Mike Kemmerer completed his undergraduate work at UCSB and later earned his master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. The early part of his career was in corporate management roles. His experience in the business sector provides him with special insight into the particular demands of balancing work, life and family roles. Mike recognizes the importance of relational and family dynamics for the growth and emotional balance of any of the family members. We all live in connected systems, and a healthy individual can only prosper in a healthy relational and family system. In Mike’s view, this especially applies with individuals struggling with mental health issues and addiction, wherein the struggles of a disorder experienced by one member may affect the entire family system. Mike works from a collaborative perspective with a down to earth, yet empathetic approach, supporting his clients to make healthier relational choices, implement more effective communication patterns, promoting healing and repairing of family dynamics, and fostering trust in the individual and in the entire family unit. He uses a partnership approach with clients to help them better understand themselves, their patterns, values and desires, as well as to see how those things connect to their broader relationships. Ultimately, he works to equip people with new tools to grow, change and thrive