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CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF

MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPISTS 

CENTRAL COAST CHAPTER

Central Coast Therapists

To strengthen the Marriage & Family therapy
profession & better serve our Central Coast community.


Events - Year View

Upcoming events

  • Family-friendly Park Meet Up

    • Sun, August 30, 2026
    • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • Cloister's Park 2501 Coral Ave. Morro Bay, CA 93442
    • 3 registrants
    Register

    Central Coast–CAMFT

    Family Friendly Park Meet Up

    Bring the whole fam (or just yourself ) and enjoy good food and company.  There is a big lawn area so feel free to bring balls, frisbees, scooters/bikes, and lawn games if you would like.  Also bring chairs to sit in if that would make you comfortable as well as water bottles (there is a drinking fountain to fill up as needed).  We are going potluck on this event so when you RSVP, please let us know what you plan to bring.

    Please RSVP via our website and then email Kim Richards with your name/group size as well as what you plan to bring: richardskimlmft@gmail.com.  Hope to see you there!

    Special Accommodations
    If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any of our events, please contact Event Coordinator Kim Richards within 10 days of the upcoming event at 805.458.8063 or email Kim Richards at richardskimlmft@gmail.com.

    Show details

  • Pre-Licensed Meet & Greet Presented by Central Coast CAMFT

    • Tue, September 15, 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Swell Therapy and Wellness, 1411 Marsh St Ste 206, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
    • 6 registrants
    Register

    Pre-Licensed Meet & Greet Presented by Central Coast–CAMFT

    CCCAMFT is excited to invite all Pre-Licensees (no CAMFT membership required!) to an in-person networking and social gathering on Tuesday September 15th 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM at Swell Therapy and Wellness! RSVP is required as there will be limited space. Additionally, if you RSVP but cannot attend, please let us know as we typically have a waitlist due to limited space. We want to make sure that the individuals that want to attend have the opportunity to :) 

    The intention for this event is to connect with fellow local pre-licensed therapists in a casual and supportive environment to foster inspiration from one another. Whether you're looking to meet new people, share experiences, get support, learn something new, or just unwind with others on a similar path, we'd love to have you join us! Feel free to arrive and leave anytime within the 6:00–7:30 PM window. We’ll have snacks and drinks available to enjoy! This gathering is open to anyone currently enrolled in a graduate program, Trainees, and Associates. You do not need to be a CAMFT member to attend. If you know other Pre-Licensees who might be interested, please forward this invite their way!
    This is a free event, but please register so we know how many people to expect.

    Show details

  • Central Coast CAMFT Presents: Therapist Wellness Walk on the Bob Jones Trail

    • Thu, September 24, 2026
    • 5:30 PM
    • Bob Jones Trail, Avila Beach
    • 2 registrants
    Register

    Central Coast–CAMFT

    Central Coast CAMFT Presents: Therapist Wellness Walk on the Bob Jones Trail

    Wednesday, September 24th | 5:30 PM | Bob Jones Trail, Avila Beach

    Join your fellow therapists for an evening of connection, movement, and fresh air on the scenic Bob Jones Trail. This casual therapeutic walk is a chance to step away from the office, stretch your legs, and enjoy meaningful conversation with colleagues who understand the work we do.

    Whether you come to network, decompress, or simply enjoy the coastal beauty alongside good company, all are welcome. No agenda, just community, nature, and the kind of connection that sustains us in this profession.

    Comfortable shoes and a water bottle recommended. Friends and colleagues in the mental health field are welcome to join.

    This is a free event, but please register so we know how many people to expect.

    We hope to see you on the trail!

