Photo of Doreen Maxwell, MFT and Associates, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Gatos, CA
Doreen Maxwell, MFT and Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95032
If you've been feeling sad, stuck, and stressed for too long, don't hesitate to reach out. I can help you find clarity and contentment. Our therapeutic relationship combined with mindfulness and experiential methods of psychotherapy, lead to real and lasting changes. Patterns which you once took on to cope with your family or stressors may not serve you anymore. Together we can access these old patterns of feeling and thinking that hold you back, and create new ways to be in your world. You can discover that life and relationships can have meaning and ease.
If you've been feeling sad, stuck, and stressed for too long, don't hesitate to reach out. I can help you find clarity and contentment. Our therapeutic relationship combined with mindfulness and experiential methods of psychotherapy, lead to real and lasting changes. Patterns which you once took on to cope with your family or stressors may not serve you anymore. Together we can access these old patterns of feeling and thinking that hold you back, and create new ways to be in your world. You can discover that life and relationships can have meaning and ease.
(408) 465-9938 View (408) 465-9938
Photo of Marilee G. Ruebsamen, Psychologist in Los Gatos, CA
Marilee G. Ruebsamen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Promoting healing & trustworthy engagement for children, youth, their families, adults who come seeking shelter, emotional safety and refuge (see abbeypsychservices.com). Even the youngest demonstrate remarkable strengths with precise, attuned, attention to their levels of awareness, given new experiences to help transform distorted cognitive appraisals of themselves, others, relationships, the world. Working together, we cultivate more accurate appraisals of internal/external experience, shift into clearer, more realistic thinking, enhanced empathy, healthier, more effective coping styles. We co-create new, hopeful, cooperative stories to replace hopeless, repetitive, "traumatic reliving" within the safety of a predictable, nurturing, skillfully maintained therapeutic environment.
Promoting healing & trustworthy engagement for children, youth, their families, adults who come seeking shelter, emotional safety and refuge (see abbeypsychservices.com). Even the youngest demonstrate remarkable strengths with precise, attuned, attention to their levels of awareness, given new experiences to help transform distorted cognitive appraisals of themselves, others, relationships, the world. Working together, we cultivate more accurate appraisals of internal/external experience, shift into clearer, more realistic thinking, enhanced empathy, healthier, more effective coping styles. We co-create new, hopeful, cooperative stories to replace hopeless, repetitive, "traumatic reliving" within the safety of a predictable, nurturing, skillfully maintained therapeutic environment.
(831) 275-8260 View (831) 275-8260
Photo of Valerie L. Andrews Phd, Psychologist in Los Gatos, CA
Valerie L. Andrews Phd
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95030
(Secure Video Conferencing is available). I am a licensed neuropsychologist with expertise in how behavior and skills are related. I help adults, parents, and their children, who are struggling and those who are gifted (2e). The joy of my work is to help identify a child's or adult's strengths, so that the weak areas do not define who you are. A correct diagnosis helps you determine the most effective ways forward. These evaluations are also used in school 504 or IEP's, SAT, &ACT accommodations. An evaluation is also helpful if you're concerned about memory or dementia. Affiliation: CPA; Special Needs Professionals, Board President
(Secure Video Conferencing is available). I am a licensed neuropsychologist with expertise in how behavior and skills are related. I help adults, parents, and their children, who are struggling and those who are gifted (2e). The joy of my work is to help identify a child's or adult's strengths, so that the weak areas do not define who you are. A correct diagnosis helps you determine the most effective ways forward. These evaluations are also used in school 504 or IEP's, SAT, &ACT accommodations. An evaluation is also helpful if you're concerned about memory or dementia. Affiliation: CPA; Special Needs Professionals, Board President
(760) 919-4674 View (760) 919-4674
Photo of Cristina Rodriguez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Gatos, CA
Cristina Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95030  (Online Only)
Are you a people pleaser who feels overwhelmed with helping others? Do you do everything for your family and leave no time at the end of the day for yourself? You feel overwhelmed, disconnected from who you were before children, family and the demands of your career and life. You would like to break the chains of self-doubt and overthinking. Many times throughout the day you feel you aren't doing enough, need a minute to rest but feel you can't take one. You look in the mirror and wonder who is looking back at you. You would love time off but can't justify taking it. You know it is enough and you need support.
Are you a people pleaser who feels overwhelmed with helping others? Do you do everything for your family and leave no time at the end of the day for yourself? You feel overwhelmed, disconnected from who you were before children, family and the demands of your career and life. You would like to break the chains of self-doubt and overthinking. Many times throughout the day you feel you aren't doing enough, need a minute to rest but feel you can't take one. You look in the mirror and wonder who is looking back at you. You would love time off but can't justify taking it. You know it is enough and you need support.
(209) 340-3144 View (209) 340-3144

