Member Highlight — Shelley Horner, LMFT

Kirstin Carl, LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Kirstin Carl, LMFT had a dream at age 14 to become a therapist, "I couldn't imagine doing anything else!" Indeed, she has passionately applied herself and is a multi-talented Marriage and Family Therapist. Kirstin grew up in the San Fernando Valley. After graduating from Calabasas High School, she studied at San Diego State with a major in Environmental Policy and a minor in Psychology. After her Bachelor degree, Kirstin attended the University of Phoenix, (in Pasadena), to earn a Master of Science in psychology in 2008.

Kirstin earned MFT Associate hours and a wealth of experience working at a methadone clinic in Simi Valley, Sterling Behavioral Health in Van Nuys where she became fluent in Spanish, and at Strength United (formerly, Valley Trauma Center) counseling victims of crime in the Sexual Assault Program.

She received her MFT license in 2013 and began her private practice in Encino. Kirstin was lucky that a well known, Christian based therapist offered to mentor her. This helped Kirstin to augment her practice. She blends faith-based with standard trauma-based therapy to help adults and teens. For couples, Kirstin uses Emotionally Focused Therapy to help them learn how to thrive. Her practice is not limited to Christians. Kirstin is an open, caring and trustworthy therapist who helps her clients to develop the life they want. She also hosts a biweekly consultation group in her office in Encino.

Kirstin has been a member of the San Fernando CAMFT for eight years. She enjoys getting support from colleagues. She likes the "camaraderie and connection" plus "the speakers are good." This year, Kirstin has been attending the board meetings for our group. Look forward to her serving our chapter next year in an official but not yet disclosed position! Kirstin advises us as therapists to "Have a piggy bank of good experiences to draw upon during those moments you're in a tough place. This helps you hold on to the passion." Kirstin also says, "Drawing on our humanity, each of us make a unique contribution." Kirstin's words of inspiration fan the flames of passion as we keep on keeping on!

To contact or learn more about Kirstin Carl, LMFT : http://www.kcarlmft.com or call 818.593.4095 or email kcarlmft@gmail.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.