Cesar Sanchez

I believe that people are resilient and resourceful. They are the experts in their lives. They are capable of making their own decisions and they are capable of solving their problems with some guidance and support. I believe that all people have strengths, despite their setbacks in life, obstacles, or vulnerabilities. Regardless of where they grew up, their socioeconomic status, culture, ethnicity, or home environment, they can succeed in life. That’s why I strongly believe in having a solution-focused therapy approach and a person-in-environment approach. I believe that the here and now is more important than what’s in the past. I believe that focusing on one’s strengths and what one has accomplished in life is more important than focusing on their failures and weaknesses. I believe in using cognitive behavioral therapies because it is practical and most people are capable of utilizing these interventions in their everyday lives. The reason I believe all of these things is because I am all of those things. I was born in Tijuana, Mexico. I grew up in a dysfunctional home, in poverty, in the violent neighborhoods of Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles. I know how difficult it can be to get out of poverty with so many barriers. But, with support I was alble to succeed. I was able to graduate high school, complete a 20-year career in the United States Military, go to college and earn my Master's degree in Social Work. I am a father of two and have now been married for 30 years. I could not have done any of those things without the support of others around me. Now, I want to help and support others to reach their goals and dreams. Why? Because I owe it to those who help me reach mine.