Parenting Therapists in Berkeley, CA
See all therapists in Berkeley 
Caroline McDowell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
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.
Not accepting new clients
Lauren Finkelstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
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.
Maria Collins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I can also partner with you in navigating
parenting
challenges at all stages of child/adolescent development.
We have been living through challenging times and in my work I have witnessed increased anxiety and depression in children, teens and adults of all ages. Family life and raising children is challenging in the best of times. For many, it is an important time for self-care and to increase our support systems for ourselves and our loved ones. I have over 20 years experience as a psychotherapist and I specialize in supporting school aged children, teens and families in addressing a wide range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, loss, family transitions, and peer/family relationships.
Mica Gonzalez
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Parenting
can be a deeply conflictual experience. Sometimes we agree with Bette Davis who said "If you have never been hated by your child, you have never been a
parent
." Other times we identify with Anne Lamott's notion that "There really are places in the heart you don't even know exist until you love a child." The seemingly unpredictable alternation of positive and negative feelings that come with raising a family can be painful and bewildering, and our self-esteem as parents suffers most when it becomes difficult to access the good in our closest relationships.
Pooja Sharma
Psychologist, PsyD, MEd
Verified
Verified
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.
Cathy Carr
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
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.
Cindy Blackett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
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.
Melissa Rapp
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
Verified
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.
Dr. Amanda Bean Hannigan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
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.
Sara Grunstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
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.
Gillian Fynn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
We all need support during difficult times. If you have a history of trauma leaving you feeling overwhelmed or totally stressed, we can use EMDR and IFS to 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. If you are a
parent
I have specialized training to help build your confidence as a
parent
including play therapy for young children. I will meet in person under strict COVID guidelines.
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Alissa Greenberg
Psychologist, PhD, BCBA-D
Verified
Verified
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.
Michelle Sicula
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, JD
Verified
Verified
If you are coping with anxiety, sadness, relationship conflict, stress, or
parenting
challenges I help you manage difficult feelings and reduce your suffering.
If you and your partner can't talk without arguing, have lost trust, or lost the spark and want to connect we'll identify what's keeping you from being close and develop the secure connection you want.
If you are having trouble getting pregnant or needing help from outside parties to create your family we'll work through any difficult feelings and explore your options for family building so you can make decisions that build your family and fit your values.
Cara Frankel
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
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 15 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.
Berkeley, CA 94705
Marsha Hiller
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
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.
Not accepting new clients
Joseph Saah
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Special areas of expertise include: Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, Internet Addiction,
Parenting
, Sexual Abuse, Men's Issues, Multicultural relationships, Couples Therapy, Men's Groups, Supervision & Consultation.
As an experienced Licensed MFT, I offer a full range of psychotherapy services for men, women, adolescents, couples, and families. I founded The Men's Center for Counseling and Psychotherapy in 1984 in order to focus upon the psychological and emotional lives of men and boys. I particularly enjoy helping folks struggling with cross-cultural issues. My practice also includes work with women, girls, and couples of all persuasions. As an interactive therapist, I join my clients as they explore complex, often contradictory, intrapsychic forces. I bring humor, warmth, empathy, common-sense, and a genuine curiosity to the therapeutic encounter.
Sally C. Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
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.
Sharon Meyers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MPH
Verified
Verified
Stay-tuned for
parent
workshops and process groups for women, new moms, and adoptive parents! Please don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a 15-minute free consultation to discuss your needs and my approach.
Welcome to my private psychotherapy practice for women. It takes courage to reach out and seek the help that you deserve. Whether you are struggling with pregnancy and family planning; relationships and
parenting
; career and work/life balance; or direction and life purpose - just know you are not alone. I provide a safe collaborative space where we can unpack challenges at your own pace with curiosity and compassion. Together we can discover how life's obstacles often become opportunities for healing, transformation and personal growth.
Anna Shigeta
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
If you're a
parent
looking for answers, a teen trying to understand yourself better, or an adult trying to get help, feel free to contact me.
Do you feel overwhelmed and frustrated with your highly sensitive, smart, very intense child? Feeling worn out with your child's ongoing worries, difficulty managing emotions? Does your child suffer from perfectionism, self-doubt, and social issues? Do you also suffer from challenges? You don't have to manage this alone. I specialize in helping children, teens, and adults to understand themselves, to discover their path, and how to thrive. My goal is to help them improve their relationships, manage and channel their feelings, and realize their true potential.
Phyllis Rothblatt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
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.
See more therapy options for Berkeley
Parenting Therapists
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.