news
The Guidance Center Celebrates PRIDE!
PRIDE Month is here! Throughout June, people around the world unite to honor and amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month is not merely a celebration; it holds deep historical significance. It traces its roots back to the Stonewall Riots of 1969 when...
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Meet Angelina – Chief Clinical Officer of The Guidance Center
We are thrilled to announce Angelina Palma-Williams, LCSW, as our new Chief Clinical Officer! With her impressive background, unwavering dedication, and passion for driving diversity and inclusion, we are so excited for her to join the executive team. Angelina’s...
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Finding A Path Through Trauma
In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as Trauma Awareness Month, Nathan Swaringen, LCSW, Clinical Therapist at The Guidance Center explores the nature of trauma, its profound impact on individuals, and the path towards healing and resilience in...
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Sunset Sip 2023: Ignite Your Light
“Give light and people will find the way.” - Ella Baker On an illuminating evening on May 6th at Old Ranch Country Club, more than 170 guests gathered to honor The Guidance Center and celebrate our organization, staff, and clients. Sponsors and guests helped...
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Sunset Sip 2023: Ignite Your Light – Meet Maria!
The theme for Sunset Sip 2023 is Ignite Your Light! In a physical sense, light helps guide us and interpret the world around us. Street lights guide us on our journeys, illuminating a safe route. A porch light may guide a child back to their home. Symbolically, light...
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Meet Our Sunset Sip Event Chair, Betsy Snare
As this year’s Sunset Sip fast approaches, we want to express our gratitude for those who continue to devote their energy to The Guidance Center and share their inspiring messages with all of you. Betsy Snare is a passionate advocate for mental health and has...
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Celebrating World Health Day
In April, we celebrate World Health Day, an important opportunity to take stock of your health and wellbeing. In honor of this day, let’s explore how small changes in our lifestyle can make a great impact on our overall health and mental wellness. In this blog, we...
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Child Abuse Prevention Month – Protective Factors to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect
According to research conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are certain risk factors that can lead to child abuse or neglect. These risk factors can include poverty, lack of support networks, and exposure to violence. To combat these...
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Share, State & Create: Talking to Children After A Threat, Crisis or Mass Shooting
In light of recent events, we are re-sharing our blog from last year that offers guidance on how to talk with children about school violence. Each time there's a mass shooting we find ourselves having trouble finding the words to explain to our children, yet again,...
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Thank You To Our Social Workers
We celebrated National Social Work Day on Tuesday, March 21st, a day dedicated to recognizing the hard work and dedication of social workers across the country. Social workers play a vital role in our communities, working tirelessly to support and empower those in...
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Music For Your Mental Health
Music is one of the most powerful tools in the world. When you think about the capabilities and capacity that music holds; it’s undeniable that music has its own language that can reach the masses. No matter the tone, sound, rhythm, or lyrical content. Music can...
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International Women’s Day – Reading List Picks From Our Guidance Center Staff
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2023, we’ve put together a short list of recommended reads from our Guidance Center staff. These books take a closer look at the lived experiences of women around the world and showcase some of the meaningful contributions women...
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Read Across America Day Recommendations from Our Guidance Center Staff
In the month of March, we observe Read Across America Day to mark the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as, Dr. Seuss and more importantly to encourage reading in children. Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA), Read Across America is...
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Black History Month 2023 – Black Resistance
Black History Month is the annual recognition of the history, achievements, and influence of the Black community. Every year, The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) designates a new theme for Black History Month. This year's theme...
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Play Therapy Week 2023 – Why I Use Play Therapy
In honor of International Play Therapy Week Safiya Tormo, LMFT shares why she uses play therapy. During my first internship I was assigned children as my first clients. Honestly, I was unsure how therapy with kids would work. Thinking from my experience as a therapist...
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Teen Dating Violence Awareness: Red Flags To Look Out For
In last year's blog observing National Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month, Doris Pakozdi, LMFT, clinical therapist at The Guidance Center, shares the potential warning signs of domestic abuse and resources for survivors and their loved ones. February...
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Black History Month – Upcoming Community Events
February is Black History Month, and here in Los Angeles County, there are many ways to celebrate the accomplishments of African-Americans in the United States. Celebrating the heritage and achievements of Black Americans is something that doesn’t need to be limited...
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How to: Fight Human Trafficking
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. As an organization dedicated to helping those experiencing trauma and abuse, we invite you to join us in the fight to end human trafficking – all year long. As a mental health agency, The Guidance...
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Adopt-A-Family Tribute 2022
Thank you to everyone who participated in this program and makes it possible for us to help our clients in this way year after year!
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New Year’s Resolutions To Prioritize Your Mental Health In 2023
A new year is always exciting! Unfortunately, many New Year’s resolutions tend to be short-lived with little follow-through due to unrealistic goal setting. In fact, most New Year’s resolutions don’t typically come from a positive mental space. Focusing on what you...
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