MotherCircle Alameda is a sacred gathering for mothers of all stages who want to have deeper conversations about motherhood in the presence of a supportive community. MotherCircle offers an opportunity to mine the profound wisdom that can emerge through motherhood. It supports you to explore the unseen arc of your motherhood journey, step confidently into your new identity as a mother, and build the village you need along the way. Circling together returns us to an age-old practice: women, sitting in circle, growing together through support, honesty, and courage. Offered 3 times a year. NEW SESSION BEGINS JANUARY 25.
Hosted by Sarah Connolly
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, EMDR
Group meets in Alameda, CA 94501
My passion is to help you attend to the pain and trauma that can arise on the parenting path so that you can live with ease in the present moment.
MotherCircle Alameda is a sacred gathering for mothers of all stages who want to have deeper conversations about motherhood in the presence of a supportive community. MotherCircle offers an opportunity to mine the profound wisdom that can emerge through motherhood. It supports you to explore the unseen arc of your motherhood journey, step confidently into your new identity as a mother, and build the village you need along the way. Circling together returns us to an age-old practice: women, sitting in circle, growing together through support, honesty, and courage. Offered 3 times a year. NEW SESSION BEGINS JANUARY 25.
Backed by decades of research from the Gottman Institute, Bringing Baby Home sessions are filled with information, thought-provoking exercises, and opportunities to strengthen your relationship during parenthood. Research indicates that around two-thirds of parents experience a significant drop in relationship satisfaction within the first three years after the birth of a child. This workshop's goal is to support new and soon-to-be parents in maintaining a fulfilling and resilient relationship during this critical time. Join us to learn how to strengthen the connection between parents to create a loving and harmonious environment for your growing family!
Hosted by Melany Barr-Patz
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, M Ed, NCC
Group meets in Albany, CA 94706
I offer individual therapy for kids and adults, parent consultations, and parenting workshops.
Backed by decades of research from the Gottman Institute, Bringing Baby Home sessions are filled with information, thought-provoking exercises, and opportunities to strengthen your relationship during parenthood. Research indicates that around two-thirds of parents experience a significant drop in relationship satisfaction within the first three years after the birth of a child. This workshop's goal is to support new and soon-to-be parents in maintaining a fulfilling and resilient relationship during this critical time. Join us to learn how to strengthen the connection between parents to create a loving and harmonious environment for your growing family!
THURSDAYS 10am-11am. Mothers of young children (0-3 yrs) are welcome to join this weekly group to process, vent, grow, and heal postpartum. 5 members per session/ rolling enrollment/ $50/session without insurance.
I have been working with women and mothers for over a decade and have extensive experience and training in working with women throughout all of life's stages and existential themes like: career, relationships, identity, inner child wounding, and for mothers: postpartum, parenting, and empty nesting!
THURSDAYS 10am-11am. Mothers of young children (0-3 yrs) are welcome to join this weekly group to process, vent, grow, and heal postpartum. 5 members per session/ rolling enrollment/ $50/session without insurance.
This is a healing space for women navigating the raw, often unseen realities of the postpartum journey. This circle is for new mothers facing perinatal anxiety, depression, or birth trauma—who feel overwhelmed, isolated, or like everyone else seems to have it all together. This is not another playgroup filled with small talk. This is a safe space to bring your whole self: your fears, grief, questions, and truth. Together, we’ll create a supportive, non-judgmental space to connect, share, and heal. Facilitated by Emily Rose Heard, LMFTmother, trauma therapist, and former birth doula.
This is a healing space for women navigating the raw, often unseen realities of the postpartum journey. This circle is for new mothers facing perinatal anxiety, depression, or birth trauma—who feel overwhelmed, isolated, or like everyone else seems to have it all together. This is not another playgroup filled with small talk. This is a safe space to bring your whole self: your fears, grief, questions, and truth. Together, we’ll create a supportive, non-judgmental space to connect, share, and heal. Facilitated by Emily Rose Heard, LMFTmother, trauma therapist, and former birth doula.
