President's Message

For the Making and For the Taking

Jenni Wilson, LMFT, President

Time betrays us by never standing still.  Suddenly it’s August and I’m taking stock as we wind down the summer.

June ended with the Annual Leadership Retreat – a gathering of 30+ past, present, and future LA-CAMFT leaders at my home in the valley.  It was not too horribly hot, and all the people were exceptionally cool.

We started off the year riding the adrenaline-fueled enthusiasm and momentum of the last months of 2025.  Leadership launched into 2026 on the wings of big ideas, looking to Build Back Better the systems that atrophied or were lost in recent years.  But as we all know, healthy growth takes time, and although some progress has been delayed, facing unforeseen obstacles and new challenges, leadership continues to face the future with determination and creativity. 

With our limited human resources, the team generally follows where the LA-CAMFT membership’s energy points us, while also trying to maintain focus on the larger chapter goals of sustainability and financial solvency.  We are heartened by the chapter’s new faces and voices who have been chiming in to offer their time and ideas to improve the collective experience.

One thing I’ve consistently heard is that membership wants more face-to-face interactions – and in August, there are already two chances to get out, touch grass, and get some active and chill networking happening.

First, our newly appointed Special Events Chair Emerald Aueyong, LMFT leads the team planning a lovely afternoon for LA-CAMFT’s Annual Summer Picnic in the usual spot by the big magical tree – PICNIC AREA 2 - at Cheviot Hills/Rancho Park on August 9^th.  (Come say hi to the tree!!)  There’s going to be a raffle, and apparently, you’ll get an extra raffle ticket if you wear your favorite sun-hat.  Register now at: https://lacamft.org/event-6734704

Then, on August 29^th, Emerald and Meet-Up Committee members have been busy organizing the EL DORADO MEET-UP HIKE in Long Beach, to connect with our South Bay members and friends.  According to Emerald, you’re “invited to walk, hike, or socialize at homebase” – so if you’re in the area, come even if you just want to network and hold down the fort.  Register here:  https://lacamft.org/event-6720232

Then… stay tuned for September.

Are you ready for another Back-to-School Self-Care Saturday Night in my backyard? There’ll be door prizes (want to donate anything?), yummy Home State tacos, a chance to introduce yourself to others on the big mic if you want, and much much more. Registration opens soon, and don’t miss the chance to come play with us.  Space is limited.

And for those of you who might be more inclined to join us for online Meet-Ups and networking, we’re scheduling at least two more “Meet LA-CAMFT” members-only Zoom events this year – one in September and one in November.  A “Meet LA-CAMFT” online gathering is:

“…a casual virtual gathering designed to give LA-CAMFT members an easy way to connect with those from the LA-CAMFT Board of Directors, build relationships, share ideas, and strengthen our professional community. Whether you are hoping to learn more about LA-CAMFT, expand your referral network, meet colleagues, or simply connect with fellow members, this informal space is designed to make networking feel easy, welcoming, and accessible.”

Maybe you’ll come to one of these events I’ve mentioned and meet your next supervisor, your future best friend, or even some frenemy or nemesis that will make you better for the striving!  Maybe you’ll pop-by and become inspired to join the leadership team in some way or feel moved to create an offering for the chapter yourself.  Who knows.  Community - it’s ours for the making and ours for the taking.  Whatever you’re looking for, there are many ways to be of service, and lots of opportunities for in-person and virtual social connection on the horizon.  I hope to see you there.

Paz y Amor,

JJVW - Jenni June Villegas Wilson

Jenni J.V. Wilson, LMFT (she/her): As a collaborative conversationalist passionate about empowering and advocating for marginalized groups and underrepresented voices, Jenni uses an integrative approach based on post-modern principles to provide culturally-mindful and trauma-informed therapeutic services and clinical supervision. She works with creative, anxious, mixed race/culture, and co-dependent clients on improving and eliminating toxic relationships, while increasing authentic expression. She has a BA in theatre from Occidental College, an MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University LA, and is trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, and certified in Narrative Therapy. She is an accomplished writer, has produced/co-hosted multiple podcasts, worked in addiction treatment for nearly a decade, and sees the “worried well” in her private practice in Sherman Oaks. Website: www.JenniJVWilson.com

Annual Summer Picnic

Sunday, August 9, 2026

12:00pm-3:00pm

Cheviot Hills Recreation Center

Sponsored by

  

Celebrate Summer! The LA-CAMFT Summer Picnic is Here!