    Warmly,

    Leah DeRose, LMFT




    Show details

  • Overcoming Sexual Shame and Anxiety: A Sex Therapy Toolkit for Connection

    • Fri, September 25, 2026
    • 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Live on Zoom and recorded
    • 18 registrants
    Register

    Central Coast–CAMFT

    Presents:
    Overcoming Sexual Shame and Anxiety:
    A Sex Therapy Toolkit for Connection 

    Presented By: 
    David F. Khalili, LMFT 

    Friday,  September 25th, 2026, 9:30 am-11:30 am 

    *This event is offered via Zoom-- event will be live on zoom 
    and recorded.  Register here if you wish to watch the recorded version and receive CEs*

    Number of CEs: 2 

    Presentation Overview:

    This workshop delves into the intricate dynamics of shame and anxiety and their influence on sex therapy practices across diverse genders, with a special focus on working with men, including trans men. By addressing these critical issues, therapists can empower their clients to tackle sexual and relational challenges more effectively. Guided by David F. Khalili, LMFT, from Rouse Relational Wellness and Rouse Academy, and author of The Mental Health Workbook for Men, this session promises engaging discussions, vivid vignettes, and practical tools for addressing sexual shame and anxiety in men. Whether you are an experienced sex therapist or don’t know how to talk about sex with clients, this training offers valuable insights and strategies to enhance your practice.  


    Educational Goals:

    The program focuses on helping clients reduce anxiety and shame related to sex. Participants will acquire skills in utilizing practical assessment tools and techniques to effectively understand the impact of shame and anxiety on sexual concerns, leading to increased comfort discussing sex in therapy. Participants will also learn techniques to help clients address sexual anxiety and shame, and improve confidence in their sexual selves. 

    Learning Objectives:

    a. Participants will be able to identify four key principles of the biopsychosocial approach to sex therapy.

    b. Participants will be able to name four techniques to help clients address sexual anxiety and shame.

    c. Participants will be able to state five reasons shame and anxiety impact sexual functioning.

    d. Participants will be able to identify four strategies to empower clients to improve confidence in communicating about sex.

      Presentation by:

      David F. Khalili, LMFT

      David F Khalili is a licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified sexologist, and founder of Rouse Relational Wellness, a boutique couples and sex therapy center in San Francisco, and authored Mental Health Workbook for Men and Sex Worriers: A Mindfully Queer Guide for Men’s Anxiety to Sex and Dating. David pulls from many influences in the world of mental health and sexual wellness, as well as cultural and spiritual influences from his heritage from Iran. David aims to help those in the margins feel less lonely and more connected with their communities. Specializing in couples and sex therapy, David draws from his diverse background, which includes peer sex education, work in adult boutiques, and a Master's degree in Sexuality Studies from San Francisco State University. For more information about David's practice, visit rousetherapy.com.

      Continuing Education Credit 

      Certificates will be distributed upon completion of an Evaluation.  Participants will only receive credit for actual attendance. 

      Course meets the qualifications for 2 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences

      The Central Coast Chapter of CAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (Provider #62273) to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs. The Central Coast Chapter of CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

      Grievances

      While the Central Coast Chapter of CAMFT makes every effort to assure fair treatment for all participants and attempts to anticipate problems, there may be occasional issues with regard to presentations/workshops which will require intervention and/or action on the part of the board. This procedural description serves as a guideline for handling such grievances.

      When a participant files a grievance and expects action on the complaint, the following actions will be taken:

      1. The participant(s) will be asked to put concerns in writing (this can be in electronic form, such as an email).
      1. If the grievance concerns a presenter, the content presented by the speaker, or the style of presentation, the individual filing the grievance will be asked to put their comments in written format. The Board will then pass on the comments to the speaker, assuring the confidentiality of the grieved individual.
      1. If the grievance concerns a presentation/workshop offering, its content, level of presentation, or the facilities in which the workshop was offered, the Board will mediate and will be the final arbitrator. If the participant requests action, the Board will:
      • provide a credit for a subsequent presentation/workshop or
      • provide a partial or full refund of the presentation/workshop fee

      Refund policy:

      Registrants must cancel their registration within 10 days of the event to receive a refund minus a $5 administrative fee.  Exceptions can be made for 48-hour notices in case of an emergency.  If you need to cancel, please contact Event Chair, Kim Richards: richardskimlmft@gmail.com. 

