Los Angeles Chapter — California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Voices — June 2026
Opportunity in the Year of the Fire Horse
Jenni Wilson, LMFT, President
"In the midst of chaos there is also opportunity." -Sun Tsu
According to Chinese astrology, we are in the Year of the Fire Horse—which some believe is a period of great energy and momentum, passion and rapid transformation, bold action and ambitious goals— that happens every 60 years. Although this non-theist is highly skeptical, I do love me a good motivational prediction—and I’ve been riding this one forward into the great unknown of 2026. Let’s GOOOO!
During this period of external and global chaos, we’re being presented some great opportunities to make meaningful progress internally and locally. What will be—and what will be sustainable—has yet to be seen, but LA-CAMFT leadership has not been standing still waiting for others to take action. Instead, we’ve been identifying needs, assessing what can be done, and considering what we’re reasonably capable of—as individuals and as a community. We’ve been throwing a lot of spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks—and that wall is starting to look as beautiful as any Jackson Pollock, IMHO.
Here are a few MORE examples of where the Fire Horse is leading us this year…
UPPING OUR RAFFLE-PRIZE GAME
By the time this posts we’ll have held the Spring Celebration, and some of you will have seen what a brilliant job Special Events Chair Jessica Forrester, AMFT and the planning committee did creating a fun and memorable afternoon for LA-CAMFT.
Worth noting are the powerhouse contributions of bad-ass member Lee Daly, AMFT, whose solicitation of donations for the raffle drawing has raised the bar for future events, exceeding any expectations.
Besides offering an afternoon to play and network with the fine company of our diversely entertaining professional community, the lavish and enticing prizes brought in by Lee and President-Elect Jessica Idoine, LMFT were surely worth the price of admission.
If you or someone you know has access to or sway with bringing in other swank donations for future events like the Annual Picnic in August, the September Autumnal gathering at my place, or the December Holiday Party, let us know at specialeventschair@lacamft.org.
ON-DEMAND CEs ARE IN THE WORKS
After years of discussion and debate, if all goes as planned, LA-CAMFT will be launching an on-demand feature for our online CE-trainings before the end of this year—perhaps as soon as the end of June.
As many of you have experienced, Speaker Chair Patrick McCarthy, AMFT curates incredible live CE-presentations 8 months out of the year, which, up until now, have only been available to those able to attend Friday morning meetings or the Sunday Law & Ethics training in March.
While we don’t want to sacrifice the energy, fun, and community that’s always had being together at these Zoom CE events, we recognize the tremendous value in making them available (for a limited time only) after an event has taken place.
Our current CE-Networking Chair Shiji Yuan, AMFT has been spearheading this project over the past few months, consulting with various chapter leaders across the state to identify the most manageable and cost-efficient ways to make this happen.
I’m grateful for Shiji’s patience and attention to detail, as the chapter receives multiple requests for such programming on almost a monthly basis.
Before Shiji, no one has had the vim and vigor to jump in and create the protocols to factor CE-Recordings into LA-CAMFT’s offerings. Our hope in taking this virtual leap is to provide more opportunities to raise the profiles of our top-notch presenters, give members new means to earn CEs, and open another revenue stream for the chapter.
**BTW… Be sure to join us on June 26th for the next Friday CE Event on “Motivational Interviewing: From Ambivalence to Engagement” presented by Monica Powers, PsyD. I can’t promise we’ll be up and running on the CE-recordings for this one, so show up if you can!**
ONLINE ALL-MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND NETWORKING HOUR
As a team leader, two of the most important things to me are communication and transparency. While I’m always open to answering questions and offering guidance when time allows, as a whole, LA-CAMFT Leadership doesn’t always know what folx are interested in regarding the chapter’s day-to-day operations or what y’all would like to see for the chapter’s future.
So, President-Elect Jessica Idoine, LMFT and Membership Chair Annyce Torres, AMFT have scheduled a FREE online virtual All-Membership Meeting and Networking Hour via Zoom on June 9th from noon-1pm.
This will be a chance for folx to sign-on to meet chapter leadership, ask questions, provide feedback, learn how to get more involved, share ideas, and exchange professional information. Being an all-volunteer run organization, LA-CAMFT needs your creative thinking, as well as your support and active participation in making cool shit happen (as demonstrated above). If you’re looking to get more involved, for an associate, a supervisor, an office, or referrals, why not drop in? It’s free!
Whatever we learn on June 9th will be explored later in the month at our annual Leadership Retreat where current and future leaders gather to discuss what’s working for LA-CAMFT, or not, and what directions we’re hoping to head in the next five years. Your voice matters.
