Stronger Families Start Here: Transform Your Home with Expert Parenting & Family Therapy at GearingUP
Our evidence-based therapy helps families build stronger connections, resolve conflicts, and create a harmonious home. Whether you’re navigating parenting challenges, communication breakdowns, or life transitions, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Available virtually and at our Dallas-area locations in Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Lakewood, Prosper, and North Richland Hills.
Families who participate in therapy together report a 75% improvement in communication and conflict resolution.
Parenting and family therapy is a collaborative process designed to help families strengthen their relationships, improve communication, and navigate challenges together. Whether you’re dealing with behavioral issues, parenting conflicts, or major life transitions, therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore your family dynamics and work toward shared goals.
At GearingUP, our evidence-based approach focuses on helping families build healthier patterns, understand each other’s needs, and develop practical tools to create a more harmonious home environment. Through structured sessions and guided exercises, you’ll learn how to communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and support each other’s growth.
At GearingUP, we offer a wide range of evidence-based parenting and family therapy approaches to help families build stronger, healthier relationships. Each therapy is tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you receive the most effective care. Here’s an overview of the programs we offer:
EFFT helps families understand and reshape their emotional responses to each other, fostering secure bonds using attachment theory and styles. This approach is particularly effective for families dealing with conflict or emotional distance. Studies show that 70-75% of families experience significant improvements in emotional connection after EFFT Therapy.
The Barkley Parenting Program provides parents with evidence-based strategies to manage ADHD-related challenges, such as impulsivity and inattention. Parents learn to create structured, supportive environments that help their children thrive. Families often report improved focus and better academic performance after completing the program.
Developed with the original researcher and pioneer of DBT-C Dr. Francheska Perepletchikova, GearingUP’s DBT-C program helps parents support their children in developing emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. This program teaches parents how to reinforce DBT skills at home, creating a consistent and supportive environment to help their child thrive. Research shows that families who participate in DBT-C report significant improvements in emotional regulation and reduced behavioral issues in children.
CBFT helps families identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to conflict. By teaching practical strategies, CBFT improves communication and problem-solving skills. Families often report reduced conflict and greater emotional well-being after completing CBFT.
This parallel program for children and adolescents in the DBT program teaches parents an abridged version of the DBT curriculum, equipping them with the tools to support their child’s progress. By learning the same skills as their children, parents can model healthy behaviors and reinforce skills at home. Families often report improved communication and greater emotional resilience as a result.
This approach views the family as an interconnected system, where each member’s behavior affects the whole. Therapists help families identify and change negative patterns, improving communication and creating healthier dynamics. Families often find greater empathy and improved relationships for years to come.
DBT-Based Family Therapy integrates DBT skills into family sessions to improve communication, reduce conflict, and build emotional resilience. This approach is particularly effective for families dealing with high emotional intensity or behavioral challenges. Studies show that DBT-Based Family Therapy can reduce family conflict by 50% or more.
Developed by Salvador Minuchin, this approach focuses on reorganizing family structures to create clearer boundaries and roles. It’s particularly effective for families dealing with conflict or power struggles. Families often report greater harmony and improved communication with Structural Family Therapy.
The Kazdin Method focuses on positive reinforcement and behavior modification to address challenging behaviors in children. Parents learn practical strategies to encourage positive behavior and reduce conflicts. Research indicates that 80% of families see significant improvements in behavior and family dynamics through the Kazdin Method.
This approach focuses on understanding family dynamics across generations and helping individuals differentiate themselves from unhealthy patterns. It’s particularly effective for families dealing with chronic conflict. Families often report greater self-awareness and improved relationships.
This goal-oriented approach helps families identify their strengths and resources to solve specific problems. Instead of focusing on past issues, this method emphasizes creating practical solutions for the future. Families often report faster progress and greater satisfaction with this approach.
FFT is a short-term, evidence-based therapy designed to address behavioral issues in adolescents. It focuses on improving family communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills. Families often report reduced conflict and improved relationships.
PCIT focuses on improving the parent-child relationship through real-time coaching. Parents learn effective discipline strategies and positive communication skills to reduce behavioral issues. Research shows that 90% of families see significant improvements in behavior and relationships with PCIT.
Filial Therapy teaches parents to use play therapy techniques to strengthen their bond with their child. This approach is particularly effective for families dealing with trauma or attachment issues. Families often report improved emotional connection and reduced behavioral problems.