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Radha Richmond, Licensed Educational Psychologist, Licensed Educational Psychologist in Los Gatos, CA
Radha Richmond, Licensed Educational Psychologist
Licensed Educational Psychologist, MA, EdS, LEP
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95101
I'm a licensed educational psychologist specializing in assessment and intervention of psychological disorders impacting learning and school performance (e.g. dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, attention issues like ADD/ADHD, neurodevelopment disorders such as autism, and social-emotional disorders). I specialize in psycho-educational assessment focusing on discovering why educational difficulties are occurring and providing intervention recommendations. Families often come to me to discover why their child may be failing in school, or has lost motivation to do their best, or is having behavioral/attention challenges, or when homework takes a long time and/or is a battle (among other reasons).
I'm a licensed educational psychologist specializing in assessment and intervention of psychological disorders impacting learning and school performance (e.g. dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, attention issues like ADD/ADHD, neurodevelopment disorders such as autism, and social-emotional disorders). I specialize in psycho-educational assessment focusing on discovering why educational difficulties are occurring and providing intervention recommendations. Families often come to me to discover why their child may be failing in school, or has lost motivation to do their best, or is having behavioral/attention challenges, or when homework takes a long time and/or is a battle (among other reasons).
(510) 254-5816 View (510) 254-5816
Photo of Dr. Jayn Rajandran PsyD / Jayn.Org, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Gatos, CA
Dr. Jayn Rajandran PsyD / Jayn.Org
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, PCC, LMFT, IO, CGE, DTS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cupertino, CA 95014
Concierge therapy offered in Palo Alto, Rockridge & SF locations. You decide on the day, time, location, in-person or online. This modality is for busy professionals/students who want to graduate psychotherapy fast. Sessions are fun and focused. Most clients can graduate from therapy within 3-6 months for life transition problems. For severe trauma and mental health cases, it can a little longer. Specializing in teens, couples and individuals struggling with trauma, abuse, substances abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide, trust, abandonment, severe mental health and anger.
Concierge therapy offered in Palo Alto, Rockridge & SF locations. You decide on the day, time, location, in-person or online. This modality is for busy professionals/students who want to graduate psychotherapy fast. Sessions are fun and focused. Most clients can graduate from therapy within 3-6 months for life transition problems. For severe trauma and mental health cases, it can a little longer. Specializing in teens, couples and individuals struggling with trauma, abuse, substances abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide, trust, abandonment, severe mental health and anger.
(415) 237-2282 View (415) 237-2282
Photo of Dr. Jayn Rajandran PsyD / Jayn.Org, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Gatos, CA
Dr. Jayn Rajandran PsyD / Jayn.Org
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, IO, Psych, CGE
Verified Verified
Cupertino, CA 95014
Concierge therapy offered in Palo Alto, Rockridge & SF locations. You decide on the day, time, location, in-person or online. This modality is for busy professionals/students who want to graduate psychotherapy fast. Sessions are fun and focused. Most clients can graduate from therapy within 3-6 months for life transition problems. For severe trauma and mental health cases, it can a little longer. Specializing in teens, couples and individuals struggling with trauma, sexual abuse, substances abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide, trust, abandonment, severe mental health and anger.
Concierge therapy offered in Palo Alto, Rockridge & SF locations. You decide on the day, time, location, in-person or online. This modality is for busy professionals/students who want to graduate psychotherapy fast. Sessions are fun and focused. Most clients can graduate from therapy within 3-6 months for life transition problems. For severe trauma and mental health cases, it can a little longer. Specializing in teens, couples and individuals struggling with trauma, sexual abuse, substances abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide, trust, abandonment, severe mental health and anger.
(650) 727-1761 View (650) 727-1761
Photo of Aviva Euripides, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Gatos, CA
Aviva Euripides
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, lacana
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95113  (Online Only)
I am an experienced clinician and gauge our work by the progress you are making towards your treatment goals. I have extensive experience as a clinical consultant and provide consultation for clinicians. I have supervised clinicians in treatment settings ranging from the counselor's office to acute mental health facilities. I have a professional background in the arts and work with self defined meaning, identity and creative processes. My work specifically is in Lacanalysis and I am in ongoing formation as such with Jacques Siboni at Lutecium Paris, www.lutecium.org.
