Relational Therapists in 94123

Photo of Travis Ben Robinson, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Travis Ben Robinson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I specialize in personal growth/expansion, relational therapy, discovering aliveness, life transitions, grief/loss, mindfulness, relationship challenges, spiritual inquiry, transpersonal experiences, integration of journey work, exploring multiplicity/holistic healing, resolving inner conflict, effective communication, developing self esteem, advocating for self agency, finding a life path.
We often come to therapy in crisis. Something has gone wrong in a relationship. Major, disorienting life transitions are underway. Emotional experiences are becoming increasingly overwhelming. Life seems stuck, static, depressing. Anxiety is on the rise. A series of events have altered our course. We are feeling lost. Therapy can offer a soothing lifeboat for these rough seas. Often crisis is a wake up call, a time for necessary change, new growth, a reconnoitering of the landscape, a vivid reorientation. My practice is designed to move you from crisis to care, from care to confidence, confidence to creative, enlivening capacity.
I specialize in personal growth/expansion, relational therapy, discovering aliveness, life transitions, grief/loss, mindfulness, relationship challenges, spiritual inquiry, transpersonal experiences, integration of journey work, exploring multiplicity/holistic healing, resolving inner conflict, effective communication, developing self esteem, advocating for self agency, finding a life path.
We often come to therapy in crisis. Something has gone wrong in a relationship. Major, disorienting life transitions are underway. Emotional experiences are becoming increasingly overwhelming. Life seems stuck, static, depressing. Anxiety is on the rise. A series of events have altered our course. We are feeling lost. Therapy can offer a soothing lifeboat for these rough seas. Often crisis is a wake up call, a time for necessary change, new growth, a reconnoitering of the landscape, a vivid reorientation. My practice is designed to move you from crisis to care, from care to confidence, confidence to creative, enlivening capacity.
(415) 795-2752 View (415) 795-2752
Photo of Lisa Garbus, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Lisa Garbus
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
My work is relational and holistic.
I offer a warm, honest, and collaborative space within which we can explore issues that are troubling you. My aim is for you to feel more fully alive, to find the flexibility and resilience for stronger connections to others and a more vigorous pursuit of your goals and dreams. Change is possible. Deep, long-lasting change comes from within and radiates out into the world. I welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. The areas I work with include depression, anxiety, trauma, intergenerational trauma and stress, life transitions, illness, grief, anger, and career, relationship, parenting, and self-esteem issues.
My work is relational and holistic.
I offer a warm, honest, and collaborative space within which we can explore issues that are troubling you. My aim is for you to feel more fully alive, to find the flexibility and resilience for stronger connections to others and a more vigorous pursuit of your goals and dreams. Change is possible. Deep, long-lasting change comes from within and radiates out into the world. I welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. The areas I work with include depression, anxiety, trauma, intergenerational trauma and stress, life transitions, illness, grief, anger, and career, relationship, parenting, and self-esteem issues.
(415) 891-0082 View (415) 891-0082
Photo of Scott Christenson, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94123, CA
Scott Christenson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, JD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I like to characterize my therapy practice as relational.
Are you in the middle of a life transition such as a loss, career change, relationship breakup, or spiritual crisis? Are you noticing that you lack motivation? Are you afraid of feelings that seem to appear out of nowhere? I offer a safe, compassionate space to explore all of these questions and to support you in your difficult times. We will also explore ways to be resilient in the face of your struggles.
I like to characterize my therapy practice as relational.
Are you in the middle of a life transition such as a loss, career change, relationship breakup, or spiritual crisis? Are you noticing that you lack motivation? Are you afraid of feelings that seem to appear out of nowhere? I offer a safe, compassionate space to explore all of these questions and to support you in your difficult times. We will also explore ways to be resilient in the face of your struggles.
