Kenneth Monroy

Therapy is a beautiful thing. However, there are so many misconceptions of what it really is. I believe the core objective of therapy is not to explore why the unwanted behaviors, the symptoms, or the diagnosis. The secret is in a good, effective mental health therapeutic relationship that lies in connecting, in a safe-holding environment, where the patient can explore and ask themselves – Why the fear? Why the pain? In my therapeutic approach with you, I will walk with you through the difficult past, and today’s present-day challenges. I will slowly and compassionately explore with you how and why the initial unwanted behavior began. We’ll take a deeper look at the current feelings, emotions, triggers and patterns that influence your negative and unwanted behaviors. Imagine the emotional freedom you’ll feel as we find solutions together. From there, you’ll move forward, and rise above the adversary inside. With your permission, we’ll explore the origins of your presenting problem – and that’s when the healing begins. Through our sessions, you will gain a greater awareness and understanding of your mental health symptoms by understanding the underlying issues of what you are currently feeling. I’m excited for you, and I’m looking forward to finding solutions together.

I utilize several effective therapy approaches that will include Psychodynamic/Insight-Oriented Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Strategic Family Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, and Client Centered Therapy. I have Evidence-Based certification in both Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP), and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) Treatment Models which I have obtained through the Department of Mental Health (DMH). I have extensive experience working in areas of Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Guilt, Shame, and Remorse.

I especially enjoy working with Families and Couples. In addition to running a private practice, I am currently a Drug and Alcohol Clinician at Sheer Recovery Treatment Center in San Juan Capistrano. I conduct individual mental health therapy with Dual Diagnosis patients, and facilitate group therapy. I specialize in aiding patients with their spiritual development as they incorporate a greater understanding of sobriety with transition and individuation.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has over 35 years of graduate and undergraduate experience in case management, psychology and psychotherapy. At UCLA, while earning my Bachelor of Arts Degree, a work study project with “emotionally handicapped” children stirred my emotion, and I began my life’s journey in the field of mental health.

At St. Anne’s Maternity Home, I managed the Responsible Teen Sexuality Program as the program’s Education Coordinator, and also began Residential Counseling and Case Management there for pregnant and parenting adolescents. Eventually, I was introduced to the Department of Children and Family Services’ Family Preservation Program through Bienvenidos Family Services in East Los Angeles, and gained over 12 years of experience as an In-Home counselor and Program Manager. I also became interested in working with young men and their fathers through the indigenous Hoven Noble Program at the Latino Father and Family Institute. Working on my Master's Degree in Marriage, Family and Children’s Counseling at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, CA, I worked as a Wraparound Facilitator. Moving forward at The Center for Integrated Family and Health Services (CIFHS), I facilitated addiction recovery groups, and was an on-site high school therapist for the Baldwin Park Unified School District through DMH. I received certification in Evidence-Based Treatment Models – Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP), and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT).

I got married in 1996, and became a member of the Charter Oak Unified School District PTA Executive Board (Elementary School), and was also the Annual Walk-a-Thon Chairperson. Later he became the Charter Oak High School Marching Band Fundraiser Chairperson (High School). Additionally, I have fond memories as producer of the “Beneath The Surface” Radio Program with a Golden Mike Award winning team at Pacifica Radio’s KPFK 90.7FM. As lead guitarist for Highland Avenue Community Church Worship Team in Alta Loma, CA, I have received momentous inspirational connection and growth, and I am thankful for the daily spiritual gifts.