Parenting Therapists in Berkeley, CA
Caroline McDowell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
I have a special interest in working with people that are facing life transitions: becoming a parent, getting married/divorced, changing jobs, moving, going back to school, infertility, traumas, grief, infidelity, impact of addictions, depression, and anxiety on your life and those around you.
Are you having the same conflict over and over again with your partner, adolescent daughter, parent, friend, or boss? Are you feeling ambivalent about having a child or do you already have a child and feeling stuck with your parenting skills? Are you and your partner struggling with infertility issues? Are you feeling depressed, anxious, or wanting to revamp your life? If any of these questions resonate with you then I may be able to help you. I have successfully worked with people dealing with similar life challenges; I hope to have the chance to work with you too.
I have a special interest in working with people that are facing life transitions: becoming a parent, getting married/divorced, changing jobs, moving, going back to school, infertility, traumas, grief, infidelity, impact of addictions, depression, and anxiety on your life and those around you.
Are you having the same conflict over and over again with your partner, adolescent daughter, parent, friend, or boss? Are you feeling ambivalent about having a child or do you already have a child and feeling stuck with your parenting skills? Are you and your partner struggling with infertility issues? Are you feeling depressed, anxious, or wanting to revamp your life? If any of these questions resonate with you then I may be able to help you. I have successfully worked with people dealing with similar life challenges; I hope to have the chance to work with you too.
I have extensive training and experience working with children, families, and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief and loss, behavioral and educational issues, life and career transitions, family conflict, parenting, motherhood, pregnancy, emotional dysregulation, and divorce.
I recognize that seeking therapy means that you or a loved one have determined a need for connection beyond that of friends and family. Knowing how difficult and intimidating this outreach can be, as a psychologist I strive to establish a safe space where clients can speak freely and be listened to intently. The work we do together is about creating an alliance that allows you to delve into painful memories and face feelings that can be frightening or uncomfortable. We do this work in collaboration, so I can hear your stories, and create a meaningful relationship.
I have extensive training and experience working with children, families, and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief and loss, behavioral and educational issues, life and career transitions, family conflict, parenting, motherhood, pregnancy, emotional dysregulation, and divorce.
I recognize that seeking therapy means that you or a loved one have determined a need for connection beyond that of friends and family. Knowing how difficult and intimidating this outreach can be, as a psychologist I strive to establish a safe space where clients can speak freely and be listened to intently. The work we do together is about creating an alliance that allows you to delve into painful memories and face feelings that can be frightening or uncomfortable. We do this work in collaboration, so I can hear your stories, and create a meaningful relationship.
Other specialties are children's gender identity, parenting, women's health, work/life balance, & LBGTQ issues.
As a therapist for over thirty years, the focus of my work is helping people to create and sustain healthy relationships, and to learn how to thrive in their lives. I listen carefully to the nuances of what you say and don't say, and help you to become more aware of your unconscious beliefs and the energy that you hold in your body that may be an obstacle to your creating the life and relationships that you yearn for. Together, we take the journey of understanding and resolving what is in your way, so that you can discover new pathways to live your life with more joy, ease and connection.
Other specialties are children's gender identity, parenting, women's health, work/life balance, & LBGTQ issues.
As a therapist for over thirty years, the focus of my work is helping people to create and sustain healthy relationships, and to learn how to thrive in their lives. I listen carefully to the nuances of what you say and don't say, and help you to become more aware of your unconscious beliefs and the energy that you hold in your body that may be an obstacle to your creating the life and relationships that you yearn for. Together, we take the journey of understanding and resolving what is in your way, so that you can discover new pathways to live your life with more joy, ease and connection.
While for years I worked with children doing play therapy, I now prefer to work with parents and families to address issues concerning children, family dynamics, and parenting/step- parenting.
