President's Message

Akiah Selwa, LMFT
LA-CAMFT President

The Importance of the TOC Mentorship Program

As we prepare to embrace the second quarter of this year and extend our celebration of Women's History Month, I would like to reflect on the topic of mentorship. I had the honor of interviewing a woman who, along with her team of women, is making history in LA-CAMFT. This person is Keonna Robinson, LMFT, the chairwoman for the TOC Mentorship Program and Board Member At Large of LA-CAMFT. I asked Keonna her thoughts on the importance of the TOC Mentorship Program, and she shared the following with me:

"Mentorship offers people of color the chance to see themselves reflected in successful individuals who share similar backgrounds. Having mentors who have traversed similar paths provides critical role models, showcasing that success is attainable and offering a blueprint for navigating systemic challenges. I have personally found that mentors can provide guidance on how to navigate systemic challenges across various environments, share strategies to overcome career obstacles and offer insights gained from their own experiences. Our TOC mentors provide a safe reflective space for mentees to seek advice and advocate for their needs."

I couldn't agree more! Take a moment to reflect on the formal and informal mentors you have had in your life. I am forever grateful for the women and men who invested in me as mentors. Mentors who shared similar backgrounds and possessed a deep understanding of my experiences as a woman of color had a significantly greater impact on me. With this in mind, I asked Keonna a second question, “What sparked your interest in continuing the development of the TOC Mentorship Program that the Diversity Committee of LA-CAMFT started in 2022?

Keonna replied: "What ignited my passion was my own experience of insufficient support and the microaggressions I encountered from clients and colleagues. Although I tapped into my intrinsic resilience and perseverance during those times, lacking a safe person to validate my experiences and offer sound guidance on how to navigate each situation was challenging. I felt fortunate to discover a sense of community within the LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee, which inspired me to seek opportunities to give back as a mentor. I strive to create the supportive space that I did not have during those difficult moments faced by therapists of color in this field." I am proud of the fact that LA-CAMFT’s Diversity Committee initiated a means to addressing the issue of lack of representation and support for therapists of color by starting the TOC Mentorship Program.

I hope this article ignites conversations supporting mentorship programs like the TOC Mentorship Program and increases interest in becoming a mentor or mentee of the TOC Mentorship Program or other programs.  Mentorship is about passing down a legacy to the next generation.  I urge all of our members to not overlook or minimize the importance of seeking ways to facilitate equitable practices and programming so that everyone, especially folx from our marginalized communities have an opportunity to inherit wisdom, knowledge, and connections from their mentors too.

To learn more about Keonna Robinson, LMFT, and our TOC Mentorship Program please check out a link below to the TOC Mentorship Program page on our website. The TOC mentorship program will be accepting applications for mentees until the end of April.

LA-CAMFT’s Diversity Committee’s TOC Mentorship Program: https://www.lacamft.org/Voices-November-2022/12969209

Akiah T. R. Selwa, LMFT, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a great sense of humor, a heart full of hope, and twenty-three years of experience as a psychotherapist. Akiah is the owner of Sunrise Therapy Center (STC) a private practice corporation that services all of California via a telehealth platform. Akiah approaches her work with cultural humility and humor that promotes acceptance, empowerment, spirituality, and creativity. Akiah will complete Somatic Experiencing training in 2025 with Somatic Experiencing International, is a certified SoulCollage® Facilitator (2024), and a currently in a two-year Spiritual Direction program with Stillpoint. When Akiah is not working as a therapist, she is a mixed media artist, having fun with my next crochet project, singing, or exploring nature.

April 2025
CE Networking Event & Presentation
including Q&A

Friday, April 25, 2025
9:00am-11:00am

Online Via Zoom

2 CE Credits

From Protection to Connection: The Relational Approach to Developing Kids’ and Teens’ Executive Functioning Skills

with Hanna Novak, M.S., CCC-SLP

In order for clients to be poised for connection and learning, they must activate strong executive function thinking, which is rooted in bottom-up regulation. This presentation explores the clinical and social-emotional implications of bottom-up nervous system integration and the ways executive functioning is both facilitated by, and a facilitator of the regulation clients need for learning. Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of the role that nervous system regulation plays in students' readiness for learning, as well as effects on the nervous system that may orient a student towards protection instead of connection and executive function thinking. The presentation emphasizes tools and strategies attendees can use with neurodiverse clients.

