Completed our intake appointment with Dr. Fearing today and we had an excellent experience. She took time to truly understand the struggles out son is working through, and outlined a plan to support him and us as parents. She was warm, compassionate and very knowledgeable.
Parenting & Family Therapy in Dallas
Support for parents, children and whole families, from everyday parenting challenges to big life changes. Meet with us in person at seven North Dallas offices or online.
Families who participate in therapy together report a 75% improvement in communication and conflict resolution.
Parenting and family therapy helps families strengthen their relationships, communicate more clearly and work through challenges together, whether that’s a child’s behavior, a disagreement between parents or a major change at home.
It doesn’t have to include everyone at first. Some parents start on their own to learn new strategies, some come as a parent and child, and some bring the whole family. Your therapist will help you decide what fits.
At GearingUP, we use evidence-based approaches and give you practical tools to use at home, so progress continues between sessions.
At a Glance
- Sessions for parents, parents and children, or the whole family
- In person at seven North Dallas offices, or online
- Your first appointment is with a senior clinician
- Next-day or same-week appointments are often available
- Most major insurance plans, plus sliding scale rates and payment plans (insurance and rates)
When Parents and Families Reach Out
Families come to us at every stage, sometimes in the middle of a hard stretch and sometimes before one starts. These are some of the most common reasons.
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Communication Breaks Down
Conversations turn into arguments, or stop altogether. Therapy gives your family tools to say what you need, listen to each other and solve problems without things escalating.
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Parenting Conflicts Arise Regularly
Different views on discipline, routines or screen time can strain the whole household. We help parents agree on shared goals and a consistent approach, so children get one clear message.
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Facing Major Life Transitions
Divorce, a blended family, a move, a new school or a new sibling can unsettle everyone. Therapy helps your family adjust as a team, with every member heard along the way.
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Healing from Trauma or Loss
Grief and trauma can leave family members feeling disconnected or overwhelmed. Working through it together helps rebuild trust and a sense of safety. Learn more about grief counseling and trauma therapy.
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New Behavioral or Emotional Challenges
Defiance, outbursts or withdrawal often have anxiety, depression or ADHD underneath. We help parents understand what’s driving the behavior and respond in ways that work.
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Strengthen Your Family Bond
Family therapy isn’t only for hard times. It’s also a way for families who are doing well to deepen their connection and build good habits before problems start.
How We Help Parents and Families
There’s no one-size-fits-all therapy. Your therapist will recommend the approach that fits your family, drawing on these evidence-based methods.
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Parenting Programs
Structured programs that give parents practical tools for challenging behavior, in sessions on your own or with your child.
- The Kazdin Method, built on positive reinforcement. Research indicates that 80% of families see significant improvements in behavior and family dynamics.
- The Barkley Parenting Program, for children and teens with ADHD
- Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)
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Family Therapy
Sessions with the whole family to change the patterns behind conflict and distance.
- Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). Studies show that 70-75% of families experience significant improvements in emotional connection.
- Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy (CBFT)
- Structural Family Therapy, developed by Salvador Minuchin
- Family Systems and Bowenian Family Therapy
- Solution-Focused Family Therapy
- Functional Family Therapy (FFT), for teens with behavioral issues
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Play and Attachment
Playful, hands-on approaches that help parents and young children build a secure bond, especially after trauma or adoption.
- Filial Therapy, where parents learn play therapy techniques
- Theraplay. Research shows it can improve attachment security between parents and their children in 80% of cases.
Children and teens can also have their own sessions through kids and teens therapy.
DBT for Children (DBT-C) and Parents
For children with intense emotions, GearingUP offers DBT for Children (DBT-C). Our DBT-C program was developed with Dr. Francheska Perepletchikova, the original researcher and pioneer of DBT-C. Children learn emotional regulation, distress tolerance and relationship skills, and parents learn how to reinforce those skills at home.
Parents of children and teens in our DBT program can also join the DBT Program for Parents, an abridged version of the DBT curriculum, so they can model the same skills. For families with high emotional intensity, DBT-based family therapy brings DBT skills into family sessions, and studies show it can reduce family conflict by 50% or more.
How Parenting and Family Therapy Works
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1.
Your First Appointment
You’ll meet with a senior clinician to talk through your concerns, your family’s history and what you’d like to change.
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2.
A Plan for Your Family
Through conversation and, where helpful, questionnaires or assessments, your therapist sets clear goals with you and recommends an approach.
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3.
Practice in Sessions and at Home
You’ll learn new skills in sessions and use them at home between sessions, with your therapist’s guidance along the way.
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4.
Check-Ins and Lasting Change
Regular check-ins track your progress and adjust the plan. When you’re ready to finish, your family leaves with a toolkit to keep growing together.
Why Families Choose GearingUP
Our therapists are trained in a wide range of evidence-based parenting and family approaches, and many have trained directly with the original developers of those therapies or with world-renowned experts. Every family’s care is guided by our senior clinical team.
