Anthem Therapists in California

I have been working with children, families, and adults for over 40 years. My counseling work began following intensive training at the UCLA Child Outpatient Clinic in Los Angeles. After earning a master's degree in social work from USC, I continued clinical work in a variety of settings including pediatric offices, outpatient clinics, and residential treatment. I completed a fellowship in Infant Parent Mental Health and studied under the late Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, MD, Dr. Edward Tronick, PhD, and Dr. Kristie Brandt, in Napa, California. I moved on to complete a specialist degree in school psychology and master's degree in education from Chapman University. I then worked as a school psychologist in public schools for nearly 20 years, during which time I completed a doctoral degree in educational psychology at Alliant International University and became board certified in school neuropsychology through the American Board of School Neuropsychology. I have held teaching posts, providing instruction to students enrolled in the master's degree in Social Work program at California State University, Long Beach. I am the current President of the Central Coast Association of School Psychologists

You deserve support that feels real. Therapy isn’t just about talking—it’s about feeling seen, heard, and empowered. As a Mental Health Clinician, I’m here to walk beside you through life’s challenges with care, compassion, and a holistic approach that honors your mind, body, and story. I specialize in helping individuals and families navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, self-esteem, and other focus areas. My goal is to create a safe space where you can show up as you are, build resilience, and move toward a more balanced, fulfilling life. When you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here.

I know what it’s like to face adversity, and I understand how overwhelming grief and loss can feel. Whether you're coping with the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another significant life change, you're not meant to go through it alone. Grief can make it hard to see a way forward, but healing is possible. With support and guidance, you can begin to process your pain, reconnect with yourself, and rediscover joy and meaning in your life. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping many individuals navigate the complex emotions of grief. And I truly believe that no matter where you are right now, there is hope for a brighter future.

Hello! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience providing therapy and support to individuals from all walks of life. I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from San José State University. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to creating a safe, affirming space—especially for members of the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups. I believe in meeting clients where they are, honoring their lived experiences, and working collaboratively to foster healing, growth, and resilience.

My name is Jennifer Poole and I’m a licensed martial and family therapist. Not only do I specialize in families and couples, I also provide individual psychotherapy. I’ve been practicing since 2008 and worked in both private practice settings and hospital settings too. I believe growth and transformation is possible. I’m excited to be a part of your journey and work towards your goals. I believe good therapy is possible and together we can make good things happen. Transformation is possible with the right clinician by your side.

Hello! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who has been working with individuals, couples and families for twenty three years. I use interventions based on cognitive behavioral techniques to help you reach your goals and overcome patterns of behavior that are not working well for you. I believe you are the expert in your own life and strive to work with you to understand and move forward toward your goals.

I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a passion for helping clients explore new perspectives on mental health. I specialize in working with first responders and their families, offering a relaxed and inviting approach that creates a safe space for growth and healing. I particularly enjoy supporting individuals who are navigating everyday stress and looking to build healthier coping strategies. I often say, “Our toolboxes need to be big—because life requires a lot of tools.” My goal is to help clients expand their toolkits so they feel more equipped and empowered in their daily lives.

Hello! I’m Brenda De Monge, a passionate Marriage and Family Therapist with over 21 years of experience in community mental health. Helping and supporting youth, parents, & individuals from various cultures & socio-economic backgrounds affected by trauma. When working with trauma, sexual, physical, emotional, and domestic violence, my number one priority is safety & meeting my clients where they are, by supporting them & reaching their goals. I use these treatment methods: • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In my practice, I have used CBT to help clients challenge recurring thoughts and manage their anxiety. CBT is effective in understanding how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact with one another. We can implement this in therapy to help you live a less anxious and stressful life. • Trauma-Focused CBT is a short-term therapy designed for children ages 3-18 who have experienced various types of traumas, including physical, emotional, & sexual abuse. When working with young children, the parents/caregivers are key, as they provide ongoing support. By attending sessions, parents will gain a deeper understanding of the root causes of the issues. Over the past 20 years, I have worked with families using this model, & it has been helpful to them. • Seeking Safety is a treatment approach I have used with clients for more than 15 years. It assists individuals dealing with trauma & addiction by emphasizing safety and coping skills. • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has proven to be a helpful approach in easing obsessive thoughts, reducing intrusive memories, & empowering clients to stay calm while learning ways to handle future challenges and symptoms. Since 2019, I’ve supported children, teens, & adults in managing their post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, & panic disorder through EMDR. In addition, I’ve helped clients with war-related trauma & child sexual assault.