      Special Accommodations

      If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any of our events, please contact Event Chair Kim Richards within 10 days of the upcoming event at 805.458.8063 or email Kim Richards at richardskimlmft@gmail.com.

      Show details

    1. I’m Delighted You’re Here: How Delight Promotes Therapeutic Change in Group Therapy

      • Sat, October 24, 2026
      • 9:30 AM - 12:45 PM
      • Unitarian Universalist Church in SLO
      • 1 registrant
      Register

      Central Coast–CAMFT

      Presents:

      I’m Delighted You’re Here:How Delight Promotes Therapeutic Change in Group Therapy

      with Evan Perlo, 

      LMFT, CGP, CA MFT #: 129083

      Saturday, October 24th, 2026, 9:30 am-12:45 pm 

      Number of CEs: 3 

      Overview

      An often overlooked but necessary condition for secure attachment is the felt sense that our caregivers genuinely delight in our presence. Depending on how conditional that delight was in our early familial relationships, we learned to adjust our authenticity to stay connected. By tuning into what we easily delight in, and turning toward what is difficult to delight in, group therapists can strengthen feelings of belonging, interrupt scapegoating, and widen the range of authentic participation in a group. This creates a culture of constructive authenticity, where connection increases when members engage more honestly with themselves and one another. In this environment, the group becomes a more productive therapeutic space for taking relational risks, receiving meaningful feedback, and practicing new ways of being.

      Goals

      This course is designed to help therapists apply attachment theory and interpersonal group theory to strengthen therapeutic rapport and foster constructive alliances among group members. Participants will learn strategies for helping group members identify and discuss positive self perceptions; mapping how insecure attachment shapes authenticity and social communication; and interrupting scapegoating by distributing ownership of difficulty across the group. Together, these practices support greater authenticity, belonging, and group cohesion.

      Evan Perlo


      Evan Perlo, LMFT, CGP is a psychotherapist and certified group therapist who works with individuals, couples, families, and long-term psychodynamic process groups. He maintains an in-person practice in San Luis Obispo and virtual practice throughout California. He is a clinical supervisor at the Community Counseling Center. He trained at the Southern California Counseling Center and the New Center for Psychoanalysis. Evan continues to train at the Center for Group Studies in Manhattan and the American Group Psychotherapy Association. He is serving on the GPALA Board of Directors for his 4th term, currently as Treasurer. He leads workshops and trainings for group therapists and presents locally and nationally. Evan believes in the power of groups to cultivate belonging and vitality through direct, vulnerable communication.

      3 CEs

      Certificates will be distributed upon completion of an Evaluation.  Participants will only receive credit for actual attendance. 

      Course meets the qualifications for 3 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences

      The Central Coast Chapter of CAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (Provider #62273) to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs. The Central Coast Chapter of CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

      Grievances

      While the Central Coast Chapter of CAMFT makes every effort to assure fair treatment for all participants and attempts to anticipate problems, there may be occasional issues with regard to presentations/workshops which will require intervention and/or action on the part of the board. This procedural description serves as a guideline for handling such grievances.

      When a participant files a grievance and expects action on the complaint, the following actions will be taken:

      1. The participant(s) will be asked to put concerns in writing (this can be in electronic form, such as an email).
      1. If the grievance concerns a presenter, the content presented by the speaker, or the style of presentation, the individual filing the grievance will be asked to put their comments in written format. The Board will then pass on the comments to the speaker, assuring the confidentiality of the grieved individual.
      1. If the grievance concerns a presentation/workshop offering, its content, level of presentation, or the facilities in which the workshop was offered, the Board will mediate and will be the final arbitrator. If the participant requests action, the Board will:
      • provide a credit for a subsequent presentation/workshop or
      • provide a partial or full refund of the presentation/workshop fee

      Refund policy:

      Registrants must cancel their registration within 10 days of the event to receive a refund minus a $5 administrative fee.  Exceptions can be made for 48-hour notices in case of an emergency.  If you need to cancel, please contact Event Chair, Kim Richards: richardskimlmft@gmail.com. 

