Parent Therapy for Complex Kids and Overwhelmed Parents Across California
Feeling Overwhelmed as a Parent? You're Not Alone
If you're parenting a neurodiverse, gifted, or deeply sensitive child, chances are you've felt isolated, misunderstood, and completely exhausted. Maybe your child is navigating big feelings, ADHD, Autism, or has a trauma history—and the strategies you’ve tried just aren’t working. You’ve read the books, followed the advice, maybe even seen other therapists. Still, nothing seems to stick.
This is where parent therapy can change everything.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 30 years of experience helping families with very complicated kids—children who don’t respond to typical parenting or traditional therapy. As the owner of Welcome Home Family Therapy, my virtual private practice serving families across California, I work directly with parents to co-create lasting change at home.
What Is Parent Therapy, and Is It Right for You?
Parent therapy (also called parenting therapy or parenting counseling) is a collaborative, supportive therapy designed specifically for parents. Instead of focusing solely on your child, this work centers you—your nervous system, your responses, your healing.
When a child’s behaviors feel overwhelming or explosive, it’s not because you’re doing something wrong. Often, it’s because you’re being asked to parent in conditions no one prepared you for. Parent therapy gives you tools, understanding, and deep emotional support to meet your child—and yourself—with compassion and regulation.
Therapy for Parents of Neurodiverse, Gifted, or Traumatized Children
When Traditional Advice Fails: Parenting 2e, ADHD, or Autistic Kids
You may be parenting a child who is both gifted and has a diagnosis like ADHD or Autism (sometimes called twice-exceptional or 2e). These kids don’t fit neatly into boxes—and parenting them can feel like being on call 24/7 with no manual.
When Your Child’s Behaviors Don’t Match the Labels
Whether you're navigating meltdowns, refusal, aggression, or complete shutdowns, you need more than behavior charts and consequence systems. You need real insight and a therapist who understands the underlying neurobiology.
If your family has a history of adoption, early trauma, or developmental disruptions, parent therapy can help restore trust, safety, and connection.
The Science Behind Why This Works
Parent therapy isn’t about judgment—it’s about understanding how brains and bodies respond to stress, threat, and connection. My approach is rooted in:
Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB): Making sense of how your brain and your child’s brain interact.
Polyvagal Theory: Understanding your nervous system and how to co-regulate your child.
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Addressing the past to create a different future.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping you respond rather than react.
As a recovering strict parent myself, I know what it’s like to want to “do it right” and still feel like you’re failing. This work is about co-regulation, rupture and repair, and building trust—not perfection.
A 30-Year Veteran of Child Welfare in Your Corner
With three decades in child welfare, I’ve sat with parents through the toughest storms—court hearings, reunifications, adoption transitions, and everything in between. I’ve worked with children who were told they were “too much” and parents who were told they were “not enough.”
At Welcome Home Family Therapy, we do things differently. This isn’t crisis management—it’s deep, relational work that starts with you. Whether your child is 5 or 25, it’s never too late to change the dance.
Your First Step: Free Hour-Long Call
Therapy begins with a free, hour-long consultation. We’ll talk about what’s happening in your family, where you’re feeling stuck, and whether this is the right fit.
The first sessions are often just with you (the parent), giving us time to understand your story, your nervous system, and your goals. Over time, we may bring in your child or teen—or we may keep the focus on equipping you.
Call Abby today to start your journey of healing: (626) 755-4059
Stories of Hope and Change
Before therapy, one family described their home as "walking on eggshells." Their 10-year-old would explode over the smallest transitions. Now, they have a predictable rhythm. They talk. They laugh. They reconnect.
Another parent came to me feeling blamed and burned out. Through parent therapy, they began to see their child’s behavior as communication—not defiance. That shift changed everything.
Parent Therapy FAQs
What is Parent Therapy?
Parent therapy is a specialized form of therapy that supports parents in navigating the emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges of raising complex children.
How is parent therapy different from family therapy?
Family therapy involves multiple family members in session. Parent therapy focuses exclusively on empowering and supporting you as a parent.
Do you work with parents of teens or young adults?
Yes! Parent therapy is helpful for all developmental stages—even into young adulthood.
Can parent therapy help if my child does not attend therapy?
Absolutely. In many cases, working only with the parent creates the biggest impact at home.
Is this therapy covered by insurance?
Welcome Home Family Therapy is a private-pay practice. That means your therapy is confidential, customized, and not dictated by insurance requirements.
What makes Welcome Home Family Therapy different?
I bring over 30 years of experience, a deep understanding of trauma and neurodiversity, and a parent-focused, non-judgmental approach that helps you feel supported and empowered.
Let’s Talk—Your Family Deserves Peace
You don’t have to keep guessing what to do next. Let’s talk about what’s really going on—and what’s possible when you have the right support.
My motto: I help parents become the healers in the home.