Janice Shapiro, MA, LMFT California Lic #86051

Psychotherapist for Marriage, Individual and Family Happiness 

My Story

My career journey from 4th grade teacher to the marriage and family therapist I am today took a lot of twists and turns. I love all of these changes or pivots as I call them, for they have allowed me to see therapy as a series of shifts in perspective people must make in order to regain their true core Self.

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 occurrs while working as a therapist. I am able to take behaviors my clients want to change and connect them to past negative experiences. Sometimes things keep repeating and we don't even know why. I began helping my clients connect the dots so they can resolve these old events that keep them stuck in the present. In doing so, I made my motto: "Whatever you have learned, you can unlearn and learn new ways of being," In other words, it is possible to make changes; although requires very hard work and motivation. 

My third pivotal change occurs as I see my clients grow and flourish into happy, contented people. It is so rewarding to experience these shifts in perspective, that I call them just that, Shifts In Perspective. That's what therapy is all about, helping people look at things a little differently. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reframes, Internal Family Systems and Inherited Family Trauma as the foundation for my work. And it is amazing!!

My fourth 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. It is a unique bond, differing from the human to human bond, but nevertheless just as powerful. Why? Because with pets, we experience pure, unaldulterated love. Humans are more complicated. We start life wired for secure attachment and open to new adventures, but then trauma, abuse, bad experiences get in the way and we end up 'protecting' ourselves through all kinds of defenses. It's  amazing to see when these defenses come down and our core self is finally set free!

My fifth pivotal change occurs 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. This happens so often that I just had to research why dogs (and cats) are so  approachable to strangers. It seems during petting something wonderful happens. The feel-good hormone oxytocin increases in both human and dog while lowering the stress hormone cortisol. This is reciprocity at its best! Reduce your stress, anxiety or depression by helping your pet feel good at the same time!

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

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