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Meet Our Therapists

G. Keith Olson, Ph.D., MFT
Director of Supervision
As Bethel Seminary's Lead Faculty Member and Director of the Marital and Family Therapist Graduate Program, I thoroughly enjoy supervising graduate students. As the Director of Supervision for the Center for Enriching Relationships, we endeavor to provide the San Diego churches with the most qualified and skilled interns.

kolson@enrichingrelationships.org  
619-858-3105 x122

Dr. G. Keith Olson Bio

In 1971, Family Consultation Services was established as an expression of my desire to integrate the perspectives of psychology and my study of human relationships with God's word as it is revealed in the Bible. This was the first professional counseling center in San Diego to be established with evangelical Christianity as its basis www.fcschristiancounseling.com.  Many of the most fulfilling experiences in my more than 30 years of professional life have been in my relationships with clients and colleagues that I have been privileged to enjoy at the Center for Enriching Relationships and Family Consultation Services.

During these years I have had the opportunity to work with a very wide range of people dealing with an equally wide range of issues. However, I have had the greatest amount of experience, and I believe expertise, with:

  Therapy with individual adults dealing with      depression and anxiety
  Adults working with a wide range of ministry-related      issues
  Marital therapy
  Individual and family therapy with adolescents
  Stepfamily adjustments

In addition to providing direct psychotherapy and marital and family counseling services, it has been my privilege to work to enhance personal, family and community health through professional speaking, teaching and writing.

I believe that at the core of all personal and relational problems is alienation which has plagued humankind since almost the dawn of creation. My therapy with individuals, couples, and families is based on the process of helping people to develop stronger connectedness (relationships with God, with each other, and with themselves, as well as with the whole of creation within which God has placed us).

Professional Speaking, Teaching and Writing:
  Speaking engagements include a wide range of      topics for churches, schools, corporations and other      organizations. These opportunities include local      presentations, national conferences, association      meetings, and invited international presentations in      Europe, Africa and Asia.
  A wide variety of articles in journals and magazines
  Three published books (Counseling Teenagers, Why      Teenagers Act the Way They Do, and What Makes      Your Teenager Tick?)
  Contributions to several other books by different      authors.
  A four-volume video series on Counseling Teenagers,      a five-volume video series, Understanding      Me/Understanding You
  Appearances in other video projects on parenting,      pastoral counseling, and psychotherapy

Degrees and License:
  Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of      Arizona (1972).
  BA in psychology from San Diego State University      1967
  Licensed in the state of California since 1973 as a      Marriage and Family Therapist. License #M6022

Faculty Associations:
  1997 to present - Administrator and Lead Faculty of      the M.A. program in Marital and Family Therapy at      Bethel Seminary San Diego
  1986 to 1997 - Associate Pastoral Care Faculty at      Bethel Seminary San Diego
  1973 to 1999 - Associate Psychology Faculty at      Point Loma Nazarene University

Affiliations:
  American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)
  American Association of Marriage and Family      Therapists (AAMFT)
  California Association of Marriage and Family      Therapists (CAMFT)
  Christian Association for Psychological Studies CAPS
  During the mid 1990s - a member and San Diego      Chapter Officer of the National Speakers Association.

Contact:
kolson@enrichingrelationships.org
619-858-3105 x122
 

Jennifer Costanza, MA, MFT Intern
Overcoming life's greatest challenges can be difficult and overwhelming. Feelings of fear or anxiety may arise at the thought of seeking professional help and these feelings are completely normal. Often, just taking the first step to getting help takes considerable courage.

jcostanza@enrichingrelationships.org
619-858-3105 x134

Jennifer Costanza Bio

However, therapy does not need to be a scary process; rather it can be very rewarding as it leads to deeper and more satisfying relationships, cultivates positive change, and brings hope to situations that may seem hopeless.

I believe that therapy begins with a safe and respectful environment where individual and relational needs are compassionately addressed. It is my personal and professional commitment to assist every client in reaching a place of greater health, peace and wholeness through therapy.