      Special Accommodations

      If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any of our events, please contact Event Chair Kim Richards within 10 days of the upcoming event at 805.458.8063 or email Kim Richards at richardskimlmft@gmail.com.

      Show details

    2. Treating Binge Eating with Self-Compassion: A Trauma-Informed Approach

      • Sat, November 07, 2026
      • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
      • Virtual via Zoom
      • 1 registrant
      Register

      Central Coast–CAMFT

      Treating Binge Eating with
      Self-Compassion: A Trauma Informed Approach

      Presented by Erica Thomas, Licensed MFT #77166

      Virtually Via Zoom
      2 CE credits

      Treating Binge Eating with Self-Compassion: A Trauma-Informed Approach is a practical, research-informed training designed to help licensed therapists effectively address binge eating through the lens of self-compassion.

      Grounded in the work of Kristin Neff, Paul Gilbert, and trauma-informed care, this workshop reframes binge eating as a meaningful coping strategy rooted in emotional pain and shame. Participants will learn self-compassion–based interventions to help clients move beyond cycles of self-criticism and secrecy toward greater emotional regulation, inner safety, and lasting healing.

      This beginning-to-intermediate level training is ideal for clinicians working with disordered eating, chronic dieting, body image distress, or trauma-related emotional dysregulation. Through case examples, guided practices, and experiential exercises, participants will gain skills for introducing self-compassion in ways that honor clients’ protective strategies while gently expanding new ways of relating to food, body, and self.

      The training also emphasizes therapist self-reflection, supporting clinicians in maintaining a compassionate stance when encountering stuckness, resistance, or countertransference. Attendees will leave with practical tools and language they can immediately apply to help clients reduce shame and cultivate a more compassionate relationship with themselves.

      Presentation Goals

        1. This training will provide therapists with a trauma-informed framework for treating binge eating using self-compassion-based interventions.
        2. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how binge eating functions as an emotional coping strategy.
        3. Participants will learn practical tools to help clients reduce shame, regulate emotions, and build a kinder relationship with food and body.

          Measurable objectives

          1. Describe at least three ways that trauma can contribute to the development and maintenance of binge eating behaviors.
          2. Identify at least three self-compassion-based interventions that can be integrated into clinical work with clients struggling with binge eating.
          3. Explain how self-compassion can reduce shame and self-criticism in clients with disordered eating.
          4. Apply at least two trauma-informed strategies for introducing self-compassion practices to clients who use food as an emotional coping tool.
          5. Describe at least two ways self-compassion practices can be adapted to support clients from diverse cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds in the treatment of binge eating.

          About the Presenter

          Erica Thomas, MA, LMFT has over 15 years of experience supporting clients in healing from trauma, emotional eating, and disordered eating. She specializes in helping clients develop a more compassionate relationship with food and body, drawing from her training with Dr. Kristin Neff and her background in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Erica maintains a private practice in Rohnert Park and Lafayette, CA, and offers coaching and an online course to support individuals struggling with emotional eating. Her work blends evidence-based practices with deep empathy and a belief that healing begins with kindness toward ourselves.

          TARGET AUDIENCE: Licensed psychologists, licensed social workers, licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage & family therapists, and pre-licensed professionals.

          CE Credit Certificates

          The course meets the qualifications for 2 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

          CCCAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs. 

          Note: Certificates of Completion will be awarded to participants who attend the entire workshop and complete the course evaluation. You will receive an email with the evaluation after the training and upon completion of the evaluation, you will receive a downloadable CE certificate.

          Grievances

          While the Central Coast Chapter of CAMFT makes every effort to assure fair treatment for all participants and attempts to anticipate problems, there may be occasional issues with regard to presentations/workshops which will require intervention and/or action on the part of the board. This procedural description serves as a guideline for handling such grievances.

