Whole Life Family Therapy

Whole Life Family Therapy Specialized Child & Family Therapy Services

When we are in the midst of a stressful situation, it is important to take the time to care for ourselves, rather than f...
03/30/2023

When we are in the midst of a stressful situation, it is important to take the time to care for ourselves, rather than focusing on the storm itself. Practicing mindfulness such as breathing techniques allows the body to return to a more neutral state. We can’t control the storm, but we can find healthy, mindful ways that will anchor us. 💙

Let’s talk about Parenting Styles: We get a lot of calls from prospective clients letting us know how difficult it is to...
03/18/2023

Let’s talk about Parenting Styles: We get a lot of calls from prospective clients letting us know how difficult it is to be on the same page as their spouse. Parents who feel exhausted, overwhelmed and lost. You’re not alone! Balancing different parenting styles can be a challenging topic to navigate. While having disagreements on aspects of parenting is normal, it is still very important to address the differences with healthy communication.

💙First- Find areas in which you do agree-find your common ground. For most parents this begins with what’s important to them; attending school, friendships, emotional health, positive family interactions, speaking with kindness and respect, participating in the household. Identify what you first agree on before identifying what you don’t.
💙 Next- Allow for differences. Both parents likely came from completely different households, different parenting styles and maybe different values. Be understanding and curious about each other’s past. Keep in mind that we may repeat patterns we saw or experienced as children.
💙Set aside time away from the children to check-in about how things are going. Discuss how well you think structure is working and even if you don’t agree, try to be consistent with how you respond to your children between the two of you. This will reduce conflict and increase how responsive your child will be to your limits.

Although there may be differences, remember that you and your partner are on the same team! Try to prioritize supporting each other. Be both honest and flexible with your partner as you navigate various parenting strategies.

There is so much strength in being honest about who we are and the emotions that we are experiencing. Honestly expressin...
03/18/2023

There is so much strength in being honest about who we are and the emotions that we are experiencing. Honestly expressing our feelings without guilt or shame and without trying to change them. Vulnerability allows us to truthfully express our thoughts, needs and boundaries with others, despite what the outcome may be. Showing vulnerability allows us to foster healthy connections with those around us- each and every person on the planet experiences all feelings. Anger, excitement, grief, fear, jealousy, love. We are all together in this. 💙

Our children express their emotions, needs, and wants in many different ways. It is important for us as parents to tune ...
03/10/2023

Our children express their emotions, needs, and wants in many different ways. It is important for us as parents to tune into our child, notice what may be needed as a result of their behavior. Maybe they are hungry, tired, or just need a break. Sometimes this can look like yelling, throwing things or being demanding. Sometimes periods of acting out can also be linked with our child looking to connect with us. In these moments of big emotions, try to listen to your child, as well as encouraging that it is okay to express and name what they are feeling. We can validate the feeling but not the behavior “I see that you’re feeling angry. I feel angry sometimes too but I don’t want you to throw your toys. I wonder what else we can do with our angry feelings.” Moments like this teach children about emotional regulation by communicating their feelings in a safe and healthy way. 💙

Healing is not forgetting what has happened in our past, it is about finding ways to cope and deal with the trauma that ...
02/28/2023

Healing is not forgetting what has happened in our past, it is about finding ways to cope and deal with the trauma that we have gone through. Through healing, we learn how to better process the damage that has happened, to the point where we can move to a point where it no longer controls us. If you are needing further support, please visit our website💙

Imagine this: You arrive at your aunt's house for Christmas dinner and someone wants to hug your child but instead of re...
02/21/2023

Imagine this: You arrive at your aunt's house for Christmas dinner and someone wants to hug your child but instead of reaching out their arms your child gives you the look, turns away or even verbalizes “ I don’t want to”. Maybe they are feeling a bit overwhelmed, shy or just tired from the amount of holiday social interaction. So what do you do? First, let them know that their decision is okay. We start modeling what our child should expect from a very early age and they need to hear that physical touch is a choice! Louder for the people in the back- physical touch is a choice! It’s not mandatory that we give out physical affection and should be a choice as it is as an adult. It is very important to not force our child to show affection towards others when they do not want to. This is a boundary that they are setting for themselves in that moment, and it is critical to respect that.