How I Can Help?

As a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, I am able to assist in the following areas: grief and loss, pre-marital counseling, relationship issues in marriage, rebuilding after divorce, anxiety, and depression. I have worked extensively with adolescents and adults dealing with grief, children of divorce and individuals seeking to decrease and manage stress and anxiety. In addition, I am able to assist individuals that suffer from past trauma by working toward decreasing disturbing symptoms and, therefore, significantly diminishing the impact these symptoms have on their lives.

Education and Training
  MA in Marital and Family Therapy from Bethel      University/Bethel Seminary San Diego
  BS in Biopsychology from the University of
     California at Santa Barbara

Professional Experience
  Relationship Issues
  Extensive training in grief and loss
  Levels I and II Eye Movement Desensitization      Reprocessing (EMDR) training
  Training in specialized needs of children of divorce
  Behavior modification

Professional Organizations
  Member of the California Association of Marriage and      Family Therapists (CAMFT)
  Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
     with the Board of Behavioral Sciences in the
     state of California, IMF#48300

Contact:
jcostanza@enrichingrelationships.org
619-858-3105 x134

 

Laura Dugger, MA, MFT Intern
Relationships are powerful. They have the ability to build us up or destroy us. My desire is for you to experience relationships with an abundance of joy! I hope to listen generously and encourage you to strengthen your existing connections with the beloved people in your life.

ldugger@enrichingrelationships.org
619-858-3105 x147

Laura Dugger Bio

You are loved, adored, and even cherished! However, it is easy to lose sight of this fact and become burdened by stress or unfortunate circumstances. My God-given skill set allows me to delight in the journey of restoration with others. I invite you to challenge yourself to be courageous and become vulnerable with a counselor. I would be honored to walk with you in this season.

In the past, I have studied and worked with a wide variety of issues. Some of these include emotional affairs, adultery, same-sex attraction, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and various forms of abuse. In addition to these topics, I also hope to assist you with:


• Sex Therapy
• Spiritual Formation
• Addictions Counseling
• Understanding Personality and Self
• Establishing Appropriate Boundaries
• Couples/Pre-marital/Marriage Therapy
• Women’s Issues, Such as Body Image and Self-worth

Education and Training
  MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Richmont      Graduate University in Atlanta, Georgia
  Specialization in Christian Sex Therapy from Richmont      Graduate University in Atlanta, GA
  BS in Psychology from Illinois State University in      Normal, IL (Minor: Family and Consumer Sciences)

Professional Experience
  Hope Counseling Center Counselor (Intern) - Served      local community with faith-based counseling for      individuals and couples with marital issues, abuse,      trauma, and anxiety
  Beulah Heights University Associate (Intern)
     –Instructor of psychology courses to college level      students in addition to providing therapy and spiritual      formation to multi-cultural students and couples
  Shining Light Ministry Counselor (Intern)
     -Collaborated with a co-therapist to create group
     and individual counseling for women recovering
     from addictions
  Teacher’s Assistant (Intern) - Facilitated a Spiritual      Formation group composed of graduate students
  Research Assistant - Designed a revolutionary study      with a team and directly participated in a gender-      specific research project with results to be
     published in Shaunti Feldhahn’s future book

Affiliations
  Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern,      with the California Board of Behavioral Science,      IMF#00209129
  Supervised by G. Keith Olson, Ph.D., MFT #MFC 6022
  California Association of Marriage and Family
     Therapists (CAMFT)

Contact:
ldugger@enrichingrelationships.org
619-858-3105 x147

 

Laura Gordon, MA, MFT Intern
I admire the courage and strength of a person who reaches out for help in a time of need. We live in a world that tells us over and over again, “You should be able to fix this on your own.” The truth is we should not have to do it alone, whether it is facing our pasts, our fears, our broken relationships, our addictions, or our losses. Healing often comes within the context of relationship.

lgordon@enrichingrelationships.org
619-858-3105 x148

Laura Gordon Bio

I consider it a tremendous privilege to join together with others, offering hope and counsel in a trying season. As a therapist, I seek to provide a safe and nurturing place for growth, healing and restoration; a place where authenticity and honesty are valued and rewarded.