You’re invited to our most anticipated event of the year on Sunday, August 9, 2026 from Noon to 3 PM at Cheviot Hills Recreation Center - Picnic Area #2! Join your LA-CAMFT community for a sun-soaked afternoon of connection and celebration. This year, we’re bringing the fun with a Summer Beach theme. Wear your favorite sun-hat for an extra raffle ticket!

Whether you're looking to spark your competitive side or just want to kick back and unwind, we’ve got something just for you:

• The Action Zone: Grab some friends for a lively game of volleyball or cornhole.
• The Creativity Corner: Let your artistic side shine with hands-on crafting and creating.
• The Chill Station: Relax, ground yourself, and unwind in the shade.

The best part? We’re serving authentic, delicious Thai food, hosting an exciting raffle with must-win prizes, and creating the perfect space to reconnect with old colleagues and meet new friends.

Don’t forget to bring: sunscreen, sun protective gear, and other items for your personal comfort like picnic towels, beach chairs, other games, etc.

Spouses, friends, and colleagues are all warmly invited to join the fun. Children under 12 are free and do not need to be registered.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options will be available.

Note: Tickets are sold per person. Grab yours now and get ready for fun in the sun!

Also, This is picnic area 2 that is in the back of the park, NOT the same location as the Spring Celebration, which was area 1. Please wear comfortable, outdoor clothing and bring sun protective gear like sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.*

For more information, please contact Special Events Chair Emerald Aueyong.

Event Details:

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

When: Sunday, August 9, 2026 from 12:00-3:00pm (11:30am - Check in)

Where: Cheviot Hills Recreation Center - Picnic Area #2 (2251 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90064)

(Map: https://recreation.parks.lacity.gov/sites/default/files/reccenter/cheviot-hills-recreation-center/media/newest-greatest-map.pdf)

Parking: Free onsite parking

"Early Bird" Cost:

$15 for LA-CAMFT Members

$10 for LA-CAMFT Prelicensed Members

$20 for Non-Members

$10 for Prelicensed Non-Members

Regular Cost (2 weeks before event):

$20 for LA-CAMFT Members

$15 for LA-CAMFT Prelicensed Members

$25 for Non-Members

$15 for Prelicensed Non-Members

Cost (at the door):

$25 for LA-CAMFT Members

$20 for LA-CAMFT Prelicensed Members

$30 for Non-Members

$20 for Prelicensed Non-Members

*Registration closes Saturday, August 8 at 10:00pm.*

Editor's Note

A Lynne-Shaped Hole

Jenni Wilson, LMFT, President, Voices Guest Editor

As most of you probably know, after about seventeen years of volunteering for LA-CAMFT, serving on the Board of Directors for many of those, and spending the last eight years as LA-CAMFT’s Newsletter Editor, Super Volunteer Lynne Azpeitia decided it was time for her to move on.

My earliest memories of LA-CAMFT include witnessing Lynne passing the microphone around during the speed networking period during CE-events as far back as 2012.  Her notably strong presence was impossible to ignore amongst a group of folx who all possessed strong presences.  Being part of the team that revived LA-CAMFT in 2009, she demonstrated a sense of ownership within the chapter and was an intimidating force of nature to many of us who were mere students and interns, wobbly in our footing and new on the scene. Years later I would be moved by the kindness and softness Lynne showed me as she helped prepare me to take on the role of Speaker Chair (which seemed like such an enormous undertaking to me at the time), sharing her extensive institutional knowledge about the chapter and cheering me on.

