Parenting & Family Therapy

Start Feeling Better Now – Call (650) 461-9026 or Text (650) 461-9026

Are conflicts or stress disrupting your family life? Parenting & Family Therapy provides the help your family is needing:

  • Are you having arguments or misunderstandings that feel impossible to resolve?
  • Do you have challenges setting boundaries for your children?
  • Is a family member depressed or anxious, affecting the whole household?
  • Are you struggling with major transitions such as a divorce or new parenthood?
  • Is there a lack of trust, connection, or emotional support between family members?

Family dynamics can be complicated, and therapy can help you to learn new tools to navigate these challenges. At Palo Alto Therapy, we help families improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build stronger emotional bonds.

There is Support for You & Your Family at Palo Alto Therapy

Call us (650) 461-9026 or Text us (650) 461-9026 today to get started, or book online – in-person and video appointments available!

Understanding Parenting & Family Therapy

Parenting and family therapy focuses on the well-being of the family system. Whether you’re a blended family, a single-parent household, a multi-generational home or any other family configuration, we create a safe space to explore issues and build healthier dynamics.

There are countless reasons parents and families seek therapy, including:

  • Arguments or constant conflict, or tension in the household
  • Balancing home and work-life
  • Clashing personalities
  • Disagreements on parenting styles
  • Divorce or separation
  • Significant transitions
  • Behavioral challenges in children
  • Frequent misbehavior or dishonesty
  • Unexpected loss of a family member
  • Improving ability to connect or communicate

Our goal is to help parents and families identify and overcome the patterns that create tension, so they can experience more harmony and support in daily life.

Our Approach to Parenting & Family Therapy

At Palo Alto Therapy, we use evidence-based methods tailored to your family’s needs. These methods, grounded in research and proven to be effective, include strategies like active listening, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and conflict resolution training. Active listening encourages family members to fully understand each other’s perspectives, reducing misunderstandings and fostering empathy. CBT helps individuals reframe negative thought patterns that contribute to family stress, while conflict resolution techniques promote constructive dialogue and compromise.
Additionally, family therapy models, such as structural or solution-focused therapy, provide structured frameworks for improving communication and resolving underlying issues. Your therapist will work with you to meet your family’s needs.

Take the First Step Towards a Healthier, Happier Family

Family therapy offers a path to greater connection, less conflict, and a stronger sense of support. Contact Palo Alto Therapy today to start your journey toward a more harmonious home.

– Weekday, Evening, & Saturday Appointments Available –

At Palo Alto Therapy, we specialize in helping you overcome all types of anxiety problems. We are knowledgeable, warm, and patient, creating tangible results with techniques that are based on evidence and research. Your relief can be achieved without long-term counseling.

With convenient office locations in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and San Jose, we proudly serve the entire Silicon Valley community – from Stanford University and the Peninsula to the South Bay, offering easy access for tech professionals, students, and families.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parents & Family Therapy

This really depends on many factors including what you would like to get out of Parents & Family therapy. While some families see improvement in just a few sessions, others may benefit from ongoing support over several months. Your therapist will work with you to create a personalized plan that works for your family.

Therapy can benefit any family looking to strengthen their relationships or navigate challenges. If conflicts feel constant, communication is strained, or a family member’s difficulties are affecting everyone, therapy can provide valuable tools to restore balance.

It’s common for children, especially teens, to feel hesitant about therapy. Parents can start sessions on their own to learn strategies for creating a supportive environment. Over time, our therapists work to make therapy a welcoming space for all family members.

Not necessarily. Sessions may involve all family members at times, while other sessions might focus on specific relationships, such as parent-child dynamics or co-parenting strategies. For families with young children, therapists often tailor the approach to their developmental stage, incorporating play-based activities or visual aids to engage them meaningfully.

Additionally, family therapy can include members who don’t live in the home full-time, such as step-parents or grandparents. These sessions can be structured to accommodate schedules and ensure that everyone who plays a role in the family’s dynamics has a voice in the process. The goal is to create a supportive environment where each family member feels heard, even if they cannot attend every session.

Absolutely. Family therapy supports families coping with mental health concerns like anxiety or ADHD. It equips parents and siblings with tools to create a nurturing home environment that benefits everyone’s well-being regardless of who in the family exhibits specific symptoms.

Our approach combines evidence-based treatments with a deep understanding of the unique challenges of life in Silicon Valley. Palo Alto Therapy’s 15+ years as a practice serving the 650 and 408 communities means that we understand the fast-paced lifestyle and pressures families face here, including those related to raising children in such a demanding environment. Our goal is to help you and your family not just navigate these challenges but truly thrive.

Choose from three locations:

  • Palo Alto: Convenient for downtown professionals and Stanford area.
  • Menlo Park: Accessible to Sand Hill Road and Meta campuses.
  • San Jose: Ideal for South Bay residents.

All locations offer free parking and are easily accessible from major highways and Caltrain.

Recognizing Good Therapy

evidence based therapy

Evidence-Based

Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, we provide effective & caring counseling. Our therapists are passionate in delivering high-quality therapy & enhance their skills through the latest trainings.

specialized counseling

Strong Relationships

Our relationship with you is valued & of highest importance. We are compassionate, respectful, & honest. Our professional counseling includes working side by side with you towards YOUR goals.

Short-Term & Focused

Our active therapists use tailored homework exercises to help you find relief in a timely manner. By keeping our meetings on track & targeting specific concerns we help you enjoy life again, usually in a matter of months not years.

Client Convenience

Appointments after 5pm & Saturdays, friendly administrative staff, & three locations: Palo Alto, Menlo Park, & San Jose. We help children, teens & adults, couples, & families. Video therapy available!

Meet Our Team of Family CBT Therapists in Palo Alto & San Jose

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Jacquelyn Jacqui Lewis Therapist
Jacquelyn “Jacqui” Lewis, LMFT, ATR-BC, CCTP, ACCTS
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 13+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Couples, Family, Teen Counseling
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Bella Stitt, LMFT, Therapist at Palo Alto Therapy
Bella Stitt, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 11+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Teen Counseling
Jen Clayman, AMFT, APCC
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, AMFT, APCC, Under Licensed Supervision
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Location: Palo Alto
Ages: 13+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Couples, Family, Teen Counseling
Nicole Brunn Therapist
Nicole Brunn, LMFT, LPCC
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, San Jose, Video Therapy
Ages: 11+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Teen Counseling
Jennifer Jenny Estes, LCSW, Therapist at Palo Alto Therapy
Jennifer “Jenny” Estes, LCSW
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Video Therapy
Ages: 12+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
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Deborah Coblentz, LMFT, Therapist at Palo Alto Therapy
Deborah Coblentz, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, San Jose, Video Therapy
Ages: 4+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Jacqueline Eaton-Willard, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Menlo Park, Palo Alto
Ages: 4+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Jennifer “Jenny” Hays, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 4+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
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Sarah Chelew, AMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, AMFT, Under Licensed Supervision
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Location: Menlo Park, Palo Alto
Ages: 4+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Deborah Brewer San Jose Therapist
Deborah Brewer, LCSW – Clinic Director
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 6+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling