Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Carpenter.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Brian. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up on the Mexican border in South Texas, where I enjoyed the benefits of diversity as I lived side-by-side with another race, religion, and culture.
I went to Harvard in the late ’60’s, an era that saw the end of the Vietnam War and the beginnings of Women’s Lib, Black Power, and Gay Liberation.
I got my first MA from University of Texas in Speech/Communication and, after that, was an actor for many years in NYC and LA.
After getting therapy myself for issues arising from my parents’ divorce when I was a child and the fact that I had grown up as a gay boy in a conservative environment, I was inspired to help others as I had been helped.
I got my second MA from Antioch University LA and began my second career as a psychotherapist, using many of the skills I had learned as an actor: imagining myself in another person’s shoes, being non-judgmental, and listening closely. I love my work!
Has it been a smooth road?
Growing up gay in the late ‘50s and ‘60s in conservative South Texas, struggling to come “out,” and dealing with the continuing issues of acceptance and integration that LGBT people face today.
Making a living as an actor for thirty-five years in New York City and Los Angeles, facing the financial and creative difficulties that can come with the profession.
Entering a new profession late in life. Starting and maintaining a viable therapy practice in a competitive LA market.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Brian Carpenter Therapy story. Tell us more about the business.
Like many therapists, I work with individuals (including adolescents), couples, and families, addressing such questions as: Are you having difficulties in your relationships? Do you experience anxiety or depression? Do you just want to feel better about yourself and reach your full potential?
I also specialize in helping creative and LGBT people.
I help creative people to:
Recognize that being creative is hard!
Strive for excellence, not “perfection”
Become more patient with themselves
Stop listening to internal, negative voices!
I help LGBT people to:
Be proud of who they are
Empower themselves
Embrace their positive qualities and achievements
In addition, I’m qualified to perform EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, which can be an effective tool in dealing with such issues as:
Disturbing memories
Phobias
Performance anxiety
Stress reduction
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
It seems that there is less stigma attached to therapy these days than when I was growing up.
I hope the trend will continue and that therapy is acknowledged as a positive resource for clients–one which can improve satisfaction in people’s relationships and their lives in general.
Pricing:
- $150 per weekly 50-minute session
Contact Info:
- Address: 252 N. Larchmont Blvd., Suite 202
Los Angeles, CA 90004 - Website: http://www.briancarpentertherapy.com
- Phone: (323) 863-5638
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Aric Hendrix
Last photo – Nancy Steiny, Derrick Sanders
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