I remember first really connecting with Lynne in the context of a Marketing breakout group she was facilitating as Communications and Marketing Chair at the 2016 Leadership Retreat at Clearview in Venice.  At that point I was close to finishing my 3000 hours and had no interest in the seemingly Herculean tasks of marketing and branding myself.  I was feeling overwhelmingly uncertain of how to get out of my own way enough to start building the private practice I wanted. Over the course of that afternoon, Lynne took me aside and encouraged me to attend her upcoming marketing seminars and even offered some of her valuable one-on-one time to meet with me in her office to explore what might be possible, free of charge.  She role-modeled a kind of generosity of spirit that afternoon that I had not found often in my former career travels within the entertainment business.  A virtual stranger, she extended herself to me in a way I had always tried to offer others whenever I was positioned to do so, and continue to do to this day.

My partner Tom recalls how charged I was returning home that day and sharing with him all the encouragement I’d gotten from the LA-CAMFT leaders, and particularly from Lynne.  What struck me was that Lynne was/is good at many things I am not, and I knew I could learn from her.  And I did.

I served on the Board of Directors with Lynne for many years, and when I was President in 2021 she was already doing the roles of multiple people – serving as Communications and Marketing Chair, performing the Newsletter Editor duties, creating the LA-CAMFT calendar to track events, creating an extensive document of deadlines for all Board of Directors deliverables throughout the year, and serving as the liaison to our Web Administrator.  I am likely forgetting a multitude of other things she was doing at that time, but regardless, I always felt confident that whatever Lynne was doing, I didn’t have to worry about it.

I regret if I ever took Lynne’s competence and commitment for granted, as that is far from what has ever been in my heart.  Her constancy let me sleep a little better at night at the end of last year and for the first five months of this one.

There will be a Lynne-shaped hole in the chapter for a while, for sure, but another thing I believe I KNOW about Lynne, is that she understood how committed I am to creating processes and systems within the chapter that would allow for amazingly dedicated leaders like herself and others to take care of themselves without the chapter folding.  She understood ways I am always looking to avoid gatekeeping, burnout and/or long-standing resentments amongst our leaders who selflessly volunteer their time in service of the larger membership.  I’ve always felt Lynne and I shared a belief that one did not have to be on the Board of Directors to be significant to the LA-CAMFT culture, and that there was pride in stepping into less demanding but essential forms of leadership and participation – like being the Newsletter Editor, serving on a committee, facilitating a support group, or forming a Special Interest Group (SIG). 

Lynne has been and will continue to be a respected advisor to me, part of my LA-CAMFT Mastermind, as I attempt to finish the work I started in 2020 of putting the pieces into place to easily hand over the chapter reins to new and future generations of leaders as smoothly as possible.

Thank you, Lynne, for your many years of service to the chapter.  Thank you for your support and encouragement in becoming the leader I strive to be.  Where there is only one set of footprints in the sand…

Now, dear reader, if you or someone you know, has copywriting skills and might be interested in serving as LA-CAMFT’s next Newsletter Editor, let’s have that conversation.  It’s a new day and a reimagining of Voices is possible and inevitable upon Lynne’s departure.  We’re not looking for the next Lynne – there is only one – but we could absolutely be looking for the next YOU.  Please contact me at President@lacamft.org.

Jenni J.V. Wilson, LMFT (she/her): As a collaborative conversationalist passionate about empowering and advocating for marginalized groups and underrepresented voices, Jenni uses an integrative approach based on post-modern principles to provide culturally-mindful and trauma-informed therapeutic services and clinical supervision. She works with creative, anxious, mixed race/culture, and co-dependent clients on improving and eliminating toxic relationships, while increasing authentic expression. She has a BA in theatre from Occidental College, an MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University LA, and is trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, and certified in Narrative Therapy. She is an accomplished writer, has produced/co-hosted multiple podcasts, worked in addiction treatment for nearly a decade, and sees the “worried well” in her private practice in Sherman Oaks. Website: www.JenniJVWilson.com

LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee
presents

Middle Eastern North African (MENA) Therapists Community Group

First Monday of Every Month

(please note: this month is the Second Monday)

Next Meeting:
Monday, September 14, 2026
9:00am-10:00am

Online Via Zoom

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.org.

