Jennifer Stonefield, LMFT
President, LA-CAMFT

International Day of Happiness

As we mark International Day of Happiness on March 20th, I am compelled to express my deepest gratitude for all of your outstanding contributions to the mental health community. Your unwavering commitment and dedication have been the cornerstone of our collective success.

In facing challenges head-on, you exemplify the strength that defines not only LA-CAMFT, but the larger CAMFT as well. As we celebrate happiness on a global scale, I am reminded of the integral role each of you plays in fostering a positive and uplifting environment within the lives of others.

Your collaborative spirit and resilience have not only propelled us forward but have also created an environment where joy is not just a fleeting emotion, but a sustainable state of being.

In the pursuit of our shared goals, let us continue to draw strength from each other. Together, we can amplify the positive impact we have on our work and beyond.

May this month, along with International Day of Happiness, serve as a reminder of the collective strength we possess and the joy we derive from working together towards a brighter future for others.

Warmly, 

Jennifer Stonefield, LMFT

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.

LA-CAMFT March 2024
Law & Ethics Online Workshop

presents

Defining Legal and Ethical Issues
for Therapists
in a Changing California

Sunday, March 17, 2024
9:00 am-4:00 pm

6 CE Credits

Sponsored by

Defining Legal and Ethical Issues
for Therapists in a Changing California

With
Curt Widhalm, LMFT

Across California and throughout the nation, mental health advocacy has led to expanded access and rights for patients seeking behavioral health services. This means new opportunities and responsibilities for therapists to remain compliant with updated laws. This course explores new (and old) responsibilities for client documentation, access to records, MFTs serving as Medicare providers, and the interaction with technical advances such as artificial intelligence.

Event Details: Sunday, March 17, 2024,
9:00 am-4:00 am (PT)
Where:  Online via Zoom

More information and register today by clicking the Register Here button below.

Register Here

Getting Paid: Networking, Marketing & Referrals Tips, Information & Encouragement for Filling Up Your Practice

Now that the new year is heading toward spring, I bet you could use some tips, inspiration, and encouragement to get your networking and marketing going so that you can fill your practice. So, let’s get right to it!

1. Set Aside Time for Networking and Marketing. It really doesn’t matter what you do for networking and marketing, but you have to do something. Since you have to do something, only do the things you like! Of course, you will have to try things out to see what you like. Keep in mind that it’s okay to make things up to do.
   
   Tip: Track what’s working and then do more of it—repeat what works. Quit what doesn’t work or work well enough.
   
   
2. Networking is simply making professional friends and acquaintances. 
   Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you, make yourself targeted opportunities. When going to a networking event or a lunch or meeting, decide on your networking goals before you arrive: Who do you want to meet and talk with? How many new people do you want to get to know?
   
   Tip: Read How I Came to View Networking Events as Social Meetups
   
   Tip: Make list of 10 contacts you want to meet—people you want to know or be known by in your community. Then find ways to meet and develop mutually beneficial relationships with them.
   
   Tip: Find others who might be in contact with or serving your ideal client from other professions; find allied professionals who serve your client population or ideal client. Get to know them and let them get to know you, the services you offer, and the type of work you do.
   
   
3. Marketing is what you do to help clients—and referral sources—find you, and to get clients coming to you instead of you running after them.
   Remember that people are not going to look hard to find you or to find out more about you. Make it easy for them.
   
   Tip: Follow the Two Golden Rules of Therapist Marketing: 
   
   1.) Make the act of marketing energy producing instead of energy draining
   2.) Only do marketing activities that fit for you, your client population, your type of practice or service—and ALWAYS within legal & ethical guidelines.
   
   Tip: When clients go to your website, directory listing, and social media pages, what they are really looking for is: Who are you? What can you do for me? How can I contact you? Make sure your content on your website, directory listing, and social media pages addresses that.
   
   Tip: To market effectively, you need to know two things: what you offer and who needs what you offer. 
   
   Think about what you want to be known for, the treatment options you want to be known for, and the target populations you want to attract as clients. Share this content in a way that will get it—and you and your practice—noticed and that will help you build your practice.
   
   
4. Referrals. 
   Don’t just rely upon clients, friends, colleagues, or potential referral sources to automatically know that you welcome their referrals. It’s up to you to let them know and to educate them about who are good referrals for you and your practice.
   
   Tip: Directly mention that you welcome referrals by using a brief, and thoughtfully scripted, phrase or statement. This can produce significant results for your practice. You can say things like:

• “My practice is built on referrals, and I would welcome any potential clients that you think would be good for me to work with.”
• “I would appreciate it if you passed my name on to anyone that you feel I could help.”
• “Please don’t hesitate to mention my name to others you think I might be able to help.”

