Janice Shapiro, MA, LMFT California Lic #86051

Psychotherapist for Marriage, Individual and Family Happiness 

My Story

My career journey from 4th grade teacher to marriage and family therapist took a lot of twists and turns. Although, believe it or not, it all connects. 

Starting the journey as an elementary school teacher, I learned so much about how children absorb, learn, and develop. My first pivotal change occurred during parent-teacher conferences. After the regular part of "How your child is doing", parents would tell me about their family story: the history, struggles, heartaches and joys. They would tell me ALL. I began to see my students in a new light as family members. I was drawn to the field of marriage and family therapy. 

My second pivotal change occurred while working as a therapist. I was able to connect behaviors my clients wanted to change to past negative experiences. And so my motto became: "Whatever you have learned, you can unlearn and learn new ways of being," In other words, it is possible to make changes. 

My third pivotal change occurred after I became certified as a pet loss and bereavement counselor. Hearing about such strong attachment while listening to my clients tell of their losses made me realize how extraordinary the bond can become between ourselves and our beloved pets. Sometimes, even more attached than human to human relationships. Why? Because with pets, we experience pure, unaldulterated love. Humans are more complicated. We start life wired for secure attachment, but then trauma, abuse, bad experiences get in the way and we end up protecting ourselves through insecure attachments. ​

My fourth and current pivotal change is occurring while out and about with my australian shepherd, Ranger. People young and old come up to us and ask if they can pet Ranger. After petting and getting their licks, they thank me and leave with a calm, satisfied smile. People will also call out from their cars and trucks saying, "What a beautiful dog!" This happens so often that I just had to research why dogs are so  approachable to strangers. Along the way I came across canine massage, got certified and now offer canine massage as a way to combat stress, anxiety and depression. 

That's my story so far, and how my journey keeps helping clients get back to their roots: secure attachment aka bonding aka loving that creates happiness and well-being.

Janice

 ​