I work with individuals and couples to help reduce struggles and find ways to live more fulfilling, gratifying lives. Our relationship is the context in which we work to find where you're stuck, what's getting in your way, and ways to do things differently. My specialty areas include grief and loss, adoption, ADHD, race/class issues, work/life balance, LGBTQ issues, and divorce. I help people manage anxiety and mood problems. I help couples with concerns related to parenting, managing conflict, and addressing needs and expectations. I see communication as the grease that keeps relationships running smoothly, and I help facilitate good communication.
While for years I worked with children doing play therapy, I now prefer to work with parents and families to address issues concerning children, family dynamics, and parenting/step- parenting.
I work with individuals and couples to help reduce struggles and find ways to live more fulfilling, gratifying lives. Our relationship is the context in which we work to find where you're stuck, what's getting in your way, and ways to do things differently. My specialty areas include grief and loss, adoption, ADHD, race/class issues, work/life balance, LGBTQ issues, and divorce. I help people manage anxiety and mood problems. I help couples with concerns related to parenting, managing conflict, and addressing needs and expectations. I see communication as the grease that keeps relationships running smoothly, and I help facilitate good communication.
I serve as a conduit, helping the parent or caregiver become a healing agent for their own child.
I work with children, adolescents and adults, helping to support them and to make meaning as they respond to life's challenges, such as childbirth, adoption, loss of a child, death of a family member, infertility, early childhood trauma, and other life transitions. In addition to working with adults and parents in individual therapy, I specialize in Child- Parent Psychotherapy, working with the dyad to develop a mutually satisfying and enriching relationship. I work individually with children and adolescents, including infants and fussy babies.
I serve as a conduit, helping the parent or caregiver become a healing agent for their own child.
I work with children, adolescents and adults, helping to support them and to make meaning as they respond to life's challenges, such as childbirth, adoption, loss of a child, death of a family member, infertility, early childhood trauma, and other life transitions. In addition to working with adults and parents in individual therapy, I specialize in Child- Parent Psychotherapy, working with the dyad to develop a mutually satisfying and enriching relationship. I work individually with children and adolescents, including infants and fussy babies.
Becoming a parent is disorienting.
Sometimes we come to therapy knowing exactly what is bothering us and what we hope to change. Other times, we can tell that something doesn’t feel as it should, but are having trouble naming what that is. Either is a great place to begin. Together, we can look at your experience with a deepening curiosity to figure out what is getting in the way of what you want.
Becoming a parent is disorienting.
Sometimes we come to therapy knowing exactly what is bothering us and what we hope to change. Other times, we can tell that something doesn’t feel as it should, but are having trouble naming what that is. Either is a great place to begin. Together, we can look at your experience with a deepening curiosity to figure out what is getting in the way of what you want.
In my 15+ years working with families, I've learned that parent training is a key component to lasting behavior change.
For all of its rewards, parenting is also incredibly challenging. Do you find yourself thinking . . . I dread putting her to bed every night because I know it will be a struggle. I can't go to the grocery store because he always has a meltdown at checkout. We'll never to able to go out to eat as a family. Why does he only eat yellow foods?! You're not alone. Many parents struggle with how to address their child's challenging behaviors. My goal is to teach you how to use behavioral strategies to turn chaos into calm.
In my 15+ years working with families, I've learned that parent training is a key component to lasting behavior change.
For all of its rewards, parenting is also incredibly challenging. Do you find yourself thinking . . . I dread putting her to bed every night because I know it will be a struggle. I can't go to the grocery store because he always has a meltdown at checkout. We'll never to able to go out to eat as a family. Why does he only eat yellow foods?! You're not alone. Many parents struggle with how to address their child's challenging behaviors. My goal is to teach you how to use behavioral strategies to turn chaos into calm.
Along with my child work I provide in depth parent support and guidance.
I am a clinical psychologist and have been working clinically with children, adolescents and families for 17 years. I am passionate about my work with children and adolescents. I believe that childhood is both a wonderful and an extremely challenging time. Through play, talk and family therapy I help children and families reach their potential for happy, productive and successful lives.
Along with my child work I provide in depth parent support and guidance.
