Parenting Therapists in Cambridge, MA

Photo of Emily McClatchey, PhD, Psychologist
Emily McClatchey
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138
Waitlist for new clients
In times of crisis, parenting can be especially challenging. My goal is two-fold: 1. to provide an expertly-attended, fully-optimized play and talk therapy space for children to work through and gain mastery over challenges, and 2. to help caregivers gain skills and confidence in their ability to support their children's resilience.
In times of crisis, parenting can be especially challenging. My goal is two-fold: 1. to provide an expertly-attended, fully-optimized play and talk therapy space for children to work through and gain mastery over challenges, and 2. to help caregivers gain skills and confidence in their ability to support their children's resilience.
(617) 609-1526 View (617) 609-1526
Photo of Rona Sandberg Trauma And Grief Therapy Parenting And Adoption, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rona Sandberg Trauma And Grief Therapy Parenting And Adoption
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02140
Welcome! With over 25 years of experience working with people of all ages as a trauma and grief therapist, I have helped individuals and families learn to cope with a wide range of issues including partner loss, anxiety, depression, family conflict, complex trauma and sexual assault. I provide parent guidance and coaching for caregivers who have children with challenging behaviors and special needs. I have expertise with foster, kinship and adoptive families. I offer therapy to tweens, teens and young adults who may need support with life transitions and relationships. My work with clients is always collaborative and strength-based.
Welcome! With over 25 years of experience working with people of all ages as a trauma and grief therapist, I have helped individuals and families learn to cope with a wide range of issues including partner loss, anxiety, depression, family conflict, complex trauma and sexual assault. I provide parent guidance and coaching for caregivers who have children with challenging behaviors and special needs. I have expertise with foster, kinship and adoptive families. I offer therapy to tweens, teens and young adults who may need support with life transitions and relationships. My work with clients is always collaborative and strength-based.
(339) 500-6997 View (339) 500-6997
Photo of Maya Massing-Schaffer, PhD, Psychologist
Maya Massing-Schaffer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138  (Online Only)
I am also trained in SPACE (Supporting Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions).
I am currently accepting new clients. I provide individual therapy to children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation, and related symptoms. I also offer family therapy and parent coaching.
I am also trained in SPACE (Supporting Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions).
I am currently accepting new clients. I provide individual therapy to children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation, and related symptoms. I also offer family therapy and parent coaching.
(617) 609-0638 View (617) 609-0638
Photo of Amy Lowright, LMHC, LPC, PMH-C, Counselor
Amy Lowright
Counselor, LMHC, LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am an integrative, trauma-focused, queer therapist dedicated to helping people understand themselves better. I particularly enjoy working with clients who want to be in more authentic, connected relationships with partners and family members, want to better understand how trauma has impacted their life and shed patterns that are no longer useful, or want to parent differently than they were parented. My areas of specialized training include interpersonal trauma and PTSD (sexual assault, childhood abuse, domestic violence), attachment and relationships, perinatal mental health, and infant/early childhood mental health.
I am an integrative, trauma-focused, queer therapist dedicated to helping people understand themselves better. I particularly enjoy working with clients who want to be in more authentic, connected relationships with partners and family members, want to better understand how trauma has impacted their life and shed patterns that are no longer useful, or want to parent differently than they were parented. My areas of specialized training include interpersonal trauma and PTSD (sexual assault, childhood abuse, domestic violence), attachment and relationships, perinatal mental health, and infant/early childhood mental health.
(617) 579-8581 View (617) 579-8581
Photo of Douglas Orne, PsyD, Psychologist
Douglas Orne
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138
Things I do most often: diagnostic evaluation; functional behavioral assessment; family therapy; individual therapy; couples therapy; consultation; behavior support plan development; social skills training; parent training; collaboration with Psychiatrists/allied professionals; outreach.
Active in approach, transparent in nature and collaborative in style, my practice will validate all it has taken for you to arrive at my door. Then begins the process of crafting a clear pathway towards a different experience of self. Supporting individuals and families in acquiring and sustaining the real skills necessary for positive behavioral change is what I do best, be it in my Cambridge office or in the front room of your home.
Things I do most often: diagnostic evaluation; functional behavioral assessment; family therapy; individual therapy; couples therapy; consultation; behavior support plan development; social skills training; parent training; collaboration with Psychiatrists/allied professionals; outreach.
