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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...
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...
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...
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...
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!
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...
2022 Year In Review – A Letter From Our CEO
As the year 2022 comes to a close, we all realize how naïve we were in waiting so eagerly for the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and our return to “normal.” At The Guidance Center, we continue to adapt to what has become a “new normal.” As essential workers in mental...
The Gift Of You
Oh, the holidays... a time of cheer and joy for many. For those of us who still listen to radio broadcasts instead of podcasts on our commutes, the radio stations are a non-stop stream of holiday music. The sound of bells jingling and Santa's laughter follow your...
Adopt-A-Family Donors Give Light This Holiday Season!
"There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it." - Amanda Gorman After two years of gifting the families we serve gift cards to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Adopt-A-Family program returns to form this year by...
Finding A Way
Thanks to your generosity, more than 3,200 children received life-changing mental health support from The Guidance Center last year. With your support, these children and their families have developed the tools they need to find their way and live their best lives....
Adopt-A-Family 2022 – Inspiring Words From Our Donors and Staff
The holidays can be especially difficult for our families. They often face complicated issues. Some struggle with financial hardships, which brings anxiety due to not being able to provide basic necessities let alone gifts for their children. Others are headed by a...
Grateful for You
As Thanksgiving approaches, we want to take the time to show our gratitude for each and every one of you for making a difference in our community every day. The holiday season serves as an excellent reminder to step back and reflect on what we’re most thankful for —...
Movember – Changing The Face of Men’s Mental Health
Since 2003, the Movember movement encourages men to grow mustaches during the month of November to raise awareness around multiple men’s health issues, including mental health and the startling rates of suicide in men. This month of health promotion looks at mental...
Adopt-A-Family 2022
The holiday season is fast approaching, but for many of the families we serve, this season can be a challenging time. Our clients often face complex hardships, which can make celebrating the holidays distressing and discouraging. Our Adopt-A-Family program gives...
Empowering Books + Characters to Help You Discuss Bullying With Your Child
In October, we observe National Bullying Prevention Month. According to statistics from the National Bullying Prevention Center, one out of every five kids has been bullied. Now more than ever, it’s important to teach students about the negative effects of bullying...
Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2022
October commemorates National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and was established in 1987 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The month was created with the intention of pairing individuals in need with tools from organizations working on...
How To Prioritize Self Care
On October 10th, we observe World Mental Health Day. Started by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, this global holiday aims to promote mental health awareness and end all stigma associated with speaking freely about one's mental health. While the...
National Podcast Day – Our Favorite Episodes of In My Backyard!
September 30th is National Podcast Day! To celebrate, we asked staff and In My Backyard producer, Matthew Murray, to share a selection of their favorite episodes! In My Backyard is an open conversation about children and mental health where Patricia Costales, CEO of...
The Guidance Center Reaches Goal of Raising $50,000 Through Long Beach Gives!
It was such an honor to be selected as one of 222+ nonprofit organizations participating in the fourth annual, Long Beach Gives! Through the...
The Guidance Center Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
We invited members of our Guidance Center staff to shed light on their culture with us this Hispanic Heritage Month. Amanda Gonyer, LMFT, shares her self-care routine with us and the methods she uses to teach her clients to prioritize self-care in their own lives....