President's Message by Barbara Calvi, LMFT, President

Fall is Here

Fall is here! It was so cool and crisp when I left the house this morning at 7 am that I needed a jacket. The cool air made me think of the coming fall holidays and celebrations and the year's end. That means that my term as president our chapter is coming to a close soon. I can't believe it is almost over. The time has gone so quickly.

Serving as the president this past year has been a privilege. I have had a chance to meet so many more of our members than I would have if I hadn't been. I've made some wonderful news friends and deepened older, longer standing connections. I have also gotten a chance develop more leadership skills and definitely improve my organizational skills.

It's also been a privilege to serve as the head of what I believe is one of the best boards ever to serve this chapter. I got so lucky to be working with such talented, committed, and generous individuals. Each and every one brought their talents, skills, enthusiasm and commitment to bare on serving this organization the best they can. I look forward to continuing to serving alongside several of those board members in 2018 as move to the role of Past President.

Two people in particular I want to thank are, first, Ariel Cohen, whom, as Past President whose knowledge of the chapter workings and support were invaluable (especially at the beginning of the year), and whose commitment to this organization is unsurpassed.

Second, I want to thank Nazila Amighi for agreeing to step into a three-year commitment to serve as President-Elect. Her support, enthusiasm, humor, and spirit have helped to make this such a fun ride. I know next year will be a great and productive year with Nazila at the helm.

Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank the membership; all of you who have shown up on Sunday mornings, who have contributed to this chapter in both small and large ways. This chapter could not thrive the way it does without each of you. I hope the upcoming holidays and year end find you all basking in the warmth, grace, and love.

Barbara

Barbara specializes in couple's therapy and has a particular interest in working with couples struggling with recovery from infidelity, couples who are parenting a child with special needs, and couples who get stuck in hostile and destructive cycles. She has been trained in both Imago Relationship Therapy and the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy with Ellyn Bader at the Couple's Institute and also does attachment work based on Diane Poole Heller's Dynamic Attachment Re-patterning Experience Program. She is currently in training in Peter Levine's model of Somatic Experiencing and is looking forward to helping hostile and aggressive couples recover more quickly and stop the cycle of trauma they inflict on each other. Barbara can be reached at 818.917.9184 or email to Barbaralcalvi@gmail.com.