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About Bob

About Bob

I'm licensed in California as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.  I specialize in couples counseling, as well as individual and group counseling.  A major focus of my practice is helping individuals and couples who are struggling with betrayal due to compulsive sexual behaviors (affairs, pornography, etc.).  Although a majority of my practice is with adults, I also enjoy working with teens/adolescents.

 

I began counseling individuals, couples, and doing group therapy in a community clinic setting in 1999, and later practiced therapy for several years with the Meier Clinics (formerly Minirth Meier, and New Life Clinics), where I worked extensively in their Day Program with patients suffering from a wide variety of relational, emotional, and psychological problems.  After becoming licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT or LMFT), I opened my private practice in 2005. 

 

I've been leading a weekly therapy group for men struggling with sexually compulsive behaviors since 2003.  In addition to these weekly groups, I also traveled with New Life Ministries for several years, leading groups for their "Every Man's Battle" Workshops.  In addition to these counseling groups, I've also lead groups for: substance abuse, domestic violence, parenting classes, and a support group for children of divorce. 

I authored and had published a handful of articles on relationships and recovery, and I write an advice column for a local magazine focused on marriage, parenting, and family relationships.  I was a featured co-host on the former local radio program, "A New Creation Today," and occasionally speak at a variety of engagements. 

 

I received my Masters of Science (MS) in Marital and Family Therapy from the  School of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary under COAMFTE accreditation (the highest level of MFT accreditation in the United States), and Bachelors of Arts (BA) in Psychology from Azusa Pacific University.

What About Bob?

1991 saw the release of the popular film, "What About Bob?" with Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss.  "What About Bob?" is a warmhearted comedy about a patient (Bob) who gets better, and a psychiatrist (Dr. Marvin) who goes a little crazy.  STILL, over two decades later, hardly a week goes by without someone making an ironic or nostalgic reference to me about the film. 

 

I love how this film reminds and encourages us to risk vulnerability with loved ones, and not be self-obsessed or take ourselves TOO seriously.  When asked which character I identify with the most, it's an easy one - Bob (with maybe just a little Dr. Marvin).  I hope YOU too experience me as mostly Bob.

Dr. Leo Marvin & Bob

Bob Parkins, MS, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

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