Therapists in San Francisco, CA

Are you facing a problematic setback in life, such as anxiety, depression, dating/relationships issues, job stress, grief, self-confidence issues, or trauma? I work collaboratively with my clients to help them achieve their potential and overcome life’s difficulties. I utilize evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help individuals, couples, parents, executives, and young men achieve their potential. Using confidential, one-on-one telehealth sessions (phone or video), we’ll work together to understand the past and create a positive future with new tools and strategies.

I enjoy helping individuals identify what matters most to them in life, set meaningful goals, and address obstacles in their path. My approach is strengths-oriented, and I seek first to know the many ways clients already work on their wellness. I partner with my clients to help them better manage the symptoms and situations that brought them to therapy. This is grounded in building a deeper understanding of one's thoughts, feelings, and core beliefs. My therapeutic style is collaborative, warm, genuine, and supportive. I love getting feedback - if something isn't working, let's make a change!

Are you a man with problems at work, or your relationships? Do you want things to be different? Then you must do things differently. Usually we solve problems by our efforts, or with the support of friends and family. That is often best. Other times, professional guidance is required. If you want an experienced psychologist who is well informed, practical, compassionate, and collaborative, consider working with me. I am ready to help you help yourself. Just email to arrange a phone consultation without cost or obligation. Please note: I provide online therapy to California men only.

As a seasoned depth psychologist formally trained in exploring the depths of being human, I will work collaboratively with you to get to the root of what ails you. I find cultivating an affirming, caring stance allows an individual to move more readily towards healing and the resolution of problems and difficulties. Consequently, you can be the person you want to be thereby realizing greater personal agency and generating more successful relationships. The heart and soul of my practice involves working with chronic shame, gender and sexuality issues, life transitions, grief, loss, trauma, dissociated self-states, self exploration.

Tired of not living fully. Learn tools to be more engaged and present with your life and the people in it. One such tool is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a way of directing your attention away from habitual thoughts(lists, judgements, negative self talk)and toward experiencing the present(where your life is actually being lived). I believe in the power of this work. Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, difficult relationships and addictions can be products of molding to others' ideas of who you "should" be. I will work with you to uncover who you want to be.

I believe therapy should feel like a deep and rich conversation. I am not the type of therapist who only sits and listens. The stories we tell ourselves about our experiences, both past and present, shape who we are and how we view and interact with the world around us. Therapy is a rare opportunity to tell our stories to a deeply supportive audience. Through the telling, therapy helps us to explore our thoughts and feelings about, and the meaning we ascribe to, our experiences, bringing increased awareness to how we live our lives. From this newfound place of awareness, we’re able create the change we want and need.

Dr. Denise Stilwell is a licensed clinical psychologist with seven years of experience providing psychotherapy in a variety of clinical settings. She worked as a nurse for sixteen years before she became a psychotherapist and brings that rich experience into her practice. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, identity issues, interpersonal issues, grief, managing chronic illness, and somatic symptom disorder. Dr. Stilwell collaborates with her clients to ensure they feel seen and heard in their sessions while utilizing evidence-based therapy approaches that are culturally sensitive and individually focused.

I believe people come to therapy when they are ready and because they are actively and consciously seeking a happier, more balanced life. The motivation it takes to make that first phone call is a major step towards positive change. My style of therapy is interpersonal, supportive, open and communicative. I find that most people appreciate some guidance, direction and practical feedback. I also encourage exploration of unconscious repetitive patterns of behavior in relationships and making changes when appropriate.

Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or lost? Perhaps you are having a hard time getting through each day and it just seems to be getting harder. Some nights you can’t turn your brain off - yet you don’t have the words to describe the thoughts that keep you up at night. People might not realize you lack confidence, feel worried, or struggle with perfectionism. You love the people around you, but you feel uncertain and lonely. You want to make changes to help yourself feel better, but you don't know what to do. You feel tired, disappointed, and are secretly worried you are the problem. You are ready to try something new.

My practice is focused on helping people uncover and shift what is keeping them from living full and authentic lives. I have found that fear is often at the center of this, whether it is conscious or not. Understanding that is where the work begins. I have a strong belief in the human spirit and resilience and that change is possible. It is this belief that inspires the work I do with my clients. No matter what is going on in your life, if you are breathing and alive, you have the capacity for change, even if it's just a change in perspective.

Time to get your life back on track? Tired of the same old fights? Is your addiction hijacking your life? Wondering if you can continue to deal with the chaos around you? You can take your life back, find some peace and learn how to better communicate with your partner and yourself. We all have deep needs for tenderness, sharing and love.

Life can be complicated. Maybe you're experiencing some difficulties in your relationships, a life transition or loss, or dealing with feelings of anxiety or depression. You are not alone. I help clients to find more clarity and trust in their own capacities to manage these complex matters in their lives.

I provide a safe, supportive environment in which you can talk about your feelings and experiences, both past and present. We engage in a collaborative process that allows for investigation into why you feel the way you do and what factors have influenced your development into who you are and how you experience life. In doing so, people are often able to feel better about themselves, their relationships, and their place in the world.

It is my passion and a privilege to help people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, family dynamics, relationship issues, career stress, life transitions, existential angst, and finding meaning and purpose. I welcome people of all types and backgrounds into my practice. I see you as a unique individual and I look forward to getting to know you on a deep level. I am here to support you every step of the way on your journey of self-discovery and true healing.

I have over 30 years of experience, working with both adolescents and adults. I am dedicated to supporting you in finding clarity and direction, so that you can thrive in the life you want. As a licensed psychotherapist and professional coach, you may come in to see me for problems with your relationship, work, family, mood, health or addictive behavior. I can help you get back on track, creating and achieving your goals!

Educated in clinical psychology at the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium, I trained in a variety of settings, including medical centers, community mental health centers, schools, psychiatric hospitals, and outpatient clinics, in California, New York, and Texas. My research focus was on families dealing with pediatric cancer, and I maintain a special interest in working with families dealing with medical illness.

I work collaboratively with patients in individual therapy and while conducting neuropsychological, psychodiagnostic, and psychoeducational assessments. I provide information regarding patients' limitations, capabilities, cognitive functioning and diagnostic considerations. My interests and experience have contributed to my specializing in diagnosing and treating neuropsychological and educational disabilities (including ADHD/ADD) as well as working with individuals experiencing mood, adjustment and anxiety disorders. I assist people in the development of academic, professional and personal skills and the building of confidence in order to support reaching their highest potential. I provide behavioral pain management and work with patients who are adjusting to various disabilities.