In closing, I’m bolstered by those who continually show up, willing to invest their time, sponsorships, and energies into reviving or reimaging long-dormant projects, and helping to build new foundations and infrastructures for the long-term health of LA-CAMFT.
Month after month you’ve heard me share initiatives current Leadership is working on, and why. And month after month I receive emails from members reaching out about contributing in some way – keep them coming.
I’m in awe of, and humbled by, the collective generosity of spirit in our wide-reaching organization.
Amidst the chaos and the opportunities this year, I’m wishing you all grounded strength in your bold actions, professional successes beyond measure, and powerfully confident growth.
Stay hydrated – whichever direction the Fire Horse may take you.
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
Friday, June 26, 2026 9:00am-11:00am
Online Via Zoom
2 CE Credits
Motivational Interviewing: From Ambivalence to Engagement
with Monica Powers, Psy.D.
Motivational interviewing is often associated with substance abuse treatment and helping a person move from a place of ambivalence about treatment to a willingness to participate and engage. These interventions can also be utilized by the primary mental health field to address specific behaviors and difficulties related to mental health, especially with adolescents. This presentation seeks to help practitioners utilize motivational interviewing skills to engage clients in beginning change behaviors who are much more connected to the behaviors in a manipulative way.
Educational Goals:
Attendees will be provided with specific examples of steps to work through Prochaska and DiClemente’s transtheoretical model.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:
Monica Powers, Psy.D. (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist who has championed personal resilience since 2007. She holds a doctorate from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and specializes in trauma, grief, and substance abuse for clients aged 11 and beyond. With specific interest in trauma recovery, her research on Hurricane Katrina survivors was recently republished in 2024, providing updates to her dissertation research. She currently serves as Program Director at ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers and has a small private practice under Dr. Powers Psychotherapy. She is Clinical Faculty at Antioch University and also supervises at ADR Wellness - a group practice. Throughout her career, Dr. Powers has remained dedicated to mentoring early-career clinicians and providing individualized, strength-based support to diverse communities.
For more information, contact Course Organizer/CE Networking Chair Shiji Yuan.
Event Details:
For: Licensed Therapists, Associates, Students, & Related Professionals
When: Friday, June 26, 2026 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/Other CAMFT Chapter Members, CSCSW Members
$15 for LA-CAMFT/Other CAMFT Chapter Prelicensed Members
$35 for Non-Members
$20 for Prelicensed Non-Members
Cost (2 weeks before event for licensed members):
$30 for LA-CAMFT/Other CAMFT Chapter Members, CSCSW Members
$40 for Non-Members
*Registration closes Thursday, June 25 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.
https://lacamft.org/event-6691304
Signing Off
Lynne Azpeitia, LMFT, Voices Editor
After almost 8 years as Editor of Voices, I’m moving on.
This edition of Voices is my last as editor.
It just recently became evident to me that the time had come for me to reclaim the time, energy, and creativity I’ve been spending as an LA-CAMFT volunteer, and to put that toward and prioritize my family life; teaching, supervising, and presenting my practice development workshops and small networking lunches--and writing--over the demands of creating a newsletter for LA-CAMFT each month.
I am grateful for the last eight years as editor of Voices and find that I cannot adequately express in words how much I’ve enjoyed, appreciated, and learned from working together with everyone to put together the newsletter.
I am now ready for my next chapter/adventure.
After taking some time to decompress, I'll miss participating more actively terribly—and what an enormous personal challenge it is for me to consider saying goodbye to doing that.
I have worked unbelievably hard and I am very proud of my participation and contribution to the legacy that is LA-CAMFT.
I am proud to have been part of such an outstanding organization—and volunteer team—and I wish LA-CAMFT only the finest in the future.
As Steve Jobs famously said of Apple… I believe LA-CAMFT’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role—not as a volunteer for the first time since 2009, but solely as a member.
How lucky am I.
I have made some of the best friends of my life through LA-CAMFT, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to meet you, know you, learn with you, and work alongside you.
Many thanks to everyone who has made this journey possible.
It was fun.
Lynne Azpeitia, LMFT, Voices Editor 2019-2026
Lynne Azpeitia, LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor, is in private practice virtually, and in Santa Monica where she works with Couples and Gifted, Talented & Creative Adults across the lifespan. Lynne’s been doing business and clinical coaching with mental health professionals for more than 15 years, helping therapists create even more successful careers and practices. She offers in-person & online services, workshops, presentations, & monthly no-cost Online Networking & Practice Development Lunches. Website: www.Gifted-Adults.com or www.LAPracticeDevelopment.com
LA-CAMFT has Swag!