(415) 980-1384 View (415) 980-1384
Photo of Maeve Odile Jackson-Dufault, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94123, CA
Maeve Odile Jackson-Dufault
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
My approach to therapy is integral; I work from an attachment and trauma informed lens with a deep grounding in relational psychoanalytic theory. I have experience with treating depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, questions of gender and sexuality, complex family dynamics, relationship issues, chronic pain, and grief work. My wish it to foster a therapeutic space that feels both challenging as well as safe so that we can work together to meet your treatment goals. In our work together I may bring in mindfulness techniques, parts work, attachment theory, dream work, movement, and myth.
My approach to therapy is integral; I work from an attachment and trauma informed lens with a deep grounding in relational psychoanalytic theory. I have experience with treating depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, questions of gender and sexuality, complex family dynamics, relationship issues, chronic pain, and grief work. My wish it to foster a therapeutic space that feels both challenging as well as safe so that we can work together to meet your treatment goals. In our work together I may bring in mindfulness techniques, parts work, attachment theory, dream work, movement, and myth.
(510) 513-4604 View (510) 513-4604
Photo of Bria Milicevic, Psychologist in 94123, CA
Bria Milicevic
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
Are you looking to make a shift in your life, find your North star, free yourself from an addiction, decrease anxiety, or improve your relationship with others and live a life that is most meaningful for you? I believe therapy is a way for individuals to connect and access their own wisdom to make the necessary changes for a life that is most aspiring and fulfilling to them. I invite people to explore areas that may be affecting them and make a transition from where they are to where they would like to be. I use a treatment approach that is warm, relational, accepting and authentic, and am action-oriented and solution-focused.
Are you looking to make a shift in your life, find your North star, free yourself from an addiction, decrease anxiety, or improve your relationship with others and live a life that is most meaningful for you? I believe therapy is a way for individuals to connect and access their own wisdom to make the necessary changes for a life that is most aspiring and fulfilling to them. I invite people to explore areas that may be affecting them and make a transition from where they are to where they would like to be. I use a treatment approach that is warm, relational, accepting and authentic, and am action-oriented and solution-focused.
(415) 429-7010 View (415) 429-7010
Photo of Lucy Salter, MFT, MIM, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Lucy Salter, MFT, MIM
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MIM
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
The work is: relational - we are both active, engaged participants.
I work with individuals, couples, and adolescents. My approach is warm, inviting, and client-centered. Each session, we begin with what's most present for you, following aliveness as it unfolds - moment-to-moment, wherever it leads. The process has its own intelligence and is highly trustworthy. You bring all of you - light and shadow, blessings and challenges, interests and needs - as well as whatever hurts, feels stuck, or is ready to be released or reclaimed. I bring all of me - presence and deep listening, non-judgment and curiosity, intuition, theory and tools. Together, we co-create ways of working that are unique to you.
The work is: relational - we are both active, engaged participants.
I work with individuals, couples, and adolescents. My approach is warm, inviting, and client-centered. Each session, we begin with what's most present for you, following aliveness as it unfolds - moment-to-moment, wherever it leads. The process has its own intelligence and is highly trustworthy. You bring all of you - light and shadow, blessings and challenges, interests and needs - as well as whatever hurts, feels stuck, or is ready to be released or reclaimed. I bring all of me - presence and deep listening, non-judgment and curiosity, intuition, theory and tools. Together, we co-create ways of working that are unique to you.
(415) 908-1617 View (415) 908-1617
Photo of Louis Morello, Psychologist in 94123, CA
Louis Morello
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
As a psychologist I evaluate and treat individuals who seek help for depression, anxiety, life dissatisfaction (from relationships and work stress), relational trauma (e.g. childhood abuse and emotional neglect) and addiction/compulsive behaviors that may co-occur with depression, anxiety or trauma/PTSD. Of note, you do not have to be in crisis to be in therapy; I often work with individuals who are interested in personal growth, long-term recovery issues, regaining meaning and passion after loss and sometimes stopping distressing interpersonal patterns. Treatment is generally trauma-informed and phase-oriented, integrating body-mind interventions and neurobiology. Please visit my website for details,
As a psychologist I evaluate and treat individuals who seek help for depression, anxiety, life dissatisfaction (from relationships and work stress), relational trauma (e.g. childhood abuse and emotional neglect) and addiction/compulsive behaviors that may co-occur with depression, anxiety or trauma/PTSD. Of note, you do not have to be in crisis to be in therapy; I often work with individuals who are interested in personal growth, long-term recovery issues, regaining meaning and passion after loss and sometimes stopping distressing interpersonal patterns. Treatment is generally trauma-informed and phase-oriented, integrating body-mind interventions and neurobiology. Please visit my website for details,
(650) 918-5330 View (650) 918-5330
Photo of Lauren Lowe, Psychologist in 94123, CA
Lauren Lowe
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I am a relational and psychodynamically trained clinician who believes in social justice and equity.