Event Details:

For: Licensed Therapists, Associates, and Students

When: Monday, September 14, 2026 from 9:00am-10:00am

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.*

https://lacamft.org/event-6470350

LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee

presents

White Therapists Fighting Racism (WTFR)

Third Sunday of Every Month

Next Meeting:
Sunday, August 16, 2026
3:00pm-5:00pm (PT)

Online Via Zoom

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, WTFR 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.

How Do I Join? To join this group, please click here to complete our online submission form. Once submitted, a group facilitator will reach out to you for next steps.

Open to LA-CAMFT Members and Non-Members.

For more information or if you have additional questions, please send all inquiries to the facilitators WTFR@lacamft.org.

Event Details:

For: Licensed Therapists, Associates, and Students

When: Sunday, August 16, 2026 from 3:00pm-5:00pm (PT)

Where: Online Via Zoom (Once you complete the online submission process, you will be emailed a monthly Zoom link.)

Cost: No charge

Facilitator(s): Estelle, Randi, Hazel, and Stephen

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

https://lacamft.org/event-6513181

LA-CAMFT Upcoming Events

Save the Date!

(Note: events without links may not yet be open for registrations.  Please check LACAMFT.org for more information)

August 10^th – 6:00-7:00pm - via Zoom - BTSG gathering - https://lacamft.org/event-6475306

August 9^th – 12:00pm-4:00pm - Special Event – In-Person - LA-CAMFT’S ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC – Cheviot Hills/Rancho Park - https://lacamft.org/event-6734704

August 29^th – 8:30-11:30am - In-Person - Long Beach EL DORADO MEET-UP HIKE - https://lacamft.org/event-6720232

August 30^th - 10:30am-11:30am - via Zoom - 3000 Club Support Group - https://lacamft.org/event-6766642

September 14^th – 9:00-10:00am - via Zoom - MENA support group - https://lacamft.org/event-6470350

September 14^th – 6:00-7:00pm - via Zoom - BTSG gathering - https://lacamft.org/event-6475308

September 18^th – 9:00am-11:00am - via Zoom - 2CE event - Dr. Nicole Siegfried "Navigating Teen Suicide Risk"- with post-event networking from 11:00-11:30am

September 26^th – 6:30pm-10:30pm - In-person - SELF-CARE SATURDAY BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT - MEET-UP EVENT at House of the Dragonfly in Valley Glen

October 5^th – 9:00-10:00am – via Zoom – MENA support group

October 16^th - 9:00am-11:00am – via Zoom - CE-EVENT - Leanne Nettles "Incorporating Spirituality with Treatment" - with post-event networking from 11:00-11:30am

October 19^th – 6:00-7:00pm – via Zoom - BTSG support group

November 2^nd – 9:00-10:00am – via Zoom – MENA support group

November 7^th – 5-9pm - Appreciation Dinner

November 9^th – 6:00-7:00pm – via Zoom - BTSG support group

November 14^th – TOCMP Dishes of Diversity

November 21^st – 11:00am-12pm – via Zoom - “Meet LA-CAMFT” members-only online event

November 26^th – THANKSGIVING

December 7^th – 9:00-10:00am – via Zoom – MENA support group

December 13^th – 12:00pm-4:00pm - Special Event – In-Person – LA-CAMFT’s ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY – Clearview Treatment Center, Venice, CA

LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee

presents

Black Therapist Support Group

Second Monday of Every Month

Next Meeting:
Monday, August 10, 2026
6:00pm-7:30pm

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, August 10, 2026 from 6:00pm-7:30pm (Check-In: 5:50pm)

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.*

https://lacamft.org/event-6475306

LA-CAMFT Diversity Committee

presents

Therapists of Color Support Group

Meets Every Quarter

Next Meeting:
Sunday, 2026
11:00 am-1:00 pm (PT)

Online Via Zoom

*SEEKING GROUP FACILITATOR*

Contact diversitycommittee@lacamft.org if interested.

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, January 2026 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

https://lacamft.org/Diversity-Committee

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

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

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

We in LA-CAMFT leadership are committed to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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