I am honored to be on this journey with you in therapy. I am a therapist who believes that healing begins with feeling seen, safe, and understood. My approach is gentle, compassionate, and grounded in curiosity--never judgment. I create a space where you can slow down, breathe, and explore what's been heavy at your own pace. Whether you're navigating past trauma, burnout, or a season of change, my goal is to help you reconnect with your sense of self and feel more at peace within. In our work together, you'll find warmth, understanding, and a space that honors your story.

Hi, my name is Catalina and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I'm currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area but I work with clients all over California. I am originally from Maryland. Since 2018, I've been helping clients manage anxiety, depression, grief, persistent worries, and life transitions. I believe therapy should give you skills you can use outside our sessions, and we will work on creating a 'mental toolbox' of techniques to feel less overwhelmed and more confident. I like to take a holistic approach; recognizing the connection between the mind and body. I practice from an integrative framework, drawing on evidence-based methods like CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to address negative thought patterns and empower clients to change their behavior.

Hello and thank you so much for having enough courage and honesty to take the first big step. My name is Erlynn Cabarles, LCSW and I have a Master’s in Social Work from SFSU. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California since 2015. I have 20 plus years of experience in the mental health field and I believe that the first step of healing is self-discovery and the development of personal goals to overcome challenges. My intentions are to instill hope and inspiration and to empower you to be able to move on to a more fulfilling life. Remember that You are resilient and determined to change for the positivity. My purpose is to provide a safe space and non-judgmental environment. If you’re ready, I’ll be here to support you on your journey towards healing!

My name is Joey Dolowy, (yes it rhymes and yes it is my name, enjoy) and I have been a professional therapist since June of 1998: I have pursued psychology and addiction since a friend over dosed and died when I was 13. I am motivated to help everyone who asks me, it feeds my spirit and it is such a huge part of my identity. I want to help you and I want to hear your story: please contact me and see if my style fits your needs: CHEERS.

Hello! My name is Robin Aquino, a licensed LCSW in California. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and confidence. Whether you are facing anxiety, struggling with depression, or simply feeling stuck, I am here to support you in moving toward meaningful change. I believe in authenticity, and I am real with my clients. Together we can create a safe space where you can bring in vulnerability without feeling judged.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) based in Irvine, California, and I work with clients throughout the state via tele-health. I work with Adults and specialize in anxiety and stress disorders using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help my clients explore their triggers, emotions, develop coping skills, and achieve positive life changes.

I’m Herschel O’Brien, a clinical counselor with extensive experience in trauma-informed, client-centered care. I specialize in helping individuals navigate emotional challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with their strengths. My approach is grounded, compassionate, and collaborative, drawing from modalities like mindfulness, narrative therapy, and systems thinking. Whether you're facing trauma, mood instability, or life transitions, I offer a safe space where healing is possible and meaningful growth can take root. I believe in empowering clients to become the authors of their own lives, with clarity, confidence, and emotional insight.

Hi, I’m Olivia, a therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion and understanding. My approach is collaborative and supportive, drawing from evidence-based methods to fit your unique needs. Whether you’re seeking relief from stress, healing from past experiences, or striving for personal growth, I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey toward greater clarity and well-being.