As a former Division 1 athlete, I understand the unique needs of athletes and top performers. I will work with you in a collaborative and directive way to reach your goals on a timeline based on your season or deadlines. Sports and high performance patients seek treatment for building mental toughness, overcoming fear of failure, coping with injury, managing pressure and other issues. In working with patients from the ages of 3-18, I treat anxiety, depression, trauma, challenging behaviors, relational issues and support LGBTQ+ youth. Based on your child's age, we will establish a collaborative treatment path to evoke change.
I am a relational and psychodynamically trained clinician who believes in social justice and equity.
As a former Division 1 athlete, I understand the unique needs of athletes and top performers. I will work with you in a collaborative and directive way to reach your goals on a timeline based on your season or deadlines. Sports and high performance patients seek treatment for building mental toughness, overcoming fear of failure, coping with injury, managing pressure and other issues. In working with patients from the ages of 3-18, I treat anxiety, depression, trauma, challenging behaviors, relational issues and support LGBTQ+ youth. Based on your child's age, we will establish a collaborative treatment path to evoke change.
(415) 430-9285 View (415) 430-9285
Photo of Dr. Nadia K. Thalji, Psychologist in 94123, CA
Dr. Nadia K. Thalji
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
Specializing in relational and culturally sensitive psychotherapy, I assist individuals and couples through various life transitions, including marriage, career changes, grief, and immigration.
Navigating relationship complexities within diverse cultural backgrounds? Struggling with communication, intimacy, or connecting amidst differing expectations? I specialize in identifying core issues hindering understanding and reducing stressors related to communication and boundaries. Whether you're an immigrant, bicultural, or part of a diverse family, my trauma-informed approach integrates various techniques to foster enduring connections and celebrate diversity within and outside your relationships. Let's embark on a journey towards sustainable, meaningful connections together.
Specializing in relational and culturally sensitive psychotherapy, I assist individuals and couples through various life transitions, including marriage, career changes, grief, and immigration.
Navigating relationship complexities within diverse cultural backgrounds? Struggling with communication, intimacy, or connecting amidst differing expectations? I specialize in identifying core issues hindering understanding and reducing stressors related to communication and boundaries. Whether you're an immigrant, bicultural, or part of a diverse family, my trauma-informed approach integrates various techniques to foster enduring connections and celebrate diversity within and outside your relationships. Let's embark on a journey towards sustainable, meaningful connections together.
(415) 980-7129 View (415) 980-7129
Photo of Meagan Holden, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94123, CA
Meagan Holden
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MD, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
My therapeutic approach is humanistic, relational, and psychodynamic.
Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed? Do you feel like something is missing and you want more from your life? I am here to help. I deeply believe that healing is possible and have spent my life dedicated to it. In my first career as an anesthesiologist and critical care physician, that healing was focused on the health of the body. Now as a psychotherapist, I bring that experience to how I practice therapy and work with a deep appreciation for the mind-body connection. I believe that our overall wellness and health is deeply rooted in our psychological health.
My therapeutic approach is humanistic, relational, and psychodynamic.
Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed? Do you feel like something is missing and you want more from your life? I am here to help. I deeply believe that healing is possible and have spent my life dedicated to it. In my first career as an anesthesiologist and critical care physician, that healing was focused on the health of the body. Now as a psychotherapist, I bring that experience to how I practice therapy and work with a deep appreciation for the mind-body connection. I believe that our overall wellness and health is deeply rooted in our psychological health.