- Helping families since 1986
- DBT-C trained with its developer
- Senior clinician at intake
- Therapist matched by senior staff
- Progress tracked with assessments
- Weekly case consultations
- Seven North Dallas offices
- Online sessions
- Most major insurance
- and more...
Allison Gann, LPC Associate
Clinical Therapist
GearingUP vs Other Parenting and Family Therapy Options
| GearingUP | Other In-Office Parenting & Family Therapists | Other Online Therapists | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | Yes | No | No |
| 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. | Yes | No | No |
| 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. | Yes | No | No |
| 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. | Yes | No | No |
| 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. | Yes | No | No |
| 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. | Yes | No | No |
| 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. | Yes | No | No |
| 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. | Yes | No | No |
| 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. | Yes | No | No |
| 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. | Yes | No | No |
| 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. | Yes | No | No |
| 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. | Yes | No | No |
Benefits of Parenting and Family Therapy at GearingUP
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:
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Stronger Family Bonds
Through evidence-based approaches like Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), your family will rebuild trust, deepen emotional connections, and create a more supportive environment.
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Improved Communication
Learn to express thoughts and feelings clearly while listening to each other with empathy. These skills will help you navigate conflicts and strengthen relationships.
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Healthier Conflict Resolution
Turn arguments into opportunities for growth with strategies that reduce escalation and promote collaboration. You’ll leave with tools to resolve disagreements constructively.
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Effective Behavior Management
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.
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Stronger Parent-Child Relationships
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.
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Confidence in Parenting
Learn evidence-based techniques to set boundaries, enforce rules, and encourage positive behavior. You’ll feel more empowered and capable as a parent.
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Support for ADHD and Behavioral Challenges
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.
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A Unified Parenting Approach
Therapy helps parents align on shared goals and strategies, creating a consistent and supportive environment for your children.
Transform Your Family’s Future: Real Results from Parenting & Family Therapy
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:
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70-80%
Of families report better communication
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50%+
Less family conflict
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86%
Of families feel closer after therapy
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80%+
Fewer challenging behaviors with the Kazdin Method
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90%
Of families see stronger parent-child bonds with PCIT
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85-90%
Of families are satisfied with therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Parents can start on their own to learn strategies for a child’s behavior or to get on the same page with a co-parent. Your therapist may later suggest bringing in your child or the rest of the family.
It’s common for children to feel hesitant about therapy. Our therapists create a welcoming space and often use activities, games and movement to keep children engaged. Parents can also start on their own and bring their child in later.
It depends on your family’s needs and goals. Some families see improvements in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist will review progress with you regularly.
Yes. We offer secure online sessions as well as in-person sessions at our seven North Dallas offices. Research shows online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy.
We accept most major insurance plans and offer sliding scale rates based on income, as well as payment plans. Contact our office and we’ll verify your benefits, or see insurance and rates.
Yes. Family therapy helps the whole family support a child with ADHD, autism or other neurodivergence. The Barkley Parenting Program gives parents specific strategies to improve focus, reduce impulsivity and support success at home and school. Learn more about ADHD therapy and neurodivergent therapy.
Finding the right fit can take time. We offer many types of family therapy and parenting support, and we’ll take the time to understand your family and recommend an approach that suits it.
Contact our office to schedule a first appointment with one of our senior clinicians. We’ll match your family with a therapist who specializes in your needs, and we often have next-day or same-week appointments available.
Family therapy near you
Family therapy and parenting support at our McKinney and Frisco offices.
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Learn More
Family & Parenting Therapy in McKinney
Family therapy and parenting support in McKinney for conflict, transitions and challenging behavior.
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Learn More
Family Therapy in Frisco
Family counseling in Frisco for conflict, big changes and support for parents.
Online & In-Person Parenting & Family Therapy Across North Dallas
GearingUP offers expert parenting & family therapy in Dallas and throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area, with both telehealth and in-person options. With seven North Dallas locations, it’s easier to find care that’s close to home, work, or school.
Locations: Frisco West, North Richland Hills, Prosper, Dallas (Lakewood), McKinney, Plano (Stonebriar), and Plano (Mapleshade). If available, use the Locations Map to choose the most convenient office.
Parenting & Family Therapy Reviews
This counseling service has by far been the most thorough, evidence-based practice I have used for our family. I appreciate their careful attention to detail and communication for the treatment process!
Our initial parent meeting could not have gone more smoothly. The doctor was friendly, personable, knowledgeable, and reassuring. Can't wait to get started with the process!
Alisha has been instrumental in supporting, teaching and guiding me through parenting skills. She is engaging, supportive, professional and insightful. So grateful for Alisha and Gearing up.
I’m so grateful to have Alisha Garcia as parenting skills therapist. She is knowledgeable, professional, and understanding. I recommend her and gearing up as they have been a big help.
Working with Dr. Nathalie Raper has been a game-changer for my family. As a recovering laissez-faire parent, I struggled with setting boundaries and following through. Nathalie coached me on how to be stern when necessary and how to hold my ground with confidence. After just a few months, I have so much more peace of mind. I’m incredibly grateful for her guidance and expertise.