Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in 94118

Photo of Kylie Svenson - Svenson Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, MSW, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Svenson Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
If your child has experienced trauma & dissociation, they may have trouble managing their feelings, communicating their needs, or be using challenging behaviors. The world can feel scary to the traumatized child, so it's hard for them to communicate. They often cope in ways that were the best solution during the trauma, but no longer fit current circumstances, and which seem confusing or destructive. I see it as my job to help your child explore their inner world, so, through the language of play, they can learn how to express emotions, solve problems, & get needs met in healthy ways that fit the present!
If your child has experienced trauma & dissociation, they may have trouble managing their feelings, communicating their needs, or be using challenging behaviors. The world can feel scary to the traumatized child, so it's hard for them to communicate. They often cope in ways that were the best solution during the trauma, but no longer fit current circumstances, and which seem confusing or destructive. I see it as my job to help your child explore their inner world, so, through the language of play, they can learn how to express emotions, solve problems, & get needs met in healthy ways that fit the present!
(628) 227-6135 View (628) 227-6135
Photo of Ruth Krumbhaar, MFT, MA, CYT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ruth Krumbhaar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA, CYT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Do you want to feel comfortable in your skin? Do you need support dealing with overwhelming emotions, a traumatic life event, or a life transition. I offer a grounding space where you can let your guard down and get to the heart of your personal work. With years of experience and training paired with a warm, playful, and pragmatic spirit. I encourage clients to explore their edge and find the connection between mind, body, behavior, and heart. Clients' unique cultural identity is honored throughout this process. I believe you are the expert on You and I help you connect with this innate wisdom to find your balance and potential.
Do you want to feel comfortable in your skin? Do you need support dealing with overwhelming emotions, a traumatic life event, or a life transition. I offer a grounding space where you can let your guard down and get to the heart of your personal work. With years of experience and training paired with a warm, playful, and pragmatic spirit. I encourage clients to explore their edge and find the connection between mind, body, behavior, and heart. Clients' unique cultural identity is honored throughout this process. I believe you are the expert on You and I help you connect with this innate wisdom to find your balance and potential.
(415) 528-5711 View (415) 528-5711
Photo of Shanna Holladay, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shanna Holladay
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
Have you been strugging with Depression, Relationship issues, or Life Transitions? I can help you find a place of acceptance and healing through our relationship and our work together. I have been helping people change their lives for 25 years. I use an interactive, relational approach to help guide you toward a higher level of self-awareness, and improved self-esteem. I believe therapy works through exploring your relationships to others, and by developing our relationship and connection to each other. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for us to explore who you are and who you want to be.
Have you been strugging with Depression, Relationship issues, or Life Transitions? I can help you find a place of acceptance and healing through our relationship and our work together. I have been helping people change their lives for 25 years. I use an interactive, relational approach to help guide you toward a higher level of self-awareness, and improved self-esteem. I believe therapy works through exploring your relationships to others, and by developing our relationship and connection to each other. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for us to explore who you are and who you want to be.
(415) 936-8372 View (415) 936-8372
Photo of Jacqueline De Lon, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jacqueline De Lon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
To put it simply, I help people with relationship troubles, be they with significant others, children, siblings, parents, employees, employers or with one's self. I was trained first as a Marriage & Family Therapist and later as a Psychoanalyst. Both inform my approach to the work, focusing on the complex landscape of relationships within oneself and with others. Both recognize and inform the special role of the therapeutic relationship in the work of healing. My extensive studies have been personalized and humanized by over 30 years of clinical experience with the people I work with.
To put it simply, I help people with relationship troubles, be they with significant others, children, siblings, parents, employees, employers or with one's self. I was trained first as a Marriage & Family Therapist and later as a Psychoanalyst. Both inform my approach to the work, focusing on the complex landscape of relationships within oneself and with others. Both recognize and inform the special role of the therapeutic relationship in the work of healing. My extensive studies have been personalized and humanized by over 30 years of clinical experience with the people I work with.