Active in approach, transparent in nature and collaborative in style, my practice will validate all it has taken for you to arrive at my door. Then begins the process of crafting a clear pathway towards a different experience of self. Supporting individuals and families in acquiring and sustaining the real skills necessary for positive behavioral change is what I do best, be it in my Cambridge office or in the front room of your home.
(617) 553-6620 View (617) 553-6620
Photo of Sarahbean Falo, LMHC, Counselor
Sarahbean Falo
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138  (Online Only)
When you work with me, you can tap into your strengths and inner wisdom and apply them to your parenting and relationships in a way that is meaningful and sustainable for YOU.
Are you feeling challenged, stressed and overwhelmed in your role as a parent or caregiver? Is your child having big feelings and you’re not sure how to respond? Are you exhausted every night of the week, wishing you didn't yell, wishing you could find ease with your little? Hello! I am Sarahbean Falo. I specialize in working with parents with young children, who are navigating the multidimensional challenges of caregiving and being in relationship with your child. I have been working with children and families for 18 years. Mamas, parents, primary caregivers: All genders, colors, shapes and sizes welcome. (insert rainbow here)
When you work with me, you can tap into your strengths and inner wisdom and apply them to your parenting and relationships in a way that is meaningful and sustainable for YOU.
Are you feeling challenged, stressed and overwhelmed in your role as a parent or caregiver? Is your child having big feelings and you’re not sure how to respond? Are you exhausted every night of the week, wishing you didn't yell, wishing you could find ease with your little? Hello! I am Sarahbean Falo. I specialize in working with parents with young children, who are navigating the multidimensional challenges of caregiving and being in relationship with your child. I have been working with children and families for 18 years. Mamas, parents, primary caregivers: All genders, colors, shapes and sizes welcome. (insert rainbow here)
(857) 227-9507 View (857) 227-9507
Photo of Stephanie Best, PhD, Psychologist
Stephanie Best
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138  (Online Only)
I work with adults who struggle with anxiety, OCD, mood, life transitions, parenting young children, and self-worth. I draw on CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), ERP (exposure and response prevention), mindfulness, self-compassion, and other evidence-based approaches to tailor therapy to the values, goals, and preferences of my clients.
I work with adults who struggle with anxiety, OCD, mood, life transitions, parenting young children, and self-worth. I draw on CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), ERP (exposure and response prevention), mindfulness, self-compassion, and other evidence-based approaches to tailor therapy to the values, goals, and preferences of my clients.
(617) 936-8911 View (617) 936-8911
Photo of Lynette A Accomando - New Focus LLC, MEd, LMHC, LRC, Counselor
New Focus LLC
Counselor, MEd, LMHC, LRC
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02142  (Online Only)
Hi and welcome. I am Lynette and I am licensed in the State of Massachusetts with over 38 years of professional work experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have worked with people with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, anger management issues, OCD, and ADHD. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma and/or emotional and sexual abuse. I have experience in helping people with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and parenting issues as well as depression and PTSD.
Hi and welcome. I am Lynette and I am licensed in the State of Massachusetts with over 38 years of professional work experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have worked with people with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, anger management issues, OCD, and ADHD. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma and/or emotional and sexual abuse. I have experience in helping people with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and parenting issues as well as depression and PTSD.
(781) 230-7922 View (781) 230-7922
Photo of Valerie Barrett, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Valerie Barrett
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138  (Online Only)
Current Telehealth Openings! I am a licensed mental health therapist with over 20 years of experience helping people manage anxiety, depression, stress, parenting roles and challenges, and life transitions. My goal is to provide a supportive and compassionate environment using evidence-based therapies where you can thrive. We work together to respond to life's stressors in ways that utilize your strengths and problem solving skills. I help support self-awareness and insight with a focus on responding to thoughts and emotions in ways that lead to more fulfillment in your life.
Current Telehealth Openings! I am a licensed mental health therapist with over 20 years of experience helping people manage anxiety, depression, stress, parenting roles and challenges, and life transitions. My goal is to provide a supportive and compassionate environment using evidence-based therapies where you can thrive. We work together to respond to life's stressors in ways that utilize your strengths and problem solving skills. I help support self-awareness and insight with a focus on responding to thoughts and emotions in ways that lead to more fulfillment in your life.