Theraplay uses playful, attachment-based activities to help parents and children build stronger bonds. This approach is particularly effective for families dealing with trauma or adoption. Research shows that Theraplay can improve attachment security between parents and their children in 80% of cases.
Triple P provides parents with strategies to manage behavioral issues, improve communication, and create a more positive home environment. This flexible program is tailored to each family’s needs, and families often report reduced stress and improved behavior after completing the Triple P program.
Parenting and family therapy can be a transformative experience for families at any stage. Whether you’re facing specific challenges or simply want to strengthen your relationships, therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore your family dynamics and work toward shared goals. Here are some key situations where therapy can make a meaningful difference:
If your family is struggling to express needs, listen effectively, or resolve conflicts without escalating arguments, therapy can help. Poor communication often leads to misunderstandings, resentment, and emotional distance. In therapy, you’ll learn practical tools to communicate clearly, listen with empathy, and address issues constructively. By improving communication, families can reduce conflict and create a more harmonious home environment.
Disagreements about parenting styles, discipline, or family routines can create tension between parents and strain the entire family. Therapy helps parents align on shared goals, develop consistent strategies, and present a united front to their children. By addressing these conflicts early, families can prevent small disagreements from escalating into larger issues and create a more cohesive parenting approach.
Life transitions—such as divorce, blending families, moving, changing schools, or the arrival of a new sibling—can disrupt family dynamics and create stress for everyone involved. Therapy provides a space to navigate these changes as a team, ensuring that each family member feels heard and supported. By addressing the emotional impact of transitions and developing coping strategies, families can adapt more smoothly and maintain strong connections during times of change.
Trauma, grief, or significant losses can deeply affect family relationships, leaving members feeling disconnected or overwhelmed. Family therapy offers a safe space to process these experiences together, fostering healing and resilience. Approaches like Filial Therapy or Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) help families rebuild trust, strengthen emotional bonds, and create a sense of safety and support. Healing as a family can lead to deeper connections and a renewed sense of hope.
Parenting can feel overwhelming when children or teens exhibit challenging behaviors like outward defiance and aggression (externalized dysregulation), withdrawal and seclusion (internalized dysregulation), or a mixture of both. These behaviors often stem from underlying emotional struggles, such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD. Family therapy helps parents understand the root causes of these behaviors and develop effective strategies to address them. With evidence-based approaches like Emotion Focused Family Therapy or the Kazdin Method, families can create a more supportive and structured environment that promotes positive behavior and emotional well-being.
Parenting and Family Therapy isn’t just for families in crisis—it’s also a powerful tool for families who want to proactively strengthen their relationships. Whether you’re looking to improve communication, deepen emotional connections, or simply spend more quality time together, therapy can help you build a stronger, more resilient family. By investing in your family’s emotional health, you’re creating a foundation of trust, support, and love that will benefit everyone for years to come.
Your journey begins with an initial consultation, where your therapist will meet with your family to discuss your goals, concerns, and history. This session helps tailor the therapy to your unique needs and ensures everyone feels comfortable moving forward.
Through conversations and sometimes questionnaires, your therapist will assess your family’s dynamics and identify areas for growth. Together, you’ll set clear, achievable goals to guide your therapy journey.
Early sessions often focus on improving communication within the family. You’ll learn practical tools to express feelings, listen actively, and resolve conflicts in a healthy, constructive way.
Your therapist will help your family recognize negative patterns or behaviors that start conflicts and further contribute to challenges. By understanding these trends, you can begin to shift away from unhelpful cycles and create healthier interactions.
Based on your goals, your therapist will introduce evidence-based strategies to address specific issues, such as behavioral challenges, parenting conflicts, or emotional distance. These strategies are based on science and tailored to your family’s unique needs.
In addition to practicing in sessions, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in real-life situations between sessions. Your therapist will provide guidance and support as you practice new skills, ensuring they become a natural part of your family’s routine.
Taking the time to check-in makes sure your family is moving toward your goals and allow for adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. You’ll celebrate milestones and reflect on the positive changes you’ve made together.
When you feel you are ready to end treatment, your family will be equipped with a toolkit of skills and insights to sustain a healthy, fulfilling dynamic for years to come. Your therapist can also provide resources and support to help you continue growing together.