Welcome — I’m so glad you’re here. As a licensed psychotherapist with over two decades of experience, my work is rooted in creating a space where you can show up exactly as you are and begin the process of healing, growth, and transformation. My approach is deeply relational, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices, but it’s also infused with warmth, authenticity, and a healthy dose of real talk. Clients often describe me as direct yet deeply compassionate — someone who won’t just listen, but will help you untangle patterns, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and build the tools you need to create lasting change.

Stan Speck LMFT Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA) About Me Hello, and welcome. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, currently licensed in California. Although I relocated to Washington three years ago, I continue to offer telehealth therapy exclusively for clients residing in California. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Westmont College and my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, both in Santa Barbara. With over 35 years of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families overcome life’s challenges with compassion, insight, and evidence-based care. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and stress-related concerns. I also have extensive experience working with substance use issues and supporting the healing process for both individuals and families affected by addiction. My approach integrates proven therapeutic techniques to explore patterns, address past experiences, and develop healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and relating. Whether you’re looking to improve communication, break free from unhelpful cycles, or gain deeper personal insight, our work together can support you in moving toward greater clarity, connection, and emotional well-being.

Hi, my name is Lisa Perkins, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in helping people overcome and manage the challenges in their lives. I empower people to see and reach beyond their circumstances. Who you are, where you are and what you are experiencing today does not have to be your tomorrow. Can you imagine becoming who you are meant to be? I can, "Piece by Peace."

Great to meet you! Hi. I'm Ninel. After receiving my Master’s in Counseling Psychology/Marriage and Family Therapy and spending a few thousand hours on internships, I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I’ve worked in various settings, from psychiatric hospitals and residential facilities to my practice, in the last ten years. A bit about my approach to therapy Today’s life doesn’t give us the luxury of spare time. We need effective, fast fixes that enable us to get back on our feet and wrestle with life and its demands. I continuously look for opportunities to improve my skill set as a psychotherapist to provide the best possible treatment to my clients. I utilize leading-edge techniques that allow me to help you effectively and efficiently. I’m direct, to the point, don’t sugar-coat things, and my clients love me for that.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist committed to creating a safe, supportive space where healing, growth, and self-discovery can take place. I approach therapy with compassion and collaboration, meeting each client where they are and tailoring evidence-based and innovative approaches to their unique needs. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help relieve stress, anxiety, depression, grief, fear, and other challenges that may feel overwhelming. In our work together, we explore not only the difficulties you’re facing but also your strengths, values, and goals. I aim to empower clients with practical tools, coping strategies, and insights that support lasting change. My ultimate goal is to help you transform pain into self-acceptance, resilience, and personal growth, so you can live a more balanced, fulfilling, and meaningful life.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in working with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and dual diagnoses. My approach is compassionate, culturally sensitive, and focused on treating the whole person—I utilize evidence-based and self-empowering modalities to help clients gain insight, heal from within, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

"Many of our mental health challenges stem from the survival strategies we developed in childhood to cope with pain, trauma, or unmet needs. These patterns of thinking and behaving, which were once essential, may now create barriers to healthy peer and professional relationships. I believe that creating space to explore your story with compassion is not only healing, but transformative. Together, we can gently unpack the past and begin to rewrite your future.

As a Clinical Licensed Social worker with over 10 years of experience, I bring deep understanding of the complexities of mental health to my work with clients. With a strong background in social services, I have developed a particular expertise in working with adolescents struggling with severe mental health. My experience as a foster parents has given me a unique perspective on the challenges faced by vulnerable population, and I am passionate about advocating for the well-being of children and families. My work with veterans has allowed me to develop a specialized understanding of unique needs and challenges faced by military families and veteran. I am committed to providing compassionate, evidence based therapy that empowers clients to achieve their goals and improve their overall well being.