(415) 997-2293 View (415) 997-2293
Mark Sexton
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst. I specialize in helping patients to resolve conflictual or unsatisfying relationship patterns, problems with a sense of identify or low self-worth, and difficulties arising from navigating life challenges such as loss, divorce, or illness. I put an emphasis on establishing a trusting working relationship and typically see patients multiple times per week. This more intensive treatment approach is useful for resolving long-standing issues that may not have been addressed by past therapies.
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst. I specialize in helping patients to resolve conflictual or unsatisfying relationship patterns, problems with a sense of identify or low self-worth, and difficulties arising from navigating life challenges such as loss, divorce, or illness. I put an emphasis on establishing a trusting working relationship and typically see patients multiple times per week. This more intensive treatment approach is useful for resolving long-standing issues that may not have been addressed by past therapies.
(650) 741-3521 View (650) 741-3521
Photo of Holly Gordon, DMH, Psychologist
Holly Gordon
Psychologist, DMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
Talking to someone who understands the pain you feel-depression, anxiety, or feeling stuck-can relieve inner distress and give you a new perspective on your life. I am empathic and experienced at providing a safe setting where we can explore what is causing you to feel anxious, distressed or unfulfilled. In therapy we work together to clarify those emotions that have kept you from moving forward in your life. You will find new ways to see yourself and others, which leads to more meaningful relationships and a more fulfilling life.
Talking to someone who understands the pain you feel-depression, anxiety, or feeling stuck-can relieve inner distress and give you a new perspective on your life. I am empathic and experienced at providing a safe setting where we can explore what is causing you to feel anxious, distressed or unfulfilled. In therapy we work together to clarify those emotions that have kept you from moving forward in your life. You will find new ways to see yourself and others, which leads to more meaningful relationships and a more fulfilling life.
(415) 787-3993 View (415) 787-3993
Photo of Howard Sugarman, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Howard Sugarman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I bring 40 plus years of assorted, diverse and complex Clinical Experience to the care of my patients. I offer Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy providing Individual, Couple & Family Treatments. MFT License 17611 - May 1982; Certified as a Psychoanalyst by The International Psychoanalytical Association. Working in conjunction with each person that comes to me, I strive to formulate a treatment which is responsive and that creates the conditions to most deeply address their personal concerns.
I bring 40 plus years of assorted, diverse and complex Clinical Experience to the care of my patients. I offer Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy providing Individual, Couple & Family Treatments. MFT License 17611 - May 1982; Certified as a Psychoanalyst by The International Psychoanalytical Association. Working in conjunction with each person that comes to me, I strive to formulate a treatment which is responsive and that creates the conditions to most deeply address their personal concerns.
(415) 766-9178 View (415) 766-9178
Photo of Kirsten M Bauer, PsyD, Psychologist
Kirsten M Bauer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
As a child and adult therapist I am fortunate to witness the entire developmental span. With this unique window into the lifespan, I help children, parents, adults and couples gain insight into the patterns being created and already created in the mind of how they relate to and with the world i.e.how they relate to themselves and others. By first developing a safe and respectful relationship with my patients, we can begin to understand and uncover these complicated yet reflexive patterns that at some point served them, by protecting their self integrity, but along the way began to cause more harm then good.
As a child and adult therapist I am fortunate to witness the entire developmental span. With this unique window into the lifespan, I help children, parents, adults and couples gain insight into the patterns being created and already created in the mind of how they relate to and with the world i.e.how they relate to themselves and others. By first developing a safe and respectful relationship with my patients, we can begin to understand and uncover these complicated yet reflexive patterns that at some point served them, by protecting their self integrity, but along the way began to cause more harm then good.
(415) 304-8860 View (415) 304-8860
Photo of Paul Beirne, MA, LPCC
Paul Beirne
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.” ― Bessel A. van der Kolk. My approach to treatment helps people identify the core issues that have been avoided and pushed aside in an emotionally safe environment. Through the process of consciousness raising and self exploration, lasting changes in thought patterns are made, and overall life improvement occurs. I work with people of all ages and have a wealth of experience working with teens and young adults.