(339) 345-3120 View (339) 345-3120
Photo of Deborah Offner, PhD, Psychologist
Deborah Offner
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138
In my private practice, I work with adolescents, young adults and parents seeking help with a wide range of issues. I enjoy working at the intersection of adolescent and young adult development, mental health, and school/college life. I use talk therapy as well as parent guidance and family counseling techniques to ensure that people can make the improvements and achieve the results that are most important to them.
In my private practice, I work with adolescents, young adults and parents seeking help with a wide range of issues. I enjoy working at the intersection of adolescent and young adult development, mental health, and school/college life. I use talk therapy as well as parent guidance and family counseling techniques to ensure that people can make the improvements and achieve the results that are most important to them.
(617) 941-4577 View (617) 941-4577
Photo of John C. Carr, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
John C. Carr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138
I am currently seeing people in my office and virtually over zoom. I specialize in parenting issues, anger management and spiritual issues. I provide support to men and fathers as they strive to become the best version of themselves. I tend to work with a lot of men who are former athletes. My background as a former high school and college athlete seems to serve our connection. The men who come see me want help in figuring out ways to channel their aggression in a healthier way and tend to be self reliant and often have a hard time asking for help.
I am currently seeing people in my office and virtually over zoom. I specialize in parenting issues, anger management and spiritual issues. I provide support to men and fathers as they strive to become the best version of themselves. I tend to work with a lot of men who are former athletes. My background as a former high school and college athlete seems to serve our connection. The men who come see me want help in figuring out ways to channel their aggression in a healthier way and tend to be self reliant and often have a hard time asking for help.
(646) 846-9157 View (646) 846-9157
Photo of Melissa Spilman, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa Spilman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hi there! I provide therapy for couples and adult individuals. I specialize in relationship, attachment and parenting issues and perinatal mental health. My clients are curious about unhelpful patterns that seem to keep showing up in their life and relationships. Many times they are putting others before themselves, have trouble trusting, feel guilty about setting boundaries or have trouble communicating their needs AND getting them met. Together, we work to understand the “why’s” and then we continue our work to implement new skills and strategies to either break out of those cycles or find ways to work them in your favor.
Hi there! I provide therapy for couples and adult individuals. I specialize in relationship, attachment and parenting issues and perinatal mental health. My clients are curious about unhelpful patterns that seem to keep showing up in their life and relationships. Many times they are putting others before themselves, have trouble trusting, feel guilty about setting boundaries or have trouble communicating their needs AND getting them met. Together, we work to understand the “why’s” and then we continue our work to implement new skills and strategies to either break out of those cycles or find ways to work them in your favor.
(351) 247-8751 View (351) 247-8751
Photo of Erina White - You Have A Village, PhD, MSW, MPH, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
You Have A Village
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MSW, MPH, LICSW
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02140
You Have A Village is an online, virtual support community created to connect parents with professional resources for today’s parenting challenges. As a member of the Village, parents have access to unlimited peer-support groups held virtually and a real time group chat, each of which are monitored by a parent-coaching professional for only $40/month. At You Have A Village we are striving to create a collaborative and supportive virtual community where parents can connect and learn from one another to make the challenges of parenting and life a bit easier.
You Have A Village is an online, virtual support community created to connect parents with professional resources for today’s parenting challenges. As a member of the Village, parents have access to unlimited peer-support groups held virtually and a real time group chat, each of which are monitored by a parent-coaching professional for only $40/month. At You Have A Village we are striving to create a collaborative and supportive virtual community where parents can connect and learn from one another to make the challenges of parenting and life a bit easier.
(978) 883-3568 View (978) 883-3568
Photo of Beril Bayrak, MD , FAAP
Beril Bayrak
MD , FAAP
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02139
I understand that navigating the challenges of parenting can be overwhelming at times.
My primary goal is to provide assistance and guidance to parents facing any concerns or conflicts related to parenting, with a strong emphasis on promoting the mental well-being of both the child and the entire family. I specialize in offering prenatal and newborn consultations, aiming to establish and nurture caregiver-child relationships from the very beginning, with a focus on prevention. I have extensive experience working with families who have encountered postpartum depression, anxiety, and premature birth, as well as children who face regulation challenges during early childhood and beyond.
I understand that navigating the challenges of parenting can be overwhelming at times.