Educational Goals/Learning Objectives:

Participants will learn how attuned, bottom-up regulation organizes the nervous system so that clients can access the self-regulatory and strategic thinking components of effective executive functioning.

At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the role of nervous system regulation within the preview-do-review cycle of executive functioning.
2. Apply a bottom-up framework to develop strategies to support clients’ self-regulation skills.
3. Apply a bottom-up framework to support clients’ strategic thinking skills.

Presenter:

Hanna Novak, M.S., CCC-SLP (she/her) is the Director of The Center for Connection. She has a primary clinical focus on neurodiversity-affirming practices that support self-regulation, executive functioning, and communication development. She also works with teachers, parents, and professionals as a trainer and consultant to support students in ways that best align with their neural constellations. Hanna is the co-creator of The Brain Talk Curriculum, the owner and founder of Bogen Speech & Language Therapy, and the co-founder of KinderWay.co.

For more information, contact Course Organizer/CE Networking Chair Alexandra Levins-Trail.

Event Details:

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

When: Friday, April 25, 2025 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, April 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 Course Organizer at NetworkingChair@LACAMFT.org. Refund policy: 48-hour notice required for refund of fee minus $5.00 administrative cost. Exceptions can be made for 48-hour notice in cases of emergency. Contact Course Organizer at NetworkingChair@LACAMFT.org. Accommodations for Special Needs: Contact Course Organizer at NetworkingChair@LACAMFT.org. Grievances: Program Administrator/CFO manages all grievances—and will acknowledge, investigate and remedy grievances. Response to grievances will be made in writing within 30 days. Contact them at cfo@lacamft.org.

Editor's Note

Lynne Azpeitia, LMFT
Voices Editor

Getting Paid: Creating A Positive Professional Image Online & 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 and 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, say who you would like to or are interested in working 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.

Sample

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 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
   
   
   • Other Certifications
   • Pronouns (she, her, hers) (him his) (they, their)
4. For Students
   
   
   • Type university name after full name and or pronouns

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
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.

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
   
   
   • A speaker appreciates being able to interact with a participant by name
   • The speaker looks good without having to ask your name
   • If the speaker or participant wants to contact you after the presentation, knowing your full name makes that possible.
2. Audience members appreciate knowing your Full Name.
   For in person events, an audience member or the speaker may want to connect before leaving. When you say your name it makes it easier to find you at the venue or online.
   
   
3. Don’t hurry saying your name to get to your question. Take your time.
   We all need a moment, whether in person or online, to shift our focus from one person to the next when someone is asking a question. If you hurry through your intro, it doesn’t allow people the extra moment they need to be able to register your name, your presence, and the question you’re asking.
   
   As you state your name, this is the moment when everyone’s attention is on you. Utilize it. It’s a prime marketing moment for people to see you, hear you, and pair you with your name online and in person.
   
   A clear, focused, unhurried stating of your Full Name & professional designation before your question allows both the speaker and the audience members to experience you, hear your name and have the opportunity to remember it.

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.

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.

LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee

presents

Therapists of Color Support Group

Meets Every Quarter

Next Meeting:
Sunday, April 13, 2025
11:00 am-1:00 pm (PT)

Online Via Zoom

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

For more information, contact the Diversity Committee.

Event Details:

For: Licensed Therapists, Associates, and Students

Event Details: Sunday, April 12, 2025 from 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

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

In diversity there is beauty
and there is strength.

Maya Angelou

2025 CAMFT Outstanding Chapter Leader Award Recipient: Keonna Robinson, LMFT

The Outstanding Chapter Leader Award is presented each year at the annual Chapter Leadership Conference to one member of each chapter for exemplary service, commitment, and contribution made to the chapter. This individual is nominated by their entire chapter board.

In 2025 the Los Angeles Chapter is honored to nominate Keonna Robinson, LMFT, for this year’s Outstanding Chapter Leader Award!