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.” ― Bessel A. van der Kolk. My approach to treatment helps people identify the core issues that have been avoided and pushed aside in an emotionally safe environment. Through the process of consciousness raising and self exploration, lasting changes in thought patterns are made, and overall life improvement occurs. I work with people of all ages and have a wealth of experience working with teens and young adults.
(415) 358-2498 View (415) 358-2498
Photo of Rhys Mason, PsyD, Psychologist
Rhys Mason
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
Are you struggling and longing for a change? Perhaps you put a great deal of effort into your relationships and work, but it seems that no one extends that same care and attention to you. Although you crave connection and meaning, you might feel weighed down by loneliness, hopelessness, and a pervading sense of disempowerment. You may feel that no one sees or values who you really are. In fact, you may be your own harshest critic, unsure of your purpose and certain you are falling short of your potential. Like so many others, you might be searching for the tools needed to live with greater confidence, satisfaction, and ease.
Are you struggling and longing for a change? Perhaps you put a great deal of effort into your relationships and work, but it seems that no one extends that same care and attention to you. Although you crave connection and meaning, you might feel weighed down by loneliness, hopelessness, and a pervading sense of disempowerment. You may feel that no one sees or values who you really are. In fact, you may be your own harshest critic, unsure of your purpose and certain you are falling short of your potential. Like so many others, you might be searching for the tools needed to live with greater confidence, satisfaction, and ease.
(415) 612-6391 View (415) 612-6391
Photo of Jari Russell, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jari Russell
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I believe that "what has been broken in relationship must be healed in relationship." (unattributed) Often what brings us to consider therapy is some part of us that feels broken. I see my role as therapist to be a person in your life who listens with curiosity and compassion, while honestly reflecting what may be standing in your way. My hope is to walk along side you to support the journey you are on.
I believe that "what has been broken in relationship must be healed in relationship." (unattributed) Often what brings us to consider therapy is some part of us that feels broken. I see my role as therapist to be a person in your life who listens with curiosity and compassion, while honestly reflecting what may be standing in your way. My hope is to walk along side you to support the journey you are on.
(415) 619-5207 View (415) 619-5207
Photo of Rachel Goldstein, PsyD, CEDS, Psychologist
Rachel Goldstein
Psychologist, PsyD, CEDS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome to my practice! I believe very strongly in each person's capacity for growth and change. Therapy can be a place to gain practical skills and confidence needed to face life's challenges and to harness the resources that you already have. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, relationship issues, emotional disturbances, and life transitions.
Hello and welcome to my practice! I believe very strongly in each person's capacity for growth and change. Therapy can be a place to gain practical skills and confidence needed to face life's challenges and to harness the resources that you already have. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, relationship issues, emotional disturbances, and life transitions.
(415) 578-9793 View (415) 578-9793
Photo of Valerie Roberts, PsyD, Psychologist
Valerie Roberts
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Hi! I'll start by saying that I am an LGTBQ+ ally, I believe in anti-racism and I value the importance of faith in people's lives. I work hard at creating a safe space for my clients. I recognize that the work to achieve cultural competency is in life long learning and I don't tire of learning.
Hi! I'll start by saying that I am an LGTBQ+ ally, I believe in anti-racism and I value the importance of faith in people's lives. I work hard at creating a safe space for my clients. I recognize that the work to achieve cultural competency is in life long learning and I don't tire of learning.
(628) 209-6407 View (628) 209-6407
Photo of Ingrid Tauber, PhD, MS, Psychologist
Ingrid Tauber
Psychologist, PhD, MS
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and obtained a M.S.in Psychopharmacology in 2001. I've been in private practice for 40 years and an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF since 2005. My practice includes individuals and couples seeking help with a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loss, and grief. I work within a relational, psychodynamic theoretical model as a means of understanding and integrating the complex relationship that individuals and couples present. In my clinical work as a therapist and supervisor, I work collaboratively in pursuing goals and objectives.