Okay, reading time is up. Now it’s time to get out there and increase your visibility in the community so that your new clients can find you when they need you! Happy practice-filling.

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 Affirmations that Got Me My Book Deal

" You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That's the only thing you should be trying to control.”

 — Elizabeth Gilbert

“Chellie, an editor is interested in your book!” my agent, Lisa Hagan, exclaimed happily. “I sent her a bunch of proposals, and she returned all of them to me except for yours! Now she wants to talk to you.”

My heart was thumping and my breath came fast. This could be the break we’d been waiting for. Lisa and I had been working together to find a publisher for my book, The Wealthy Spirit for over a year, through endless rounds of interest, rejections, almost-deals, and deals that fell through. 
 
“Deb likes your book, but has some changes to suggest,” Lisa went on. “Here’s her number. Good luck!”

I tried to calm down and dialed Deb’s number. We introduced ourselves and chatted pleasantly for a few minutes. Then I asked the fateful question, “What about the book do you feel needs to be changed?”

“Well, first of all,” Deb replied, “We’ve got to take all the affirmations out of this book.”

My heart sank like a stone. There was no way I could take the affirmations out of my book—they are critical in helping people think more positively about money. I believe that what we focus on expands, and most people focus on money in a negative way. The average person has 60,000 thoughts every day, and most of what they’re thinking about money is depressing: “The rich get richer and the poor get poorer,” “The love of money is the root of all evil,” “There’s never enough money,” and daily doses of “I can’t afford it.” I believe you have to actively change the way you think about money in order to have more abundance flow into your life, and that means repeating positive statements about money every day in order to replace those old, negative thoughts.

So, thinking this deal was never going to happen, I quietly asked Deb, “Why do you think the affirmations should be taken out?”

“Chellie, affirmations are old news,” she stated flatly. “There are 97 books on affirmations out there. I can’t go to my forty salespeople and say we’re doing another affirmation book. This has already been done.”

“So you think everyone already knows about affirmations?” I asked.

“Yes!” she replied.

“Then let me ask you a question,” I said, “are you doing them?”

There was silence on the phone. I elaborated, “Positive statements, out loud to yourself every morning, about money specifically—are you doing them?”

“Well, no, I’m not,” she admitted.

“That’s my point,” I said, “People know about affirmations, but they’re not doing them. Just knowing about them doesn’t do any good. Listen, why don’t you test them? I’ll give you my list of favorite affirmations. Say them out loud while looking at yourself in the mirror every day for the next 21 days. Then we’ll talk again in three weeks.”

Deb agreed. Three weeks later, she was on the phone saying excitedly, “Chellie, this is amazing! I’m getting unexpected money in the mail, people are paying me back loans I had forgotten they owed me, and I’m getting bigger and better book deals!”

I asked, “So can the affirmations stay in the book now?” and she answered, “Absolutely yes!”

And that’s why the book was published with the subtitle, “Daily Affirmations for Financial Stress Reduction.”

Here is the list I gave Deb that day. Why don’t you give it the 21-day test yourself and see what happens?

1.  People love to give me money!
2. I am rich and wonderful.
3. I am now earning a great big income doing what makes me happy.
4. Something wonderful is happening to me today—I can feel it!
5. All my bills are paid up in full and I still have all this money.
6. My affirmations work for me, whether I believe they will or not. (This is for the skeptics.)
7. A lot more money is coming into my life. I deserve it and will use it for my good and others.
8. All my clients praise me and pay me!
9. I am a money magnet!
10. Money comes to me easily and effortlessly, waking and sleeping.
11. I am now highly pleasing to myself in other people’s presence.
12. I walk, talk, look, act, think and am rich!
13. I am a winner--I win often, and I win big!
14. I now receive large sums of money, just for being me! 

These are my very favorite affirmations. Tell your friends they are available free on my website www.chellie.com!

Why not download the entire list with instructions on how to do them and see what happens?!

Then join a fabulous pod of dolphins who are regularly practicing the affirmations, doing good and making money in our big pod of dolphins practicing The Wealthy Spirit Principles every day!

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

LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee
Presents:

Black Therapist Support Group

First Saturday of this Month

Next Meeting:
Saturday, March 2, 2024
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

First Saturday of Each Month

Location: Zoom Meeting

For more information contact Stara Shakti, LMFT at DiversityCommittee@lacamft.org.