Hi! My name is Junise Dorestin and I am a License Marriage and Family Therapist. Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked as a children social service worker with Child Protective Services. I have been working in the field of mental health for over 10 years. I obtained my Masters of Art in Psychology emphasis Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University in 2008. I have experienced in working with incarcerated individuals, families, children and young adult. I use a broad range of treatment method to assist individuals and families in the process of reaching their goals. As a LMFT, I am passionate about helping others work through their struggles and built insight. I work those who are struggling with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD and stress. I have work with those with psychotic disorders and dual diagnoses.

I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults. With extensive experience working with youth in the foster care system and individuals who have experienced trauma, I use a compassionate, evidence-based approach to support clients navigating PTSD, depression, anxiety, OCD, and suicidal ideation. Drawing from modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based practices, I tailor each treatment plan to meet clients where they are. My strength-based and behavioral approaches empower individuals to build resilience, develop healthy coping strategies, and foster emotional growth in a safe, supportive environment.

Hello, I am Coralia Valdez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I have been working in the mental health field for over 25 years. Throughout my work as therapist, I believe that real change happens when you feel truly heard and supported. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you can explore your challenges, discover your strengths, and move toward the life you want.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who is bilingual in Spanish and English, with a primary focus on conducting therapy in Spanish. As a woman, mother, and wife, I deeply believe in the inherent value, love, and potential of each individual. I hold a strong belief in the infinite love of God for all of us, and I am a firm advocate for the possibility of change. I have witnessed the transformative journeys of my clients and recognize the power within each person to grow and thrive.

Congratulations on starting your journey to healing. I believe that healing is possible for everyone. My passion as a therapist is helping people discover their strength, resilience, and ability to grow through life’s challenges. Over the past several years, I’ve worked with children, teens, and adults from many different walks of life—survivors of trauma, youth in foster care, immigrant families, and individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions. These experiences have taught me that no two journeys are alike, and that therapy should always honor your unique story and strengths.

With over 10 years of experience as a social worker and mental health professional, I am passionate about helping individuals step into their future. Working on empowerment, healing, and guiding through the complexity of life. My approach to providing treatment is rooted in empathy and active listening. I make it a priority to check in with clients regularly to ensure they feel supported and heard. I believe in allowing clients to guide me through their own journey, honoring their autonomy and lived experiences, while also providing gentle guidance and appropriate challenges to foster growth and resilience.

Hi there, I'm Jess! Real change takes time, practice and patience. I am honored to have the opportunity to accompany you on your journey. I am Bilingual in English and Spanish (Hablo español). I have been privileged to work with adults, teens, families, and couples struggling with a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, communication, trauma etc. I am experienced in a number of evidence based techniques including CBT, DBT, Person-Centered therapy, and I will actively work with you to find the best approach to meet your individual needs. This open and flexible approach allows you to share and comfortably express and explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors in a warm, safe and inviting space. I hold a unique understanding of the struggles that accompany physical disabilities. I understand how hard reaching out and asking for help can be, and I am so proud of you for taking this first step towards peace and healing! Life is easier with support! Together we can discuss how therapy could benefit you and/or your family.

Dr. Pamela Anani is a licensed clinical psychologist who utilizes trauma-informed, culturally competent, holistic, strength-based, and evidence-based approaches to therapy. Dr. Anani uses these approaches to aid patients in overcoming challenges and attaining goals. She is passionate about curating a safe and supportive space where patients thrive. Dr. Anani has over 10 years of experience in working with clients from diverse backgrounds and walks of life all striving for a better quality of life and healing.

As a clinician, I am dedicated to achieving results for my clients. I believe my clients can find their best solutions, and my job is to help them navigate towards these goals. I take a collaborative approach, working together with my clients to explore and distinguish difficult emotions and their underlying story. Once my client has a good understanding of where they’ve been and where they are, we can work together to plot a course towards where they want to me.