Every person, of any age or circumstance, can benefit from counseling. Over 300 years ago, the French archbishop and theologian known as Fenelon profoundly asked, “What is farther away and more unknown than the bottom of your own heart?” I firmly believe that counseling is a powerful instrument that helps individuals discover or rediscover their own hearts. It is also a process through which people can grow in their understanding of God, self and others, and experience the freedom that is gained from shining light into unknown or dark areas.

Education and Training
  MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Richmont      Graduate University in Atlanta, GA
  BA in Psychology from University of Richmond in Virginia

Areas of Additional Exerience and Interest:

Through my work with Young Life Ministries, as a summer camp counselor for many years, and as a professional counseling intern, I have gained invaluable experience coaching and mentoring adolescents, teenagers, and young adults. Now as a therapist, I have a specific passion for helping this population cope with the changes, challenges, and pressures they are often forced to endure, while gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and their families.

I also value working with couples and families and have gained experience in the following areas:

- Extramarital Affairs
- Life Transitions
- Stress and Anxiety Management
- Communication
- Parenting
- Grief
- Spiritual Formation
- Dysfunctional Relationships
- Addictions

Professional Experience
  Counselor with The Center for Pastoral Care and      Counseling, providing child and adolescent, individual,      and marital therapy
  Counselor with Hope Counseling Center, providing      individual, marital, and family therapy
  Counselor with Rainbow House, Inc, working with      children and adolescents in a residential facility

Professional Affiliations:
  Member of the California Association of Marriage and      Family Therapists (CAMFT)
  Member of American Counseling Association (ACA)
  Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern with      BBS in California, IMF# 60269
  Supervised by G. Keith Olson, Ph.D., MFT #MFC 6022

Contact:
lgordon@enrichingrelationships.org
619-858-3105 x148

 

Victoria Kim, MA, MFT Intern
As a pastor’s wife, I am profoundly aware of the struggle to live out our faith in real life situations. As a person seeking counseling, you may be wondering why you “do what you do not want to do and don’t do what you do want to do”. Often, even the best of intentions cave under the anxieties and pressures of life, leaving us feeling the guilt and despair of not being able to live up to our expectations. The good news is you’re not alone!

vkim@enrichingrelationships.org
619-858-3105 x149

Victoria Kim Bio

As a registered MFT intern who has counseled individuals, couples, families, and children, I work with you to discover the underlying beliefs and patterns that often paralyze us from being able to think up more creative and flexible ways of approaching life. In counseling, I bring my background in public health, church leadership and marriage and family therapy to create a systematic understanding of all the factors that have led to you being who you are today. Being able to process this information in a safe, confidential and warm environment often creates new opportunities for experiencing the fulfilling relationships and life that we all desire. My goal in therapy is for you to feel empowered to approach your own life with confidence and joyous expectation as you experience healing and closeness in your relationships with others.

I have extensive experience in the following:

- Anxiety
- Family of Origin Issues
- Parenting
- Premarital & Marriage Counseling
- Domestic Violence/Anger Management
- Life Transitions
- Grief
- Personal Development
- Cross-cultural Isues
- Spirituality and Faith

Education and Training
  B.S., Public Health from John Hopkins University;
     Baltimore, MD
  M.A., Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller
     Theological Seminary; Pasadena, CA

Professional Experience
  Self-Esteem Enhancement Council – Marriage and
     Family Therapist Intern
  Citrus Counseling – Facilitator of Domestic Violence,
     Anger Management and Parenting groups

Ministry Experience
  Light of Love Mission Church – Women’s Ministries
  San Diego Calvary Church – Leadership Development