Parenting and family therapy is effective because it provides a safe, structured space to address challenges and build stronger connections. By working together with a skilled therapist, your family can create meaningful, lasting change.
At GearingUP, we’re dedicated to helping families build stronger, healthier relationships. Here are some of the key benefits you’ll experience when you choose us for your parenting and family therapy needs:
Our therapists are specialists in evidence-based approaches specifically developed for parents and families like DBT for families, the Kazdin Method, and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). With advanced training and years of experience, we provide the expertise and compassion your family needs to thrive.
No two families are the same, which is why we create personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific goals and challenges. Whether you’re dealing with behavioral issues, parenting conflicts, or life transitions, we’ll find the approach that works best for your needs.
Our therapies are backed by research and designed to create meaningful, lasting change using science. Families who work with us report significant improvements in communication, deeper emotional connections, and greater overall satisfaction.
We create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where every family member feels heard and valued. Whether you’re addressing sensitive issues or exploring new ways to connect, we’re here to help with care and professionalism.
Therapy at GearingUP isn’t just about talking — it’s about learning skills you can use in real life. From stress management to conflict resolution, you’ll leave with tools that strengthen your family every day.
We offer both in-person and virtual sessions, evening and limited weekend appointments, as well as flexible scheduling options to make therapy convenient for your family. Your healing journey shouldn’t add stress to your life — we’re here to make it as easy as possible.
We don’t just identify problems — we help your family actively work through them and grow together for the future. By fostering resilience, empathy, and teamwork, we create a foundation for long-term happiness and success.
We track progress through regular assessments and client feedback, ensuring your family is on the right path. Our goal is to deliver real, measurable results that make a difference in your daily life.
Parenting and family therapy at GearingUP is more than just a way to solve temporary problems — it’s an investment in your family’s future. Whether you’re looking to resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, or simply strengthen your bond, we’re here to help you create the family life you’ve always wanted.
At GearingUP, we’re committed to helping families build stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling relationships. Here’s why so many families trust us with their journey:
Our therapists are highly trained in a wide range of evidence-based parenting and family therapy approaches, including DBT for Children (DBT-C), Filial Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy (CBFT), and more. Many of our clinicians have trained directly with the original developers of the therapy or world-renowned experts in the field, ensuring your family receives the highest standard of care. With specialized knowledge and advanced certifications, we bring proven techniques and insights to every session.
With over 35 years of experience helping families navigate challenges and achieve their goals, our therapists have the expertise to guide you through even the most complex issues. We’ve worked with hundreds, if not thousands, of families throughout North Texas and the Dallas area, helping them improve communication, resolve conflicts, and create lasting change. Our track record of success speaks for itself — families who work with us report significant improvements in relationships and long-term resilience.
No two families are the same, which is why we tailor our approach to fit your specific goals and challenges. Whether you’re dealing with behavioral issues, parenting conflicts, or life transitions, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. We often use specialized diagnostics or assessments developed by world experts like Dr. John Gottman for marital therapy to get you clear answers with objective data-driven results. With access to a variety of therapeutic modalities, we can adapt our methods to ensure the best possible outcomes for your family.
We don’t just help families manage symptoms — we help you create meaningful, lasting change for years to come. Our therapies are designed to address the root causes of challenges, equipping you with the skills and insights to build a stronger, healthier family. Through regular assessments, progress tracking, and client feedback, we ensure that our services deliver real results. Research shows that families who engage in evidence-based therapy experience long-term benefits, including improved communication, deeper emotional connections, and greater overall satisfaction.