My primary goal is to provide assistance and guidance to parents facing any concerns or conflicts related to parenting, with a strong emphasis on promoting the mental well-being of both the child and the entire family. I specialize in offering prenatal and newborn consultations, aiming to establish and nurture caregiver-child relationships from the very beginning, with a focus on prevention. I have extensive experience working with families who have encountered postpartum depression, anxiety, and premature birth, as well as children who face regulation challenges during early childhood and beyond.
(339) 215-3204 View (339) 215-3204
Photo of Rebecca Minor, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca Minor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138  (Online Only)
We offer virtual individual therapy (MA, NH, VT), teen group therapy (MA), and parent coaching (internationally)! Our therapists respect your personal story and adjust our methods to fit your unique life and culture.
Are you up at 2am worried about your child's future? Finding a therapist who gets you and what you are going through can be tough. Whether you or your teen are navigating LGBTQ+ identity, recovering from trauma, or managing anxiety or mood swings, you'll find our support grounded in empathy and understanding. I offer parent coaching for caregivers striving to support their child post-coming out, a journey that can feel overwhelming without the right tools. With a wealth of experience in assisting queer and trans youth and their families, I'm committed to guiding you. Let me support you so you don't have to worry or wonder alone.
We offer virtual individual therapy (MA, NH, VT), teen group therapy (MA), and parent coaching (internationally)! Our therapists respect your personal story and adjust our methods to fit your unique life and culture.
Are you up at 2am worried about your child's future? Finding a therapist who gets you and what you are going through can be tough. Whether you or your teen are navigating LGBTQ+ identity, recovering from trauma, or managing anxiety or mood swings, you'll find our support grounded in empathy and understanding. I offer parent coaching for caregivers striving to support their child post-coming out, a journey that can feel overwhelming without the right tools. With a wealth of experience in assisting queer and trans youth and their families, I'm committed to guiding you. Let me support you so you don't have to worry or wonder alone.
(978) 797-8623 View (978) 797-8623
Photo of Dr. Chivi Kapungu - Rising Lotus Therapy and Consulting LLC, PhD, Psychologist
Rising Lotus Therapy and Consulting LLC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138  (Online Only)
I specialize in women’s health (pregnancy, parenting, menopause etc.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and frustrated with the demands of your life and wondering if happiness is possible ? How do you bloom when you feel stuck in the mud? I believe the following gives a path forward: “Just like the lotus, we too have the ability to rise from the mud, bloom out of the darkness and radiate into the world" - Unknown. Taking the step to reach out is hard, and working together, we can create a space where you can feel empowered to move forward. With humor, warmth, and cultural sensitivity, I strive to create a space where you feel seen and heard as we cultivate a journey that is unique to your needs.
I specialize in women’s health (pregnancy, parenting, menopause etc.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and frustrated with the demands of your life and wondering if happiness is possible ? How do you bloom when you feel stuck in the mud? I believe the following gives a path forward: “Just like the lotus, we too have the ability to rise from the mud, bloom out of the darkness and radiate into the world" - Unknown. Taking the step to reach out is hard, and working together, we can create a space where you can feel empowered to move forward. With humor, warmth, and cultural sensitivity, I strive to create a space where you feel seen and heard as we cultivate a journey that is unique to your needs.
(617) 468-3422 View (617) 468-3422
Photo of John T. Chirban, PhD, ThD, Psychologist
John T. Chirban
Psychologist, PhD, ThD
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138
I have written several books in psychology and religion and have written two weekly blogs for Psychology Today on parenting and spirituality.
I work with individuals, couples, and families to address concerns with relationships, identity, intimacy and sexuality, and spirituality, in addition to general psychological problems. My approach to therapy is active, relational, and result-oriented, encouraging clients to take hold of their life and find the meaning that life holds for them. I have served as an instructor at Harvard Medical School and Psychologist at the Cambridge Health Alliance for more than 25 years. And have been serving on the Advisory Board of the Dr. Phil Show, since its inception. (See drchirban.com and swampscottpsychologicalassociates.com)
I have written several books in psychology and religion and have written two weekly blogs for Psychology Today on parenting and spirituality.