Event Details: 

For:
Licensed Therapists, Associates, and Students

Event Details: 
Saturday, March 2, 2024
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

Unlocking Fulfillment: Therapist Tips For Discovering Purpose in Your Post-Retirement Journey

As we transition into adulthood, societal expectations often align with a predefined template: pursuing education, entering marriage, launching a successful career, and eventually, embracing parenthood. This template is so common that songs are written about it. But what happens after the kids are grown and the career is beginning to wind down? What dreams or goals or purpose are left? Society may portray retirement as a phase of life filled with endless leisure. However, does an extended period of leisure truly contribute meaning and purpose to one’s day for the next 10, 20, or even possibly 30 years? Unfortunately, when our older clients lack a sense of purpose it can lead to feelings of depression, boredom, loneliness, and isolation.

I often hear people who are 60+ perplexed, frightened, and unsure about what the next chapter of their lives will look like. What will add meaning to their day? Will they still be significant or matter to anyone? Will they continue to have something to contribute to the community? They wonder what their purpose will be post career and post parenting? These are the big questions we need to be prepared to help our senior clients grapple with and answer.

The ancient philosophers believed that happiness came from more than just leisure and play. Socrates believed that self-knowledge was the key to happiness. In the book, “Women Rowing North,” Mary Pfeiffer says, “We need to understand ourselves and where we are at right now before determining where we are going.”

So, the first step is to help our clients look back over their lives to identify the themes, the joys, the pains, the positive memories, and the learning lessons. This is commonly referred to as Life Review Therapy and a Life Script Questionnaire can be a useful tool to aid in this process. This process can help our clients reflect on the past and use it as a compass to determine where they want and need to go in their next chapter.

Plato said that happiness was created through a meaningful life. But again, this begs the question… What makes a meaningful life? The work of therapy will be to help our clients identify and define what would make a meaningful life for them. Therapies that can be used to aid clients in this process include logotherapy, meaning therapy, existential therapy, and a combination of approaches.

One definition that I like describes purpose as a “guiding light or set of principles and values that give meaning and direction to the individual.” This naturally implies that each person’s purpose can and will be different. What is meaningful for each of us may change as we undergo personal growth and enter new life cycles. Our purpose may also change as we see new needs in our family, community, or the world around us.

A question you might ask to begin addressing this, could be: What are your 3 top values or priorities? Sometimes it is helpful to have our client’s look at a Core Value list to begin this process.

For example, in my younger years I was an all-in mom. When my daughters grew up and left for college, I remember thinking, “I am not ready to retire from my mom job…I love it!” But, that phase of parenting was over. Luckily, my daughters retained me as a “consultant, and we have become great friends. In this way, I continue to prioritize my value of family and family continues to be a significant part of my purpose. However, I act on it in a different way than when my daughters were children.

For some people their values change over time. A person’s values at 30 can be very different from his or her values at 70. This can also be useful to explore with our clients. What do they value most now? And how is this different from their values at other times in their lives?

Another exercise to help our clients identify what matters most to them is to ask them to reflect upon their day before getting into bed. What did they enjoy most? What did they learn? What are they grateful for today? What were they proud of? And what would they like to do more of tomorrow? Noticing what they are drawn to rather than what they think they should value can give some good information about their purpose. Or a simple question like, “What gets you out of bed in the morning?” can begin the conversation around purpose.

It is also useful to help our clients explore how they can put their values into action because purpose is created by acting on one’s values. For example, if work is one of your client’s core values how can they put his value into action in retirement? It might be through volunteering, mentoring, or working around the house.

Friedrich Nietzsche, says “He who has a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any how.” Having a purpose in life can provide the resilience to face life’s challenges, which can be abundant in one’s senior years (heck, challenges can be abundant at all phases of life). If we can help our clients remember why they want to keep living, it can make the difficulties feel smaller. It can give purpose to the challenges.

When my uncle was in his 70’s he was diagnosed with cancer. He said that during the difficult phases of his treatment, feeding and caring for his animals was the only thing that got him out of bed in the morning. So, whether your client’s ‘why’ is taking care of his animals, teaching literacy at the local library, traveling, or sharing what she has learned over a lifetime and then dying with dignity—any of these ‘whys’ can provide a guiding light and a purpose for their next chapter.

As our older clients enter this new phase of life, it can be beneficial to take some time to help them look inward to discover where they have been, where they are at now, and where they want to go in the months and years ahead. Here’s to making this next chapter the best one yet!