I am an experienced clinician and gauge our work by the progress you are making towards your treatment goals. I have extensive experience as a clinical consultant and provide consultation for clinicians. I have supervised clinicians in treatment settings ranging from the counselor's office to acute mental health facilities. I have a professional background in the arts and work with self defined meaning, identity and creative processes. My work specifically is in Lacanalysis and I am in ongoing formation as such with Jacques Siboni at Lutecium Paris, www.lutecium.org.
(415) 301-5219 View (415) 301-5219
Photo of Lesa M Pascali, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Gatos, CA
Lesa M Pascali
Marriage & Family Therapist, Lesa Pascali, MFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95110  (Online Only)
Welcome! I’m Lesa Pascali and I am committed to connecting with individuals, couples and families through individualized therapy and to helping them to discover/rediscover the harmony, meaning and wellness within their lives. After 23 years in law enforcement and 18 years doing therapy, I have dealt with a variety of situations. I’ve worked with individuals, couples and families, veterans, ex-offenders, children, teens and neurologically imbalanced individuals. I use a variety of therapies including RLT therapy, CBT & Solution Focused therapy and am a Certified Relational Life couples therapist.
Welcome! I’m Lesa Pascali and I am committed to connecting with individuals, couples and families through individualized therapy and to helping them to discover/rediscover the harmony, meaning and wellness within their lives. After 23 years in law enforcement and 18 years doing therapy, I have dealt with a variety of situations. I’ve worked with individuals, couples and families, veterans, ex-offenders, children, teens and neurologically imbalanced individuals. I use a variety of therapies including RLT therapy, CBT & Solution Focused therapy and am a Certified Relational Life couples therapist.
(408) 715-3046 View (408) 715-3046
Photo of Whyell Family Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Gatos, CA
Whyell Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95106  (Online Only)
Becoming a therapist was my first choice, a passion I discovered during my sophomore year as an undergrad. Of course, it was not my first major, as I thought I would attend medical school. However, due to a car accident, I had to take a break from classes with laboratory courses, which led me to psychology. The best methods to pique anyone's interest are, in my opinion, abnormal psychology and personality psychology; they started my passion for learning more. After earning my Bachelor's degree in Psychology, I applied for my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialty in Latino Family Studies.
Becoming a therapist was my first choice, a passion I discovered during my sophomore year as an undergrad. Of course, it was not my first major, as I thought I would attend medical school. However, due to a car accident, I had to take a break from classes with laboratory courses, which led me to psychology. The best methods to pique anyone's interest are, in my opinion, abnormal psychology and personality psychology; they started my passion for learning more. After earning my Bachelor's degree in Psychology, I applied for my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialty in Latino Family Studies.
(559) 702-5266 View (559) 702-5266
Photo of Sommer Slaughter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Gatos, CA
Sommer Slaughter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95118
My name is Sommer Slaughter and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California working with clients statewide via telehealth. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults and I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, intimate partner violence and substance abuse. I integrate a variety of modalities based on the need of each client. I most frequently use Trauma Informed Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as both modalities allow me to help clients work on behavior change while gaining back control and empowerment in their lives.
My name is Sommer Slaughter and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California working with clients statewide via telehealth. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults and I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, intimate partner violence and substance abuse. I integrate a variety of modalities based on the need of each client. I most frequently use Trauma Informed Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as both modalities allow me to help clients work on behavior change while gaining back control and empowerment in their lives.
(209) 270-5521 View (209) 270-5521
Photo of Joelle Rabow Maletis & Associates, Inc, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Gatos, CA
Joelle Rabow Maletis & Associates, Inc
Marriage & Family Therapist, MAEd, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95129