Keonna first shared her leadership skills with LA-CAMFT in 2022, when she went above and beyond as a mentor in our ground-breaking Therapists of Color (TOC) Mentorship Program. Keonna provided highly tailored individual and group mentorship to five TOC mentees, volunteering her experience, strength, and talent as an LMFT, providing space for them to learn from one another and introducing them to all LA-CAMFT offers.

By mid 2022, Keonna graciously joined the TOC Mentorship Program Committee and began her ascent into LA-CAMFT leadership. In 2023, Keonna became an LA-CAMFT Board Member-At-Large and the TOC Mentorship Program Chair.

Keonna has elevated the TOC Mentorship Program exponentially, creating a Mentorship Orientation before each cohort and a yearly event that brings the TOC mentorship community together. Last year’s event was a beach Bonfire entitled “Igniting Change -Celebrating the Spark of Diversity through Mentorship,” this year’s upcoming event is entitled “Dishes of Diversity: A Mentoring Potluck.” In addition, Keonna was instrumental in helping organize an LA-CAMFT table at the 2024 NAMI Conference.

Keonna is known for her humble spirit, passion for greatness, collaborative approach, attention to detail, beautiful PowerPoints, creative ideas, always lending a helping hand, and looking out for the best interest of the entire chapter. Overall, Keonna is a dynamic leader who inspires us to do more and do better!

Therapists of Color (TOC) Grant Award Committee

LA-CAMFT's Therapists of Color Grant Awardees and Thoughts

Marvin Whistler, Mediator

On February 24, 2025, the most recent awardees of the LA-CAMFT TOC GRANT AWARD were randomly selected. They are Cassidy Fan and Praisye Yeo.  Each will receive a check for $530, and free admission to 3 LA-CAMFT workshops or networking events with the exception of the Law & Ethics Workshop. The next cycle for the grant will begin on May 1, 2025.  It is limited to members of LA-CAMFT, and the award is limited to once per calendar year. At the end of this article, there is an update on the impact that the award has had on awardees and their thoughts on its value.

Description of Grant Stipend

Every 4 months (3x per year), a grant award will be offered to two applicants who meet the following criteria: (1) must be a current LA-CAMFT member, (2) identify as a Therapist of Color, and (3) must be either an Associate, Trainee, or Student still in graduate school.

Grant winners will receive

• $530 to be spent at the winner’s discretion
• Free admission to 3 LA-CAMFT workshops or networking events of the winner’s choosing with the exception of the Law & Ethics Workshop.

The $530 award can be used at the recipient’s discretion based on their own individual needs (whether it be for BBS fees, testing materials, memberships, rent, groceries, etc.). Confirmation for the purpose that the money is used will not be required.

Application and Selection Process

Interested members can complete the application on the LA-CAMFT website. The selection process entails using a Randomized Generator of the applicants who met the full criteria and complete the application online to take out human bias and decrease activation of one's trauma history. The drawing will be recorded via Zoom and posted onto social media along with an announcement naming the grant winners, whom will also be contacted via email directly. Registration for the next award cycle will open on May 1, 2025 and will close on June 28, 2025. The drawing will take place on June 29, 2025.

Awardees' thoughts on the LA-CAMFT TOC Grant Award

IMPACT OF THE GRANT

"It was very helpful. I was poor when I was an AMFT."

"The grant was very impactful as it eased the burden of some of the costs associated with the MFT process (training and supplies, L&E study materials, etc.)! The grant provided relief and helped finances feel less constrained as a trainee and now Associate."

"I found the grant very helpful to me particularly during a time when I was in dire need of additional funding & support to help keep me on track for the future."

"The grant was very impactful for me, as it helped me to pay my final fees, associated with my graduate program, so that I could finish strong. Every little bit counts, so I am very grateful to have been able to use this money to help toward that end."

VALUE OF THE GRANT

"I just want to express my sincere gratitude to the TOC Grant committee for this program as it truly helps alleviate some of the systemic socioeconomic gaps in this field that passionate therapists of color such as myself have to navigate in our journeys to becoming competent licensed mental health clinicians."

"I appreciate that this grant exists and can be applied to very easily. The gesture is meaningful and I hope other TOC are taking advantage of it."

