We had the good fortune of connecting with Cassandra Hutchinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cassandra, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?

I grew up as an only child mainly around adults. This had an early impact on me as it provided an opportunity to observe interpersonal interactions. As a child I was not talked down to, which helped me to form my own opinions. I was allowed to think for myself and speak up. These values have helped me with my own clients. I want my clients to be able to set their boundaries and be heard.
I found my love for psychology through an AP Psychology course in 11th grade at Lakewood High School. I knew from then on that I wanted to be a therapist. It wasn’t always an easy journey, but I was able to pursue my path by receiving my BA in Psychology at Cal Poly Pomona and my Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy at Pacific Oaks University.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have undergone extensive training to attain the position I hold today. One of the best experiences I’ve had in my career was the opportunity to volunteer for the suicide hotline. I trained for the hotline through Didi Hirsch in August of 2012. The training required a year commitment of being on the lines once a week. I exceeded this requirement by staying for eight years. I loved being able to support others in their time of need. I was trained to assess those in an emotional crisis and help them for the duration of our call. It was a challenge hearing such heartbreaking stories, but I knew I was able to be there when people needed someone to listen.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I enjoy taking friends to exceptional local places of interest in Long Beach. I have grown up going to small burger places and hole-in-the-wall spots. One of my favorites is MVP. Another great spot is the 50’s style restaurant called Dale’s Diner. Some wonderful places to walk around are by the beach and down 2nd Street. The ocean is a place where I find peace.

Another great thing I enjoy doing is painting. I have been able to create many works of art by spending a lot of my free time at Pinot’s Palette which is a wine and paint company. There are many other paint and sip companies, but I found my home with Pinot’s. I have found painting to be a wonderful creative outlet.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank all of the people who have supported me, especially my parents Chris and Christine Hutchinson. I have been encouraged by family members both living and those who have passed on. I would like to give a special shoutout to Didi Hirsch Mental Health Service and my friends who have seen me grow along my journey to being a Marriage & Family Therapist.

Website: www.cassandrahutchinson.com

Instagram: cassandrahutchinsonlmft

Facebook: Cassandra Hutchinson Therapy

Yelp: Cassandra Hutchinson

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