310-275-LIFE

Featured Links

Related Links

My  Treatment  Philosophy
 

LOCATION: Home > Dr.  Kern

Dr. Marc F. Kern

I am Founder and Director of Addiction Alternatives, a specialized program dedicated solely to assisting individuals self-manage destructive habits such as problem drinking, drug abuse and other excessive behaviors. I combine my professional training with my personal history (see below) to bring empowering solutions to people suffering from addictions, and other problems that I call "unwanted repetitive" behaviors -- that is, undesirable activities or destructive habits someone repeats over and over that interferes with quality of life.

I hold the following credentials:

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist by the State of California (PSY-8246)

• A Certified Addictions Specialist (CAS)

• A Certified Rational Addictions Therapist (CRAT)

• Certified by the Board of Governors of the American Psychological Association College of Professional Psychology in the Treatment of Alcohol and Other Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders.

I have over 25 years of clinical psychotherapy experience helping people overcome their self-defeating habits and to acquire the insights and skills to live happier lives. Personally, I am known for my compassion, humor and deep personal understanding of the addictive process. I continue my lifelong pursuit of the newest research-based treatments for addiction and other destructive repetitive behaviors.

My practical self-help book --"Take Control, Now!" -- is a do-it-yourself blueprint for managing unwanted habits. (You can download Chapter 1 of my book FREE) My work has also been published in professional publications, including the prestigious International Journal of the Addictions.

In addition, I regularly speak at national and international professional conferences and workshops. Currently, I am on the Board of Directors for the self-help program, Moderation Management. In the past, I was on the Board of Directors of SMART recovery and the original board of Rational Recovery.

As a guest addiction expert, I have been featured on a wide variety of national  and local radio and TV shows, including 20/20 and Larry King Live. »

My Personal History

In 1972, when I was in my early twenties, I received my degree in architecture from Ohio State University. Within three years, because of my addictions, I undermined both my practice and my marriage.

• At the time, I referred by well-intended professionals to 12-step groups but found no relief. Frustrated and hopeless, I began a personal search to find alternative solutions for my problems with alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and weight, as well as my habits of procrastination.
   

• Several years later, I began my journey toward health through a combination of graduate school and private psychological therapy, which changed my life forever. In 1982, I received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. Today, I now have over 25 years of continuous abstinence from my drugs of choice, including cigarettes, and enjoy drinking moderately. I am remarried and have a happy family life.

| back to top

© 1996-2003 Addiction Alternatives - All Rights Reserved