Kent Toussaint, Marriage Counselor in Woodland Hills, 91367

Kent Toussaint, M.A.

Profession(s):
Marriage & Family Therapy, Psychology, Counseling
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - MFC 44685

My Approach to Helping

Hello. My name is Kent and I help kids, teens and their families live happier lives. I am an expert at bridging the communication gap between parents and kids. Is your teen angry or sullen? Slamming his fist through the wall? Screaming her lungs out at you because you are so unfair? How about your little kid? Is he having problems making friends? Perhaps your little girl can't concentrate in school. Maybe there is a tragedy in the family, such as a death, divorce or sudden illness. If so, I'd like to help. Kids and teens do not express emotions and feelings like adults do. Instead they communicate through behavior and play (that includes teenagers). My specialty is decoding that behavior and then helping to guide your child toward more positive and creative emotional outlets. Sometimes picking up the phone to call a therapist can be uncomfortable... especially if it's your first time. I am easy to talk with and I'll take the time to listen to what you have to say and respectfully answer any questions that you may have.

More Info About My Practice

I offer two support groups for adolescent boys called, "THE GUYS' GROUPS." One is for High School Boys and the other is for Middle School Boys. Kids are not always keen on exploring their psyches. I let games and activities do the work for me. Kids love to play (that includes teenagers). I provide age-appropriate activities that your child can relate to. These activities help build trust between me and the other group participants, creating a safe place to explore one's insecurities. The more we all hang out together, the closer the bond and the more trust blossoms. I guide the discussions toward: self identity, peer relationships, self expression, social awareness and integrity. Over time, the boys become more interactive. In turn, they will learn to develop stronger social skills and self-confidence. Check out my website to get more information about my groups or call me at (818) 983-7728.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I find that there are many families struggling to connect in a meaningful way. Consequently, parents and their kids (particularly teenagers) have difficulty understanding one another. This often leads to disrespectful arguments and deteriorating relationships. I truly believe that both parents and kids want to get along better. Luckily, I speak “parent” and I also speak “kid” (along with “kid’s” more complicated dialect, “teen.”) I can be the conduit that helps translate “parent” into “teen” and back again, helping families not only understand what they are saying to one another, but more importantly how they are feeling. It is a great joy to see a family reunite in a loving way after weeks, months or sometimes years of a toxic relationship between kids and their parents.

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

I was in session once with a couple trying to work together to improve their communication with one another and strengthen their ability to work as a team in parenting their children. The husband in a moment of frustration blurted out, “How can you do this all day? Listening to people complain and argue, it would drive me crazy!” I responded to him instinctually and said, “There’s nothing else I’d rather do.” Later on, while I reflected on the session processing my work with this couple, it dawned on me what I had said. It turns out that it is really true. There really is nothing that I’d rather do as a career. I enjoy he healing process that therapy offers. Being able to be a part of another’s journey toward greater self-confidence, more enriching relationships and happiness is a tremendous honor. I know that it sounds kind of cheesy, but there’s no other way to say it and be sincere. Every client is unique, every client has distinct challenges to face, and every day is an opportunity to help people feel better. Being a therapist really is the best career for me that I can imagine.