(415) 366-1365 View (415) 366-1365
Photo of Jessica Turner, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Jessica Turner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
I work from an integrative lens incorporating relational, humanistic, psychodynamic perspectives along with mindful awareness.
I am dedicated to offering support and hope to individuals, couples and adolescents who may be working through a myriad of challenges. I offer a warm environment in which to explore and untangle the complexities of life. I aim to support you in sifting through what feels difficult and to offer a grounded, objective and kindhearted space in which to gain the insight necessary for growth. Transformation is possible when one speaks their truth and when one is fully seen in that truth in connection with a compassionate other.
I work from an integrative lens incorporating relational, humanistic, psychodynamic perspectives along with mindful awareness.
I am dedicated to offering support and hope to individuals, couples and adolescents who may be working through a myriad of challenges. I offer a warm environment in which to explore and untangle the complexities of life. I aim to support you in sifting through what feels difficult and to offer a grounded, objective and kindhearted space in which to gain the insight necessary for growth. Transformation is possible when one speaks their truth and when one is fully seen in that truth in connection with a compassionate other.
(415) 594-5138 View (415) 594-5138
Photo of Sonia Troiani Doulton in 94123, CA
Sonia Troiani Doulton
MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I offer a heart-centered, relational, nonjudgmental approach.
I work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, low self-esteem, life transitions, parenting issues, migration issues, aging challenges, neurodivergence, childhood trauma, and marital issues. In the last 15 yrs I've helped people find relief from emotional distress, gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, improve coping skills, and foster resilience. I can help you achieve mental well-being, build healthier relationships, rediscover purpose and meaning in life, cultivate a sense of self-acceptance and fulfillment, and navigate life's challenges with greater ease, understanding, and authenticity.
I offer a heart-centered, relational, nonjudgmental approach.
I work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, low self-esteem, life transitions, parenting issues, migration issues, aging challenges, neurodivergence, childhood trauma, and marital issues. In the last 15 yrs I've helped people find relief from emotional distress, gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, improve coping skills, and foster resilience. I can help you achieve mental well-being, build healthier relationships, rediscover purpose and meaning in life, cultivate a sense of self-acceptance and fulfillment, and navigate life's challenges with greater ease, understanding, and authenticity.
(415) 727-8694 View (415) 727-8694
Photo of James Heinrich Kurtz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94123, CA
James Heinrich Kurtz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
Relationships with others define experience and work gives a sense of purpose. Disturbance in these affect well being and contribute to an overwhelmed response leading to collapse. As trauma is relational so is recovery and healing. The right therapeutic alliance is a key component. A weakness, a crisis, or an illness can be a transition to an accomplished strength. With proper support, connection, and engagement, inner resources are accessed that allow for growth and resilience and the possibility of change, healing, and transformation.
Relationships with others define experience and work gives a sense of purpose. Disturbance in these affect well being and contribute to an overwhelmed response leading to collapse. As trauma is relational so is recovery and healing. The right therapeutic alliance is a key component. A weakness, a crisis, or an illness can be a transition to an accomplished strength. With proper support, connection, and engagement, inner resources are accessed that allow for growth and resilience and the possibility of change, healing, and transformation.
(415) 655-0120 View (415) 655-0120
Photo of Wendy Heffner, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Wendy Heffner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I invite you to bring in your current day challenges and strengths, your openness to be with what emerges in the moment, a willingness to explore past relational influences, and your dreams, as we work together to create more satisfying, engaged experiences in your life and relationships.
I offer a compassionate, mindful, embodied therapeutic approach to meet you as you begin this journey of committing to yourself and your process through therapy, . My practice is a depth oriented psychotherapy with adults and couples, addressing relationship issues and life transitions. I enjoy incorporating mind and body approaches into a relationally oriented psychotherapy and believe this facilitates deep, lasting shifts.