"It really touched me. SFV chapter started giving scholarships too. I think TOC Grant was a positive influence to the therapists community."

"One additional comment I’d like to make is that it is very helpful that we are able to use the grant money at our own discretion. Removing limitations is advantageous because life happens to us all, and in order for us to be able to do our work well, sometimes we need to be able to address other situations, financially, that may directly or indirectly impact our work." 

Best regards,

The LA-CAMFT TOC Grant Committee

LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee

presents

Black Therapist Support Group

Second Monday of Every Month

Next Meeting:
Monday, April 14, 2025
6:00 pm-7:30 pm (PT)

Online Via Zoom

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

For more information, contact the Diversity Committee.

Event Details:

For: Licensed Therapists, Associates, and Students

When: Monday, April 14, 2025, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm (PT)
Time of Check-In: 5:50 pm

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

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

Therapists of Color (TOC) Mentorship Program

Mentors Can Now Apply + Exciting New Updates!

Keonna Robinson, LMFT

Wow! What a year we’ve had thus far. Communities across the globe have been rattled from unforeseen and devastating disasters and tragedies. The TOC Mentorship Program Committee sends our hopes and prayers that our therapist of color community, along with your families and clients, are safe and have been able to receive aid following the Eaton and Palisades fires. We hope that recovery efforts commence swiftly as you begin to rebuild and heal.

As communities across the Greater Los Angeles area continue to recover, our committee remains dedicated to supporting our colleagues by providing much-needed mentorship during these challenging times as we prepare for our fifth cohort starting June 1, 2025. In the meantime, let me share a bit about what we’ve been up to and what’s ahead. 

Our 4th cohort ended on such a high note as we came together for an evening of fun and fellowship. The TOC Mentorship Program’s Dishes of Diversity: A Mentoring Potluck on November 24, 2024, was a total hit! We had a great time bringing all our mentees and mentors together to celebrate community, culture, and connection.

And guess what? We matched 100% of our 2024 mentees with a mentor – talk about success! I would like to extend a huge shoutout and many thanks to our wonderful sponsor, Discovery Behavioral Health, a provider of 130 residential and outpatient treatment programs for mental health, substance use, and eating disorders, with a focus on measurement-based care.

Each guest was encouraged to bring a dish that represents their cultural heritage or personal favorites, and honey, did we have a feast! In addition to the culinary delights, this event featured a variety of games and activities designed to nurture connections and build a sense of camaraderie.

One of our attendees stated, “This event was way more than I expected. The attention to detail and intentionality behind the gifts and food were amazing. I can’t wait until next year”.

Honestly, I couldn’t have agreed with them more. By coming together to celebrate our diverse backgrounds, we strengthened bonds that make our community resilient and so supportive of one another. It is through these shared experiences that we can continue to grow both personally and professionally. 

Looking ahead towards this year, the committee has made updates for those interested in applying or reapplying for the 5th cohort starting in June. The application and matching process has been improved this year by creating separate interest forms for mentors and mentees.

Starting this month, mentors will see the Mentor Interest Form link located on our webpage ready for submissions.

In April, the Mentee Interest Form link will become available for all interested mentees to apply.

Additionally, we have updated some of the questions based upon feedback from previous program participants. Although we do not guarantee any match made, these new questions will help guide the committee during the manual matching process. If you are a new or returning mentor seeking to become part of our mentorship community, be sure to fill out the Mentor Interest Form today on our webpage above.

Now this next update, I could not wait to share! I am pleased to announce that we have a new committee member joining our fabulous team, Ms. Angela Mull, LMFT. She may be new to the committee, but she is definitely not new to the TOC Mentorship Program.

Angela has been a TOC mentor since 2022 and brings a wealth of private practice and community mental health experience pertaining to networking and professional development resources that will be a great addition to our committee. As a dedicated mentor, she enjoys guiding students and associates to overcome imposter syndrome and achieve career success. We look forward to collaborating with her on fresh new program ideas. You can read more about Angela Mull on our TOC Mentorship Program Committee page.

As program chair, I am so excited for the future of this program and the continued impact it has had on clinicians of color. The foundation we've built will only grow stronger with the next cohort, fostering more formidable connections between mentors and mentees. 