NEXT GROUP in 2020 - Check website for details * Almost 2/3 of marriages with stepchildren end in divorce. * 50% of children in the U.S. will experience divorce by age 18. Almost half are likely to suffer from depression. YOU CAN BEAT THE ODDS: * Identify the unique dynamics of stepfamilies that drive people apart & how to counteract them. CONTACT morelovinghome@yahoo.com A stepparent since 2009, Edina is trained as a therapeutic foster parent, and has worked with individuals, couples and families for over 20 years as an educator and social worker.
Hosted by Edina C Adler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA, Mediatr
Group meets in Pleasanton, CA 94588
NEXT GROUP in 2020 - Check website for details * Almost 2/3 of marriages with stepchildren end in divorce. * 50% of children in the U.S. will experience divorce by age 18. Almost half are likely to suffer from depression. YOU CAN BEAT THE ODDS: * Identify the unique dynamics of stepfamilies that drive people apart & how to counteract them. CONTACT morelovinghome@yahoo.com A stepparent since 2009, Edina is trained as a therapeutic foster parent, and has worked with individuals, couples and families for over 20 years as an educator and social worker.
In-person support group for parents of transgender teens and young adults. Come together in all the stages of understanding and acceptance, grief and loss, ally ship and celebration. Share complex feelings, stories and wisdom in an environment of love and support. Next meeting is May 26, 2024.
In-person support group for parents of transgender teens and young adults. Come together in all the stages of understanding and acceptance, grief and loss, ally ship and celebration. Share complex feelings, stories and wisdom in an environment of love and support. Next meeting is May 26, 2024.
An online process group for moms of children going to college is a supportive, therapist-led space where mothers can openly discuss the emotions and transitions associated with their child leaving home for college. These groups provide a structured yet flexible environment for processing feelings of grief, pride, identity shifts, and adjusting to a new family dynamic.
Hosted by Dr. Jennifer Green
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPCC
Group meets in Pleasanton, CA 94566
Therapy intensives for parenting, anxiety, or grief are available for adults.
An online process group for moms of children going to college is a supportive, therapist-led space where mothers can openly discuss the emotions and transitions associated with their child leaving home for college. These groups provide a structured yet flexible environment for processing feelings of grief, pride, identity shifts, and adjusting to a new family dynamic.
Learn the 5 Hand in Hand Listening tools and how to apply them in your own family and in therapy with children in these interactive and small classes. More info here: sfbayplaytherapy.com/ parent-groups.html
Learn the 5 Hand in Hand Listening tools and how to apply them in your own family and in therapy with children in these interactive and small classes. More info here: sfbayplaytherapy.com/ parent-groups.html
The Center for Early Childhood Connections provides relationship focused, culturally attuned, and collaborative educational, mental health and wellness supports starting from pregnancy through age five for young children and those who care for them.
The Center for Early Childhood Connections provides relationship focused, culturally attuned, and collaborative educational, mental health and wellness supports starting from pregnancy through age five for young children and those who care for them.
The impact of bringing a child into the world can be challenging to navigate, but as fathers we can strengthen one another. In this group we will be looking at our own experiences in childhood and what was modeled by our parents to better understand how to move towards being the fathers and partners we want to be. This is a small, in person group of four to six dads that will meet weekly for six weeks.
The impact of bringing a child into the world can be challenging to navigate, but as fathers we can strengthen one another. In this group we will be looking at our own experiences in childhood and what was modeled by our parents to better understand how to move towards being the fathers and partners we want to be. This is a small, in person group of four to six dads that will meet weekly for six weeks.
As a mom, you're likely the center of the household. You're constantly responding to your family's needs, big and small. But when you're so busy caring for others, it's hard to find the perspective to look at the big picture of your own life. You know that things could be better, but you're confused about the what, irritated by the how, and overwhelmed by the when. This workshop helps you get back in sync. You'll be guided through discussion and exercises with moms who are ready to connect with consciousness and community.
