Parent Coaching
Ongoing support, consultation and guidance for the people who know your child best.
Why we start with you
Parents are the experts on their children. You know their history, their moods, and what a good day looks like, and you are the one around them the most. Because of that, sometimes the best approach is not therapy for your child at all. It is ongoing parenting support, consultation and guidance for you.
Parents often reach out for coaching when:
- Bedtime, homework or mornings have turned into a daily battle
- Your child’s big feelings are hard to know how to respond to in the moment
- You and your co-parent are not on the same page
- Your child is not ready for, or does not want, therapy of their own
- A diagnosis, a school change or a family transition has everyone feeling off balance
What sessions look like
We start by listening. You tell us what is happening at home and what you want to be different, and together we build a plan around your family, not a script. From there, sessions are a place to talk through how the week went, try new strategies, and adjust what is not working. You should leave with specific things to try, not just general advice.
For parents of younger children, ages 3 to 8, Dr. Franks is also certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which teaches parents the same therapeutic techniques used in session. We will talk with you about whether that structured approach or a more flexible coaching format is the better fit.
In person or telehealth
Parent coaching is available in person at our Glendora office or by telehealth anywhere in California, which many busy parents find easier to fit into the week.
Fees
Parent coaching sessions follow our standard session rates. See fees and insurance, or call and we will confirm the rate before your first appointment.
Last reviewed September 30, 2026
Questions parents ask us
Does my child need to come to sessions?
Not usually. Parent coaching is built around you. If it would help for us to meet or observe your child, we will talk about that together first.
Can my child be in therapy at the same time?
Yes. Some families pair parent coaching with therapy for their child, often with different therapists in the practice so the roles stay clear. Others find that coaching on its own is enough.
Can both parents attend?
Yes, and we encourage it when possible. When both parents are working from the same plan, children usually feel the difference sooner.
How is this different from parenting classes?
A class teaches the same material to everyone. Coaching is ongoing and specific to your child, your family and what happened this week, and it adjusts as things change.
Talk it through first
You do not have to know exactly what you need before you call. Tell us what is going on at home and we will help you figure out whether parent coaching, therapy for your child, or both makes the most sense.