Therapist, California

 I am a third generation, 65 year old African American Therapist with Tri-racial roots; who was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where I attended elementary, middle school, high school and college. Shortly after college graduation, I married for the first time and only months into the marriage I had a miscarriage. Eventually, I gave birth to two healthy girls. When my first marriage ended I became a single parent. My life, like the lives of so many others has not been without difficulty, hardships and challenges; but what I’ve learned along the way is hope for all of us. Hope for a better today, tomorrow and future. Today, I am married for the 2nd time to a wonderful, loving, caring husband. I have a bonus daughter and three bonus grandchildren. A naturally empathetic and caring person, my mission in life is to help others live their best, healthiest lives. 

My lived experiences have taught me that change is POSSIBLE! Even in the worst of times we have a choice as to how we CHOOSE to manage difficult circumstances and challenges facing us; whether that be interpersonally, with our partner/spouse, family members, friend(s), co-workers, boss, etc. It is possible for ANYONE to become the very BEST version of themselves and to establish healthy relationships with others. There is hope for anyone willing to do the work to achieve the life you want. The recent pandemic has had added layers of difficulties to the lives of so many. Just know that I see you, hear you and that help is available. 

My clinical work centers around utilizing brief therapy modalities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Structural and Strategic Therapy, Emotional Transformation Therapy techniques, Mindfulness, Gestalt Relaxation techniques and Psychoeducation. Overall, I have a very eclectic approach and utilize various strategies and 1 Caron L. Tomlin-Haynes-BIO techniques to assist clients in reaching their desired goals by developing appropriate behavioral treatment plans. 

After earning a BA in Sociology, a Masters of Education degree in Multicultural Urban Education from Loyola Marymount University with a Single Subject Social Studies Credential, I taught Social Studies in various public and private schools for 38 years; developed multiple Sociology and multicultural curriculums and programs to teach and enrich the knowledge of students, parents and stakeholders regarding racial and multi-cultural and ethnic diversity within their school, community and the country. I was a speaker at various school wide events and became a published author before retiring from the field of education. While I always enjoyed teaching, my lifelong dream was to become a psychotherapist. Several years prior to my retirement from education, I enrolled in California Baptist Universities’ Counseling Psychology Program and graduated with a Masters of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology. I’ve been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 2017.

 It was both an exciting and arduous journey…. All at the same time. (My oldest daughter was just beginning her freshman year of college, I was still teaching full time during the day and attending school at night while my youngest daughter was in middle school). I am grateful for the love and support I received when I needed it the most. It takes a village. 

There are several hobbies I enjoy whenever I can make time. They are: traveling (both in and outside of the country), visiting museums and historical sites, reading, conducting research, learning about various cultures (I am always seeking to increase my knowledge base) writing poetry, swimming, walking, exercising and enjoying the company of friends and 2 Caron L. Tomlin-Haynes-BIO family.