Jennifer Stonefield, LMFT (Past-President, 2025 & 2026), with additional copy & editing provided by Jenni J.V. Wilson, LMFT (President, 2026)
Attention All Therapists
LA-CAMFT is Launching Our First Ever Online Swag Store
Shop with Purpose and Support Change
Every purchase tells a story, and we’re excited to invite you to become part of ours.
Established in 1977, LA-CAMFT has been a long-standing part of the Los Angeles mental health community. When hard times have threatened to slow the chapter’s progress in the not-so-distant past, it was community-minded members like YOU that came together and helped LA-CAMFT survive.
But wait - that’s not the whole story; it’s just the prologue.
In 2026, LA-CAMFT Leadership has been taking stock and are more committed than ever to securing the chapter’s survival for future generations of therapists who seek more than just CEs and referrals, but who are also seeking a robust community celebrating diversity, encouraging lively rejuvenation, and embracing positive change.
Got Swag?
Yes We Do!
Six months into 2026 and LA-CAMFT isn’t just surviving any more, we’re thriving. That ever-present LA-CAMFT spirit and pride is clearly reflected in the dedication and designs of Board-Member-At-Large/TOCMP Chair Keonna Robinson, LMFT and Past-President Jennifer Stonefield, LMFT who enthusiastically undertook the creation of the first LA-CAMFT e-store and have made this chapter dream a reality - where purpose meets action.
Leadership has listened when members have repeatedly shared that they’d love to be able to purchase a beanie, a sweatshirt, or tee to show their support and affiliation to our unbelievably cool chapter. And as a nonprofit, LA-CAMFT is always looking for new engaging and sustainable ways to fund the fabulous offerings put forth for members and the community at-large. With that in mind, LA-CAMFT is proud to announce the launch of The LA-CAMFT Online Swag Store in July 2026.
This isn’t just about merchandise and branding; It's about people, impact, and the future we’re building together.
Each purchase will directly support the development and administration of LA-CAMFT events, programs, and initiatives. When you shop, know that you’re not just buying a sweatshirt or a hat, you’re investing in the present and future of LA-CAMFT.
LA-CAMFT’s merchandise collections will feature thoughtfully curated items that align with many of LA-CAMFT’s foundational values, like, creativity, inclusivity, and community. Every image and phrase has been chosen with care, meant to spark conversation and connection through representation.
For a limited time, the first 50 people who sign-up for
LA-CAMFT Swag Store pre-orders
will receive a 10% discount on their first purchases.
Sign up now!
https://lacamft.org/online-store
LA-CAMFT will continue to expand our Swag Store offerings, so be sure to check back on occasion since there will always be something new to discover, as well as special limited-edition drops. We will be sure to keep you apprised via email and social media posts when new and special limited-edition merchandise are headed your way.
Your purchase will help to empower the communities we serve, while raising awareness about our cause.
It’s a simple action with a meaningful ripple effect.
We invite you to explore the store, share it with your network, and be part of this new chapter in our chapter’s history. Whether you’re a longtime member or just discovering us, your involvement matters and we are grateful for you.
Together, we can turn an everyday purchase into lasting impact and ensure the survival of LA-CAMFT.
For more information, or if you would like to volunteer to be part of future initiatives like the Swag Store, please reach out to Jennifer Stonefield at Jstonefieldmft@gmail.com, or Keonna Robinson at TOCMentorshipProgram@lacamft.org.
On behalf of the entire 2026 LA-CAMFT Board, we are excited to present this initial offering to you. We hope you love it!
Signs Your Child Is Struggling After Divorce—and What to Do Early
Steven Unruh, MDiv, LMFT
At first, it’s subtle.
Your child says they’re “fine.” But something feels different. Maybe they’re quieter. Maybe they’re angrier. Maybe their teacher emails about slipping grades. You tell yourself it’s just an adjustment period.
But what if it’s more than that?
If you’re going through a divorce, one of your greatest fears is that your child will suffer silently. You don’t want to overreact—but you also don’t want to ignore warning signs that could turn into long-term emotional struggles.
Let’s talk about how to recognize when your child is struggling after divorce—and what you can do early to protect their well-being.
The Real Challenge Divorced Parents Face
Divorce changes everything for a child. Two homes. Two schedules. Two sets of expectations. Even in the most amicable separations, the shift can feel overwhelming.