          When a participant files a grievance and expects action on the complaint, the following actions will be taken:

          1. The participant(s) will be asked to put concerns in writing (this can be in electronic form, such as an email).
          1. If the grievance concerns a presenter, the content presented by the speaker, or the style of presentation, the individual filing the grievance will be asked to put their comments in written format. The Board will then pass on the comments to the speaker, assuring the confidentiality of the grieved individual.
          1. If the grievance concerns a presentation/workshop offering, its content, level of presentation, or the facilities in which the workshop was offered, the Board will mediate and will be the final arbitrator. If the participant requests action, the Board will:
          • provide a credit for a subsequent presentation/workshop or
          • provide a partial or full refund of the presentation/workshop fee


          Refund policy:

          registrants must cancel their registration within 10 days of the event to receive a refund minus a $5 administrative fee.  Exceptions can be made for 48-hour notices in case of an emergency.  If you need to cancel, please contact Event Chair, Kim Richards: richardskimlmft@gmail.com. 


          Special Accommodations

          If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any of our events, please contact Event Chair Kim Richards within 10 days of the upcoming event at 805.458.8063 or email Kim Richards at richardskimlmft@gmail.com.

          Show details

        • Therapist Hike and Connect with Central Coast CAMFT

          • Sun, November 08, 2026
          • 10:00 AM
          • Details will be shared closer to the event
          • 1 registrant
          Register

          Central Coast–CAMFT

          Therapist Hike and Connect with Central Coast CAMFT

          When: Sunday, November 8, 10am

          What: Therapists, join us for a refreshing Hike & Connect event on the
          beautiful Central Coast. This is a casual, social hike designed to get
          outside, enjoy some movement, and connect with fellow mental health
          professionals in a relaxed setting.

          Whether you are looking to network, build community, or simply enjoy a
          relaxed morning outdoors with colleagues, this event is for you. Come
          solo or bring a colleague. We would love to see you there.

          This is a free event, but please register so we know how many people to expect.
          Show details

        • Law and Ethics

          • Sat, November 14, 2026
          • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
          • Hybrid - virtual and in person at San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

          Central Coast–CAMFT


           Law and Ethics

          with Dave Jensen, JD

          6 CEs

          Sat. November 14th, 2026 9:00am-4:00pm
          with a 1 hour lunch break

          San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks St,
          San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
          and available virtually

          Overview

          Although the paper a subpoena is printed on is light, a subpoena is a "heavy" document because of the legal responsibilities embedded within it.  These responsibilities affect the lawyers who issue them, the courts that enforce them, and the therapists subject to them.  In this 6-hour law and ethics presentation, attorney Dave Jensen, a long time friend of the Central Coast Chapter of CAMFT, wll review California's laws regarding the issuing and serving of subpoenas; the creation and destruction of the psychotherapist-patient privilege; and,  what to do in response to a subpoena, especially one for deposition testimony.  Attorney Jensen is optimistic that after taking this class, you will actually look forward to being served with a subpoena, but maybe not. At least you will know who to call to discuss it.

          Goal 

          This course is designed to help therapists understand some important legal principles pertaining to their profession and to apply them in their practices.

          Measurable objectives:

          a.      Participants will be able to identify how the psychotherapist-patient privilege is different from the physician-patient privilege.

          b.     Participants will be able to assert the psychotherapist-patient privilege and understand the ramifications thereof.

          c.      Participants will be able to describe the parameters of the patient-litigant exception to the psychotherapist-patient privilege.

          d.     Participants will be able to identify five different types of questions asked during deposition testimony.

          e.   Participants will be able to describe their rights with regards to deposition testimony. 

          About David G. Jensen - CTSC LAW - Callahan Thompson Sherman & Caudill LLP

          David G. Jensen is an associate in the firm’s litigation and psychology practice sections and he is based in the San Diego CTSC office.