Professional Affiliations:
  Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
     with the California Board of Behavioral Science,
     IMF# 46156
  Member of the California Association of Marriage
     and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

Contact:
vkim@enrichingrelationships.org
619-858-3105 x149

 

Jennifer konzen, MA, MFT Intern
Joy. Peace. Success. Healthy, happy relationships. It takes guts to say to someone, “Could you help me get there?” In combining my background in biblical counseling with my work as a therapist, my goal in therapy is to draw out the heart, build hope, facilitate open, safe communication, and help provide. . .

jkonzen@enrichingrelationships.org
619-858-3105 x145

Jennifer Konzen Bio

practical, faith building, and real life tools for spiritual, mental, and emotional change.

Before pursuing training in marriage and family therapy, I have had the joy of providing biblical counseling with couples, families, and individuals for the last 20 years. In therapy, I have worked with couples who have wanted to renew the fire in their love life and sexual relationship as well with others who are no longer communicating or have been on the brink of divorce. I have worked with parents on how to build a rewarding, close relationship with their children while maintaining clear discipline. I have counseled women who have experienced the terror of rape, sexual abuse, and childhood and partner violence. I have worked with children and adolescents who have a hard time sitting still in class, argue with their peers, teachers, and parents, or felt unmotivated, depressed or suicidal. Working through issues like these and others with families and individuals has given me a great respect and admiration for the amazing, resilient people I have had the privilege of helping.

Speaking and Groups
  Training Them in Love: Parenting Classes and      Workshops
  Sex and the Supremacy of Christ: A Workshop for      Married Women
  So You Almost Have a Teenager: Preparing for the
     teen years
  Chemical Dependency and Recovery Support Groups

Professional Experience
  MARITAL COUNSELING - conflict resolution, effective      communication, sexual relationship, infidelity, unity,      cultural differences, military deployment
  PRE-MARITAL COUNSELING
  INDIVIDUALS - depression, stress and anxiety, anger      management, grief, sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts,      mental illness
  ADDICTION AND RECOVERY - drug, alcohol, gambling,      and sexual addictions
  FAMILY THERAPY - treatment with the whole family
  PARENT/CHILD RELATIONSHIP COUNSELING
  ADOLESCENT COUNSELING - school issues, divorce,      depression, drugs and alcohol, relationship conflicts,      eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, gangs
  PLAY THERAPY - school age beginning at age 3: ADHD,      frustration tolerance, anger, trauma,
     conflict resolution
  MUSIC THERAPY - using music and instruments to help      identify emotions and express feelings

Education, Training, Experience, and Professional Affiliations
  MA in Marital and Family Therapy, Alliant International      University, San Diego, CA
  BM in Musical Theater and Vocal Performance, Arizona      State University, AZ
  Post Graduate Courses in Music and Play Therapy
  Specialized training in Emotion Focused Therapy
  American Association of Marriage and Family
     Therapists (AAMFT)
  Trained Facilitator for Dynamic Marriage
  Languages: Sign Language (Exact English/ASL)
  Ministry Work: Women’s Counselor Intern,
     Deaf Ministry Leader
  Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee – Palomar
     Family Counseling Service (AAMFT)
  Registered MFTI, #60514

Contact:
jkonzen@enrichingrelationships.org
619-858-3105 x145

 

Renee Skiles, MA, MFT Intern
Before joining the Center for Enriching Relationships, I spent eight years facilitating short-term mission trips to the urban poor of Los Angeles. This experience allowed me the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life.

rskiles@enrichingrelationships.org
619-858-3105 x135

Renee Skiles Bio

I discovered some important characteristics that we all have in common: a need to belong, a need to be accepted, and a need to both love and to feel loved by those around us. I also learned that we struggle with these needs most in our closest relationships.