You may begin to notice:
At the same time, you are managing your own stress—legal decisions, financial adjustments, housing changes, and emotional strain. You may feel guilt. You may question whether you caused this. You may feel defensive or exhausted when problems arise.
And underneath it all is a hard truth: children didn’t choose this situation. They didn’t ask for divided holidays or tense exchanges between parents. When conflict continues or communication breaks down, it places a burden on them that simply isn’t fair.
But it doesn’t have to unfold that way. There is a better approach—one that centers your child’s stability and emotional health from the beginning.
A Healthier Path for Your Child
I’m a divorce mediator with more than 30 years of experience helping families navigate separation with clarity and respect.
I care deeply about helping parents reduce conflict and create agreements that protect their children. When handled intentionally, divorce does not have to define your child’s future in negative ways.
Here are five practical steps to recognize early warning signs —and respond in ways that truly help.
1. Pay Attention to Behavioral Changes
Children rarely express emotional distress directly. Instead, they show it through behavior.
Watch for:
The key is noticing patterns, not isolated incidents. If behaviors persist for several weeks or intensify, it may be a sign your child needs additional support.
Early awareness allows you to intervene before struggles become entrenched.
2. Reduce Conflict Wherever Possible
Research consistently shows that ongoing parental conflict harms children more than divorce itself.
If your child:
Their stress increases dramatically.
Divorce mediation provides a structured, neutral environment where parents can work through disagreements without escalating hostility. Instead of courtroom battles, mediation focuses on collaborative problem-solving.
Lower conflict equals greater emotional safety for your child.
3. Create Stability and Predictability
Children thrive on routine. Divorce often disrupts that sense of consistency.
You can help by establishing:
Through mediation, parents can develop detailed parenting plans that reduce uncertainty. When children know what to expect, anxiety decreases and confidence grows.
4. Encourage Safe, Open Communication
Children sometimes hide their feelings because they don’t want to upset either parent.
Create space for honest conversations by:
Simple statements like, “It’s okay to love both of us,” can relieve enormous emotional pressure.
When children feel safe expressing emotions, they are less likely to internalize stress.
5. Seek Support Early
If you notice persistent sadness, anxiety, academic decline, or behavioral escalation, don’t wait.
Consider:
Early intervention often prevents long-term emotional challenges.
Seeking help is not an admission of failure — it’s a proactive decision to protect your child’s future.
“What If My Ex Won’t Cooperate?”
Many parents hesitate to pursue mediation because they assume the other parent won’t participate constructively.
But mediation isn’t about forcing friendship. It’s about creating workable agreements that reduce conflict and clarify expectations. Even parents who disagree strongly can benefit from a guided process that prioritizes their child’s best interests.
You don’t have to resolve every difference. You do need a system that keeps those differences from harming your child.
Take the First Step Toward Stability
Imagine your child feeling secure moving between homes. Imagine fewer tense exchanges.
Imagine clear agreements that reduce uncertainty and stress.
That future is possible—but it requires intentional action now.
If you’re noticing signs your child may be struggling after divorce, don’t ignore your instincts.
As a divorce mediator with more than 30 years of experience, I help parents create child-centered agreements that reduce conflict and build stability. Mediation can save time, reduce costs, and most importantly, protect your child’s emotional well-being.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Steven Unruh, MA, MDiv, is a Divorce Mediator and LMFT. He and his team at Unruh Mediation complete the entire divorce process, including all assets, pensions, properties, alimony and child support—along with all required documentation. Unruh Mediation files in 13 different courthouses throughout Southern California. Website: stevenunruh.com
Black Therapist Support Group
Second Monday of Every Month
Next Meeting: Monday, June 8, 2026 6:00pm-7:30pm
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.
For: Licensed Therapists, Associates, and Students
When: Monday, June 8, 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-6475304
Guest Article
The Wealthy Spirit: Consistency Is Everything
Chellie Campbell, Financial Stress Reduction Expert
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” -Aristotle
Money is a metaphor in life. It allows you to test your ability to manifest reality from your thoughts. It is tangible, concrete: You can count it; you can calculate your results exactly.
Demonstrate it for yourself. Change your thoughts about money: Practice affirmations daily. If you’re already doing them, do more of them more often. Just as importantly, stop all the negative thoughts about money—give up your victimhood, your resentfulness, your anger, your jealousy. Appreciate and love everyone’s money—not just your own.
