President's Message — Natalie Jambazian, LMFT

Finding Optimism

Dear SFV-CAMFT Members,

It’s been a rough year for all of us. Trying to navigate these uncertain, unpredictable, and chaotic moments. Yet, I’ve found there’s also a silver lining to it. We had our virtual, new-member, networking event on August 9 and it made me realize how connection and finding optimism through these turbulent and muddled times can really change our individual mindsets. We had so much fun — joked, laughed, played games, had the pleasure of seeing new and old faces in our chapter. Have you experienced a silver lining during this pandemic? If not, take some time to look for it. There are so many people suffering (globally, and at home) — unable to put food on the table, no family or friends, unable to support their families. I’m blessed, personally, as a mental health therapist — I can still continue to work.

Time is passing so quickly and yet at the same time, so slowly. Can you believe we’re at the tail end of summer? It’s definitely been a roller coaster as a practitioner and president. If it’s one thing I can take away from this experience, it’s learning patience. It’s really helped me personally and professionally. Even through these difficult times, I wish for hope, and less fear amongst us all. I am grateful for our members, who continue to support our organization and our Board, who work relentlessly, volunteering their time and putting so much effort into the blossoming of our chapter. We’ve had our ups and downs but still continue to stay united, working through any obstacles we face.

I don’t know about you but I’m feeling ZOOM-ed out. However, I continue to stay positive, push myself and remain motivated. This new “norm” still needs time for adjustment. I may sound like I’m complaining but really I am incredibly humbled by my role as president. I’ve enjoyed delegating, leading, mentoring, working as a team to find solutions in crisis situations, implementing new ideas for future presidencies. It has helped me become more self-assured and made me realize I can face anything in life. Last but not least, I can confidently say I may be an expert on Zoom at this point (LOL— laughing out loud)!

I look forward to finishing the next couple of months strong, and passing the baton to our 2021 president, Mishka Kimball, and our next Board of Directors. We sent an email with the 2021 Board slate to all our members, and I’m so encouraged by that Board, come 2021. But you can’t get rid of me yet. I will soon be past-president and continue to be on the Board, helping with all aspects of managing our chapter. If you have any questions, concerns or wish to volunteer, please reach out to me.

Hope to see you at our next membership event on September 13. Wishing you all peace and solidarity.

Warmly,
Natalie Jambazian
President  
sfvcamftpre@gmail.com

Natalie Jambazian, LMFT, is the President of SFV-CAMFT. Natalie is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a certified Anger Management 818 facilitator through Anger Management Essentials and NAMA. Anger Management 818 accepts both volunteers and court ordered clients. She facilitates the Teen Anger Management Group in Sherman Oaks on Fridays and the Adult group in Glendale on Thursdays, and is able to see individual clients in Glendale, Sherman Oaks and Woodland Hills locations.