          He was born in Flint, Michigan and remains an ardent Detroit Tigers fan. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and his Juris Doctor degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California. He also holds a Master’s of Liberal Studies degree from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas.

          Prior to joining CTSC Law, Mr. Jensen worked in-house for the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), where he assisted CAMFT’s members in understanding and complying with their legal and ethical requirements. A popular and engaging presenter, Mr. Jensen has given numerous workshops throughout the state on compliance issues for psychotherapists. In addition, to providing workshops for local chapters of CAMFT, he also conducted trainings for nonprofit agencies, government agencies, and universities. He has also assisted psychotherapists in forming professional corporations and nonprofit corporations. 

          ______________________________________________________

          Grievance Policy
          While the Central Coast Chapter of CAMFT makes every effort to assure fair treatment for all participants and attempts to anticipate problems, there will be occasional issues with regard to presentations/workshops which will require intervention and/or action on the part of the board. This procedural description serves as a guideline for handling such grievances.

          When a participant files a grievance and expects action on the complaint, the following actions will be taken:

          1. The participant(s) will be asked to put concerns in writing (this can be in electronic form, such as an email).
          2. If the grievance concerns a presenter, the content presented by the speaker, or the style of presentation, the individual filing the grievance will be asked to put their comments in written format. The Board will then pass on the comments to the speaker, assuring the confidentiality of the grieved individual.
          3. If the grievance concerns a presentation/workshop offering, its content, level of presentation, or the facilities in which the workshop was offered, the Board will mediate and will be the final arbitrator. If the participant requests action, the Board will:
          • provide a credit for a subsequent presentation/workshop or
          • provide a partial or full refund of the presentation/workshop fee

          ______________________________________________________

          Refund policy: registrants must cancel their registration within 10 days of the event to receive a refund minus a $10 administrative fee.  Exceptions can be made for 48-hour notices in case of an emergency.  If you need to cancel, please contact Event Chair, Kim Richards at richardskimlmft@gmail.com.

          ______________________________________________________

          Special Accommodations If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any of our events, please contact Event Chair, Kim Richards within 10 days of the upcoming event at richardskimlmft@gmail.com.

          Show details

        • How to Attract and Track Your Ideal Client with Frances Barry, LMFT

          • Fri, December 04, 2026
          • Virtual

          Central Coast–CAMFT

          Presents:
          How to Attract and Track Your Ideal Client
          with Frances Barry, LMFT

          Friday, December 4th, 2026

          Number of CEs: 0 

          Save the Date!

          Details to come!

          Grievances

          While the Central Coast Chapter of CAMFT makes every effort to assure fair treatment for all participants and attempts to anticipate problems, there may be occasional issues with regard to presentations/workshops which will require intervention and/or action on the part of the board. This procedural description serves as a guideline for handling such grievances.

          When a participant files a grievance and expects action on the complaint, the following actions will be taken:

          1. The participant(s) will be asked to put concerns in writing (this can be in electronic form, such as an email).
          1. If the grievance concerns a presenter, the content presented by the speaker, or the style of presentation, the individual filing the grievance will be asked to put their comments in written format. The Board will then pass on the comments to the speaker, assuring the confidentiality of the grieved individual.
          1. If the grievance concerns a presentation/workshop offering, its content, level of presentation, or the facilities in which the workshop was offered, the Board will mediate and will be the final arbitrator. If the participant requests action, the Board will:
          • provide a credit for a subsequent presentation/workshop or
          • provide a partial or full refund of the presentation/workshop fee

          Refund policy:

          Registrants must cancel their registration within 10 days of the event to receive a refund minus a $5 administrative fee.  Exceptions can be made for 48-hour notices in case of an emergency.  If you need to cancel, please contact Event Chair, Kim Richards: richardskimlmft@gmail.com. 

          Special Accommodations

          If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any of our events, please contact Event Chair Kim Richards within 10 days of the upcoming event at 805.458.8063 or email Kim Richards at richardskimlmft@gmail.com.

          Show details

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