PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

AH Portrait of Alan Hoffman
Online therapist

Alan Hoffman

Calm, practical help for family life

Book with Alan
Credentials
LMFT
Experience
25 years
Licensed in
Washington
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Alan

Alan Hoffman is a licensed marriage and family therapist who uses practical, evidence-based methods to help families and individuals find clearer paths forward. He speaks plainly and keeps sessions focused on real problems parents face. Conversations are meant to feel human and useful from the start.

His background includes 25 years of clinical work and life experience as a spouse, father, and U.S. Army veteran, all of which shape how he approaches therapy.

Background and approach

He often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the Gottman Method, and solution-focused techniques to build skills that carry into daily life. That can mean learning new ways to talk, practicing short exercises between visits, or trying small changes at home. He favors short-term, goal-oriented work when that fits the situation.

Alan regularly addresses stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, parenting concerns, low self esteem, and depression. He also works with issues such as adoption and foster care, blended family challenges, communication problems, and family of origin struggles. Substance use, infidelity, divorce and separation, and feelings of isolation are part of his caseload as well.

Sessions include clear steps and homework when appropriate so progress continues outside appointment time. The focus is on what can change now rather than long talks that don’t lead to action. Parents will find straightforward suggestions they can try between sessions.

Therapy is offered in English and is provided by a Washington-based clinician holding the LMFT credential. Practical planning and steady, experience-informed guidance are the hallmarks of his approach.

Therapeutic approaches and online options for families

Alan frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and changing behaviors to reduce stress and anxiety. CBT is practical and often includes short exercises to try between sessions. He also draws on the Gottman Method for relationship work, which emphasizes communication skills and tools that couples and family members can practice to manage conflict and rebuild trust.

Finding the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, then recommend methods that fit those needs. Adjustments are made over time so the plan stays relevant to the family’s progress.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy parents and caregivers through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to schedule brief check-ins, complete skill-building between sessions, and apply suggestions directly at home. The mix of real-time conversation and written exchanges can help families practice new ways of relating without long commutes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Gottman Method

A research-based framework for couples, focused on how partners argue, repair, and stay connected. Practical and structured, with exercises to try between sessions.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Alan commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, parenting challenges, low self esteem, and depression, plus related issues like adoption and foster care, blended family matters, and substance use.
What is his therapy style like?
His style is practical and goal-oriented, using conversational sessions with clear steps and between-session exercises when useful.
How long has he worked in this field?
He brings 25 years of professional experience in marriage and family therapy, combined with personal experience as a spouse, parent, and U.S. Army veteran.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds the LMFT credential with WA LMFT number LF00001857 and practices in Washington.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats does he offer?
Therapy sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and schedule; sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a session with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
25 years
Licensed
Washington
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Alan

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point
Book with Alan