Fern Orenstein
ABOUT
Welcome! I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a seasoned couples coaching professional, proud mother of 2 young men in their early twenties, with a BFA from New York University and a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University Dominguez Hills.
LIFE EXPERIENCE
I grew up in a large, close-knit family consisting of 6 sisters and one brother. My parents instilled strength, perseverance, and resilience in each of us. I learned early on that I had to manage expectations and approach situations open-mindedly and positively. Positive and affirming language, humor, and gratefulness have always been how I live my life.
When raising my children, the focus on developing healthy self-esteem and confidence was a constant theme in their upbringing. I apply this philosophy about communication and relationships in my therapy practice.
After a 25-year career in the entertainment industry, I decided to reevaluate my profession. As I contemplated the next steps, it became abundantly clear that I enjoyed helping others figure out their strengths and help them attain life goals. Consequently, I understand what it takes to balance stressful job demands and raise a family with someone you love. I offer you a life full of successes and mistakes that I have learned from to help you figure it out.
APPROACH
I view therapy as a collaborative process to which we both bring insight, feedback, and expertise. Your experience of growth as a couple is central to the process, and my goal is to facilitate a rewarding and productive strategy for you. I will approach all issues with curiosity, warmth and honesty.
I work with clients using a relational, systems-based lens to determine the best approach. These include Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman, Person-Centered Therapy, Humanistic, Mindfulness, and Relational Life Therapy. Additionally, I’m a certified Solution Focused Therapist.
I provide clear, straightforward, professional therapy that works. My methods are practical, comprehensive, and individualized so that you can get on with your best life. I am comfortable working with even the most challenging couples, helping them find a healthier approach to relationships. I understand there is no “one size fits all” therapy. I use many therapeutic techniques, but the most helpful therapy is the one that gets results.
NEURODIVERSE FAMILIES AND COUPLES
As a mom of a neurodiverse son, I can help families navigate the unique environment that neurodiversity may bring into a relationship or family. A family can thrive by implementing improved communication skills, intimacy, and conflict resolution. Tools for neurodiverse couples will be implemented to help them find empowerment to navigate their place in their world.
AFFAIR RECOVERY
Is infidelity wreaking havoc on your life and family? Are you on a roller coaster of feelings of rage, betrayal, confusion, sadness, and loneliness? Do you feel powerless to make anything better? Is it hard to imagine how your marriage can heal from the pain of infidelity? You know there is a gigantic problem but aren’t sure where to turn. Each day can feel completely overwhelming.
Please know that you are not alone - hope is here and available. With guidance and support, you can take steps toward making sense of what happened and choosing to rebuild your marriage (or not to do so).
You will learn what triggers the hurt partner’s flashbacks and anger and how to take concrete steps to rebuild trust. It’s challenging, but after infidelity, you have the opportunity to create a relationship that is stronger and deeper.
ADDICTION
Addiction poses tough challenges within a relationship. Trust issues, hurt feelings, and anxiety can be side effects of substance abuse. When an addict, or a family member who is an addict, accepts outside support, relationships can begin to heal. I take a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to help my clients become self-empowered and confident. As a proud member of Al-Anon and other 12-step programs for over ten years, I am empathetic. My therapeutic approach validates clients to strengthen their resolve through effective, cognitive techniques that work.
BLENDED FAMILIES
I have witnessed the challenges created by the stepfamily construct through close friends and family. Finding solutions and helping parents navigate these new encounters for themselves and their children takes patience and understanding. I inform parents about the struggle with losses and change, guiding them towards healthy communication skills, and involving all parties. Parents in stepfamilies need guidance to ensure they provide the compassion needed for children at this difficult time.
ANGER MANAGEMENT
Anger is a natural human emotion that is used to express negative feelings; however, it can be a toxic force that slowly builds in a relationship and ultimately interferes with the growth of the relationship. This can lead to frustration, hurt, loss, or disrespect. Recognizing and defusing anger by learning healthy expressions and coping skills are central to a strong relationship.
PERSONAL INVITATION
Seeking help and support can be difficult. I hope to create an environment where couples are comfortable, seen, heard, and understood. In such a safe space, I hope couples and individuals can be their authentic selves, opening the door to a deeper understanding of what's troubling them.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Specialties
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Couples Therapy
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Addiction recovery
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Affair Recovery
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Anger Management
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Mindfulness Meditation
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Neurodiverse couples and families
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Families including teen parenting, co-parenting, early parenting, divorce
Clients
Couples, Families, Individuals
Modalities
Attachment-based, CBT, Emotionally Focused, Family Systems, Gottman, Humanistic, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Multicultural, Relational Life Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic, Solution Focused Therapy.
Professional Membership
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
License:
Registered Associate, AMFT# 134094
Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT #53452
Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc.
Contact
310-713-1579