I work with individuals, couples, and families to address concerns with relationships, identity, intimacy and sexuality, and spirituality, in addition to general psychological problems. My approach to therapy is active, relational, and result-oriented, encouraging clients to take hold of their life and find the meaning that life holds for them. I have served as an instructor at Harvard Medical School and Psychologist at the Cambridge Health Alliance for more than 25 years. And have been serving on the Advisory Board of the Dr. Phil Show, since its inception. (See drchirban.com and swampscottpsychologicalassociates.com)
(857) 203-0549 View (857) 203-0549
Photo of Suzan E. Wolpow, MS, LMHC, IFSCert, Counselor
Suzan E. Wolpow
Counselor, MS, LMHC, IFSCert
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02140
Waitlist for new clients
This includes working with women around issues that arise related to motherhood and supporting new parents in addressing: parenting challenges, issues left from one’s own upbringing, sorting out role issues with one's partner and clarifying life balance decisions.
In working together I will encourage you to find your own "clear voice" by connecting with your values, sorting out conflicts, and developing new skills. Most importantly, our work involves connecting to your own inner strength. My clients describe me as an astute listener who provides them with a warm and grounded place in which to expand understanding and to learn new and practical approaches. Therapeutic work we do together will often result in your improved ability to "unstick" stuck relationships, get unblocked and communicate more effectively, as well as making meaningful decisions that fit for you.
This includes working with women around issues that arise related to motherhood and supporting new parents in addressing: parenting challenges, issues left from one’s own upbringing, sorting out role issues with one's partner and clarifying life balance decisions.
In working together I will encourage you to find your own "clear voice" by connecting with your values, sorting out conflicts, and developing new skills. Most importantly, our work involves connecting to your own inner strength. My clients describe me as an astute listener who provides them with a warm and grounded place in which to expand understanding and to learn new and practical approaches. Therapeutic work we do together will often result in your improved ability to "unstick" stuck relationships, get unblocked and communicate more effectively, as well as making meaningful decisions that fit for you.
(617) 575-9982 View (617) 575-9982
Photo of Mariana Rodriguez-Fortier, LICSW, CEIS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mariana Rodriguez-Fortier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, CEIS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02140  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with people seeking help with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, parenting difficulties, life decisions, body image, creative and spiritual struggles, concerns about sex and sexuality, loss and illness.
Thanks for stopping by. I am a bilingual developmental psychologist, a clinical social worker and an avid yogi for nearly twenty years. I hold a BC in psychology from Venezuela, a master degrees in Early Intervention from Northeastern University and a masters in Clinical Social Work from Simmons University. I have worked with children and adults with mental health and developmental challenges in a variety of setting and bring my expertise in the field as well as my deep compassion. I truly love helping others in any capacity. I pull from many different frameworks including EMDR, CBT, DBT, IFS, ACT and mindfulness.
I specialize in working with people seeking help with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, parenting difficulties, life decisions, body image, creative and spiritual struggles, concerns about sex and sexuality, loss and illness.
Thanks for stopping by. I am a bilingual developmental psychologist, a clinical social worker and an avid yogi for nearly twenty years. I hold a BC in psychology from Venezuela, a master degrees in Early Intervention from Northeastern University and a masters in Clinical Social Work from Simmons University. I have worked with children and adults with mental health and developmental challenges in a variety of setting and bring my expertise in the field as well as my deep compassion. I truly love helping others in any capacity. I pull from many different frameworks including EMDR, CBT, DBT, IFS, ACT and mindfulness.
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Photo of Sairis Blair-Diaz - Sairis Blair-Diaz, LMHC, LPC, CASAC, MS, LMHC, LPC, CASAC, Counselor
Sairis Blair-Diaz, LMHC, LPC, CASAC
Counselor, MS, LMHC, LPC, CASAC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02142  (Online Only)
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sairis (CY-RUS). I am a 42 year-old Hispanic female, I’m fluent in Spanish. I have had an opportunity to work with ALL ages and many cultures, including helping many to process COVID-19 and “the new normal”. I have experienced, in child welfare, some legal and criminal issues, several addictions, including most common drug and alcohol addictions, parenting, child neglect, abuse, and illness, to name a few.
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sairis (CY-RUS). I am a 42 year-old Hispanic female, I’m fluent in Spanish. I have had an opportunity to work with ALL ages and many cultures, including helping many to process COVID-19 and “the new normal”. I have experienced, in child welfare, some legal and criminal issues, several addictions, including most common drug and alcohol addictions, parenting, child neglect, abuse, and illness, to name a few.
(857) 578-0601 View (857) 578-0601
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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.