I am a clinical psychologist and have been working clinically with children, adolescents and families for 17 years. I am passionate about my work with children and adolescents. I believe that childhood is both a wonderful and an extremely challenging time. Through play, talk and family therapy I help children and families reach their potential for happy, productive and successful lives.
I have utilized the PCIT ( Parent-Child-Interaction-Therapy) model to help parents and families achieve harmony and stability by decreasing disruptive behaviors in young children and increasing the positive attachment and relationship that parents experience with their children.
I am a seasoned Psychologist with over 20+ years of community mental health, private practice and organizational experience. I have worked with hundreds of children, adults and families in a variety of mental health settings in the Bay Area including Seneca Family of Agencies and A Better Way, Inc. both prominent East Bay Child and Family organizations. I currently work as a part-time staff Psychologist with Kaiser Permanente’s Child and Family Department of Psychiatry, where I provide assessment and therapeutic services to children and families.
I have utilized the PCIT ( Parent-Child-Interaction-Therapy) model to help parents and families achieve harmony and stability by decreasing disruptive behaviors in young children and increasing the positive attachment and relationship that parents experience with their children.
I am a seasoned Psychologist with over 20+ years of community mental health, private practice and organizational experience. I have worked with hundreds of children, adults and families in a variety of mental health settings in the Bay Area including Seneca Family of Agencies and A Better Way, Inc. both prominent East Bay Child and Family organizations. I currently work as a part-time staff Psychologist with Kaiser Permanente’s Child and Family Department of Psychiatry, where I provide assessment and therapeutic services to children and families.
Dr. Brett Gaynor Psychotherapy and Consultation
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704
I am passionate about child development and have specialty in working with numerous childhood disorders presenting in early childhood (5 years-old) and onto adulthood, trauma disorders, challenges to family functioning such as intergenerational difficulties and parent-child relationship problems.
I strive to facilitate a dialogue that both empowers and engages clients in their own self-healing, valuing the co-creation of a transformative narrative and experience. As a licensed clinical psychologist, experienced in treating both children and adults, I view emotional and behavioral challenges as a dynamic outcome that develops as a result of complex interactions across time, as opposed to something inherently "broken" inside an individual.
I am passionate about child development and have specialty in working with numerous childhood disorders presenting in early childhood (5 years-old) and onto adulthood, trauma disorders, challenges to family functioning such as intergenerational difficulties and parent-child relationship problems.
I strive to facilitate a dialogue that both empowers and engages clients in their own self-healing, valuing the co-creation of a transformative narrative and experience. As a licensed clinical psychologist, experienced in treating both children and adults, I view emotional and behavioral challenges as a dynamic outcome that develops as a result of complex interactions across time, as opposed to something inherently "broken" inside an individual.
I have been fortunate to spend the past 29 years working with children and their families-initially as a middle school teacher and now as a LMFT. I'm dedicated to helping my clients have the tools they need to successfully navigate the challenges in their lives. I work with families and individuals struggling with unhealthy communication patterns, major life transitions, grief, trauma, anxiety/depression, defiance, and sibling rivalry. I believe in the power of relationships to heal, so my main focus is on creating a strong working alliance with my clients. Parenting classes, consultations, and new moms' groups offered.
I have been fortunate to spend the past 29 years working with children and their families-initially as a middle school teacher and now as a LMFT. I'm dedicated to helping my clients have the tools they need to successfully navigate the challenges in their lives. I work with families and individuals struggling with unhealthy communication patterns, major life transitions, grief, trauma, anxiety/depression, defiance, and sibling rivalry. I believe in the power of relationships to heal, so my main focus is on creating a strong working alliance with my clients. Parenting classes, consultations, and new moms' groups offered.
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My priority is to help you develop insight, confidence, and connection. With an approach that is respectful, warm, and direct, I will help you better understand yourself and your current circumstances. Together, we will examine intergenerational patterns, unconscious dynamics, and how you developed your innermost beliefs. With extensive training in treating trauma, I will help you better understand the ways difficult and even tragic experiences influence your relationships, parenting, and self-worth. My approach is rooted in attachment theory, child development, object relations, and trauma research.