HI, I am Pat Moriarty. I have been in practice from many years and enjoy seeing clients grow and make the changes in their lives they desire. I have extensive experience with grief therapy, health care issues, and life transitions. I help people understand what and why they are experiencing certain feelings and help alleviate discomfort. I look forward to meeting new people everyday .

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I take a client-centered approach to treatment, ensuring that each session is tailored to the unique needs and goals of my clients. In my sessions, I would like to hear from you. Think of me as an observer in your art gallery, not as a critic, but as someone who appreciates your vision and the story you tell. You are the artist, and as such, you will explain to me your pieces, your vision, and your creations. I will take these all in and reflect back to you your work, and if appropriate, draw parallels from your earlier creations.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience providing treatment and care for vulnerable populations, including children and adults who require trauma-informed therapy, such as foster youth and individuals affected by domestic violence and/or interpersonal violence (IPV). My therapeutic approach utilizes attachment theory in combination with trauma-informed care, focusing on the development of skills for regulation, healthy communication, and boundaries.

I am a passionate therapist with 8+ years of experience. I have experience working with couples, consensual non-monogamous relationships, LGBTQIA+ folks, individuals seeking self-esteem or relationship help, those who struggle with codependency (themselves or others imposing this), and those with concerns about anxiety. I believe in providing folks with the tools necessary to build a life they feel more confident & in charge of.

My name is Marissa Ruiz, Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in California. Some of my other titles include mother, wife, ex-wife sister, daughter, niece, grandmother and friend. Sharing these titles are important to me because they represent current relationships and past relationships. My past relationships include grief, trauma and growth. I survived obstacles in my life with the help of a therapist. My counseling style is pretty laid back. I have been described as supportive, caring, empathetic, supportive, good listener and working together with yourself to make a goal. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles.

Hello and welcome! I’m glad you are here. A little bit about myself, I have been working in the mental health field for over 15 years, and it has been a meaningful journey. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, with a focus on Mental Health. I gained an understanding of the importance of accessible and compassionate care. As I gained experience, I developed an interest in family systems and decided to further my education by pursing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since then, I have had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, families, and children, providing both individual therapy and group facilitation. In 2020, I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Through this journey, I have had experiences that allowed me to better understand the broader systems that impact people’s lives and to focus on finding collaborative, strength-based solutions that support real, lasting change.

My approach is unique in that I don't just focus on your symptoms and observable behaviors. I work with you to go "behind the scenes" of what lies underneath your thoughts, feelings and actions that has caused the problems you're experiencing now. My work focuses on helping you move from feeling stuck to becoming empowered to overcome personal life challenges and conflicts within yourself or with others. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist I bring over 20 years' experience and training that will come to bare in our work together. I have worked in various settings and served diverse populations, including acute in-patient, sub-acute, partial hospitalization, crisis residential, child and adolescent programs and in private practice. My experience and training have allowed me the privilege to serve clients with both complex and chronic mental health challenges.

Hi there - I'm Beth! My passion is to help humans cultivate grounded, emotionally intelligent, abundant lives. I am a queer Marriage and Family Therapist who was raised in a diverse community in the Bay Area. Through years of exploring suffering and pain with clients, I have come to intimately understand the inner needs that can reveal themselves. Compassionately, I am here to be a guide through the pain and into healing and well-being.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I specialize in working with children, teens, adults, couples, and families to address a wide range of mental health concerns. My practice supports individuals navigating life transitions, engaging in self-exploration, or managing the everyday challenges that come with balancing responsibilities and relationships. I have extensive experience helping clients work through anxiety, depression, eating disorders, postpartum concerns, family stress, and relational difficulties. My approach is integrative and tailored to each client’s unique needs, drawing from various therapeutic modalities to create a personalized, goal-oriented path toward healing. At the core of my philosophy is the belief that every individual possesses the strength and capacity to create meaningful change. My role is to guide and support you in that process, helping you move toward greater balance, emotional well-being, and a more fulfilling life.