Hosted by Nicole George-O'Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94601
As a mom, you're likely the center of the household. You're constantly responding to your family's needs, big and small. But when you're so busy caring for others, it's hard to find the perspective to look at the big picture of your own life. You know that things could be better, but you're confused about the what, irritated by the how, and overwhelmed by the when. This workshop helps you get back in sync. You'll be guided through discussion and exercises with moms who are ready to connect with consciousness and community.
A group for parents and caregivers of teenagers (ages 13-19) who are currently experiencing or recently experienced a mental health crisis. This includes caregivers of teens that are currently in a higher level of care program (inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient) or were recently in a program. The purpose of this group is to help parents navigate crises with their teens, giving them tools to better communicate with and support their teens, while also getting support from other parents with similar experiences.
A group for parents and caregivers of teenagers (ages 13-19) who are currently experiencing or recently experienced a mental health crisis. This includes caregivers of teens that are currently in a higher level of care program (inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient) or were recently in a program. The purpose of this group is to help parents navigate crises with their teens, giving them tools to better communicate with and support their teens, while also getting support from other parents with similar experiences.
As a mom to a neurodiverse, medically complex child, I understand the challenges that accompany raising these special kiddos. I've created a safe, welcoming space to share our experiences and get support from other moms on this journey. Please reach out if you would like to join!
As a mom to a neurodiverse, medically complex child, I understand the challenges that accompany raising these special kiddos. I've created a safe, welcoming space to share our experiences and get support from other moms on this journey. Please reach out if you would like to join!
Building strong, meaningful friendships is essential for a fulfilling life, yet many men struggle to find and maintain deep connections. This group is a space to explore and strengthen friendships that support not just social connection, but also overall mental, emotional, and relational well-being. Together, we’ll focus on creating healthy, authentic relationships that help us show up more fully in all areas of life. Through open conversations and shared experiences, we’ll support each other in fostering lasting connections. Join us in building the kind of friendships that truly matter.
Building strong, meaningful friendships is essential for a fulfilling life, yet many men struggle to find and maintain deep connections. This group is a space to explore and strengthen friendships that support not just social connection, but also overall mental, emotional, and relational well-being. Together, we’ll focus on creating healthy, authentic relationships that help us show up more fully in all areas of life. Through open conversations and shared experiences, we’ll support each other in fostering lasting connections. Join us in building the kind of friendships that truly matter.
First time motherhood, in particular, is a time of great transition. One thing new mothers often find, but have trouble defining, is the changes they undergo in their identity and how they handle and make room in their lives for the changing demands that new motherhood, in particular, entails. In this group we will discuss the experiences of motherhood from body, to mind, to emotions, to relationships.
First time motherhood, in particular, is a time of great transition. One thing new mothers often find, but have trouble defining, is the changes they undergo in their identity and how they handle and make room in their lives for the changing demands that new motherhood, in particular, entails. In this group we will discuss the experiences of motherhood from body, to mind, to emotions, to relationships.
We meet weekly in my home studio space in Berkeley for 90 minutes. We begin with a listening/talking stick circle and then transition to stitching and mending members' own projects in the company of our small group. Members can also work on a communal sewing project together. Members bring their own supplies, snacks and beverages. We end with a closing listening/talking stick circle.
We meet weekly in my home studio space in Berkeley for 90 minutes. We begin with a listening/talking stick circle and then transition to stitching and mending members' own projects in the company of our small group. Members can also work on a communal sewing project together. Members bring their own supplies, snacks and beverages. We end with a closing listening/talking stick circle.
Many moms have a hard time after having a baby. Sometimes, it can really help to talk openly with other moms who are going through the same thing. I offer both in-person and virtual supportive therapy groups for moms with babies under one year of age. In these small, judgement-free groups, I introduce a new topic related to motherhood each time we all meet. Please contact me to be pre-screened for the group and to reserve a spot. (Feel free to bring your baby.)