| GearingUP | Other In-Office Parenting & Family Therapists | Other Online Therapists | |
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Expert Guidance from Highly Trained Family Therapists GearingUP therapists have expertise in multiple family and parenting therapy systems; others may lack depth in their understanding, only have one option, or have not completed specialized training. |
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Therapy Designed Just for Your Family’s Needs GearingUP crafts therapy plans tailored to your family; others may use generic approaches, only following a guidebook, or struggle explaining the vision for the treatment plan. |
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Creating Lasting Change for Your Family’s Future GearingUP only offers therapy proven by research to create meaningful, lasting change; others may focus on quick fixes or surface-level solutions. |
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Therapy That Fits Your Family’s Busy Life GearingUP offers both in-person and online sessions with flexible hours on nights and weekends; others are often restricted to 9-5 schedules, limited office hours, or online-only options. |
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Understanding Your Family’s Unique Strengths and Challenges GearingUP uses tools and assessments developed by the experts to objectively assess your family's strengths and to track progress over time; others may refuse to use structured assessments, use data to track growth, or provide progress reports towards your goals. |
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Putting Your Family’s Well-Being at the Heart of Therapy GearingUP never loses sight of keeping the focus on your family and how everyone can work together as a team; others may focus on individuals or miss broader family dynamics. |
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Specialized Support for Every Family Dynamic GearingUP therapists are trained by leading experts like Dr. John Gottman, Dr. Sue Johnson, and Dr. Francheska Perepletchikova; others may have only completed basic training from non-experts or they may have no specialized training in families or parenting at all. |
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Skills You Can Use at Home, Every Day GearingUP helps families apply skills to daily life so therapy doesn't end when the session ends - growth continues between sessions; others may limit practice to sessions, not offer or teach skills, or not provide structured "homework" between sessions. |
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Empowering Parents and Families to Grow Together GearingUP therapists believe that every member of the family is important and actively involves parents and families; others may minimize family systems, only focus on one person, or lack integration of all aspects of the family. |
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Quality Care That Works for Your Budget GearingUP offers flexible payment options including sliding scale rates, payment plans, and we accept most major insurance policies; other therapists often only accept full upfront payments in cash or check for high cost sessions with fixed rates. |
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Addressing the Core of Family Challenges GearingUP goes beyond surface level issues to tackle the root causes of family challenges; others may focus solely on current symptoms, temporary solutions, or short-term fixes that may not last. |
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Guiding Families Through Life’s Biggest Changes GearingUp specializes in guiding families through life changes and offers multiple forms and types of therapy to help, no matter the issue or concern; others may only be generalist therapists, lack advanced training to address multiple concerns, or struggle to even notice issues due to a lack of experience or training. |
At GearingUP, we’re dedicated to helping families and parents create meaningful, lasting change. Here’s what you can expect to take home from your sessions:
Through evidence-based approaches like Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), your family will rebuild trust, deepen emotional connections, and create a more supportive environment.
Learn to express thoughts and feelings clearly while listening to each other with empathy. These skills will help you navigate conflicts and strengthen relationships.
Turn arguments into opportunities for growth with strategies that reduce escalation and promote collaboration. You’ll leave with tools to resolve disagreements constructively.
Therapy provides a nonjudgmental environment where every family member feels heard and valued. Whether you’re addressing past hurts or current challenges, we’re here to guide you with care and professionalism.
Navigate major changes like divorce, blending families, or moving with confidence. Therapy will help your family adapt and thrive during times of transition.
Gain practical strategies from programs like the Kazdin Method or the Barkley Parenting Program to address challenging behaviors and create a more positive home environment.
Through approaches like Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Filial Therapy, or Theraplay, you’ll build a deeper bond with your child, fostering trust, security, and mutual respect.
Learn evidence-based techniques to set boundaries, enforce rules, and encourage positive behavior. You’ll feel more empowered and capable as a parent.
Specialized programs like the Barkley Parenting Program equip you with tools to manage ADHD-related behaviors, improve focus, and support your child’s success at home and school.
Therapy helps parents align on shared goals and strategies, creating a consistent and supportive environment for your children.
From stress management to problem-solving, you’ll gain skills that strengthen your family every day. These tools will help you handle challenges with confidence.
Our therapies are designed to create meaningful, lasting change. Families and parents who work with us report significant improvements in communication, deeper emotional connections, and greater overall satisfaction.
At GearingUP, we’re committed to helping you create the family life you’ve always wanted. Take the first step toward a stronger, healthier family—contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Parenting and family therapy have been extensively studied and proven to deliver meaningful, long-lasting results. Here’s what research from leading authorities in mental health tells us about the effectiveness of these therapies:
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 70-80% of families who participate in family therapy report significant improvements in communication. Approaches like Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and Structural Family Therapy are particularly effective in helping families express their needs and listen with empathy.
Studies published in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy show that family therapy can reduce conflict by 50% or more. Families learn to resolve disagreements constructively and create a more harmonious home environment.
Research from the Gottman Institute indicates that 86% of families experience significant improvements in emotional connection and closeness after completing therapy. This deeper bond helps family members feel more supported and understood.
