Presidents Letter 

Monterey County CAMFT Newsletter – October 2025

Dear MC-CAMFT Community,

As autumn settles in and we approach the final months of 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on a month filled with learning, connection, and collaboration. September was a vibrant example of what makes our professional community so special opportunities to grow together, support one another, and continue strengthening the work we do every day.

We began the month with the Central Coast CAMFT Retreat in beautiful Arroyo Grande, a restorative weekend that blended professional enrichment with personal renewal. Over two days, participants gathered for workshops, group discussions, and the restoration of our hearts as professional helpers.

Events like this remind us of the power of stepping away from the daily pace of our practices to engage with colleagues who understand the challenges and joys of our work. A heartfelt thank you to the Central Coast CAMFT Chapter for hosting such an inspiring and energizing gathering.

Later in the month, our own chapter hosted an exceptional workshop, “Shame: Putting It All Together,” led by Kristine Jensen, LCSW, author of Bruised Not Broken: Healing the Wounds of a Troubled Childhood. We extend our deepest gratitude to Kristine for sharing her clinical wisdom, compassion, and expertise with our community.

Kristine guided us through an in-depth exploration of shame what she called the “cancer of the soul.” Drawing on the work of leading thinkers such as Brené Brown, Janina Fisher, and Bessel van der Kolk, she helped us synthesize decades of research and theory into practical, actionable strategies for healing.

Through case studies, research findings, clinical insights, and personal stories, Kristine offered tools to help clients recognize and address shame’s many manifestations from depression and social anxiety to personality disorders and relational struggles. Most importantly, she emphasized how education, reflection, and hope can become powerful therapeutic tools, helping clients envision and pursue a future beyond shame.

Workshops like this are a testament to the power of our professional community,  a space where we continue to learn, challenge ourselves, and refine our craft in service of those we support.

As we move toward the close of the year, there is still much to look forward to. Our Board of Directors is currently planning our annual Holiday Party, a beloved tradition that brings our community together to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and enjoy some well-deserved camaraderie.

Please mark your calendars for Friday, December 6th, for our holiday celebration where we will gather for an evening of celebrating YOU, the Monterey County’s CAMFT Chapter membership. This year we are hosting the party at the beautiful 201 Main restaurant in Salinas in there James Dean special venue.

This gathering is more than just a celebration; it’s an opportunity to reflect on the year we’ve shared as colleagues, to welcome new members into our community, and to look ahead with enthusiasm to all that 2026 will bring.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Monterey County CAMFT community. Your dedication, engagement, and generosity make our chapter a place where therapists can grow, connect, and thrive together.

With gratitude,

Brian Wainwright, LMFT
2025 Chapter President, Monterey County CAMFT