Kimberly AkamineEven at an early age, I had a gift of helping people. Throughout my life people have sought me out to talk about what is troubling them; things like relationship issues, feeling depressed or anxious, or if they’re in grief. I loved music and wanted that to be my career, but I realized even though I loved music, my heart’s desire was walking beside people in their hardest places. I graduated with a BA in Religious Studies from CSU Fullerton. I felt that Religious Studies would give me a good foundation in working with all people. During my college days, I met and married my husband, Brian. After working for several years, I did my graduate studies at Loma Linda University and received my M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy. My first therapy positions were at opposite ends of the spectrum- a Geriatric Mental Health Counselor and as a Diversion Counselor at the O.C. Sheriff’s Dept., working with juveniles. I got my Marriage and Family Therapist license in 1985 (MFT 20752). Since that time, I have worked in private practice, at Family Service of Long Beach, Counseling Connections in Huntington Beach, Break Thru Counseling Center in Los Alamitos, and am currently at Growing Connections in Huntington Beach. In January 2006, I earned my certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy and in March 2010, I became a certified Supervisor in Emotionally Focused Therapy. I have taught master's level students in marriage and family therapy at Brandman University as an adjunct professor since 2013, and supervise licensed and pre-licensed therapists in Marriage and Family Therapy using Emotionally Focused Therapy. I have had experience with many clients with different issues. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families. Since being licensed, I have dealt with relationship issues that include conflict resolution, communication, parenting, as well as issues of loss & bereavement, co-dependency, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and life transitions. I have done workshops such as Creating Connections, a marriage enrichment program for the community and church groups talking about a variety of topics. I have been married to my husband Brian since 1977, have 2 adult daughters, a son-in-law, a grandchild, and two cats. |
Qualifications and Memberships
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1985 (LMFT 20752) Growing Connections, Clinical Director, Director Brandman University, Adjunct Professor 2013-2021 Certification as an Emotionally Focused Therapist and Supervisor Consulting/Supervision with Psychotherapists learning Emotionally Focused Therapy Education: Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, Loma Linda University (1983) Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, California State University Fullerton (1978) California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) Clinical Member International Center of Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) Life Member Orange County Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy (OCCEFT) Board Member 2010-2021, Advisory Board Member Fun Facts:
|
My focus is providing high quality Attachment-based therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy which is a highly researched and proven method for helping individuals, couples, and families move from distress to learning new ways of positive connection that increases security, strong bonds of love, trust, and closeness. For more information on Emotionally Focused Therapy, please go to www.iceeft.com
|
Contact Us Now!We are here for you and those you cherish. We are qualified, experienced, and attentive.
|
Connect With Us |
Copyright Growing Connections 2023. All Rights Reserved.
|
Website Design: cawebdesign.com
|