Building and maintaining strong family relationships isn’t always easy, especially during life’s big transitions. Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, adjusting to postpartum changes, or looking to improve communication with your partner, the right support can make all the difference.
Therapy offers valuable guidance to help couples and families strengthen their connections, work through challenges, and foster healthier relationships. Many find the Gottman Method, a research-backed approach to relationship therapy, to be particularly effective in improving communication and building deeper emotional bonds.
If you’re looking for trusted family therapists in Westlake Village, CA, here are some top recommendations to help you and your loved ones thrive.
Marina Edelman, LMFT – Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
With over 18 years of experience, specializing in individual and couples therapy. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and is a Level 3 Gottman Method therapist. Marina offers both in-person sessions in Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village and online therapy.
Services: Specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, affair recovery, pre-marital counseling, couples retreats, and financial therapy.
Erika Krueger-Santos, LMFT – Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Erika Krueger-Santos, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Level 3 Gottman-trained specialist, helps individuals and couples strengthen relationships and navigate life’s challenges. Using a strength-based, eclectic approach, she creates personalized treatment plans focused on communication, conflict resolution, and personal growth.
Services: Focuses on anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, self-esteem, communication, and parenting support.
Christina Gentry, MA, LMFT – Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Gentry, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Westlake Village, specializes in anxiety, relationship challenges, and boundary setting. With 15 years of experience and Level 3 Gottman training, she helps individuals and couples strengthen connections and improve well-being. She also integrates lifestyle factors like nutrition, sleep, and stress management into her therapy. Offering HIPAA-compliant telehealth and in-person sessions, Christina provides accessible, compassionate care.
Services: Helps with anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, boundary setting, marital stress, and Christian-based counseling.
Gayane Aramyan, LMFT – Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Gayane Aramyan specializes in perinatal mental health, relationship dynamics, grief, and personal growth. With over a decade of experience, she integrates EFT, the Gottman Method, ACT, and IFS to help individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges. As a working mother, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight, creating a compassionate space for healing and growth. Based in Sherman Oaks, she offers in-person and virtual therapy across California.
Services: Specializes in women’s empowerment, perinatal mental health, grief, anger management, and EFT/Gottman couples therapy.
What to Look for in a Family Therapist
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and it’s important to find someone who makes you feel safe, heard, and supported. Here are a few helpful things to consider:
✔ Look for therapists trained in the Gottman Method or other evidence-based approaches
✔ Choose someone who specializes in the type of support you’re seeking—whether it’s couples therapy, parenting transitions, or postpartum adjustment
✔ Read reviews or ask for referrals—real client stories can speak volumes
✔ Consider logistics like availability, session format (virtual or in-person), and whether they accept insurance or offer packages
✔ Most importantly, trust your gut—your connection with the therapist is key to making real progress
Therapy FAQs for Families & Couples
When should couples or families consider therapy?
There’s no “wrong” time to seek support. Some families come to therapy in moments of high stress, while others use it proactively during major transitions like pregnancy, the newborn stage, or returning to work. If communication feels off or emotions are running high, that’s a good time to reach out.
What is the Gottman Method?
The Gottman Method is a proven, research-based approach to couples therapy that focuses on building friendship, managing conflict, and creating shared meaning. It’s used by therapists around the world and has helped countless families build stronger emotional connections.
Can therapy help after having a baby?
Absolutely. The transition to parenthood brings a mix of joy, exhaustion, and identity shifts. Therapy can help couples stay connected, manage expectations, and create space to process all the changes—together.
Stronger Family Foundations Start Here
Healthy families are built on connection, communication, and care—and sometimes that starts with asking for support. Whether you’re preparing for parenthood or working through growing pains as a couple, a trusted family therapist can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
And don’t forget—your fourth trimester matters too. Our 8-week newborn series at New Mom School [Location] offers expert guidance, emotional support, and a welcoming community designed for new moms navigating early motherhood.
Pre-register today and start your journey with the support you deserve—at home, in your relationship, and in your motherhood.