You can gently explain to the friend or family member to respect the approach that you and your child are taking. You can narrate their behavior to give them words they may not have yet “It seems like you may not be ready for a hug yet and that’s okay” offer instead for your child to blow a family member a kiss, give a high-five or even a goodbye or hello wave- “Maybe you want to blow your uncle a kiss instead or wave hello”. Respecting our children’s physical boundaries sends an important message- that other people should do the same! When you think about the perspective of the greater message of consent and how it applies to friendships, other adults in the world and romantic relationships later down the line, you can see why this one is a big one. When the child is ready- giving a physical hug will mean so much more knowing it came from their choice.

Thrilled to announce the launch of our virtual wellness groups! Feel free to message me or visit our website for more in...
02/17/2023

Thrilled to announce the launch of our virtual wellness groups! Feel free to message me or visit our website for more information at www.wholelifefamilytherapy.com 🌅

Caitlyn’s passion for helping children and families began nearly 20 years ago and has motivated the beginning and stunni...
02/16/2023

Caitlyn’s passion for helping children and families began nearly 20 years ago and has motivated the beginning and stunning growth of Whole Life Family Therapy. A graduate of the University of San Francisco with a Master’s of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy. Prior to her transition to private practice, Caitlyn provided psychotherapy in a variety of settings including public and non-public schools, residential, community based and outpatient mental health clinics. Caitlyn has extensive experience helping children and families improve emotional well-being. Caitlyn can support those with mild anxiety, ADHD and mood disorders to those who have severe behavioral issues and suicidal thoughts. She has advanced skill in helping children who struggle with self-control, regulation or disrupted connections, and supports in finding different ways to cope with challenging feelings.

Caitlyn combines play therapy, attachment, cognitive-behavior, mindfulness and a behavioral approach that can help children to feel better and make behavioral changes. By learning to express themselves more effectively, emotionally healthy kids are better able to handle tough situations, build stronger relationships, and recover from unexpected changes. Working from a holistic perspective, Caitlyn is experienced in supporting parents to align strategies, develop skills and provide consistent structure in married, blended and divorced homes to reduce conflict and increase harmony.

Our goal is to meet the children’s mental health provider “national emergency shortage” by continuing our devotion to providing thoughtful, consistent expertise in psychotherapy for children. 💙

Let today serve as a reminder to give yourself with the same amount of love that you may give to others. Be mindful of h...
02/16/2023

Let today serve as a reminder to give yourself with the same amount of love that you may give to others. Be mindful of how you talk to yourself, remember to speak to yourself as you would to a close friend or family member. Try to practice gratitude while checking in with how you are doing emotionally. We may sometimes get caught up taking care of the ones we love, however, our own self love does not have to fall through the cracks as a result. Allow today to be a reminder that you are deserving of being kind, patient, and loving towards yourself!💙

No matter how many times one may try to achieve a level of “perfection” when it comes to parenting, reality, we all make...
02/15/2023

No matter how many times one may try to achieve a level of “perfection” when it comes to parenting, reality, we all make mistakes at times. We may have even found ourselves with the “comparison trap” of looking at other’s styles and ways of parenting. It is important to remember to go easy on yourself and give yourself grace. We are all still growing, learning, and figuring out what works best for our families. Today, choose to be kind to yourself.💙

02/09/2023

Hello! At Whole Life Family Therapy, we believe in the importance of learning about all the aspects of your life that contribute to your successes and your challenges. Our collaborative style is strength based and solution focused. We believe each person deserves a unique approach specific to your individual needs. We look forward to supporting you on your healing journey!

Address

2 Crow Canyon Court
San Ramon, CA
94583

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19252755091

Website

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