If you or someone you know is interested and would like to participate as a mentor or mentee in the TOC Mentorship Program, save the dates and link below and be sure to apply! For more details or if you would like someone from our committee to present/speak to your team or staff about to power of mentorship for therapists of color please contact Keonna Robinson 

Interest Form Due Dates and Mentorship Start Dates: 

• Mentor Interest Form: submissions will be accepted from March 1, 2025 to April 1, 2025.
• Mentee Interest Form: submissions will be accepted from April 1, 2025 to May 1, 2025.
• 6-month Mentorship duration is from June 1, 2025 to November 30, 2025. 

Keonna Robinson, MA, LMFT

TOC Mentorship Program Chair

TOC Mentorship Webpage

Email: Tocmentorshipprogram@lacamft.org 

Images: all images were taken and designed by Keonna Robinson using a personal smartphone device.

Guest Article

Working with Grandparents of Transgender Children: Offering Support & Resources

Janna Barkin & Fran Wickner, Ph.D., LMFT

Every child deserves to be loved and supported unconditionally. Being transgender is simply one of  the many beautiful, normal variations of being human.  

The clinical literature has mostly been focusing on the experience of the person transitioning. In  both of our experiences working with this population, for the grandparents of transgender children  the journey can feel isolating.  

Generational differences often make it challenging to fully understand what their grandchild is  experiencing. Many grandparents may lack the vocabulary to discuss gender identity or find it  difficult to connect with peers who share similar experiences. Yet, a grandparent’s love,  understanding, and acceptance can profoundly impact the well-being and flourishing of their trans  grandchild.  

Statistics highlight the challenges LGBTQ+ youth face:  

• A groundbreaking study by the Human Rights Campaign surveyed 10,000 LGBTQ youth ages 13-17.  It found that 42% felt their community was not accepting of LGBTQ individuals, while 26% identified  their biggest challenges as a lack of family acceptance, trouble at school, bullying, and fear of being  out or open.
• Research by The Trevor Project shows that support from even one trusted adult significantly  reduces mental health risks and greatly increases the chances of success for LGBTQ youth. 

When one person in a family transitions, the entire family undergoes a transition.

Each family  member will have their own timeline and process for acceptance and integration. Roles, behaviors,  and expectations may shift as labels and relationships are redefined. Grandparents, in particular,  need allies to navigate these changes.

As the therapist of a client who is a grandparent with a  transgender grandchild, you may be the only person your client talks openly with about their grandchild. So it is important for you to educate yourself and have resources available (see below)  in order to be a trusted ally. Gender-informed mental health professionals, social workers, and  educators can serve as key sources of support for grandparents, helping to build bridges of  understanding, compassion, empathy, and connection.  

The Family Acceptance Project at San Francisco State University, outlines four practical strategies for fostering family acceptance:  

• Support  
• Education  
• Inclusion  
• Reimagining Gender Norms and Expectations 

These strategies can guide grandparents from feelings of confusion, fear, or rejection toward  understanding, empathy, and action.  

In this precarious time, when transgender individuals face increasing hostility and attacks on their  basic rights, family support is more crucial than ever. Recent efforts to strip away the rights and dignity of transgender people have caused significant harm to this vulnerable community. The love and acceptance of parents, grandparents, and extended family are vital lifelines for trans  individuals.  

Together, through compassion and understanding, we can create a world where transgender people  are celebrated for who they are, and where every child—transgender or not—feels loved,  supported, and safe.

RESOURCES FOR THERAPISTS WORKING WITH TRANSGENDER CLIENTS AND FAMILIES  

BLOGS  

∙ https://callhimhunter.wordpress.com 

∙ www.hesalwaysbeenmyson.com 

∙ www.meretheir.com 

BOOKS  

From Janna: “These two books really helped me understand my child”: 

∙The Transgender Child, by Stephanie Brill  

∙ Gender Born, Gender Made, by Diane Ehrensaft  

Janna Barkin’s Books:  

∙ He's Always Been My Son - A Mother's Story About Raising Her Transgender Son by Janna  Barkin  

●      A Grand Love - Stories For Grandparents Of Transgender Grandchildren, by Janna Barkin  

