Mark Pines MA MFTI

read moreI am originally from South Africa. The fascinating journey of my country has given me a profound reverence for how people carry the ability to transform and grow. I have lived in Southern California for 16 years. I am a family man, and in my spare time you will most likely find me enjoying nature. I can proudly say that I have watched every David Attenborough nature documentary three times! For ten years, I lived in the corporate world. I crisscrossed the country and clutched on to my frequent flier card.

read moreIt is normal to feel nervous when you are thinking of starting therapy. Our impression of what happens in a therapy office often comes from what we see in movies and TV. Fortunately, reality is a lot more pleasant. The following is a list of common fears people have before starting therapy. New clients often worry that they will have to disclose their deepest and most embarrassing details of their life. I always encourage clients to share only as much as they feel comfortable. It is true, that honesty helps in therapy, but it is also true that trust takes time to develop.