Stace Parlen (they/them)

I received a BA in Psychology from the University California Santa Cruz. I then pursued a degree in Exotic Animal Training and Management through the EATM program at Moorpark College in 2009. My work with animal attachment and bonding influenced my perspective on human interactions and relationships and sparked my journey to becoming a marriage, relationship, & family therapist. Using narrative therapy, I facilitate and create space for exploration of my clients' stories while challenging assumptions and encouraging my clients to think about their concerns from different perspectives. I also incorporate solution-focused, experiential, and intergenerational therapy interventions to build on strengths, establish attainable goals, and uncover family patterns of interactions that may be influencing current distress. I also provide trainings for businesses, agencies, schools, and community members about the needs of transgender, non-binary, and queer individuals/families.

I believe equitable relationships are essential to establishing and maintaining healthy and valued relationships. I believe in fostering a shared sense of community, responsibility, and social consciousness with the goal of valuing relationships and empowering individuals and families. In order to foster such a community and create a space of healing and increased awareness, it is vital to recognize how our experiences and perspectives are shaped by the interactions of our family legacies, intimate relationships, social climate, societal expectations and different aspects of our identities including, but not limited to our race, gender, nationality, age, sexual orientation, religion, body type, ability, and socio-economic status. In addition to my work with transgender youth, adults, and families, I am body positive, poly and kink friendly, and specialize in working with queer, transgender/non-binary, and LGB individuals, couples, and families.