I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and obtained a M.S.in Psychopharmacology in 2001. I've been in private practice for 40 years and an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF since 2005. My practice includes individuals and couples seeking help with a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loss, and grief. I work within a relational, psychodynamic theoretical model as a means of understanding and integrating the complex relationship that individuals and couples present. In my clinical work as a therapist and supervisor, I work collaboratively in pursuing goals and objectives.
(415) 894-0981 View (415) 894-0981
Photo of Katalin Szabo, PsyD, Psychologist
Katalin Szabo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
I am a licensed psychologist in the State of California with over a decade of experience as a psychotherapist, having worked in both the Bay Area and my home country of Hungary. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help uncover their emotional and personal truth. I help my clients in working through relationship issues, identity challenges, and mitigate mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders. In addition to my private practice, I am currently employed as a clinical psychologist at an Intensive Outpatient Program, where I specialize in the treatment of severe eating disorders.
I am a licensed psychologist in the State of California with over a decade of experience as a psychotherapist, having worked in both the Bay Area and my home country of Hungary. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help uncover their emotional and personal truth. I help my clients in working through relationship issues, identity challenges, and mitigate mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders. In addition to my private practice, I am currently employed as a clinical psychologist at an Intensive Outpatient Program, where I specialize in the treatment of severe eating disorders.
(415) 997-0941 View (415) 997-0941
Photo of Emily Schechter, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily Schechter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
With the complexity of being human, it’s normal to experience waves of feeling lost, confused, and anxious. Different seasons of life bring different challenges and can provoke questions such as: Am I content with my relationships? Am I going in the “right” direction? Am I happy and comfortable with myself? Is this the life I want to live? I believe you have the answers and wisdom inside you, and I am here as a guide to help you uncover them - whether you’re looking to address distress in your relationships, feelings of anxiety or depression, or older, deeper wounds.
With the complexity of being human, it’s normal to experience waves of feeling lost, confused, and anxious. Different seasons of life bring different challenges and can provoke questions such as: Am I content with my relationships? Am I going in the “right” direction? Am I happy and comfortable with myself? Is this the life I want to live? I believe you have the answers and wisdom inside you, and I am here as a guide to help you uncover them - whether you’re looking to address distress in your relationships, feelings of anxiety or depression, or older, deeper wounds.
(628) 265-6613 View (628) 265-6613
Photo of Adrienne Elizabeth Amundsen, PhD, Psychologist
Adrienne Elizabeth Amundsen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Because everyone comes with their own needs, goals, and styles, I am flexible in my approach. I can be practical and problem-focused, but much of my work is deeper, and deals with emotional patterns developed early in life, I work a lot with trauma and loss. Attending to the therapy relationship is also important for learning about relationship patterns and trust. I bring my love of creativity to my work as well. Working with dreams and imagery, I find, can bring surprising insight. When therapy really takes off, I find that clients often discover their own creativity and a sense of life purpose.
Because everyone comes with their own needs, goals, and styles, I am flexible in my approach. I can be practical and problem-focused, but much of my work is deeper, and deals with emotional patterns developed early in life, I work a lot with trauma and loss. Attending to the therapy relationship is also important for learning about relationship patterns and trust. I bring my love of creativity to my work as well. Working with dreams and imagery, I find, can bring surprising insight. When therapy really takes off, I find that clients often discover their own creativity and a sense of life purpose.
(415) 423-2642 View (415) 423-2642
Photo of Whitney Lynch, PsyD, Psychologist
Whitney Lynch
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Perhaps you are seeking healthier ways to cope with stressful life experiences or want to make more enduring changes to how you relate to yourself and others. In my work, I aim to not only help you feel better but provide you the tools to lead a more meaningful life. I help clients recognize and harness their own personal strengths while learning new ways to challenge negative thought patterns and unhealthy behaviors that can keep us feeling stuck, depressed, and anxious.
Perhaps you are seeking healthier ways to cope with stressful life experiences or want to make more enduring changes to how you relate to yourself and others. In my work, I aim to not only help you feel better but provide you the tools to lead a more meaningful life. I help clients recognize and harness their own personal strengths while learning new ways to challenge negative thought patterns and unhealthy behaviors that can keep us feeling stuck, depressed, and anxious.
