Member Highlight by Shelley Horner, LMFT

Ariel Cohen, MA, LMFT

Ariel Cohen, LMFT, may be the most charming, well-spoken man in the world!

Those of you who have had the pleasure of conversing with him know this is true. Interviewing Ariel was a great way to learn more about his career and life. Over brunch at the Marmalade Café in the Calabasas Commons, he first talked about his life prior to becoming a therapist. In fact, Ariel said he was a waiter for seven years including working at one of the Marmalade. His undergraduate major was originally in journalism at Santa Barbara City College where he worked on the school paper. Ariel changed his major to communications when he transferred to the University of California, Santa Barbara. There, he took a sociology class on human sexuality that inspired him to study as a sex therapist. He worked at UCBS's sex information website and, after graduating, earned his Master of Arts in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at the University of San Francisco.

Shortly after graduate school, Ariel returned to the Los Angeles area, where he grew up. He started a private practice internship with Robin Scott Walker, LMFT, specializing in working with children and teens. Robin encouraged him to join SFV CAMFT, which helped him to connect with colleagues in the area. Ariel's energy and talent were recognized immediately and in 2014 he became a pre-licensed board member. His leadership ability boosted him to president-elect in 2015, president in 2016 and this year he serves as past president. Ariel has devoted so much time in the last few years to our board that you can give him a whole-hearted "thank you" next time you see him! He has an amazing talent of being able to listen to and summarize different opinions to encourage trust and cooperation and help board members work as a team. His enthusiasm and sincerity is evident when he makes chapter announcements. Imagine his ability when working with children, teens and their families!

Ariel works in private practice as part of the Teen Therapy Treatment Center in Woodland Hills. He specializes in child and adolescent therapy with an emphasis on working with children and families with special needs. His focus is on growing his already thriving practice as he is now stepping off the board. He's also engaged to be married soon. What a privilege to watch this young man develop his career as a therapist and know that he is now going to be a husband to a very lucky gal! His leadership skills will certainly help him to have a booming business.

Ariel advises us to "never stop being open to learning." When he wrote the President's message in our newsletter, he encouraged us to grow and connect through networking. "My challenge is simple: introduce yourself to someone, or even approach someone you've met but haven't had the opportunity to get to know better," he said. "And then take them to lunch. Simple as that!" Thankfully, Ariel promises to still be highly involved at the SFV CAMFT meetings so we can all continue to learn and be inspired by him.

To contact or send referrals to Ariel Cohen, LMFT you can call him at 818.674.9834 or email him at Ariel@teentherapycenter.com.

Shelley Horner, LMFT enjoys writing the our Member Profile section since she likes getting to know her colleagues in depth. She is an actress, speaker and therapist.

Shelley has had a private practice for more than twenty years. She assists adults, children, and teens as well as facilitates parent groups in her office in Calabasas. She also does consultation and training of employees through Employee Assistance Programs at various organizations and colleges.