Walk & Talk Therapy with Our Toddlers

Therapy designed for full-time caregivers — fresh air, honest conversation, no need for childcare.

Are you a parent of a toddler or newborn and you’re feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or stuck in survival mode?

You’re not alone. Join me, a fellow parent and trauma-informed therapist, for a walk through nature—stroller in hand, honest conversation. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, childhood wounds, or the weight of parenting, we’ll take the next step together.

Bring your child and I’ll bring mine

Therapy that adapts to your child’s needs

Play & Talk: If your child wants to play at a park, we can talk while engaging with them.

Stroll & Share: If they’re happy in the stroller, we can take a calming walk and focus on you.

Pause Without Pressure: Snack breaks, meltdowns, and diaper changes are all welcome—no judgment here.

Meet Jake and his toddler

I know this is a busy season of life, and finding space for yourself can feel nearly impossible. You might be looking for creative ways to incorporate your toddler(s) or newborn into the therapy you receive. Walk & Talk Therapy with Our Toddlers makes it possible to care for your mental health without the hassle of leaving your child behind.

I’ve had the privilege of being the primary care provider for my three boys. I relate to both the joy and the challenges that come with this role. The work you’re doing as a parent is important, and it’s demanding. You deserve support as you navigate this season of life. This approach offers a convenient, compassionate way to prioritize your well-being while staying present with your child.

My youngest will usually be with us during sessions. I’ll tend to his needs as they come up, and I invite you to do the same with your child. He’s a friendly, curious toddler and often warms up to other little ones. Your child is welcome to join, play, or ride along in the stroller. If you ever prefer a session without my toddler or without your child, we can schedule a virtual session or a different format.

Note on boundaries: Services are for adults/caregivers. We’ll discuss privacy, interruptions, and public settings during informed consent so you know what to expect.

Jake Clevenger, Registered Associate Marriage Family Therapist #136973

Supervised by Julie Boone, LMFT (#78007)

Fees & Session Length

Session options

  • 50 minutes — Individual standard session

  • 100 minutes (Double Session) — extra space for deeper work, crisis weeks, or when we expect more pauses for toddler needs

  • 80 minutes — Group Therapy Session — Bring a friend and their child/children (Each adult participant pays their own session fee at your selected rate)

Rates (sliding scale)

  • $50–$140 per 50-minute session
    Choose the rate that fits your budget within this range.

  • First session: $50

  • Double session (100 min): billed at 2× your selected 50-minute rate

Payment

  • Private pay. Credit/debit accepted.

  • I can provide a superbill if you’d like to seek out-of-network reimbursement.

  • I do not accept insurance at this time.

Cancellation & rescheduling

  • Please give 24 hours’ notice to avoid the full session fee.

  • If illness or a true toddler emergency pops up, message me and we’ll do our best to reschedule promptly.

How to book a double session

  • When scheduling, write “Double Session” in the notes and I’ll confirm the extended time.

Good to know

  • Services are for adults/caregivers.

  • Walk-and-talk sessions are billed the same as telehealth sessions.

  • There’s no extra fee for bringing more than 1 child.

  • More FAQs to common questions below

Let’s work together.

Interested in working together? Fill out the form below and I’ll contact you within 24 business hours.

FAQs

  • How do I schedule a session?

    The easiest way is to feel out the contact form above.

    You can also email me at Clevengercounseling@gmail.com

    I’ll respond within 24 hours to set up a free 15 minute phone consultation where I can learn about your story and answer any questions you have.

  • Do you offer a sliding scale/reduced fee?

    Yes, I do offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for clients experiencing financial hardship. These reduced-rate sessions are designed to make therapy more accessible for those in need. My standard fee is $140 per session, and sliding scale availability is based on current openings and your individual circumstances. If you’re interested in exploring this option, feel free to reach out and we can discuss what might work best for you.

  • How long does therapy take before I start feeling better?

    That’s a great question, and the honest answer is that it depends. Many begin feeling a sense of relief and hope within the first session, from experiencing the transformational power of internal family systems therapy. For deeper healing, especially when working through trauma, long-standing stress, or narcissistic abuse, the process can take more time.

    Think of therapy like tending a garden. Some weeds are easy to pull, while others have deeper roots. My role is to support you at a pace that feels right, helping you build insight, emotional strength, and tools that support long-term well-being.

  • How often will we meet?

    Meeting once a week is ideal, especially during the first month of therapy. This consistency helps us build a strong foundation, create momentum for change, and give your story the attention it deserves. As therapy progresses, we can always revisit the frequency based on your goals, needs, and what feels most supportive.

  • Is this right for me if I’ve never been to therapy before?

    Yes. Many of my clients are brand new to therapy. Whether we’re meeting outdoors for walk-and-talk sessions or connecting virtually, I provide a warm, supportive space where you can explore what’s been weighing on you.

    Some clients are caregivers who bring their toddlers along, while others meet with me online from the comfort of home or during a lunch break. You don’t need to have prior experience with therapy—I’ll walk you through each step so you feel supported and empowered from the start.

  • What approach do you use in therapy?

    My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I primarily draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), a powerful model that helps you understand and heal the different “parts” of yourself that may carry pain, fear, or self-criticism. I also integrate tools from CBT, motivational interviewing, and somatic awareness to support lasting change.

  • Is therapy while walking as effective as traditional therapy in an office?

    Yes. For many people, walking therapy can be just as effective, and in some cases even more so. Being outside, moving your body, and connecting with nature can help reduce anxiety, increase openness, and support emotional regulation. Walking side by side often makes it easier to talk about difficult topics.

  • What if my child has a meltdown or needs attention during the session?

    That’s completely okay. I expect it. One of the benefits of walk-and-talk therapy is flexibility. If your child needs to stop for a snack, diaper change, or a moment of comfort, we pause. You don’t have to apologize for being a parent. Your child’s needs are part of the session, not a disruption.

  • Will people hear us if we’re doing walk and talk therapy?

    It’s possible that we may pass by others or be briefly overheard during our walk. While we can’t guarantee complete privacy in public spaces, we’ll do our best to protect your confidentiality by choosing quieter paths and adjusting our route as needed. If we’re interrupted, we’ll pause and handle it respectfully, then continue our session when it feels comfortable to do so.

  • What if it’s raining or too hot outside?

    If the weather isn’t comfortable or safe, we have a few flexible options. We can reschedule, switch to a virtual session, or change locations to a shady park or cooler area nearby. I’ll always check in with you ahead of time so we can make a plan that supports your comfort and keeps therapy consistent.

  • Will you be bringing your child to walk-and-talk therapy with toddlers?

    Yes. My 21-month-old son, will be joining us during walk-and-talk sessions with caregivers and their little ones. Just like you, I’ll be attending to his needs along the way. This shared experience often helps create a relaxed, supportive atmosphere where we can connect parent-to-parent while also tending to our children in real time.

  • Where will we be meeting?

    We’ll meet at one of several beautiful parks or walking paths in Gilroy. Some of my favorite spots include Christmas Hill Park, the trails near Uvas Creek, and quiet neighborhood paths with plenty of shade and open space.

    We’ll decide together on a location that works best for you and your child. If your little one has a favorite park or needs certain features like a playground or stroller-friendly path, I’ll do my best to meet you there. The goal is to choose a place where you both feel safe, relaxed, and supported.