Family Therapy

with Beginner’s Mind Psychotherapy

in-person therapy in San Mateo and online across California

Schedule A Free Consultation

For over 15 years, we’ve helped families repair communication, rebuild trust, and find stability after conflict, loss, or chaos. Our team specializes in bridging the gap between parents and teens, especially when emotions are running high and everyone feels misunderstood.

  • Are conversations at home starting to feel impossible?

  • Do small issues quickly turn into big fights?

  • Does it feel like you’re walking on eggshells around one another?

You’re not alone. Many families come to us feeling exhausted, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. It’s possible to rebuild. We’ll help you get there together.

Meet With Us

  • Conflict feels constant

  • A teen or parent is in crisis

  • Grief or loss has fractured connection

  • Addiction or mental health are concerns

  • Communication is broken

  • Parents are lost for what to do next

  • Everyone feels emotionally shut down

Families Come to Us When

When Family Life Feels Like Constant Crisis, We Help You Reconnect

Set Up A Chat

You’ll notice positive shifts within the first 90 days, and more lasting progress within 6 months.

How Family Therapy With Us Works

Family therapy helps everyone learn to speak the same language again. We create a space where each member feels heard and supported, even when topics are hard.

We focus on both insight and practical skills so changes happen in and outside of our sessions.

Our approach combines:

  • Balances emotional expression with containment; gives each family member tools for calm communication instead of emotional blowups.

  • Helps identify recurring thought and behavior patterns that feed frustration; supports more effective ways of responding.

  • Builds on what’s already working in your family; creates realistic strategies for growth and repair.

    ‍ ‍

Get back to functioning as a team.

Schedule A Call

We’ll create space to talk about what’s scary without judgment, practice nervous system regulation, and build confidence in your ability to care for yourself as you care for your growing family.

What Families Report Notice After Sessions With Us

  • Clear, calm communication

  • Less intense emotional episodes

  • Understanding between parents and teens

  • Compassion and validation across family members

  • Faster recovery after conflict

  • A shared sense of teamwork

Our goal is to help your family learn, practice, and eventually no longer need us.

Get in Touch

Our Family Therapy Team

  • Erica Nelson, LCSW

    Erica Nelson, LCSW

    As a working mom in the Bay Area, I understand the stress families face today. I love watching families rediscover their sense of calm and closeness.

    More About Me
  • Kira Goldenberg, ASW

    Kira Goldenberg, ASW

    I’m passionate about working with teens and helping families strengthen communication during the most important years of growth.

    More About Me
  • Laura Yu, LMFT, LPCC

    Laura Yu, LMFT, LPCC

    I help families, teens, and parents move from tension and misunderstanding toward connection and trust. My experience includes working in elementary and middle schools. 

    More About Me

  • Reach out through our contact form. We’ll help you get connected to the right therapist for your family’s needs.

  • Meet for three sessions to see if our process feels like a fit. We’ll identify goals and create a shared plan for progress.

  • We’ll start repairing communication and teaching emotional skills so everyone can feel more connected and supported.

3 Steps To Get Started

Contact Us