These books are also great:  

∙ The Transgender Teen, by Stephanie Brill and Lisa Kenney  

∙ The Gender Creative Child, by Diane Ehrensaft  

∙ Helping your Transgender Teen, by Irwin Kreiger  

∙ Before I Had The Words, by Skylar Kergil  

∙ Becoming Nicole, by Amy Ellis Nutt  

∙ He/She/They, by Schuyler Bailar  

∙ Transitioning Later In Life, by Jillian Celentano  

∙ Who are You?, by Brook Pessin Whedbee  

∙ Phoenix Goes To School, by Michelle and Phoenix Finch  

∙ Flamingo Rampant Publishers has fabulous books.  

More book suggestions can be found on the Stand with Trans Book List

SUPPORT, SERVICES and INFORMATION  

●      Positive Images (Sonoma County, California):  

●      PFLAG 

●      Mama Bears  

●      Trans Students Educational Resources  

●      Ally Parents:  

●      Stand With Trans  

●      Transgender Law Center 

●      Advocates For Trans Equality - A4TE:    

●      Los Angeles Gender Center   

●      The Trevor Project

●      University of San Francisco Center of Excellence for Transgender Health: 

SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINES  

●      National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 (talk or text)  

1-800-273-TALK (8255)  

●      Trans Lifeline  

877-565-8860 

●      The Trevor Project  

866-488-7386  

LEGAL GUIDANCE, ID DOCUMENT INFORMATION  

●      Transgender Law Center   

●      A4TE  

●      Lambda Legal 

●      ACLU  

Janna Barkin (she/her) is a proud mother of a transgender son, author, speaker, and advocate for  transgender youth. Her new book, A Grand Love (August 2024), shares stories, research, and  resources for grandparents of transgender grandchildren. A Grand Love, and Janna’s first book, He's  Always Been My Son (2017), both achieved the #1 bestseller spots upon release. Janna supports  families through coaching, facilitation, and advocacy. For events, groups, and to contact visit website: www.hesalwaysbeenmyson.com.  

Fran Wickner, Ph.D., MFT is one of the therapists quoted in Janna Barkin's book A Grand Love. Dr.  Wickner has been working with the LGBTQ+ community for over 35 years as a therapist in  California. She is also a national mental health business consultant for clinicians, helping  therapists with all aspects of the business of being in private practice and thriving as a clinician. Website: www.franwickner.com, https://franwickner.com/for-therapists/.

LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee
presents

Middle Eastern North African (MENA)  Therapists Community Group

First Monday of Every Month

Next Meeting:
Monday, April 7, 2025
9:30am-10:30am

Online Via Zoom

Free Registration

The MENA Therapists Community Group is a safe place across the Middle Eastern and North African therapist diaspora to build community and a sense of belonging. We hold an inclusive space to process the impact of cultural biases experienced by people of MENA descent and the effect it may have on our work as mental health professionals. Within the process, we will strive to create healing, support, and empowerment. We will collaboratively exchange ideas, experiences and resources while acknowledging cultural differences and shared similarities. As the poet Khalil Gibran states — “The reality of the other person lies not in what he reveals to you, but what he cannot reveal to you.” — our community will create a place to be seen, heard, and understood.

Special Note: MENA Therapists Community Group meetings are intended as a place for MENA-identifying therapists to have a safe place amongst others in the same ethnic and cultural community to share and process their personal and professional experiences. Therapists from similar cultural backgrounds (e.g., South Asian, mixed identities that include MENA, etc.) are also welcome. If you are not MENA-identifying or from a similar cultural background and instead wish to join these meetings for the purpose of learning about the MENA population, we offer consultations separately. You are more than welcome to schedule a one-on-one consultation by emailing us.

Open to LA-CAMFT Members and Non-Members.

For more information, contact the facilitators at mena.lacamft@gmail.com.

Event Details:

For: Licensed Therapists, Associates, and Students

When: Monday, April 7, 2025 from 9:30am-10:30am

Where: Online Via Zoom (Upon registration for the presentation, you will receive a confirmation email that includes a link to our Zoom meeting.)

Cost: No charge

Facilitator(s): Perla and Susan

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