(415) 243-7249 View (415) 243-7249
Photo of Bert Faerstein, PhD, Psychologist
Bert Faerstein
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I treat adults as well as adolescents and children, most frequently through individual therapy. I also work with couples. I work with people with a wide range of problems and especially enjoy working with people experiencing anxiety in relationships or at work . I also enjoy working with people who are unhappy and don't know why, and people who are repeating self-defeating patterns they feel unable to change. Meeting with a well-trained and experienced therapist can be a powerful and effective way of strengthening one's confidence and developing a personal sense of control over one's life.
I treat adults as well as adolescents and children, most frequently through individual therapy. I also work with couples. I work with people with a wide range of problems and especially enjoy working with people experiencing anxiety in relationships or at work . I also enjoy working with people who are unhappy and don't know why, and people who are repeating self-defeating patterns they feel unable to change. Meeting with a well-trained and experienced therapist can be a powerful and effective way of strengthening one's confidence and developing a personal sense of control over one's life.
(415) 787-4616 View (415) 787-4616
Photo of Molly Kathleen Saeger, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Molly Kathleen Saeger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Feelings and thoughts, at times, may be difficult to manage. Unprocessed trauma, anxiety, depression, painful entanglements, behavioral issues, and the lingering effects of damaging experiences can exhaust us. They may also interfere with relationships and affect behaviors. Developing meaning regarding our trauma's, difficult emotions and life events can be invaluable. My hope is provide understanding and insight for people to discover potentially destructive patterns, heal from trauma and past experiences and find what really matters to them. Managing strong emotions can lead to a more creative, flexible, and full life.
Feelings and thoughts, at times, may be difficult to manage. Unprocessed trauma, anxiety, depression, painful entanglements, behavioral issues, and the lingering effects of damaging experiences can exhaust us. They may also interfere with relationships and affect behaviors. Developing meaning regarding our trauma's, difficult emotions and life events can be invaluable. My hope is provide understanding and insight for people to discover potentially destructive patterns, heal from trauma and past experiences and find what really matters to them. Managing strong emotions can lead to a more creative, flexible, and full life.
(415) 964-4721 View (415) 964-4721
1
Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists

What is the most successful approach to treating borderline personality disorder?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is considered the gold standard of treatment for borderline personality disorder. An evidence-based treatment, it addresses the extreme emotional reactivity, the relationship difficulties, and the acts of self-harm that create so much distress for BPD patients. DBT is a comprehensive program that includes both regular individual psychotherapy sessions and weekly group sessions of skills training.

What happens in treatment of borderline personality disorder?

Treatment typically consists of weekly individual therapy sessions that last an hour and group skill-focused instructional sessions that may last up to two hours. Patients are typically given homework “assignments” in which they are asked to practice in their daily life the skills they acquire in therapy. Patients also keep a diary tracking their emotions and impulses as a way to know which situations are most problematic and to help them gain control over their own behavior. Difficult situations and feelings are typically reviewed in therapy sessions and more constructive solutions found.

What kinds of problems does BPD treatment help with?

DBT was initially developed to dampen the self-destructive impulses of chronically suicidal patients. It is now the treatment of choice for borderline personality disorder, a serious condition marked by extreme emotional reactivity, relationship instability, and self-injurious behaviors. Treatment of BPD helps patients tolerate the flux of emotions without acting on them, often with a specific focus on tolerating negative emotions. DBT addresses the core problems of BPD—fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, and impulsivity.

What is the goal of treatment in borderline personality disorder?

The goal of treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) is to relieve the extreme emotional distress that patients experience—to curb their emotional reactivity, to minimize their inclination to self-harm, and to reduce their impulsivity. Toward these ends, patients are not only taught an array of new coping skills and techniques for emotional regulation, they are given opportunities to practice them. Another major goal of treatment is interpersonal effectiveness; patients learn and problem-solve ways to effectively communicate in relationships, especially how to ask for what they need as a way to minimize hurt feelings.