My priority is to help you develop insight, confidence, and connection. With an approach that is respectful, warm, and direct, I will help you better understand yourself and your current circumstances. Together, we will examine intergenerational patterns, unconscious dynamics, and how you developed your innermost beliefs. With extensive training in treating trauma, I will help you better understand the ways difficult and even tragic experiences influence your relationships, parenting, and self-worth. My approach is rooted in attachment theory, child development, object relations, and trauma research.
Are you a parent concerned about your teen? We can work together to find solutions and help your child through this exciting and challenging time.
As an experienced therapist in private practice, I work with people of all ages who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges through different stages of the life cycle. I work collaboratively to help people reach their goals while offering insight and support. I offer a unique and thoughtful approach, developed through years of experience working with hundreds of individuals, teens and parents.
Are you a parent concerned about your teen? We can work together to find solutions and help your child through this exciting and challenging time.
As an experienced therapist in private practice, I work with people of all ages who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges through different stages of the life cycle. I work collaboratively to help people reach their goals while offering insight and support. I offer a unique and thoughtful approach, developed through years of experience working with hundreds of individuals, teens and parents.
I mindfully work with individuals from varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and specialize in working with women in moments of change and challenge, at all stages of life, with focus on early adulthood, pregnancy, and parenting.
Through co-creating a supportive environment that offers you opportunities for self reflection and gentle challenge, I will work with you to recognize the ways that painful and/or traumatic experiences have shaped your sense of value and impact your ways of relating to yourself and others. I support and stand alongside all who are survivors of emotional, sexual and/or physical violence and strive to create space for increased self love and resilience. I look forward to meeting you and discovering how we can address patterns that no longer serve you as we build awareness and skills to support you in gaining the life you want to live.
I mindfully work with individuals from varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and specialize in working with women in moments of change and challenge, at all stages of life, with focus on early adulthood, pregnancy, and parenting.
Through co-creating a supportive environment that offers you opportunities for self reflection and gentle challenge, I will work with you to recognize the ways that painful and/or traumatic experiences have shaped your sense of value and impact your ways of relating to yourself and others. I support and stand alongside all who are survivors of emotional, sexual and/or physical violence and strive to create space for increased self love and resilience. I look forward to meeting you and discovering how we can address patterns that no longer serve you as we build awareness and skills to support you in gaining the life you want to live.
I specialize in working with trauma, relationship issues, parenting, multi-racial families, LGBTQ issues, and adoption.
I have been licensed as an MFT working somatically, for over 30 years. I'm interested in what isn't working in your present life that brings you to therapy, what is unresolved from past relationships that you'd like to clear up, and what comes up in our relationship as we get to know one another. These facets help us create a complex experience which can transform old stuck patterns. Through the lens of my somatic training, clients can include their felt experiences in their bodies as an additional resource for exploring and understanding themselves. I also use a feminist and social justice orientation.
I specialize in working with trauma, relationship issues, parenting, multi-racial families, LGBTQ issues, and adoption.
I have been licensed as an MFT working somatically, for over 30 years. I'm interested in what isn't working in your present life that brings you to therapy, what is unresolved from past relationships that you'd like to clear up, and what comes up in our relationship as we get to know one another. These facets help us create a complex experience which can transform old stuck patterns. Through the lens of my somatic training, clients can include their felt experiences in their bodies as an additional resource for exploring and understanding themselves. I also use a feminist and social justice orientation.
I am a Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) trained provider.
I enjoy working with children, teens, and adults who are looking to develop their inner strengths and resources to live a more fulfilling life. I offer parent coaching for those looking to build awareness and skills to best support their child, and I support individuals on their journey to becoming parents, as well as during the postpartum period. I believe that difficulties that arise are an opportunity for growth and to learn about oneself. I work collaboratively with my clients to determine what well-being looks like for them in all areas of their lives, and to create a path forward towards that well-being.