My interest in marriage and family therapy expresses my great desire to address these needs and the life-sustaining relationships that meet them. I aspire to walk with you through life's challenges and to help you develop your own personal strengths. You will then build more mutually healthy relationships and thereby, feel a sense of belonging, acceptance and love. Through therapy you can:

  Cultivate loving relationships with your family and      friends
  Manage difficult emotions with integrity
  Overcome fears and pain, and enjoy life as God intends
  Develop personal boundaries
  Replace negative thinking with positive self-talk
  Maintain a healthy balance between work and family
  Improve your decision-making ability

I have extensive experience working with couples in premarital and marital counseling, and families with child behavioral problems and domestic violence. I also have expertise working with children and adults struggling with death and loss, serious mental illness, and gender identity issues. I encourage you to contact me. Let's discuss the challenges you are facing and how I might join and facilitate your journey to a place of wholeness and healing.

Professional Experience
  Alvarado Parkway Institute - Treatment Coordinator for      outpatient day program
  Los Angeles Free Clinic - Marriage and Family Therapist      Intern
  Center for Student Missions - Los Angeles City Director

Education
  Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Marriage and      Family Therapy from Pepperdine University; Malibu, CA
  Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller      Theological Seminary; Pasadena, CA
  Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry from Eastern College;      St. David's, PA

Affiliations
  California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
  American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
  Christian Association for Psychological Studies

Contact:
rskiles@FCSSanDiego.com
619-858-3105 x135
 

Kimberly D. Whiteford, MA, MFT Intern
As a mental health provider, I have enjoyed working in agencies with teenagers, children, families and individuals for several years. I am excited to be a part of the team at the Center for Enriching Relationships.

kwhiteford@enrichingrelationships.org
619-858-3105 x13
3

Kimberly D. Whiteford Bio

My primary focus is to facilitate and support positive change and healing in the lives of others. I have extensive experience with counseling teenagers and their parents through difficulties and conflicts.

I work with individuals, couples, teens, children, and families on a variety of issues including:

  Feelings of Depression, suicidality, anxiety, and feelings      of hopelessness
  Parenting issues with Teens and Children
  Grief and Loss
  Conflict Resolution
  Coping Skills Development
  Low self-esteem
  Family Counseling
  Independent Living Skills
  Goal Setting

Education and Training
  MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope      International University in Fullerton.
  BA in Psychology from Christian Heritage College in El      Cajon.

Professional Experience
  School and Teen Center Counselor-Harmonium, Inc.
  Foster Home Social Worker-New Alternatives, Inc.
  Day Rehabilitation Counselor-Community Research      Foundation, Inc.

Professional Affiliations and License
  Registered in the state of California, Marriage and      Family Therapist Intern Registration #IMF 49865;      supervised by G. Keith Olson, Ph.D., MFT #MFC 6022.
  California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists      CAMFT

Contact:
kwhiteford@enrichingrelationships.org
619-858-3105 x133
 

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THERAPEUTIC APPROACH

The type of therapy you will receive is a problem solving systemic approach. This means that the focus of therapy will be to understand your goals for treatment and working together to solve these problems in a focused, planned way. This may include assignments to be completed between sessions. Also treatment will look at the system in which you and your situation exists including family, work, religion, society, etc., and seek to understand how these factors effect your situation.

ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES

There are many different theories and approaches to counseling and each therapist will have his/her own personal style. It is important that there is a good fit between you and the services being offered. Other approaches might be more insight oriented, behaviorally oriented, or experientially oriented. If it appears that you would prefer a different therapeutic approach than the one being offered, please discuss this with your therapist and they will help in making an appropriate referral.

FEES

The Center for Enriching Relationships offers a sliding scale fee per 50-55 minute hour. Payment is expected at the time of service. Any services received by phone or in emergency situations will be billed as follows:

  • Brief telephone calls (less than five-minutes) will not be billed to your account

  • Extended calls (more than five-minutes) or multiple brief calls will be billed at the same rate as a face-to-face session.

