Child & Family Counseling Group

19/07/2024

There are some persistent myths about divorce, including that the divorce rate in California is super high. In fact, recently released statistics regarding divorce have revealed that the divorce rate in CA is quite low. We're not first in the nation. In fact, we're 45th! Californians may be progressive about changing a lot of other things, but we care about our families and work hard to keep them together.

This makes it even more heartbreaking when divorce is the best among disappointing alternatives. And, unfortunately, it seems like the court system and some family lawyers, even here in California, only contribute to making things worse by encouraging parents to fight each other.

Our mission at Collaborative Practice Silicon Valley is to help divorcing families to make this transition with dignity and respect, protecting the children from conflict. We offer the Divorce Options(R) Class once a month, pro bono, to let families know they aren't alone, they have choices, and they can get the information they need in order to divorce wisely. The next class is going to be offered live this Saturday, July 20 at 10am.

RSVP for the link or to ask for a recording of the class: info@nocourt.org
Information about other live classes: divorceoptionsinfo.org
Information about mediation and Collaborative Practice: collaborativedivorcecalifornia.com

05/06/2024

Lately, I've spoken to several couples who are in that awful/scary first stage of separation: one partner has been thinking about leaving for a long time the other is shocked at the idea. Both are scared about the future. Sometimes, I recommend Discernment Counseling (I know two clinicians who do this very well). Sometimes, though, we need to figure out how to move forward with a divorce in the most respectful and reassuring way we can.

I always recommend the Divorce Options(R) Class for people in this early stage. It's free, live online, and a chance for people to get many of their questions answered. What we've found is that our methodical way of going through the process choices and the kinds of issues that people with have to deal with in divorce is calming for most people. Part of the fear at this stage, of course, is the Unknown.

If you know someone who is considering divorce, please do send them to the class. It's happening live Saturday June 15 from 10-12:30. We've started recording the classes, so they should RSVP even if they can't come at that time, and we can send them the recording. RSVP is info@nocourt.org. More information is at www.nocourt.org.

14/05/2024

Hi everyone,

I've been a child therapist for forty years, and the surprising but real reaction of many children when hearing that their parents are going to divorce is: why didn't you do this sooner?

Don't get me wrong, divorce can be devastating for children. Unfortunately, living in family with high conflict or just unspoken tension between the parents can be devastating too.

So. Nothing to do but work toward the best possible outcome given the circumstances: the parents separate but are able to create a peaceful co-parenting relationship post-divorce. If you know someone who is considering divorce and wants to work toward doing the best thing for the kids, then please send them to the Divorce Options(TM) class. It's online, free, and we will record the class so that registrants can watch it later if they can't make it live.

What those of us who work in divorce know is that process determines outcome. In the class, we talk about the four process options in CA and the pros and cons of each when it comes to the outcome parents want. We also go through the legal, financial, and parenting aspects of divorce.

To RSVP and get the link or the recording, email info@nocourt.org.

More information:

If you are facing divorce or separation, you have choices! Attend a low-cost Divorce Options® workshop presented by experts who have guided others through divorce.

14/04/2024

We're offering our Divorce Options class again this Saturday April 20, 10am-12:30pm. It's free, and we've gotten so much positive feedback from attendees in the past! Please pass this information along to anyone you know who is considering divorce. Information is power! RSVP to info@nocourt.org. We are planning to record the class so RSVP even if you can't make the time! More information at

An association of conflict resolution experts located in the Silicon Valley area of California, who provide divorce, estate and trust, and alternative dispute resolution services with the goal of resolution in a respectful and mutually agreed-upon process, without court.

09/06/2023

Parenting is hard. Parenting with depression is harder. And it's hard on the kids too.

Angela Dube, LMFT, coworker of CFCG since 2017, has recently been quoted in a Psych Central article titled Your Questions Answered: How to Parent with Depression. In the article there are some details related to what parenting with depression may look like as well as tips on how to support yourself and your kids during this challenge.

If this is a topic of interest to you, here's a link to the article!

https://psychcentral.com/depression/how-to-parent-with-depression?utm_source=ReadNext&fbclid=IwAR2mQTzFKZjpTn7kLYJTgaB4kImQmx9yu57gxwx4nCbLG6GHfU3YnSrIoUA

Living with depression as a parent can be challenging. But educating your children about your condition, learning to manage your symptoms, and practicing self-compassion can help.

13/01/2023

Read our newest blog post to learn how to manage conflict with your teen, or anyone for that matter!

Handling Conflict with Your Teen, or Anyone for that Matter!

20/12/2022

Happy Holidays from CFCG!

22/11/2022

Gratitude: The Antidote to Entitlement

By Beth Proudfoot, LMFT When I ask parents about their goals for their children, the most common answer is, “I just want them to be happy.” Ironically, the path to that goal of happy children is NOT to give them what they want. This is counter-intuitive, and many, if not most, parents fall into ...

19/11/2022

It’s not uncommon for parents to put the needs of their children above themselves. It’s hard not to. When they are first born, they are so vulnerable and literally need us to do everything for them. As they grow older, they learn to do more for themselves (thank goodness) but also still need a lot of support from us. It’s easy for us to forget ourselves, our own needs, and identities.

However, when parents focus on their own needs more, children thrive.

by Angela Dube, LMFT It’s not uncommon for parents to put the needs of their children above themselves. It’s hard not to. When they are first born, they are so vulnerable and literally need us to do everything for them. As they grow older, they learn to do more for themselves (thank goodness) bu...

03/10/2022

Parenting Post-Pandemic #3 - Managing Negative Emotions

Free parenting class Tuesday 10/4 at noon

Let's face it, we're all "up to here!" In this class, we'll learn how to manage our own anger and worry, and how to help our children with theirs with specific strategies that work to both calm our emotions and change our behavior.

by Beth Proudfoot, LMFT Next parenting class coming up this Tuesday, 10/4 at noon. Parenting Post-Pandemic #3 - Managing Negative Emotions Let's face it, we're all "up to here!" In this class, we'll learn how to manage our own anger and worry, and how to help our children with theirs with specific s...

01/10/2022

Hi everyone,
I'm continuing my Parenting Post-Pandemic series through the Santa Clara County Public Library with another talk this Tuesday at noon. This one is about how to handle it when you're angry at your kids...or when they're angry at you! Please pass this notice and link to anyone you know who might be interested!
Thanks!
Beth

Parenting Post-Pandemic #3 - Managing Negative Emotions

Let's face it, we're all "up to here!" In this class, we'll learn how to manage our own anger and worry, and how to help our children with theirs with specific strategies that work to both calm our emotions and change our behavior.

Can't make it today? No worries, we will record the class for those who can't attend live.

Beth Proudfoot, LMFT, is a parent educator, child therapist and author. She's also the parent of three young men who gave her ample experience, back in the day, with parental anger.

LINK for the live class:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83116014213?pwd=Y1hSL0IxRXdWa2MxU1p0RXY2anJGdz09

Recordings of Class 1 and 2 can be found at: https://www.childfamilygroup.com/classes-groups

22/09/2022

Free Parenting Class!

Need happiness? We're all experiencing the fall-out from the Pandemic, not only the grief about all of our losses, but serious anxiety about the future...and the present. In this second class of the Parenting Post-Pandemic series, we'll dive into how to exercise our Happiness Muscles in order to be the calm, centered parents we all strive to be. AND, because our kids' happiness is our #1 concern, we'll share how kids can build resilience and contentment, too!

Happiness is FREE!