Therapy For Families
With Lisa Hanson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
I’ve raised three boys very close in age (one with special needs), so I know first-hand how painful it is when your child struggles and you don’t know how to help.
Are you exhausted, always in “fix it” mode or up and night worrying?
Do you ever find yourself wondering what you are doing wrong or how other parents seem to make it look so easy?
Does it seem like you’ve read books, researched endlessly, and are doing everything you can, but nothing seems to work?
Do you sometimes feel like a hamster stuck on a wheel, with no tangible change in sight.
I get it, and I’ve been there. Being a human being is tough, and raising little human beings is even tougher!
Parents Come To Me When
Home life is tense
Kids/teens withdraw or melt down
School, friendships and daily life is a struggle for their child/teen.
Worry is constant and every day brings something new.
Mornings are a battle
They feel helpless
When you’re exhausted and scared, I tell you what you need to hear in order to make lasting change.
“We have a job to do,
and we’ll do it as a team.”
Together, we’ll build the skills your child/teen needs to handle life and help you feel confident in your next move.
What Family Therapy With Me Looks Like
We start by understanding what’s happening, biologically, developmentally, and emotionally. I look for the root cause: is it trauma, anxiety, a learning difference, or something happening within the family system?
Then, I help you create an environment that supports your child’s development and emotional growth.
My Modalities
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Helps integrate past experiences or trauma so your child no longer relives it through behavior.
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Helps your child connect with the parts of themselves that carry fear, sadness, or anger, creating more peace within.
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Calms the body’s stress response and builds emotional regulation.
I also collaborate with schools when needed, helping parents navigate IEPs and advocate for the right support.
Working As A Family Unit
When your child feels lighter, so does your family. My therapy is designed to help you minimize fighting and enjoy being together again.
After Therapy With Me, Families Report:
My child smiles again
Mornings are calmer
They share more
Less arguing at home
Better sleep
Fewer stomach aches
More confidence + connection
About Lisa Hanson, LMFT
As both a therapist and a mom who’s been in the trenches, I know what it’s like to feel lost, guilty, and desperate for answers. My approach is direct and compassionate: we have a job to do, and we’ll do it together.
I bring over 13 years of experience working with kids and families, including in school systems supporting children with IEPs and neurodiversity. I use a results-focused approach to help families make sense of what’s happening and start seeing real change.
When I’m not in session, I love spending time outdoors with my family and our dog.
If you’re ready to understand your child and feel confident again, let’s work together.
Availability: I work with families in-person in Carlsbad, CA and via Telehealth across California.
Education, Credentials, & Trainings
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, California
Trained in EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS)
John F. Kennedy University, MA Clinical Psychology, 2012
13+ years working with families and children in educational and clinical settings
3 Steps To Get Started
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Fill out the contact form. I’ll reach out to schedule a short call.
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We’ll discuss what’s going on and how I can help.
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Together, we’ll start identifying what’s driving your child’s behavior and create a clear path forward.
I love empowering adults with tools to help their children.
Ready to get started?