Sometimes correspondence with other agencies (insurance, courts, other professionals, etc.) is required and most phone contact or brief letters related to your case will be a complementary part of our services. Extended letters or contact may result in a moderate charge. In all correspondence you will need to sign a release of information.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Except for emergency situations, if a cancellation occurs less than 24 hours prior to a session or if you fail to show up at the scheduled appointment time with no notice the full fee will be charged to your account.

SESSION FORMAT

Research has shown that the nature and severity of the client’s presenting problem usually determine the length of therapy. Treatment can range from a few sessions to several months of therapy. The estimated length of your treatment will be determined in a collaborative discussion between you and your therapist. Regular reviews of your progress and continual need for therapy will be discussed with you. You may leave therapy at any time, but we ask that you agree to discuss the termination of therapy at a regular therapy session, rather than by phone. 

RECORD KEEPING POLICY

A file is kept for each client including consent for treatment, any release of information forms, financial record keeping, progress notes, and any other correspondence of information related to your case. Records are stored in a locked cabinet for confidentiality purposes.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The information you provide in therapy is confidential. Your therapist will not reveal any information about you or your issues, except for professional consultation, without your written consent. Any written records of your treatment are also confidential. Because of our legal mandate to report some issues, confidentiality may be broken if you are to be in clear and imminent danger to yourself or others, or if you report current abuse of a child or dependent adult or if your therapist receives a court order to release your records.

BENEFITS AND RISKS

Any time you seek therapy to work with the difficulties in yourself or your relationships there are benefits and risks involved. The benefits can include the ability to handle or cope with your specific concerns and/or your interpersonal relationships in a healthier way. You may also gain a greater understanding of personal, interpersonal, or family goals and values. This new understanding may lead the way to greater maturity and happiness as an individual, couple, or as a family. There may also be other benefits that come as you work at resolving your specific concerns.

However, therapy can be challenging and uncomfortable at times and there are no guarantees to the outcome you desire. Remembering and resolving an unpleasant event may cause intense feelings of fear, anger, depression, and frustration. As you work to resolve personal issues or issues between family members, marital partners, and other persons, you may experience discomfort and an increase in conflict. There may be changes in your relationships, which you had not originally intended.

Your therapist will discuss with you the benefits and risks involved in your particular situation. The Center for Enriching Relationships encourages you to discuss with your therapist any concerns you have as you progress.

PHONE CONTACT & EMERGENCY POLICY

Emergency Numbers:
San Diego Crisis Hot Line ....................................... 800-479-3339
YWCA Domestic Violence ....................................... 619-234-3164
S.D. County Adult Mental Health Services ................ 619-563-2700
Elder Care of San Diego .......................................... 619-284-9281
San Diego Child Abuse Hotline ................................. 800-344-6000
Sure Helpline Crisis Center (Survivor of Rape) ........... 760-352-7273
Battered Women's Shelter ...................................... 619-234-3164
 
CONSUMER BILL OF RIGHTS
  • Be informed about the qualifications of your counselor: education, experience, and professional licensure.

  • Receive an explanation of services offered, your time commitments, and fees and billing policies prior to receipt of services.

  • Be informed of limitations of the counselor’s practice to special areas of expertise.

  • Have all that you say treated confidentially and be informed of any state laws placing limitations on confidentiality in the counseling relationship.

  • Ask questions about the counseling techniques and strategies and be informed of your progress.

  • Participate in setting goals and evaluating progress toward meeting them.

  • Be informed of how to contact the counselor in an emergency situation.

  • Request referral for a second opinion at any time.

  • Request copies of records and reports to be used by other counseling professionals.

  • Receive a copy of the code of ethics to which your counselor adheres.

  • Contact the appropriate professional organization if you have doubts or complaints relative to the counselor’s conduct.

  • Terminate the counseling relationship at any time.

CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Set and keep appointments with your counselor. Let him/her know as soon as possible if you cannot keep an appointment.

  • Help plan your goals.

  • Follow through with agreed upon goals.

  • Keep your counselor informed of your progress toward meeting your goals.

  • Terminate your counseling relationship before entering into arrangements with another counselor.


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