JP Portrait of Janet Plankenhorn

Janet Plankenhorn, LMFT

Calm, practical help for everyday challenges

12 years in practice · based in California · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Janet

Janet Plankenhorn is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 12 years of experience based in California. She focuses on practical support for people dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns. Her approach is straightforward and kind, aimed at helping clients take the first steps toward feeling better.

Janet helps people spot patterns that no longer serve them and practice new ways of responding. Sessions emphasize listening first, then finding manageable actions clients can try between meetings.

Explore online therapy options See what online therapy involves and what your next steps would be.

Background and approach

She encourages small changes that add up over time and helps clients track what works. Her work draws on client-centered conversations that prioritize the person’s goals. She uses techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy to challenge unhelpful thinking and from solution-focused therapy to build clear, achievable steps.

This mix helps people handle grief, life transitions, parenting strain, anger, self-esteem issues, career stress, and depressive symptoms. Janet creates an open, nonjudgmental space for people to talk through feelings and worries. She invites collaboration so clients help shape their plan rather than follow a script.

Many clients find this practical, goal-oriented style useful when facing change. To begin, she asks new clients to complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions. Therapy is offered through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time, and sessions are available by video, phone, live chat, or text messaging.

How Janet Uses Practical Therapy Online

Client-centered therapy puts the person’s priorities first. The therapist listens carefully, reflects what she hears, and helps clients define their own goals. This approach is useful when someone needs a respectful space to sort out feelings and priorities.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and try different ways of thinking and acting. It often includes simple exercises and homework to test new behaviors and reduce anxiety or low mood. Solution-focused therapy zeroes in on strengths and small steps that move a person toward their goals, which can speed progress when time is limited.

Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. Janet will talk with a client about their needs, goals, and preferences and then recommend strategies to try. The plan can be adjusted over time so techniques match what’s actually helping.

Online therapy offers flexibility and practical options. Video calls are close to an in-person session and work well for deeper conversations. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is low or clients prefer no video. Live chat and text-based messaging suit brief check-ins, progress notes, or ongoing support between sessions. These formats make it simpler to fit therapy into busy lives and to try different ways of connecting with a licensed professional.
Explore online therapy options See what online therapy involves and what your next steps would be.

Questions people ask

What issues does Janet focus on?
She works with concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationship and family conflict, grief, life transitions, parenting, anger, self-esteem, career issues, and depression.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is client-centered and collaborative, with practical techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused work to set clear, manageable goals.
What is her professional background?
She has 12 years of professional experience providing therapy and supporting people through life changes and relational challenges.
What credential does she hold and where is she located?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - LMFT - licensed in California.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or serve clients internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What formats are used for sessions?
Sessions are available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Also listed

Experience
12 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

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