Hosted by Victoria Rutsch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, PMH-C
Group meets in Pleasanton, CA 94588
Many moms have a hard time after having a baby. Sometimes, it can really help to talk openly with other moms who are going through the same thing. I offer both in-person and virtual supportive therapy groups for moms with babies under one year of age. In these small, judgement-free groups, I introduce a new topic related to motherhood each time we all meet. Please contact me to be pre-screened for the group and to reserve a spot. (Feel free to bring your baby.)
This group is to help parents during the stressful period of their child's college application process. It will provide both support and information about your role and how to best help your child. It will provide guidance about when to intervene, how to keep appropriate boundaries and when you need to provide assistance for your child. It's helpful to have a weekly structure to help address your concerns and anxiety so your child does not need to be burdened by this during their own time of academic stress and emotional challenge.
This group is to help parents during the stressful period of their child's college application process. It will provide both support and information about your role and how to best help your child. It will provide guidance about when to intervene, how to keep appropriate boundaries and when you need to provide assistance for your child. It's helpful to have a weekly structure to help address your concerns and anxiety so your child does not need to be burdened by this during their own time of academic stress and emotional challenge.
A virtual 75 min. weekly support group (12 sessions duration) for those who identify as artists and parents. This is an all gender group where each member will have space to voice their unique experiences about what it is like to be an artist and a parent in today’s ecological and political climate. Together, we will share and learn. This group is for ALL kinds of creatives. I am currently recruiting for the fall group, which will begin in September. Start time is flexible depending on group members availability.
A virtual 75 min. weekly support group (12 sessions duration) for those who identify as artists and parents. This is an all gender group where each member will have space to voice their unique experiences about what it is like to be an artist and a parent in today’s ecological and political climate. Together, we will share and learn. This group is for ALL kinds of creatives. I am currently recruiting for the fall group, which will begin in September. Start time is flexible depending on group members availability.
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS! Becoming a new parent is a joy beyond words. It is also challenging in ways most of us can’t anticipate until we’re in it. This group is here to support new dads as they navigate the amazing and overwhelming experience of becoming a father. Topics include processing this big life adjustment, maintaining a healthy partnership, self-care, understanding how our past shows up in our parenting, and celebrating the joys of being a dad with other dads.
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS! Becoming a new parent is a joy beyond words. It is also challenging in ways most of us can’t anticipate until we’re in it. This group is here to support new dads as they navigate the amazing and overwhelming experience of becoming a father. Topics include processing this big life adjustment, maintaining a healthy partnership, self-care, understanding how our past shows up in our parenting, and celebrating the joys of being a dad with other dads.
See more therapy options for Alameda County
Parenting Support Groups
What does therapy for parenting look like?
Therapists may work with parents individually, together, or include the whole family to find solutions for the problems a parent faces. Many parent-based therapies work on a parent’s relationship with their children, problem-solving within the family, and analysis of family dynamics. Therapy conducted remotely by video may be helpful in allowing a therapist to observe how families interact in their own homes.
When should a parent seek therapy?
When behavioral problems begin to disrupt the healthy functioning of a family, it may be a good time to look into therapy. If parents find that children are acting out in school, have started using drugs or alcohol, have developed eating disorders, or other similar red flags, a therapist may be able to help.
How long does therapy take for parenting problems?
Depending on the severity of a family’s challenges and the type of treatment utilized, therapy for parenting can last from weeks to months. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a pragmatic therapy type that can be brief, most often ranging from between 5 and 20 sessions. Structural family therapy, which inspects family dynamics, often takes several months. Parent-child interaction therapy is typically shorter-term, lasting between 10 and 20 sessions. For any therapy, the duration will depend on the progress made and results realized.
Can therapy help parents dealing with burnout or stress?
Parenting is difficult. Parents may dismiss or conceal feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm, or escape ideation—imagining withdrawing from their parental obligations altogether. but left unattended, these feelings can have negative effects on the whole family. A therapist can help parents work on the skills they might need to better cope with the burdens of parenting and help them be the best parents they can be.