I hold a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. I completed my undergraduate studies at UCLA and my graduate degree at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

I have over 18 years of experience working with families, with a large portion of my clinical work focused on neurodivergent children and their parents.

My approach is trauma-informed and neuroaffirming, and I specialize in understanding behavior through a developmental and nervous system lens.

In addition to my clinical training, I hold certifications in integrative infant sleep, attachment, and early childhood mental health.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based, action-oriented approach that helps people relate differently to their thoughts and emotions so they can live more in alignment with their values.

Rather than trying to eliminate difficult feelings, ACT focuses on learning how to make space for them while choosing actions that matter most to you.

In my work with parents, I use ACT principles to help you understand your internal experience: your triggers, reactions, and patterns, so you can respond more intentionally in moments of stress or disconnection.

I’ve found ACT to be a powerful framework for creating meaningful, lasting change because it helps people move out of reactivity and into more grounded, values-led action.

When we work together, we start by getting a clear understanding of what’s happening in your current dynamic with your child and what feels most stuck or challenging.

From there, we look at what’s driving those patterns, both in your child’s behavior and in your own responses, so you can begin to see things more clearly instead of reacting on autopilot.

Sessions are a mix of reflection, insight, and practical support. We work in real time with what’s showing up in your parenting so you can shift how you respond in ways that feel more aligned, steady, and connected.

Over time, you begin to notice fewer stuck cycles, more awareness of what’s happening underneath behavior, and more confidence in how you show up as a parent.

You can reach out through the contact form to get started.

My services are for parents who feel stuck in frustrating or repetitive dynamics with their child and want a deeper understanding of what is actually driving those patterns.

This is especially supportive for neurodivergent families, including children who are autistic, ADHD, PDA, or who experience big emotions, reactivity, or behavior that feels hard to understand or manage within traditional approaches.

I also work with parents who are open to looking at their own internal experience as part of the change process, not just focusing on their child’s behavior.

The work supports parents who want to move out of reactivity and into more connection, steadiness, and alignment in how they show up.

This is a good fit if you are looking for a relational, trauma-informed approach that combines behavior understanding, developmental insight, and practical tools.

That really depends on your needs and what feels supportive for you.

Some parents choose to work together for a short, focused period, while others continue longer-term as new patterns and challenges come up.

My recommendation is typically an initial series of 5 to 6 sessions over 4 to 6 weeks so we can create meaningful shifts and get clear traction. From there, we reassess together and decide what ongoing support feels right.

Contact me for an intro call to determine if I'm the right fit for you OR go ahead and book a session! Once your first session is booked, I will send you intake paperwork.

60 minutes — $175
90 minutes — $260

If cost is a barrier, you are welcome to reach out to discuss sliding scale options at Lena@parenthoodcoaching.com

Packages are also available at a reduced rate and include ongoing text support between sessions. Please reach out for details.

Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged the full session fee.

At this time, I do not accept insurance.

I primarily work remotely, which allows for flexibility and accessibility.

If you are based in Santa Barbara or Los Angeles County, we can explore the option of in-person sessions together.

Partners: Yes. I offer couples and co-parent coaching, and we can discuss this format during an intro call. This work can be highly supportive for strengthening communication and alignment in parenting together.

Children: In most cases, sessions are focused on you as the parent, your emotions, patterns, triggers, and responses. This creates the space needed for deeper reflection and meaningful change.

In some situations, we may discuss bringing a child into a session if it feels clinically helpful, but this is not the typical format and is considered on a case-by-case basis.