I invite you to bring in your current day challenges and strengths, your openness to be with what emerges in the moment, a willingness to explore past relational influences, and your dreams, as we work together to create more satisfying, engaged experiences in your life and relationships.
I offer a compassionate, mindful, embodied therapeutic approach to meet you as you begin this journey of committing to yourself and your process through therapy, . My practice is a depth oriented psychotherapy with adults and couples, addressing relationship issues and life transitions. I enjoy incorporating mind and body approaches into a relationally oriented psychotherapy and believe this facilitates deep, lasting shifts.
(415) 789-3476 View (415) 789-3476
Photo of Shevi Loewinger, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Shevi Loewinger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
My style as a humanistic relational therapist comes from my warm, eclectic and open personality.
We all experience some level of depression, anxiety and low self esteem at some point in our lives. It can feel lonely and isolating. It affects our desires and aliveness, our ability to feel joy, fulfillment, and connection. We are craving to be understood and seen and have more clarity about our place in the world. We crave to find peace, self love and love from others. Healing starts with our relationship, client and therapist. Together we build a safe and brave space to meet the fears, to rediscover your intuition and creativity and to understand your unique experience, needs and wants.
My style as a humanistic relational therapist comes from my warm, eclectic and open personality.
We all experience some level of depression, anxiety and low self esteem at some point in our lives. It can feel lonely and isolating. It affects our desires and aliveness, our ability to feel joy, fulfillment, and connection. We are craving to be understood and seen and have more clarity about our place in the world. We crave to find peace, self love and love from others. Healing starts with our relationship, client and therapist. Together we build a safe and brave space to meet the fears, to rediscover your intuition and creativity and to understand your unique experience, needs and wants.
(415) 319-8665 View (415) 319-8665
Photo of Emily Wolf McMane, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94123, CA
Emily Wolf McMane
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
My therapy style is client-centered and relational.
I specialize in working with women, young adults, trauma survivors, and individuals grappling with identity issues, finding purpose in life, and experiencing major life changes. You are not broken, and I am not here to heal you, fix you, rescue you, or make you better. I am here to support you on your journey to discovering your authentic self and releasing old stories and patterns of behaviors that no longer serve you so that you may live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
My therapy style is client-centered and relational.
I specialize in working with women, young adults, trauma survivors, and individuals grappling with identity issues, finding purpose in life, and experiencing major life changes. You are not broken, and I am not here to heal you, fix you, rescue you, or make you better. I am here to support you on your journey to discovering your authentic self and releasing old stories and patterns of behaviors that no longer serve you so that you may live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
(707) 615-0653 View (707) 615-0653
Photo of Trudy McMahon, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Trudy McMahon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I Work with individuals/ couples. My background is in substance misuse counseling. I work with trauma, anxiety, depression, body image/ disordered eating. I work in a relational way, that invites the client into the therapeutic process, setting goals, assigning homework if appropriate, coming up with ways to better resource in times of stress/ emotional overwhelm. I enjoy working with people who view themselves as sensitive beings, intuitive /empaths. I am somatically trained, which means I invite the body into the therapy, offering interventions such as mindfulness. I offer EMDR and somatic touch work: Relational Somatic Healing.
I Work with individuals/ couples. My background is in substance misuse counseling. I work with trauma, anxiety, depression, body image/ disordered eating. I work in a relational way, that invites the client into the therapeutic process, setting goals, assigning homework if appropriate, coming up with ways to better resource in times of stress/ emotional overwhelm. I enjoy working with people who view themselves as sensitive beings, intuitive /empaths. I am somatically trained, which means I invite the body into the therapy, offering interventions such as mindfulness. I offer EMDR and somatic touch work: Relational Somatic Healing.
(415) 594-4409 View (415) 594-4409
Photo of Claudia Mei Hammerschmidt, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94123, CA
Claudia Mei Hammerschmidt
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
Alongside the general anxiety & depression issues that bring many to therapy, I’m passionate about supporting those experiencing loss. Whether grappling with the end of a relationship, the passing of a loved one, or the upheaval of a job loss; loss affects us all deeply. Often accompanying these losses is a sense of identity dissolution, which can be disorienting yet holds potential for profound personal growth. My therapeutic approach to relational loss is rooted in a trauma-informed lens, informed by my extensive exploration of grief.