Joelle Rabow Maletis, MAEd, MA, LMFT, is a well known psychotherapist and trauma expert. She specializes in PTSD, relationship issues, addictions, and life transitions. JRM&A works with clients struggling with hardships such as miscarriages, infertility, eating disorders, self-harm, and various forms of trauma. We offer relationship services for dating, parenting, marriage, and couples. We also help military personnel and first responders with PTSD, trauma, stress, anxiety, vicarious trauma, and the transition back to civilian life. Our individual services include trauma, life transitions, anxiety, trauma, complex PTSD, and more.
Joelle Rabow Maletis, MAEd, MA, LMFT, is a well known psychotherapist and trauma expert. She specializes in PTSD, relationship issues, addictions, and life transitions. JRM&A works with clients struggling with hardships such as miscarriages, infertility, eating disorders, self-harm, and various forms of trauma. We offer relationship services for dating, parenting, marriage, and couples. We also help military personnel and first responders with PTSD, trauma, stress, anxiety, vicarious trauma, and the transition back to civilian life. Our individual services include trauma, life transitions, anxiety, trauma, complex PTSD, and more.
(650) 772-4900 View (650) 772-4900
Photo of Yesica C Solorio, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Gatos, CA
Yesica C Solorio
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95112  (Online Only)
As a therapist with over 15 years of experience, I enjoy working with children, families, adolescents, and the elderly. I enjoy providing support, understanding, and giving positive feedback to my clients. My goal is to support clients explore and understand their issues, build on their strengths, develop effective coping mechanism skills. The common types of therapy I focus on are Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Interpersonal therapy, Family therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Art therapy and Psychoeducation. I am fully bilingual/bicultural in Spanish.
As a therapist with over 15 years of experience, I enjoy working with children, families, adolescents, and the elderly. I enjoy providing support, understanding, and giving positive feedback to my clients. My goal is to support clients explore and understand their issues, build on their strengths, develop effective coping mechanism skills. The common types of therapy I focus on are Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Interpersonal therapy, Family therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Art therapy and Psychoeducation. I am fully bilingual/bicultural in Spanish.
(408) 634-6452 View (408) 634-6452
Photo of Marie- Nathalie Beaudoin, Psychologist in Los Gatos, CA
Marie- Nathalie Beaudoin
Psychologist, PhD, MPsy
Verified Verified
Santa Clara, CA 95050
"When there's hope, there's a way"... I am an award winning author, international lecturer, consultant, and therapist for individual, couples, families, and children/adolescents, with a warm, non-judgmental and collaborative style. If your life is not as satisfying as it could be, and you have that secret wish things could be different, it may be worth trying to talk about it; sometimes a single meeting can make a difference and reconnect you with inner peace, fresh ideas, or a clearer, empowering direction.
"When there's hope, there's a way"... I am an award winning author, international lecturer, consultant, and therapist for individual, couples, families, and children/adolescents, with a warm, non-judgmental and collaborative style. If your life is not as satisfying as it could be, and you have that secret wish things could be different, it may be worth trying to talk about it; sometimes a single meeting can make a difference and reconnect you with inner peace, fresh ideas, or a clearer, empowering direction.
(408) 713-6382 View (408) 713-6382
Photo of Steven Frausto, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Gatos, CA
Steven Frausto
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95111
My name is Steven Frausto, LCSW and I have over 10 years of experience working with adults, parents, families, grandparents, teenagers, and children. I work to empower my clients to identify, process, and overcome problem areas in their lives. I utilize a psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapy approach to help identify current difficulties and their root cause. Using pragmatic approaches to overcome impairments and then working on the root cause of the presenting difficulties to avoid them resurfacing.
My name is Steven Frausto, LCSW and I have over 10 years of experience working with adults, parents, families, grandparents, teenagers, and children. I work to empower my clients to identify, process, and overcome problem areas in their lives. I utilize a psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapy approach to help identify current difficulties and their root cause. Using pragmatic approaches to overcome impairments and then working on the root cause of the presenting difficulties to avoid them resurfacing.
(661) 463-9644 View (661) 463-9644
Photo of Cerise Dossman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Gatos, CA
Cerise Dossman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saratoga, CA 95070