Then translate your new positive thoughts about money into positive actions with money—making it, saving it, spending it. Send out your ships with the fresh new air of your joyful beliefs billowing in the sails. Then watch more money flow more easily into your life, notice how much easier your work becomes, enjoy the increasing richness of your surroundings. At the end of the month, count your money. Do you have more than you did before? If the answer is yes, then congratulate yourself on a job well done.
Now the trick is to keep doing it. Consistency is everything. Amazingly, many people stop after having great results for two or three months and revert to their old, ingrained habits. Perhaps they keep sending out ships, but think their mind has been changed forever, so they stop doing the affirmations, and behold! Their ships sink and they don’t know what happened. Or they keep doing the affirmations (thinking they’re some sort of magic charm) and stop sending out ships. No ships, no money. Very tangible. Very concrete.
When this process has become internalized and your new habit, you have consciously learned the art of manifesting your reality. I believe that’s one of life’s greatest lessons that we’re on this planet to learn. Money is just a concrete, easy and convenient way to learn it. It’s school.
You are supposed to graduate, however. If you get stuck in the school of manifesting money, you can be a very unhappy person. That’s why you see many people who have achieved great wealth give away a lot of it. They’ve learned how to manifest money and now they’re on to the next lesson. Now they’re looking for the ships that arrive with intangible treasures: Love, community, integrity, honor, authenticity, peace.
Conversely, some people are trying to avoid the money school. They want the intangibles, but want to somehow skip the grades that involve feeding and clothing the body. They often suffer from the fear of financial insecurity, resent the jobs they take that don’t pay well and have spiteful opinions of people who’ve mastered money school. Well, they don’t seem to have the intangibles down either, do they? You can’t help the poor if you are the poor.
There is internal wealth and external wealth. They are not mutually exclusive.
Today’s Affirmation: “My ships are piled high with treasure and I’m unloading them today!”
Being consistent is a challenge for me. I like to have freedom. Nine-to-five jobs always made me feel boxed in and controlled – and for such a large percentage of my life! 40 hours eek.
But even theater jobs have that rigidity – the curtain goes up at 8:00 and you’ve got to be in place in costume and makeup. When I did Hello, Dolly! with Martha Raye, Bill Mulliken who played Cornelius, had been on Broadway in that musical performing 8 shows a week for 3 years. Yikes. Professional acting lost a bit of its stardust for me when I found that out. Later, I did 5 shows a day 5 days a week at Disneyland. That was the end of my acting days. I had never been more bored with anything in my entire life.
However, now as a Financial Stress Reduction Coach, I have to be consistent with my teleclasses, too. Every week for 8 weeks, I show up and teach class 2 hours on Monday and 2 hours on Wednesday. I can’t miss it, and I can’t be late when “the curtain goes up.” But those are small amounts of time compared to 40 hour weeks or 8 shows a week. I can handle that. And I take a 4-week break between sessions, too, so again I have plugged in some freedom into my life.
If you are in business for yourself, you are going to have to develop a structure that works for your temperament. For me, a mixture of freedom and structure works best. I teach my classes Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. People ask me if I researched the best days to teach classes, when are the most people available, etc. No. I teach classes Monday through Wednesday because I want to have lots of 4-day weekends Thursday through Sunday, see?
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings I make phone calls. Afternoons are for meditation, napping and creating. Monday I do paperwork, and Friday mornings, too, but then I take off early. When I add in special projects, I look at my schedule very carefully to see if I can handle the time commitment and where it fits in to my week. Then if I feel it’s worth the commitment, I put it on the calendar.
Adding in writing time for this daily blog was a very big commitment, and I thought hard about whether I could do it. But I saw that I could write the blogs ahead of time if I felt like writing or if I was going out of town, so it feels more free than if I had to write it every day at the same time. And I love writing! But I notice that if I don’t have a deadline, I don’t do it.
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
Middle Eastern North African (MENA) Therapists Community Group
First Monday of Every Month
Next Meeting: Monday, June 1, 2026 9:00am-10:00am
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.
For more information, contact the facilitators at mena@lacamft.org.
When: Monday, June 1, 2026 from 9:00am-10:00am
Facilitator(s): Perla and Susan
https://lacamft.org/event-6470344
Jon Mozenter, LMFT
Tell us a little bit about yourself—are you a mental health professional? Have you had other jobs before this? Where are you in your journey as a mental health professional/affiliate? What inspired you to become a therapist/clinician/psychiatrist/social worker/lawyer/advocate, etc.,?