Welcome! I am an Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor from California with experience working with a variety of individuals from adolescents to adults with diagnoses like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and thought disorders on a variety of life stressors. I am passionate about assisting clients take action and make changes in their life to reach identified goals. I'm excited to meet you!

Hello! I am Elizabeth Yurnet and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I attended Bowie State University for undergraduate school and University of Southern California for graduate school. I have 10 years of experience, and I work with clients who have anxiety, depression, trauma, maternal mental health, and women's issues. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy.

Raquel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been providing mental health services for the past 8 years. Overall, she has 15 years of experience in the social work field. Raquel has worked in several settings such as child welfare, mental health agencies, and in the public school setting as a school social worker. Raquel's experiences have provided her with skills and tools to understand the needs of clients. Her experiences have also provider her the ability to see life situations through different lenses. On a personal note, she has been married for 15 years and is the mother of 4 children.

Hi, whether you are considering therapy for the first time or returning after a break, effective therapy begins with a good "fit." I have lived experience as a consumer of mental health services which inspired me to become a licensed therapist to address the gaps I experienced when receiving help. I have worked with, over the past 35 years, as a substance abuse counselor (most recent 5 years as Marriage and Family Therapist) in outpatient, inpatient, child welfare, children's system of care, probation, mediation, in-custody, crisis intervention, hospitalization, opiate addiction treatment, severely mentally ill, unhoused and dual diagnosis treatment, as well as, private practice. I feel that listening, compassion and understanding are very important in a dismissive world. I enjoy lifting others up to help them reach their full potential, however, I will address times when your growth hits a "stuck point" or a setback. These can happen. I enjoy working together with others in a spirit of humility, curiosity, and authenticity.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals through a wide range of mental health challenges, including serious mental illness (SMI), trauma, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. My approach is grounded in empathy, open-mindedness, and deep respect for your lived experience. Having worked as a Director in community mental health, I understand the structural barriers clients face, and how to work with (or around) them to help you access meaningful care and find healing even in the most challenging situations. I tailor therapy to fit your needs, drawing from evidence-based practices while honoring your unique goals and pace. In our work together, you'll find a nonjudgmental space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported—whether you're working toward stability, insight, or meaningful change. Let’s work together to move toward the life you want—on your terms.

Hi, my name is Kathy. I am licensed in California as a marriage and family therapist. I have been practicing for six years. I work with adults that struggle with depression and anxiety. I have extensive experience working with individuals that have problems with substance use. I believe that you are the expert in your life. My role is to help you recognize your strengths and learn how to build on those strengths to help you become the best version of yourself.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Masters from California State University, Fullerton, and have been practicing for 7 years. I help couples and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma related symptoms navigate these different challenges. I will accept you, validate you, challenge you, but most importantly, give you a space to be all that you are.

All things are interconnected. To feel better, you have to act better. To feel better, you have to think better. To think better, you have to feel better. To act better, you have to think better. To think, feel, and act better, you have to care for your physical health. To care for your physical health, you have to think, feel, and act better. Each has a corresponding effect on the other. However, the aspect of ourselves that we have the most direct control of is what we do, our acting. While we can influence other people, we cannot control other people. A great source of conflict and unhappiness results from our efforts to control others. If you want better relationships, the only thing we can control is what we do, how we choose to relate. We are responsible for what we do. Others are responsible for what they do. Accepting this fundamental reality and thinking, feeling, and acting in accordance with it is how we increase our experience of power, freedom, belonging, meaning and, very importantly, fun. My professional experience includes over 30 years of post-Master’s clinical work, including leadership experience in foster care, chemical abuse and addiction, inpatient and outpatient mental health services, and crisis intervention, de-escalation, and hospitalization. I am experienced in working with ages three through the elderly. I have worked extensively with youth and families, diverse populations and life issues, providing services in various settings, including family homes, schools, juvenile detention facilities, jails, outpatient clinics, and inpatient psychiatric facilities.