Hi, my name is Joan Becket, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California, who has been licensed over 27 years. I completed my bachelor’s degree in 1982 at Minnesota State University, Mankato, majoring in Minority & Ethnic Studies and Sociology, minoring in African-American Studies, which stems from having a heart for the inner city. I have been working in South Central Los Angeles and Compton for over 30 years in a professional capacity. I have volunteered helping the homeless through my church and have also been involved in an outreach to Commercially Sexually Exploited Children. After obtaining my B.S. degree, I worked at a group home for troubled children. After encountering one of the children’s therapists, I decided I wanted to become one also. I attended California State University, Los Angeles and obtained a master’s degree in Marriage, Family, Child Counseling in 1992. I obtained my LMFT license in 1997. I have worked for a government agency for over 31 years, overseeing complex cases for abused and neglected children, tending to their clinical needs. I also have provided clinical supervision to co-workers for over 15 years, aspiring to get their license as a therapist (LCSW, LMFT or LPCC). I would describe my therapy style as informal and relaxed. I have been told that I am honest and direct, as well as compassionate and caring. I am a faith-based therapist and believe God can help us live an abundant life, if we let Him. I believe one way this may be achieved is by examining generational familial patterns, and by doing so, a person can gain insight as to how this may affect their mindset, current behavior, relationship patterns, and overall functioning. Each person’s life requires a clinical lens to examine their unique experience and how it has shaped them. (JB) Clinical approaches: My approach stems from a biblical perspective, but I utilize various theoretical orientations, such as psychodynamic, family systems therapy, structural therapy, CBT, and client centered therapy. I also interject humor, which I feel is necessary in life. We will work together to find the best approach and interventions for you. -Official Certified CBT Practitioner (cognitive behavioral therapy)