I am a Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) trained provider.
I enjoy working with children, teens, and adults who are looking to develop their inner strengths and resources to live a more fulfilling life. I offer parent coaching for those looking to build awareness and skills to best support their child, and I support individuals on their journey to becoming parents, as well as during the postpartum period. I believe that difficulties that arise are an opportunity for growth and to learn about oneself. I work collaboratively with my clients to determine what well-being looks like for them in all areas of their lives, and to create a path forward towards that well-being.
I specialize in work with couples and individual adults dealing with relationship problems. Common issues for couples I see include communication difficulties, affairs, arguing or withdrawing, parenting conflict. I have experience working with a diverse range of people, including couples in mixed race/culture relationships, inter-faith relationships and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
I specialize in work with couples and individual adults dealing with relationship problems. Common issues for couples I see include communication difficulties, affairs, arguing or withdrawing, parenting conflict. I have experience working with a diverse range of people, including couples in mixed race/culture relationships, inter-faith relationships and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
If you are a parent I have specialized training to help build your confidence as a parent including play therapy for young children. We all need support during difficult times. If you have a history of trauma leaving you feeling overwhelmed or totally stressed, there are several treatments that can stop the past having such an impact on you now. Perhaps you grew up in a dysfunctional family and wonder "what's normal, what's healthy?" Even if you don't have major problems, talking through challenges and gaining perspective is important. I will meet in person under strict COVID guidelines.
If you are a parent I have specialized training to help build your confidence as a parent including play therapy for young children. We all need support during difficult times. If you have a history of trauma leaving you feeling overwhelmed or totally stressed, there are several treatments that can stop the past having such an impact on you now. Perhaps you grew up in a dysfunctional family and wonder "what's normal, what's healthy?" Even if you don't have major problems, talking through challenges and gaining perspective is important. I will meet in person under strict COVID guidelines.
We provide preventative services for parents looking to help give their kids the best possible environment through developing their attachment, working on parenting skills, or helping kids' social skills.
We at the Bay Area Center for Children love helping families and children of all ages through difficult times. Whether your child is struggling with acting out behaviors such as defiance or hyperactivity, or internalizing problems like depression or anxiety, we can help.
We provide preventative services for parents looking to help give their kids the best possible environment through developing their attachment, working on parenting skills, or helping kids' social skills.
We at the Bay Area Center for Children love helping families and children of all ages through difficult times. Whether your child is struggling with acting out behaviors such as defiance or hyperactivity, or internalizing problems like depression or anxiety, we can help.
Dr. Aretha Hampton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94702
I specialize in: • trauma (childhood and adult experiences), • adolescent struggles • co- parenting conflict • couple's communication • workplace stress • complicated family dynamics • mood challenges • maternal, paternal and perinatal mental health.
Navigating this thing called Life is truly a trip! My mission is to support you to have more effective communication and coping skills, develop an uncompromising and joyful sense of self, develop stronger life skills, increased healthy coping with life transitions and heal traumas so that you can be the person you need to be. This mission extends to my group practice where I work with three associate therapists who operate from the same mission. You can view Tekia Doby, Paris Hall and Dwaine Radden's profile on my website and on Psychology Today
I specialize in: • trauma (childhood and adult experiences), • adolescent struggles • co- parenting conflict • couple's communication • workplace stress • complicated family dynamics • mood challenges • maternal, paternal and perinatal mental health.
Navigating this thing called Life is truly a trip! My mission is to support you to have more effective communication and coping skills, develop an uncompromising and joyful sense of self, develop stronger life skills, increased healthy coping with life transitions and heal traumas so that you can be the person you need to be. This mission extends to my group practice where I work with three associate therapists who operate from the same mission. You can view Tekia Doby, Paris Hall and Dwaine Radden's profile on my website and on Psychology Today
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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.