Courtney Hamlin, M.A., AMFT Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #105437
Photo Credit: Marcel Indik
Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Hamlin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always been fascinated with the human condition. We have such capacity for resilience, growth, and change. Psychotherapy teaches us to integrate all of our emotions, despite the dichotomy of how that can feel. In the process, we learn to be less judgmental of ourselves. Insight-oriented work allows us to connect our emotions to our body, and our subconscious motivations and drives to our conscious behaviors. It also allows us to get in touch with our authentic selves.
I developed empathy for that which is often misunderstood, due to witnessing mental illness in my family at a young age. I remember how unnecessarily stigmatized certain aspects about mental illness were at that time. I hold a strong desire in not ‘pathologizing,’ my psychotherapy clients, but rather, understanding how one’s past trauma and experience directly impacts his or her formation of self and identity. It took healthily emerging from my own internal struggles in my early twenties for me to have a sense of clarity on how to achieve both personal and professional fulfillment in my life. I now hold precision-like commitment to my life’s progression and purpose – which is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients to process and work through their own unique life experiences from childhood to present.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nope, it certainly has not always been a smooth road. I have found that my own personal struggles and pain are what have helped me to become an empathic psychotherapist. When I was younger, I always thought there had to be an answer. I know now that often, confronting the ambiguity of the unknown can be half the battle. Life tests you – day in and out – and you just keep moving forward, no matter the setback. I see life now as a constant adventure, where you never truly know your path, even though you have an idea in your mind of your destination. Pushing through darkness and discomfort in my own life is what has allowed me to have the capacity for holding another’s pain, joy, and uncertainty. I have had to do the deep and difficult work in my own process of self-discovery. I have had to be vulnerable with myself and with others, and I have had to challenge and push myself to accept the parts of me I am not so comfortable with.
Courtney Hamlin Counseling at Isetta Psychotherapy, Inc. – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I currently work under Licensed Supervision in Hermosa Beach at a psychotherapy private practice; Isetta Psychotherapy, Inc. I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), and am on the path to Marriage and Family (LMFT) licensure. I have experience working with addiction, adults, preteens, teens, couples, and families. I offer individual sessions, conjoint family sessions, couples sessions, and supplemental group therapy if beneficial, to my clients.
I am most proud of the camaraderie that exists in the practice I work at. I am surrounded by a super knowledgeable group of therapists and psychologists. I am really grateful for the unique perspectives they each bring to my own experience as a therapist. We each know one another’s way of working, and we refer and support one another. As a therapist, it is really important to practice self-care and to surround oneself with good colleagues, good consultation, and importantly, supervision when in training. I think the support we all give one another in our office space greatly benefits our clients.
I think I set myself apart from others because I am sober and in recovery. I’ve learned to feel my feelings and not to numb them. I have lived it, and I have come out the other side. I understand how addiction can impact relationships, families, and self. Psychotherapy is also my second career, so I bring a wealth of varied knowledge and experience to the therapy room. I provide a professional, knowledgeable, supportive, and empathic environment that fosters openness, and emotional wellbeing. I help clients identify core issues that might drive recurring problems and empower them with practical tools to overcome these issues.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think success is defined by peace of mind, balance, and authenticity. When we feel at peace with ourselves and have a sense of congruence regarding our inner feelings and our outer behavior, we allow ourselves to function at our highest level. Low and behold, success seems to automatically follow, because we are completely in tune with ourselves. I also think success takes daily effort and a commitment to a marathon process – one that does not take instantaneous effect. We can trap ourselves into thinking that quick fixes provides happiness and success when in reality, I think a daily commitment to routine, developing resilience through failure and setbacks, and being in tune with ourselves provides us with longer-term success and purpose.
Pricing:
- $175 for 50 minute sessions
- $225 for 80 minute sessions
Contact Info:
- Address: 2309 Pacific Coast Highway, #207 Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
- Website: https://www.courtneyhamlin.com/
- Phone: 424.265.8291
- Email: [email protected]
Celynna Romero, M.A. AMFT, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist # 102046
Vanessa Isetta, PsyD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist #PSY20941
Photo Credit: Marcel Indik
Therapy office at Isetta Psychotherapy, Inc.
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