Hi—My name is Jon Mozenter. Proud member of LA-CAMFT since 2009. I am an LMFT working in the field since 2007. My familial (and sports team roots) are in Philadelphia but I have been an Angeleno for the past 30 years! I came into the field having worked for some time in the creative arts and, largely due to my own personal therapy, felt the calling to join this profession.
What areas of practice are you most passionate about today? What kind of clients and modalities are you currently most interested in working with?
I have been working exclusively in private practice for the past 5 years but before then I worked a lot in addiction treatment settings. I genuinely enjoy working with a wide range of clients but particularly enjoy working with clients who struggle with substance use issues and with their families. I love family work, and couples work, and believe strongly in addressing family system and attachment issues. Mind-body work is also something I believe is foundational to client growth.
How did you learn about LA-CAMFT and what motivated you to join?
I learned about LA-CAMFT way back in my associate/intern days and heard that it was a community in which to build solid professional relationships. I joined in 2009 and immediately became involved on the Programming Committee with Lynne Azpeitia. It was a tremendous way to connect with experts in the field and engage in conversations as a liaison for LA-CAMFT.
Since joining LA-CAMFT, what’s been the most helpful or valuable part for you so far? Was there anything about the organization that has pleasantly surprised you?
LA-CAMFT has remained one of my hubs for community and fellowship in the field of mental health. LA-CAMFT relationships have led to career opportunities, friendships, learning and a sense of home among people who care deeply about making a difference. As someone who was involved in Programming (Selecting Speakers for CE presentations) many years ago (when we all gathered in person!!). I am so pleased with the cultivation/curation of speakers and the range of topics presented in workshops.
How has being part of this professional community impacted your work with clients, your practice, your confidence as a clinician, and how you feel about the work?
I cannot say enough about the respect I have for my fellow LA-CAMFT members. Between referral, collaboration, training opportunities and passion for the work I regularly feel my cup filled up whenever I am around this community. I hope I provide something similar for others.
Therapy work can feel isolating at times—how has being part of this group helped with that? What meaningful connections have you made through the organization? What’s been your experience of the LA-CAMFT community?
The shared belief in the prioritization of treating mental health connects so many of us and the depth of these connections is not something I take for granted. Seeing new faces all the time coming into the fold I am reminded about the positive impact LA-CAMFT had on my professional development. LA-CAMFT encourages participation, collaboration and advocacy for mental health, and I am impressed that the welcome I experienced many years ago persists to this day.
Are there any professional development opportunities (trainings, supervision, networking, advocacy, etc.), resources, trainings, or supports you’ve learned about through LA-CAMFT that have really stood out to you?
While the workshops have been a source of great supplemental training the last few years, I would be remiss if I did not mention how special my time was in the 3000 club. While I encourage all therapists working in western Los Angeles to participate in LA-CAMFT I think it’s particularly important for associates to join the organization and take advantage of community and training.
What are you most excited about as you continue your journey with LA-CAMFT?
I plan to stay involved in LA-CAMFT for as long as I am practicing in Los Angeles. I hope to be more involved in leadership and advocacy in the future, especially as my children grow older and my time becomes mine again!! As many wise people have said—It takes a village!
Anything else you’d like your fellow LA-CAMFT members to know about you or your experience with LA-CAMFT?
I lastly want to speak in solidarity with the recent message shared by Jenni Wilson about being at a “moral and ethical crossroads as clinicians and citizens.” Us folks in the helper’s professions occupy a unique place in our society where we provide safe space for all while prioritizing the safety of those victimized by abuse and neglect. We need to speak truth to power when we see the harmful damages caused by broken systems. And we need to allow our clients/others to find their way with autonomy and self-determination. Our work is as important as ever and I am so honored to be doing this work.
Jon Mozenter, LMFT, is in private practice in Santa Monica and online, and works with clients who struggle with substance use issues and with their families. Website:TherapyEmpowers.com
LA-CAMFT invites two members each month to be featured in the Member Spotlight section of Voices - a new member (less than 5 years), alongside a long-time member (5+ years). Candidates are chosen by current chapter leadership based on their regular participation in and contributions to LA-CAMFT. If you are an LA-CAMFT member and would like to be considered, please reach out to MembershipChair@LACAMFT.org and introduce yourself with the subject line “Member Spotlight Consideration” for more information.
Therapists of Color Support Group
Meets Every Quarter
Next Meeting: Sunday, 2026 11:00 am-1:00 pm (PT)
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.
Event Details: Sunday, January 2026 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm (PT) Time of Check-In: 10:50 am
In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.
Maya Angelou
Stay tuned!
https://lacamft.org/Diversity-Committee
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