WELCOME TO THE CHRYSALIS WAY
GUIDING FAMILIES THROUGHChange,
ONE CONVERSATION AT A TIME
HELLO, I’M Gaia Altshuler—
A LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST DEDICATED TO NURTURING HEALTHY, RESILIENT FAMILY SYSTEMS.
Based in Westlake Village, California, I specialize in supporting adolescents and their parents through one of life’s most dynamic and transformative stages: Adolescence. I earned my Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University and have spent my career walking alongside families as they navigate growth, change, and connection.
My experience spans community mental health—working with children and parents facing postpartum challenges, early developmental stages, and delays—to over five years serving as a school-based therapist in a middle school setting. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the complexity of each developmental milestone and the emotional intelligence adolescents bring to the table.
Above all, I’m continually inspired by the courage of young people and the devotion of the parents who love them. It would be an honor to support your family on this journey.
CREDENTIALS —
Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy.
(Pepperdine University)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #154154
TRAINED IN —
DIR Floortime (developmental individual differences and relationship based model)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Solution Focused Therapy
Narrative Therapy
SERVICES Menu:
Clientele: Ages 7-16 & Parents
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY —— CHILD & PARENT
Areas of Focus:
School transitions (elementary to MS, MS to HS)
Social Skills, Navigating Friendship
Anxiety
Depression
Challenges at School
Identity Development / Self- Esteem
Parenting: Boundaries, Discipline, Habits of the Home
WORKSHOPS ——
[COMING SOON]
“From the ugly duckling to the very hungry caterpillar, we reach for stories about animal metamorphosis to capture the emotions we feels as we watch our children grow and change. For humans, the change in bodies is not nearly as dramatic as it is for butterflies, yet, the change in minds is every bit as Extraordinary. But while caterpillars will turn into butterflies with little input from the outside world, the human transition from child to adult depends in part of getting the right kind of experiences at the right time to guide the rapid rewiring of the adolescent brain.”
- Jonathan Haidt, Author of the Anxious Generation
THE CHALLENGES WE HELP Families NAVIGATE
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SCHOOL TRANSITIONS
* Your 5th grader is excited about middle school, but suddenly becomes moody and overwhelmed by locker combinations, new teachers, and finding friends in the lunchroom.
* Your teen just started high school and is withdrawing more than usual. You’re not sure if it’s normal adjustment or something deeper.
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SOCIAL SKILLS & NAVIGATING FRIENDSHIPS
* Your daughter was part of a close-knit friend group, but now feels left out and confused about shifting dynamics and unspoken rules.
* Your son often misreads social cues and ends up isolated or getting in trouble for being “too much.” He wants friends but doesn’t know how to connect.
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ANXIETY
* Your child worries constantly—about grades, getting sick, you getting into an accident—despite your reassurances. Their mind just won’t stop racing.
* Before every school day, your child complains of stomachaches and insists they can’t go. You’re beginning to wonder if it’s more than just avoidance.
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DEPRESSION
* Your once energetic teen has lost interest in everything—sports, friends, even food. They sleep too much and seem distant.
* Your child gets irritable over small things, isolates in their room, and says things like “nothing matters anyway.”
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CHALLENGES AT SCHOOL
* Your child is bright, but their grades are slipping. Teachers mention lack of focus, while you see them struggling with motivation and pressure.
* You’ve been called in again because your child is “disruptive” in class. You feel stuck between advocating for them and wondering what’s really going on.
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IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT / SELF-ESTEEM
* Your child is exploring who they are—appearance, preferences, social groups—and seems unsure, overly influenced, or critical of themselves.
* Your teen constantly compares themselves to others and spirals when they don’t “measure up.” You hear a lot of “I’m not good enough.”
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PARENTING SUPPORT (BOUNDARIES, DISCIPLINE, HOUSEHOLD HABITS)
* You find yourself repeating requests, giving in, or raising your voice—only to feel guilty or ineffective. You want to reset the tone at home.
* Your child pushes every limit. You’re not sure how to stay connected while also setting clear expectations.
HOW TO Get Started |
STEP 1
5 SECONDS OF COURAGE
[PICK UP THE PHONE]
STEP 2
BOOK A 15 MINUTE CONSULT
STEP 3
EXPERIENCE THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT WITH Gaia
Values OF THE CHRYSALIS WAY:
SPACE –—
“Creating space for kids to feel heard and for parents to be supported - so families can grow together.”
HOPE ——
“When hope feels out of reach, I’ll hold it with you until you’re ready to hold it for yourself.”
PRACTICALS ——
“Real change happens in-between sessions - you will gain
practical tools that you can use in everyday life.”
ACCOUNTABILITY ——
“With kindness and strength, you will be held accountable to the growth you’re reaching for.”
SOUND FAMILIAR?
YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE.
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FRIENDSHIP DRAMA & SOCIAL EXCLUSION
Lately, your once-outgoing daughter has been coming home quiet and withdrawn. After some gentle nudging, she finally opens up: she’s been pushed out of her friend group at school. Now, she spends lunch alone or glued to her phone, pretending not to care. She doesn’t know what she did wrong, and you’re watching her confidence slowly fade. You want to help her navigate the rollercoaster of middle school friendships—but you’re not sure how to reach her.
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PERFECTIONISM, ANXIETY & EMOTIONAL BURNOUT
Your middle schooler seems to have it all together—honors classes, sports, clubs—but behind the scenes, they’re unraveling. One night, after another marathon homework session, they break down in tears over a single B on an assignment. They can’t sleep, they’re constantly tense, and nothing you say seems to ease the pressure they place on themselves. You’re worried they’re burning out and desperately want to help them breathe again.
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PARENTING “FIX-IT MODE” & EMOTIONAL OVERLOAD
Your child gets in the car after school and starts unloading—everything from a bad grade to friend drama to anxiety about an upcoming test. You jump in with advice, quick fixes, and even a few pep talks. But instead of calming down, they snap at you, shut down, or say, “You just don’t get it!” Now you’re left feeling helpless and frustrated, wondering how to actually support them without making things worse.
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THE PARENT–FRIEND TUG-OF-WAR
You want your child to feel safe opening up to you—so you try to be understanding, flexible, even lenient. But lately, the house feels chaotic and boundaries are constantly being tested. You’re exhausted from the negotiations, the second-guessing, and the pressure to be both parent and friend. You know something has to change—but you’re not sure how to regain balance without losing connection.
LET’S NAVIGATE THE TRANSFORMATION Together
CHILD FOCUS:
CREATIVITY ——
“Finding therapeutic windows by following the lead of your child to learn, grow and transform.”
PARENT FOCUS:
COLLABORATION ——
“You are the expert of your child - pair your expertise with fresh perspectives to breathe new life on your parenting journey.”