Motivational Interviewing Therapists in 94120

Photo of Alexandra Haas, MFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alexandra Haas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94120
I'm primarily psychodynamic/attachment based in theory, but knowledgeable & skilled in various treatment modalities (motivational interviewing/CBT/EFT/IFS).
I specialize in attachment theory, addiction/addiction related issues, & becoming more aligned with your authentic self. I also enjoy working with couples wanting to strengthen communication skills or rebuild trust within their relationship. Caregivers were the first to teach us how to relate to others. Healthy relationships are often not modeled for us & we wonder why the same patterns repeat. I can help you gain insight into these patterns & we will work together to have healthier relationships. My goal is to get to know you, establish a strong connection, and provide a safe space to begin your healing journey together.
I'm primarily psychodynamic/attachment based in theory, but knowledgeable & skilled in various treatment modalities (motivational interviewing/CBT/EFT/IFS).
I specialize in attachment theory, addiction/addiction related issues, & becoming more aligned with your authentic self. I also enjoy working with couples wanting to strengthen communication skills or rebuild trust within their relationship. Caregivers were the first to teach us how to relate to others. Healthy relationships are often not modeled for us & we wonder why the same patterns repeat. I can help you gain insight into these patterns & we will work together to have healthier relationships. My goal is to get to know you, establish a strong connection, and provide a safe space to begin your healing journey together.
(415) 569-2869 View (415) 569-2869
Photo of Adilia E Torres, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Adilia E Torres
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94120  (Online Only)
Healing is a gift that emerges from seeds cultivated by struggle, broken borders, and bold dreams. I am a queer mental health practitioner in the Bay Area. My daily practice as a mental health clinician is guided and shaped by culturally relevant services imbued with an Indigenous approach to healing and medicine. My work is focused on trauma-trauma-informed care and recovery services for children, youth, adults, and families impacted by (im)migration, displacement, and other forms of oppression. We individualize and collaborate with the creation of your treatment plan of care tailored to the needs of each person. English & Spanish
Healing is a gift that emerges from seeds cultivated by struggle, broken borders, and bold dreams. I am a queer mental health practitioner in the Bay Area. My daily practice as a mental health clinician is guided and shaped by culturally relevant services imbued with an Indigenous approach to healing and medicine. My work is focused on trauma-trauma-informed care and recovery services for children, youth, adults, and families impacted by (im)migration, displacement, and other forms of oppression. We individualize and collaborate with the creation of your treatment plan of care tailored to the needs of each person. English & Spanish
(415) 639-3276 View (415) 639-3276
Photo of undefined - Sarah K Spencer Psychotherapy Inc., LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sarah K Spencer Psychotherapy Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Not Verified Not Verified
San Francisco, CA 94120
My practice focuses on working with individuals, couples, adolescents and their families from a family system perspective. I believe that all of us benefit from recognizing who we are within the construct of our larger social dynamics. I am a psychodynamic and interactive therapist, focusing on your strengths as a means to work through your challenges. I will work with you to identify your therapeutic goals, and we will explore how best to reach your desired outcomes. I am creative, empathetic and very pragmatic. Therapy is a journey, we will work hard together to make the most of your energy, finances and time.
My practice focuses on working with individuals, couples, adolescents and their families from a family system perspective. I believe that all of us benefit from recognizing who we are within the construct of our larger social dynamics. I am a psychodynamic and interactive therapist, focusing on your strengths as a means to work through your challenges. I will work with you to identify your therapeutic goals, and we will explore how best to reach your desired outcomes. I am creative, empathetic and very pragmatic. Therapy is a journey, we will work hard together to make the most of your energy, finances and time.
(415) 991-7568 View (415) 991-7568
Photo of Helen Star, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Helen Star
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94120
Sometimes anxiety, depression and trauma responses impact your relationships and work. My approach is to provide deep, abiding support to help you come back to center, allowing a more resilient self to emerge. Together we will build on your strengths to address life challenges with the aim that the consultation room is a safe space where actual life strategies are developed. You and I can address issues ranging from phase of life challenges, Work stress, relationship conflicts, trauma resolution, depression and anxiety management or the impacts of addictive processes in your life.
Sometimes anxiety, depression and trauma responses impact your relationships and work. My approach is to provide deep, abiding support to help you come back to center, allowing a more resilient self to emerge. Together we will build on your strengths to address life challenges with the aim that the consultation room is a safe space where actual life strategies are developed. You and I can address issues ranging from phase of life challenges, Work stress, relationship conflicts, trauma resolution, depression and anxiety management or the impacts of addictive processes in your life.
(415) 237-6307 View (415) 237-6307
Photo of Cary Ann Rosko, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cary Ann Rosko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94120  (Online Only)
It may be hard to believe, but our most troubling habits and patterns began as strategies that once helped us deal with challenging or even dangerous circumstances. The difficulties that feel burdensome to you now—rumination, self-defeating behaviors, problematic relationship dynamics, stubborn emotional cycles—actually helped you survive in the past. And because they helped you survive, it takes more than just understanding and willpower to unravel them—it takes deeper work that engages both the body and mind. I weave together multiple therapeutic modalities into an approach tailored to your needs, goals, and whole self.
It may be hard to believe, but our most troubling habits and patterns began as strategies that once helped us deal with challenging or even dangerous circumstances. The difficulties that feel burdensome to you now—rumination, self-defeating behaviors, problematic relationship dynamics, stubborn emotional cycles—actually helped you survive in the past. And because they helped you survive, it takes more than just understanding and willpower to unravel them—it takes deeper work that engages both the body and mind. I weave together multiple therapeutic modalities into an approach tailored to your needs, goals, and whole self.
(415) 769-3041 View (415) 769-3041

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Motivational Interviewing Therapists

How does motivational interviewing work?

Motivational interviewing aims to uncover a person’s internal motivation to change their life. Toward this end, the therapist listens, empathizes, and collaborates with the client based on their perspective; the therapist doesn’t adhere to a predetermined plan for change or impose their viewpoint on the client. Discovering an individual’s most important reasons for change, and guiding them to achieve those changes, can empower people to shift from ambivalence to action.

Is motivational interviewing evidence-based?

Yes, research shows that motivational interviewing can help treat alcohol and substance use — and in different ways such as reducing drinking, reducing resistance, and increasing the likelihood of staying in treatment. Motivational interviewing has also been shown to help people lose weight, adhere to medication regimens, improve diet for those with Type II diabetes, and improve healthy behaviors in children.

How long does motivational interviewing last?

Motivational interviewing is a short-term therapy that can last just one or two sessions. In some cases, motivational interviewing may be used in conjunction with longer-term therapies, but for most people, motivational interviewing is a brief intervention that aims to help patients understand their personal, specific, and internal reasons for changing their life.

What differentiates motivational interviewing from person-centered therapy?

In person-centered therapy, the individual is in the driver’s seat of the treatment process, creating space for them to trust their instincts and arrive at their own solutions. The two approaches are similar because motivational interviewing is also client-centered; however, person-centered therapy is more open-ended while motivational interviewing is somewhat more structured; the goal is to change, and the therapist helps the client specifically discover their internal motivations to modify their behavior.