Desert–CAMFT
presents
A System for Attracting Self-Pay Clients: Ethical and Effective Use of Reflective Listening & Language in Marketing Materials
with Sam Garanzini, MFT
Friday, September 11, 2026 12:00pm-1:00pm
In-Person @ All Desert Wellness
(73726 Alessandro Dr, Ste. 203 Palm Desert, CA 92260)
1 CE Credits
Description
Choosing a therapist has changed. Prospective clients often compare multiple websites before ever making contact, making clear, authentic communication more important than ever.
In this practical and interactive workshop, Sam Garanzini, MFT, LPCC, demonstrates how clinicians can apply the principles of reflective listening to their marketing materials, helping prospective clients feel understood before the first session. Participants will learn how to identify the language clients naturally use to describe their struggles, translate clinical concepts into client-centered messaging, and create a clear "client roadmap" that accurately communicates the therapeutic process and potential outcomes.
Grounded in person-centered and motivational interviewing principles, this presentation emphasizes ethical, truthful, and non-misleading communication while providing practical tools clinicians can immediately apply to their websites, profiles, and other practice materials.
*Note: Please bring your lap top or a device you can work on to this interactive session.*
Educational Goals
Learning Objectives
Presenter
Sam Garanzini, MFT is the Executive Director of the Couples Therapy Training Academy and creator of the Practice Magnet Program & Software, which helps therapists build thriving private practices through ethical, client-centered marketing. A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Sam specializes in translating the principles of reflective listening into clear, authentic communication that helps prospective clients feel understood before they ever walk through the therapy room door.He is the author of Practice Magnet and has published peer-reviewed research on Gottman Method couples therapy outcomes. Sam regularly trains clinicians on developing effective, ethical practice materials that accurately reflect their clinical work while supporting informed client choice. His presentations combine practical marketing strategies with person-centered and motivational interviewing principles, giving therapists immediately applicable tools for communicating the value of their services with clarity and integrity.
Cost
$25 for Desert CAMFT members
$15 for Pre-Licensed Desert CAMFT members
$35 for Non-Members
*Registration closes evening before event.*
Questions
Please email Chaundra Prehara, Director of Events at chaundraprehara@yahoo.com.
in collaboration with the Central Coast chapter
Overcoming Sexual Shame and Anxiety: A Sex Therapy Toolkit for Connection
with David F. Khalili, LMFT
Friday, September 25, 2026 9:30am-11:30am
Online Via Zoom
(link will be provided in confirmation and reminder emails)
2 CE Credits
This workshop delves into the intricate dynamics of shame and anxiety and their influence on sex therapy practices across diverse genders, with a special focus on working with men, including trans men. By addressing these critical issues, therapists can empower their clients to tackle sexual and relational challenges more effectively. Guided by David F. Khalili, LMFT, from Rouse Relational Wellness and Rouse Academy, and author of The Mental Health Workbook for Men, this session promises engaging discussions, vivid vignettes, and practical tools for addressing sexual shame and anxiety in men. Whether you are an experienced sex therapist or don’t know how to talk about sex with clients, this training offers valuable insights and strategies to enhance your practice.
Education Goals
The program focuses on helping clients reduce anxiety and shame related to sex. Participants will acquire skills in utilizing practical assessment tools and techniques to effectively understand the impact of shame and anxiety on sexual concerns, leading to increased comfort discussing sex in therapy. Participants will also learn techniques to help clients address sexual anxiety and shame, and improve confidence in their sexual selves. This course is designed to appeal to clinicians at all levels of experience.
Identify four key principles of the biopsychosocial approach to sex therapy.
Name four techniques to help clients address sexual anxiety and shame.
State five reasons shame and anxiety impact sexual functioning.
Identify four strategies to empower clients to improve confidence in communicating about sex.
David F. Khalili, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified sexologist, and founder of Rouse Relational Wellness, a boutique couples and sex therapy center in San Francisco, and authored Mental Health Workbook for Men and Sex Worriers: A Mindfully Queer Guide for Men’s Anxiety to Sex and Dating. David pulls from many influences in the world of mental health and sexual wellness, as well as cultural and spiritual influences from his heritage from Iran. David aims to help those in the margins feel less lonely and more connected with their communities. Specializing in couples and sex therapy, David draws from his diverse background, which includes peer sex education, work in adult boutiques, and a Master's degree in Sexuality Studies from San Francisco State University. For more information about David's practice, visit rousetherapy.com.
Cost/Registration
$25 for Desert-CAMFT Members
$15 for Prelicensed Members
$35 for Non-members or Guests
Membership!
Desert Chapter — California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (DESERT-CAMFT)
For general info, please email: desertcamft1@gmail.com. For specific departments, please click "Contact" in the menu above.
