronouns. Just like there are many people who are cisgender and use they/them pronouns.

Remember, just because someone shares their identity, that does not mean that the pronouns you and/or others have assumed to be associated with that identity are going to be the person’s pronouns. An example: if someone shares that they are a trans man, that does not mean that the person’s pronouns are he/him. If someone shares with you that the person is nonbinary, this does not mean the person uses they/them pronouns. The only way to be certain the pronouns someone uses is if they share with you what the person’s pronouns are.

Quick definitions 

What is a macroaggression? This can be verbal and/or nonverbal. It communicates a negative message and/or behaviour that is intentional. An example would be not dating someone because they are trans.

What is a microaggression? This can be verbal and/or nonverbal. It communicates a negative message and often unintentional. An example would be I could not even tell you were trans.

So, why is any of this important:

Knowing that the way that someone expresses themselves to the world does not define their gender/identity and that one’s gender/identity does not define their pronouns is crucial to avoid causing harm engaging in transphobic micro- and/or macroaggressions.

What to do every time you meet someone and not just someone who you think may be trans and/or non-cis 

Introduce yourself with your name and your pronouns. If the person chooses to not share their pronouns, use their name. If someone does not share their pronouns with you, they may not feel safe enough to do so because it has not been safe for them in the past. Please do not push someone to share something they are not ready to. Remember, our society is constantly erasing non-cis people’s identities by not having them included in, but not limited to; forms, census, movies, tv shows, magazines, rental applications, passports, birth certificates, restrooms, and so much more. Please do not add to this trauma and/or harm.

Van Ethan Levy, MA, LMFT, LPCC, (they) (elle), a trans and non binary therapist, is a queer, non binary, trans, socialized as female, nBPOC (not Black Person of Color), who is autistic, and has dynamic disabilities amongst many more historically excluded identities. Van provides consultations and trainings on trans and non binary identities, is the organizer of the 2022 Virtual International Do Something: Identity(ies) Conference, authored the interactive book, Exploring My Identity(ies), and produced the Documentary, Do Something: Trans & Non Binary Identities, Website: VanEthanLevy.com

White Therapists Fighting Racism
LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee Affinity Group

Third Sunday of Every Month

Next Meeting:
Sunday, October 20, 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, October 20, 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.