Hi There! My name is Cerise, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in the Long Beach, California, area, working with clients via telehealth. I work with Children, Youth, and Families utilizing faith-based beliefs and values, improving communication, processing childhood trauma, and strengthening self-esteem/positive self-image. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. My client population is a specialty focus. I believe that my style and approach are a good fit for tweens, teens, and adults who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions and social pressures.
Hi There! My name is Cerise, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in the Long Beach, California, area, working with clients via telehealth. I work with Children, Youth, and Families utilizing faith-based beliefs and values, improving communication, processing childhood trauma, and strengthening self-esteem/positive self-image. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. My client population is a specialty focus. I believe that my style and approach are a good fit for tweens, teens, and adults who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions and social pressures.
(925) 406-3157 View (925) 406-3157
Photo of Marilee Ruebsamen, Psychologist in Los Gatos, CA
Marilee Ruebsamen
Psychologist, PhD
Not Verified Not Verified
Saratoga, CA 95070
Are you concerned for your children in an ongoing high conflict divorce or another highly distressing situation? I consult, support, offer parent/child coping strategies to prevent longterm effects of severe stress & trauma for children/affected others. Even the youngest can demonstrate remarkable resilience. We attend to their confusion, impaired awareness, degree of distorted cognition. Parents cultivate enhanced attunement, insight, learn to see beyond children's distorted appraisal. We co-create more accurate thinking, safer, more healthy relationships, make space for more realistic understanding, provide predictability, constancy, enhanced trust, explore feelings, support emotional regulation, form new, hope-filled stories to replace frightening, traumatic ones.
Are you concerned for your children in an ongoing high conflict divorce or another highly distressing situation? I consult, support, offer parent/child coping strategies to prevent longterm effects of severe stress & trauma for children/affected others. Even the youngest can demonstrate remarkable resilience. We attend to their confusion, impaired awareness, degree of distorted cognition. Parents cultivate enhanced attunement, insight, learn to see beyond children's distorted appraisal. We co-create more accurate thinking, safer, more healthy relationships, make space for more realistic understanding, provide predictability, constancy, enhanced trust, explore feelings, support emotional regulation, form new, hope-filled stories to replace frightening, traumatic ones.
(831) 275-8260 View (831) 275-8260
Photo of Elevate Counseling Center , Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Gatos, CA
Elevate Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clara, CA 95050
We provide help to Silicon Valley professionals and their families who face unique challenges living and working in the Bay Area. Silicon Valley professionals and family members may find themselves feeling overwhelmed or stressed by having to juggle a career, parenting, academics, family life, and life in the Valley. Knowing you can use some help and seeking out that help are signs of strength and courage. Therapy is not just helpful for getting to the bottom of an issue, but is often a much healthier alternative to treating symptoms alone. In therapy, we will work together to determine what treatment is best for you.
We provide help to Silicon Valley professionals and their families who face unique challenges living and working in the Bay Area. Silicon Valley professionals and family members may find themselves feeling overwhelmed or stressed by having to juggle a career, parenting, academics, family life, and life in the Valley. Knowing you can use some help and seeking out that help are signs of strength and courage. Therapy is not just helpful for getting to the bottom of an issue, but is often a much healthier alternative to treating symptoms alone. In therapy, we will work together to determine what treatment is best for you.
(408) 228-4767 x101 View (408) 228-4767 x101
Photo of Carina Bondoc, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Gatos, CA
Carina Bondoc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95125
Hello! My name is Carina Leilani Bondoc, and I am a Native Hawaiian and Mexican American Licensed Clinical Social Worker, based out of San Diego, California. My pronouns are she/her/hers. I work with adolescent and adult clients statewide, via telehealth. I am a strong advocate for folks, especially BIPOC and LGTBQIA+ people, to break through cultural stigmas surrounding mental health and use therapy as a tool to be a better version of themselves.
Hello! My name is Carina Leilani Bondoc, and I am a Native Hawaiian and Mexican American Licensed Clinical Social Worker, based out of San Diego, California. My pronouns are she/her/hers. I work with adolescent and adult clients statewide, via telehealth. I am a strong advocate for folks, especially BIPOC and LGTBQIA+ people, to break through cultural stigmas surrounding mental health and use therapy as a tool to be a better version of themselves.
(559) 242-1754 View (559) 242-1754

