MISSION

The purpose of the organization shall be to call together and support members of our profession in southern San Diego County and to support the objectives and purpose of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. 

Recent Events

Law and Ethics Standard of Care

David Jensen, CAMFT staff attorney discussed the new Laws and Ethics of California. He reviewed the key points for access of records, child abuse, elder abuse and self-harm behaviors, and ways to contract for safety with patients and clients. Members were able to ask questions regarding different aspects of Laws that have changed, as well as discuss personal experiences with certain cases and ask for extra help and consultation on professional cases and clients. It was a full house and we appreciate David Jensen for always making Law and Ethics enjoyable to review. 

Mindful Aging

Livia Walsh, RN, LMFT and Luis Morones, LMFT presented on how mindfulness and self-compassion practices may enhance life in our elder years." The truth of impermanence cannot be avoided. Aging is a "natural and organic process"...(Livia). When working with clients begin the conversation around...read more her:

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Annual Mental Health Collaboration Mixer at Balboa Park

Once again, the mental health disciplines in San Diego, gathered together for an afternoon of sharing, networking and fun!

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Self Care Member Appreciation Event: Chaos to Calm

SDCAMFT and Soleil Hepner of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy held an intimate membership appreciation event promoting self care for those who give for a living in La Jolla.  The event focused on mindfulness, compassion fatigue, and awareness of self.   

Prelicense Meeting: The journey to Licensure

SDCAMFT had the first meeting for 2016 with its prelicense membership.  Members enjoyed delicious cupcakes and had discussion about hours and the new exams.  Continue to check the events for more meetings.  The Prelicense Committee is looking to have at least one prelicense meeting or event each month to help provide support.   

Trauma Informed Mindfulness  

SD CAMFT and The Center for Mindfulness had a huge turn out for the trauma-informed mindfulness event! Participants learned a framework of delivering mindfulness meditations, mindfulness practices and mindfulness-based interventions. The techniques learned gave a healing and supportive approach rather than re-traumatizing, triggering, or otherwise injuring persons with trauma histories or PTSD. Participants also engaged with FOUR amazing sponsors!  

22 million suffer from Substance Use Disorder 50% have co-occurring disorders, and it costs 30+ billion...annually. These are some of the staggering statistics Dr. Rigo Brueck referenced when discussing the potential for mobil health use. Consumers are looking for healthy options on the go and mobil health seems to be the answer. Several apps are out there however not all are backed by evidence based therapies or research....

LGBQTI Awareness 

Presenters, Liat Wexler, Training Specialist and Dana McNeil, MFTI discussed key points in working with LGBQTI individuals, couples and families. Members learned about gender identity, gender expression, orientation, healthy and unhealthy boundaries, and learned Gottman's Couples' interventions. 

Therapist/Attorney Networking Luncheon: "Parental Alienation"

Susan Griffin, Dr. Slover and Judge Goldsmith discussed parental alienation and stressed that it is not always done intentionally. A few recommendations are watching the language used, obtaining consultation with professional supervisors and stress the system as the problem, not the person in the family unit. For book recommendations Click Here!

2016 NAMI Walk

San Diego CAMFT supported the NAMI Walk at the Resource Fair through the wind and rain!  It was a cold and windy day, but it was great to see so many people supporting the awareness of mental health. 

Working with Middle Eastern Refugee and Immigrant Families

Expert Panelists and Clinicians from Survivors of Torture, Chaldean-Middle Eastern Social Services, and San Diego Youth Services discussed ways to help Middle Eastern families acculturate, heal from their traumatic experiences, and find resources in the community to adapt to the new host culture. Clinicians became aware of the cultural stigma of therapy, the obstacles and struggles that Middle Eastern refugee and immigrant families deal with on a daily basis and the continued support needed to adapt more efficiently. It was a very powerful, motivating, and inspiring workshop!

Community Reinforcement & Family Training (C.R.A.F.T) with Dr. Rigo Brueck, Psy 25588, LMFT 48997

Addiction expert Dr. Brueck introduced C.R.A.F.T. to a group of MFT's last night discussing the importance of using a systemic approach with addictions. The quality of life for the concerned significant other (CSO) is the main focus of this protocol. Dr. Brueck discussed using techniques with the CSO such as non-judgmental interaction styles, building positive expectations, allowing for negative consequences, and placing responsibility where it belongs. To learn more about the C.R.A.F.T. approach visit https://www.robertjmeyersphd.com/craft.html

Experts from Gerry Grossman Seminars and Therapist Development Center provided tips and information to pre-licensed members regarding the new restructured exam. Students were able to ask questions and be informed of ways to study for the exam, as well as receive discounts on materials. Click Here to learn more. 

Cupcakes and Conversations: Mental Health Mixer

2016 Annual Meeting and State of CAMFT