Here we are once again at the beginning of another school year, and autumn is almost upon us. This is the time of year that always seemed to reveal something new and unexpected along with anticipation, renewal and sometimes melancholy. Many years ago when I went to college in Western Massachusetts, the fall foliage was breathtaking as the fresh air became crisper, but nowadays I've learned to accept the rather subtle seasons of Southern California.

This time of year also marked a time of community, a time of celebration and a time of reflection as part of the Jewish High Holy Days. Although I only sporadically find myself in synagogue in recent years, tender memories still fill my heart. As we enter this new season, I look back at the summer of 2016 as a season full of fun adventures, old friends and most of all, contentment—not always a word that I've known very well. Now, I look forward to deepening and cultivating the experience of contentment as life continues to unfold in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Introducing New Associates

As most of you know, I've supervised and mentored associates in my practice for many years, and it's one of the most gratifying aspects of my practice. As I mentioned in my last newsletter I feel grateful to give back what was given to me many years ago when I was an associate at West Coast Counseling Center.

Now I am very pleased to introduce my two recent Marriage and Family Therapy Interns—Victoria Anderson, M.A. and Adam Berg, M.A. Both Victoria and Adam bring a wealth of personal and professional experience to the practice and are now open to referrals. Please take a moment to read their very-impressive biographies, and I do hope that many of you will have the opportunity to meet them in the future.

Please keep in mind that my senior associate, Andrew Oldershaw, M.A. continues to be an integral part of the clinical team as he completes his hours toward licensure.

Brainspotting Update

In July I traveled to Boulder, Colorado to participate in the third weekend of Brainspotting training facilitated by the founder and developer, David Grand, PhD. Not only is he a solid teacher, but it was a gift to see him do several memorable demonstrations. All in all, there were approximately eighty enthusiastic Brainspotters from all around the country including a few of us from L.A.

For more information, please visit the website of the Brainspotting Consortium of Los Angeles at www.brainspottingla.com or I'd be happy to speak with you directly about the way Brainspotting has revitalized my somatic training and clinical work.

GPALA Group Institute:
October 15th and 16th

During the Annual Meeting of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, there is a unique two-day experience called the Institute Group. I call it the marathon group because it's an opportunity to be in a process group for two full days lead by one of the most reputable group leaders in the country. After participating in the Institute groups for many years, I continue to learn and grow each and every time.

A few years ago, the Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles decided to emulate this format and offer Institute groups locally, and this year I was asked to co-lead a group with my colleague, Maria Gray, LMFT. We will be hosting the group on Saturday October 15th and Sunday October 16th, and the group is open to colleagues, clients, friends and family—anyone interested in participating in this rich two-day experience. If someone hasn't had a group experience, it's a terrific way to immerse oneself in a finite, weekend group process (GPALA Group Institute).

Overland Group Openings

If you prefer not to receive future newsletters, simply unsubscribe below. I wish you all the best as we transition into the fall season.

Warmly,

Andrew

Autumn 2016

In This Issue:

• New Associates
• Brainspotting Update
  
• Group Institute
• Overland Group Update
  

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From Now On:
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