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

Anxiety: Triggers, Coping Strategies and Resolution

Anxiety is challenged by
calm, wisdom, strength and focus.

Anxiety, whether it comes rarely, is ever-present or seems to loom on the edge of your experience ready to strike, is a full body and emotional experience. When you are In it you just want out of it.

That desire to get immediate relief can leave people in a desperate situation where they will reach for food, alcohol, drugs, isolate at home and under the covers, emotional venting on others and even violence.

In my psychotherapy practice my first goal is to gain trust so that the individual can have an anxiety attack in my presence. Knowing I can bear it helps the person know it’s bearable. She knows she can talk through it, think while it’s happening and not act out. The first requirement in coping with anxiety and then relieving it is to be able to bear it while it’s happening.

Once that is achieved we can unravel causes and triggers. We can develop the insight, strength and stamina to face and resolve the issues that cause our anxiety reaction.

Here I’ll explore with you common anxiety triggers, from everyday stressors to more profound life events past and present, and provide practical coping strategies for healing from old wounds, gaining internal strength and understanding. Then it’s possible to think and feel without acting out and work their way to a sense of calm.

The Many Faces of Anxiety

Anxiety comes in many forms, ranging from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to social anxiety, panic disorder, and specific phobias. While the specific triggers and symptoms may differ, the underlying theme is the same: a persistent sense of unease and apprehension.

Common Triggers

• Everyday Stressors: The demands of daily life can be overwhelming. From work deadlines to financial pressures, these everyday stressors can extreme unease in anyone.
• Social Situations: For those with social anxiety, interactions with others can be a source of intense anxiety. Fear of judgment or embarrassment can lead to avoidance of social situations.
• Trauma: Past traumatic experiences, (PTSD), such as accidents or abuse, can leave a lasting mark on mental health.
• Health Concerns: Worries about health, whether real or imagined, can lead to health worries. Individuals may obsessively check symptoms or fear the worst-case scenario.
• Life Transitions: Major life changes like moving, starting a new job, or getting married can be stressful. Even positive changes can trigger unease.
• Uncertainty: Uncertain future outcomes, like the result of a medical test or the stability of a job, can be particularly anxiety-inducing.
• Family and Relationship Issues: Conflicts with loved ones, divorce, or the loss of a family member can trigger anxiety. Relationship anxiety can also stem from fear of abandonment or rejection.
• Genetics and Brain Chemistry: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to anxiety due to family history. Changes in brain chemistry can also contribute to anxiety disorders.

Coping Strategies

Understanding the triggers is the first step in managing anxiety. Here are practical coping strategies to help you regain control:

• Deep Breathing: Slow, deep breaths can calm your nervous system and bring you back to the present moment.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you stay grounded. These techniques teach you to observe your thoughts without judgment.
• Exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters. Regular exercise can significantly increase calm and self-confidence.
• Healthy Diet: What you eat can affect your mood. A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help stabilize your mood.
• Adequate Sleep: Lack of sleep can exacerbate anxiety. Prioritize getting enough restful sleep each night.
• Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can worsen anxiety symptoms. Limit your intake, especially if you're prone to anxiety.
• Therapy: Psychotherapy can be effective in managing and resolving anxiety. A therapist can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns, recognize their source and help you gain the strength and insight to resolve the cause of your fears.
• Medication: In some cases, medication prescribed by a healthcare professional may be necessary to manage symptoms, at least temporarily while you develop skills to resolve your issues. Consult your doctor for guidance.
• Journaling: Keeping a journal can help you identify triggers and track your anxiety patterns. It can also be a therapeutic outlet for expressing your feelings.
• Self-Care: Make self-care a priority. Engage in activities you enjoy, practice relaxation techniques, and pamper yourself from time to time.
• Social Support: Reach out to friends, family, creativity workshops, spiritual groups. Being with people you can share projects and interests with reminds you that there is more to you than fears and anxieties. Without talking about your anxiety issues these relationships can provide emotional relief and support.
• Set Realistic Goals: Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Setting achievable goals can help reduce feelings of overwhelm.

Seeking Professional Help

While these coping strategies can be highly effective, it's crucial to remember that seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If anxiety is severely impacting your life, a mental health professional can provide specialized guidance, therapy, or medication to assist you in managing your symptoms.

The Road to Recovery

Understanding anxiety, its triggers, and effective coping strategies can be a transformative journey. It's essential to remember that you're not alone in this battle, and there is hope for a brighter, more self-assured future. With patience, self-compassion, and the right support, you can resolve much of your disquieting and find a sense of confidence, calm and balance in your life.

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