I am Jo Anne Kaplan, Marriage and Family Therapist, Ph.D. (Psychologist) and I can help:

Life's "journey" is a path leading each of us in personal growth from naivete to wisdom: Throughout our lives we seek to better ourselves, whether we actively seek out answers or they are thrust upon us in the very questions themselves. Often, the odyssey brings us back to the place of beginning.  Hopefully, with positive changes from the experiences.

My personal journey began in Los Angeles. My adventures of "odyssey", took me across the country only to lead me back home again. Coming full circle has changed me both personally and professionally.

During my early college career, a school counselor directed me out of a psychology major into a more his interpretation of a "practical" career. I became a Real Estate Broker and Loan Officer. I still felt a calling towards psychology and I continued my journey by earning a Master's Degree at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in 1986 and the state's Marriage, Family, and Child License in 1990. In 1996, I earned my Ph.D. at C.C.U. and my clinical psychologist license in 2000. Once again, my life has come full circle.

While continuing on my journey, I've had some wonderful mentors. My first mentor was Joyce Hymes, a long time member of Braemar. Joyce and I still work together in pain management and anti-aging. As a psychological assistant for Dr. David Bresler, he helped me build my skills in many areas including EMDR, interactive guided imagery, and worker's evaluations and treatment.

Steeped in the belief that there is a mind and body connection, I continue to study cutting edge techniques within the health psychology field such as contact reflex analysis, neuro-emotional technique, biofeedback, and nutritional biochemical testing for underlying causes of blockages for health and vitality. When the body is dysfunctional, it can affect the mind in such ways as depression, eating disorders, anxiety, mood swings, etc.

My other passion has been my work with children and adolescents. My doctoral dissertation was an Attention Deficit Disorder. For the last 13 years, I have to work in both the public and private school system. I continue to lead art, music, video and social skills groups. As an advocate for children, I have worked as a social worker, co-leader for Parents Anonymous, and I work with families in private practice. Presently, I conduct seminars for both staff and students in special educational settings.

I have incorporated my continued education and knowledge to help others on their journeys.