Tenley Hardin

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #130074

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Professional Background:

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I hold a Bachelor of Theatre Arts from the University of Michigan (2001); a Master of Arts in English; and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Belmont University (2005). After 17 years in education, 10 of which I was a life coach for teenagers, I wanted to reach a broader base of clients and attained a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University (2021). 

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Passion for Healing:

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As a former pilates and yoga instructor, life coach, and educator, I've always been passionate about fostering emotional and spiritual growth in others. I’m not only fascinated by the human brain, but also by the human spirit and its capability to survive and even thrive, despite the many traumas it may incur. 

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Specialized Expertise:

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I work with clients from all age groups and various backgrounds, specializing in couples and families who have gone or are going through infertility and/or family planning. I tend to gravitate towards humanistic and narrative therapies, in which clients uncover their "inner guide" or "inner compass," so that they may create a life filled with greater joy, purpose, and passion. I also use cognitive behavior therapy; somatic therapy; mindfulness; and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients reflect on defense mechanisms and create a more integrated sense of self. 

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Philosophy of Care:

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True care and healing occur when there is not only a strong trust between client and therapist, but also when the client feels safe enough to explore the “inner work.” I am in awe of the shift that occurs in a client's mind and soul when they can connect patterns of behavior to old wounds, and in doing so, witness how to release these wounds, so that they ultimately create new patterns and new neuro-pathways. 

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Client-Centric Focus:

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I often tell my clients in the beginning of our therapeutic relationship: You’re in the driver’s seat. I'm in the passenger’s seat. I’m simply here to shine the light on some areas that might appear too dark, and while perhaps at times uncomfortable, often offer the greatest insight and growth. 

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Achievements and Recognition:

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I’m a Certified Professional Life Coach through iPEC. I have authored two books: Still Life (fiction) Leap Before You Look; Seven Steps to Discover Who You Are, What You Want, and How to Change the World(self help).

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Personal Connection:

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I'm forever looking for ways to nurture, heal, encourage, and motivate. And when all else fails, you'll find me either dancing in the kitchen with my kids, reading books about the brain, sweating and breathing it out on my yoga mat, or belting out Pat Benatar hits on my guitar.  

Vision for Mental Wellness:

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Lotus flowers only grow in mud. The essence of the human experience is embracing this facet—bravely digging into the mud, bearing witness to what emerges, and honoring all of the parts of ourselves that desire a voice. This is how we grow. This is how we “human.”

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To work with Tenley schedule a consultation above or contact directly at (310) 702-7882 or tenley@tenleyhardin.com.