President's Message — Nikki Gabriel, LMFT

Hello and Happy New Year!

I feel honored and privileged to serve as the chapter president for 2019. I have found this chapter to be a great support and inspiration since I attended my first meeting in October 2012. The new year often brings a promise of change, and new opportunity. We think about new beginnings and setting intentions for transformation. Sometimes this idea of change overlooks the many strengths in place and the accomplishments that have come before. Our chapter is robust, and is amazing as it is. I would ask that we focus on how we can expand and grow in our ability to serve our client's and the community, but also how we work with and support one another. The stronger we are as therapists individually and united the better able we are to provide our services to others.

With the new year I would like to focus on increasing overall chapter involvement and reaching out to more members and helping them to find ways to be engaged with the chapter. Our lives are full of commitments and activities that do not allow all members to engage on the same level. Our chapter has a many different opportunities for involvement both by attending events and volunteering for the chapter, and those opportunities give back to the individual in wonderful ways through connection, fulfillment and giving back to the therapy community and beyond. Please consider how you may continue to evolve your engagement with the chapter.

Beginning in 2019, I am excited to announce the chapter will be once again offering 1.5 CEU's per membership meeting. This means a couple of great things. First, an active member can fulfill most if not all of the CEU requirements for licensure renewal, and second, the longer CEU presentation will allow for presenters to go into greater detail. This will add 15 minutes to the current meeting schedule, meaning meetings will now begin at 8:30am to 9:00am and end at 11:15am.

All in all the new year seems bright and full of promise based on the strong foundation the chapter has built over time. I am excited for what 2019 may bring and look forward to connecting with the terrific members of our chapter!

Nikki Gabriel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Encino and Granada Hills. She assists teens and adults in learning to manage anger, anxiety, depression, and confidence issues by utilizing interventions from an eclectic background. She enjoys helping people discover new ways to solve problems, develop healthier behavior patterns, and improve communication skills. Learn more about Nikki by visiting her website http://www.nikkigabrielmft.com. She can be reached at 818.473.0088 or nikkigabrielmft@gmail.com.