Alongside the general anxiety & depression issues that bring many to therapy, I’m passionate about supporting those experiencing loss. Whether grappling with the end of a relationship, the passing of a loved one, or the upheaval of a job loss; loss affects us all deeply. Often accompanying these losses is a sense of identity dissolution, which can be disorienting yet holds potential for profound personal growth. My therapeutic approach to relational loss is rooted in a trauma-informed lens, informed by my extensive exploration of grief.
(916) 426-7730 View (916) 426-7730
Photo of Jess Odom, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Jess Odom
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
Do you long to feel greater self esteem and ease? My experience helping many people has shown me that effective and worthwhile therapy unfolds by sensitive attunement to each unique client or couple. Healing has many facets: emotional, somatic, cognitive, energetic, and relational are important elements. I work with you as your skilled guide within a healing professional therapeutic relationship. If you are seeking transpersonal (spiritually inclusive) therapy I could be a great fit for you. As a long time seeker and practitioner I know well the gifts that come from the spaces where psychology meets spirituality.
Do you long to feel greater self esteem and ease? My experience helping many people has shown me that effective and worthwhile therapy unfolds by sensitive attunement to each unique client or couple. Healing has many facets: emotional, somatic, cognitive, energetic, and relational are important elements. I work with you as your skilled guide within a healing professional therapeutic relationship. If you are seeking transpersonal (spiritually inclusive) therapy I could be a great fit for you. As a long time seeker and practitioner I know well the gifts that come from the spaces where psychology meets spirituality.
(707) 271-7017 View (707) 271-7017
Photo of Kristel S. Grodeska, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Kristel S. Grodeska
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
If you are feeling disconnected or wanting to learn how to more deeply connect to yourself or those you are in relationship with, therapy can be a place to learn a different way of relating. I see therapy as a collaborative place for you to grow in the direction that you want and to reset your vitality. I have a strength in working with: couples who want to nurture their bond or need relational resources; people who want more emotional strength and capacity for intimacy; people dealing with the impacts of sexual trauma; people who want to grow relational skills.
If you are feeling disconnected or wanting to learn how to more deeply connect to yourself or those you are in relationship with, therapy can be a place to learn a different way of relating. I see therapy as a collaborative place for you to grow in the direction that you want and to reset your vitality. I have a strength in working with: couples who want to nurture their bond or need relational resources; people who want more emotional strength and capacity for intimacy; people dealing with the impacts of sexual trauma; people who want to grow relational skills.
(415) 449-3969 View (415) 449-3969
Relational Therapists

How does relational therapy work?

Relational therapy was developed by psychologist Jean Miller, whose ideas stressed that having strong connections with others encourages better health and well-being when compared with a lonely existence. Conversely, poor interpersonal relationships do not foster growth and learning. Relational therapy also encourages trust in others and patience with others, along with better communication and less conflict.

Is relational therapy evidence-based?

Relational therapy is not well-studied, and it may not be as effective in treating certain mental health conditions when compared with evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral or acceptance and commitment therapy. However, relational therapy uses techniques found in cognitive behavioral therapy as well as psychodynamic therapy, which are both well-studied with empirical research.

How long are people typically in relational therapy?

Clients may see improvement after a few weeks or months of therapy. Like cognitive behavioral therapy, relational therapy can reduce symptoms within 10 to 20 weeks, at 45 to 50 minutes once a week. But like any type of therapy, improvement depends on the person and the severity of the problem.

Does relational therapy work?

While no therapy type will work for everyone, some evidence suggests that this therapy can be effective. Relational therapy can help a person manage problematic relationships as well as the mental health conditions that accompany difficult relationships like depression or anxiety. This therapy type may offer benefits that are hard to measure but can be just as valuable—including feelings of higher self-worth or healthier connections with others.