Expert will forecast future of therapy field at CLU

The executive director of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy will discuss the future of his profession at California Lutheran University.

Michael Bowers of Virginia will speak about “Growing with a Growing Profession: Future Trends for the Field of Marriage and Family Therapy” from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, in the Roth Nelson Room.

Bowers will discuss how marriage and family therapy, which treats mental illness and family problems in a family context, got to where it is today. He will forecast future trends in the field and reflect on how therapists can control their fate through advocacy. There will be ample time for questions and discussion.

Since Bowers took the helm of the AAMFT in 1993, the profession has grown dramatically. The number of states that license and certify marriage and family therapists increased from 11 to 48 and the federal government recognized the field as a core mental health profession. The Virginia-based professional organization now represents more than 23,000 therapists in the United States, Canada and abroad.

Bowers previously worked in juvenile justice, family life education and ministry.

The free presentation is open to the public and licensed marriage and family therapists are especially encouraged to attend. To RSVP or get more information, call Helen Dominguez at (805) 493-3390.

CLU is located at 60 W. Olsen Road in Thousand Oaks.