The Kazdin Method has been shown to reduce challenging behaviors in children by 80% or more. Parents learn practical strategies to encourage positive behavior and reduce conflicts.
Research on Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) shows that 90% of families see significant improvements in parent-child relationships. Parents report feeling more connected and confident in their parenting abilities.
Surveys conducted by the Child Mind Institute show that 85-90% of families are satisfied with the results of therapy, citing improvements in communication, emotional connection, and overall family dynamics.
At GearingUP, we offer a variety of evidence-based parenting programs, including the Kazdin Method, the Barkley Parenting Program for ADHD, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Theraplay, and more. Each program was designed to address specific challenges, such as behavioral issues, ADHD, or parent-child attachment, and our clinical team will design a treatment plan that will address your family’s particular needs.
Family therapy can help if your family is experiencing recurring conflicts, communication breakdowns, or challenges like behavioral issues, life transitions, or emotional distance. If you are unsure, our senior therapists would be happy to discuss your family’s situation in the initial intake appointment to determine if clinical services would be appropriate for your needs.
Yes! Family therapy works with the whole family to address the underlying dynamics that contribute to behavioral issues, while parenting programs like PCIT or the Kazdin Method provide practical strategies for parents to manage and improve their child’s behavior. Many families see significant reductions in challenging behaviors after starting therapy.
It’s common for children to feel hesitant about therapy. Our therapists are skilled at creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where children feel comfortable, and they often incorporate activities, games, and movement into sessions to keep children engaged. In some cases, parents can start therapy on their own to learn strategies that positively impact the family dynamic.
The length of therapy varies depending on your family’s particular needs and goals. Some families see improvements in just a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term support.
Yes, we offer both in-person and secure online sessions to accommodate your family’s schedule and preferences. Virtual therapy has been shown to be extremely effective or just as effective as in-person therapy and provides a convenient option for busy families.
Parental involvement is a key part of family therapy since family therapy sessions include all members of the family. Depending on your family’s needs, you will likely participate in sessions, receive updates on progress, and learn skills to support your child at home. Your active participation helps create a consistent, supportive environment both for your child and your entire family.
Absolutely. Family therapy helps parents align on shared goals, develop consistent strategies, and present a united front to their children. By addressing these conflicts early, families can prevent small disagreements from escalating into larger issues. Family therapy also provides a safe, supportive environment for all family members to discuss issues in their household and find solutions together.
Every family is different, and finding the right approach can take time. At GearingUP, we specialize in evidence-based therapies that are backed by research and shown to work in study after study. We’ll take the time to understand your unique needs and create a plan that’s tailored to your family. We offer numerous types of family therapy and parenting support as well so we can find the right approach that works for you.
We believe therapy should be accessible to all families. We accept most major insurance plans and offer sliding scale rates based on income, payment plans, flexible payment options. Contact our office today and we would be happy to verify your insurance benefits or discuss financial options.
Yes, family therapy can help families find ways to work with and support one member who may be dealing with unique issues like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, neurodivergence, or other issues. GearingUP even offers specialized programs to address these particularly issues like the Barkley Parenting Program that was designed to help families manage ADHD-related challenges. Parents learn strategies to work with their child to improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and support their success at home and school.
The first session is typically an initial consultation where your therapist will discuss your family’s history, current concerns, and goals for treatment. One of our senior therapists will work with you to determine an initial treatment plan to better understand your family that may include diagnostic interviews, testing, or specialized assessments. After these initial sessions, our clinical team will present a suggested customized treatment plan for your family’s needs. This helps tailor the therapy to your unique needs and ensures everyone feels comfortable moving forward.
We use a combination of methods to track progress, including regular check-ins, feedback from family members, and standardized assessments developed by experts. You’ll receive regular updates on your family’s growth and any adjustments to your treatment plan, but please feel free to ask your therapist as well if you are curious about treatment progress.
Yes, family therapy provides a safe space to process trauma or grief together particularly if multiple family members are working through these issues. Approaches like Filial Therapy or Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) help families rebuild trust, strengthen emotional bonds, and create a sense of safety and support.
Getting started is easy! Simply contact our office to schedule an initial intake appointment with one of our senior clinicians. Once we have an idea of your goals, we’ll match your family with a therapist who specializes in your needs and guide you through the next steps. We will only need a few pieces of information to get started, and we often have next day or same week appointments available!