Online Therapists

Photo of Emma Johnson (Deep Wellness Center), Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in Los Gatos, CA
Emma Johnson (Deep Wellness Center)
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC, MS, PPSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Modesto, CA 95356
I have a desire to develop a rewarding therapy experience that will enable me to provide individual and family therapy, crisis intervention services, psychological assessments and create effective treatment plans to help meet my client’s goals.
It’s important to be mindful of your mental health. If you are struggling with your emotions, I am here to help. My name is Emma Johnson, I am a bilingual Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with over 20 years of experience providing individual, adolescent and child therapy. I specialize in treating children and teens with issues related to stress, anxiety, family conflicts, blended family issues, self-esteem, depression, PTSD, ADHD and academic and school related problems. I work with parents to establish good parenting skills, communication, and conflict resolution to have a long-lasting relationship with their children.
I have a desire to develop a rewarding therapy experience that will enable me to provide individual and family therapy, crisis intervention services, psychological assessments and create effective treatment plans to help meet my client’s goals.
It’s important to be mindful of your mental health. If you are struggling with your emotions, I am here to help. My name is Emma Johnson, I am a bilingual Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with over 20 years of experience providing individual, adolescent and child therapy. I specialize in treating children and teens with issues related to stress, anxiety, family conflicts, blended family issues, self-esteem, depression, PTSD, ADHD and academic and school related problems. I work with parents to establish good parenting skills, communication, and conflict resolution to have a long-lasting relationship with their children.
(209) 370-1351 View (209) 370-1351
Intervention Therapists

How does an intervention work?

An intervention is a planned, structured meeting in which a person’s family or friends voice concerns about the person’s behavior and its consequences; the goal is for the person to accept treatment. In this meeting, the person’s loved ones (often with the guidance of a trained interventionist) share how the person’s behavior has harmed them and the consequences if the person refuses treatment. They collectively ask the person to accept a proposed treatment plan.

How effective are interventions?

There isn’t extensive research on the efficacy of interventions, in part because success is difficult to measure. Individuals often enter addiction treatment after an intervention, for example, but treatment itself may not work, especially if the person only begins due to external pressure from others rather than due to internal motivation to change. However, if all other attempts at helping someone have failed, an intervention may be worth exploring.

What are the limitations of interventions?

While a friend or family member’s intentions are in the right place in wanting to help a loved one through an intervention, there are significant limitations to the approach. The surprising nature of the event can make the person feel ambushed or judged. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed as a result, and relationships may be strained or broken. This can make it difficult for the individual to be receptive to the concerns of their loved ones and the interventionist.

Are there alternatives to interventions?

Rather than confronting a loved one through an intervention, an effective and less pressured approach is to create space for a caring, open, one-on-one conversation. This works best if the loved one asks open-ended questions, listens attentively to the answers, and frames their observations and statements with concern rather than judgment. More than one conversation may be needed, but change can take root over time.