Steven C. Kassel, MFT
Additionally, I also have training in the Gottman Method of Couple’s Therapy, Brief-Solution Focused therapy, and Mindfulness therapy. I am a Trauma specialist providing counseling to survivors using trauma-focused interventions including EMDR. As a trauma specialist, I am also trained in and offer Critical Stress Debriefing in the aftermath of workplace trauma. Lastly, I have been involved in both research and health advocacy since the beginning of my career. My research endeavors include exploring the use of Biofeedback in K-12 settings to improve student performance on standardized tests and creating and developing “Interpersonal Biofeedback”. This is an emerging therapeutic modality that integrates the use of Biofeedback (using multi-channel biofeedback and audio/video playback) with Couple’s counseling. My advocacy work includes serving as a board member of numerous mental-health focused groups including the Santa Clarita Valley Council for Health from 1986 to 1994; the Health Education Committee of the Henry Newhall Memorial Hospital’s Foundation, as well as serving as an adviser on Health Care Reform and Mental Health Care Reform to Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon and more recently both California Assemblywoman Christy Smith and U.S. Representative Katie Hill. I served as President with the Western Association of Biofeedback and Neuroscience from 1998-1999 and again on its board from 2012-2016, and appeared in the 2000 BBC documentary Natural Mysteries on a segment of biofeedback therapies. I am currently the President of the local branch of my MFT professional organization, CAMFT and, have been a part of the local arts, music and, cultural scene in Santa Clarita since graduating from CAL ARTS in 1981. My Certifications include Biofeedback and EEG Biofeedback by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance and pain management by the Academy of Integrative Pain Management. In addition, I have trained in EMDR and Brief Solution Focused Therapy. In 1987 I graduated from Phillips Family Institute (formerly known as California Family Study Center).
Features & Presentations
Mr. Kassel is available to present to professional and other organizations of a variety of topics. In 2013 he will presented at Collaborative Practice California conference of mediators, therapists and attorneys on The Use of Interpersonal Biofeedback to to Reduce Emotional Reactivity and Enhance Empathy in Marriage and Divorce. Insurance Reimbursement and Ethical Considerations was presented with Gary Schummer, PhD at the annual conference of the Biofeedback Society of California in November, 2012. He presented n May, 2012 Recent Advances in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback with colleague John LeMay, MFT to the annual conference of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists in San Diego. In November, 2011, he presented Interpersonal Biofeedback with colleague John LeMay, MFT to The Biofeedback Society of California. In March, 2011 he presented Interpersonal Biofeedback; Merging 2 Evidence Based Therapies (couples counseling and feedback of physiology) to the Long Beach – South Bay chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. And in April, 2013, he presented to attorneys and therapist who practice mediation at the Collaborative California conference on The Use of Interpersonal Biofeedback to Reduce Emotional Reactivity and Enhance Empathy in Marriage and Divorce There is more and more interest on this new field through our research and clinical practice. Questions or comments? Contact the Biofeedback and Family Therapy Center by e-mail.