Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA

I am licensed clinical psychologist and school psychologist working with preschool children through adults. Clients who usually fit well with me have often reached a point of thinking that enough-is-enough, whether that is problem behaviors with a child, teens who are anxious/irritable/depressed, college students who are having major life changes, or adults who are having work or personal difficulties. I particularly specialize in the treatment of Trauma & Stress-Related Disorders. Clients who allow me to look out for them the way they do for their friends/family often find our work together to be helpful.

Therapy is a confidential space to explore areas where you are feeling stuck, experiencing difficulty, or contemplating change, with the goal of feeling more confident and whole as a person. I work with adult individuals who seek a deeper understanding of, and relief from, their suffering: depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship problems, spiritual/existential questions, and various forms of addiction (pornography, hypersexuality, substance abuse). Many times, addiction is accompanied by interactions with the legal system and therapy can be a safe space to process thoughts and feelings about legal problems or incarceration.

People, life, and work are complex. It can be hard to find your way and define who you are. As a therapist, my goal is to foster a space for you to explore what you want for yourself and your life through introspection, healing, and acceptance of self. I offer an interactive style of therapy that emphasizes personal insight and self-compassion in order to identify harmful thought patterns and behaviors. Together, we will find an approach that helps you achieve your goals, whether you’re looking to heal from past experiences or cope with present challenges.

“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.

For over 20 years, my work with individuals, couples, children, and families has been based on the belief that change is possible and most likely to occur when people feel comfortable and safe in relationship, both with themselves and others. My relational, warm, collaborative and accepting approach is strengths-based and fosters connection with each person to promote progress and success in therapy. My clients have been been impacted by trauma, loss, and adversity. I help them find ways to manage anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict, and grief and deal with emotional challenges from childhood and life transitions.

The decision to start psychotherapy is significant as it often means that you are suffering in some way or you've realized that what you have been doing is no longer working, and you are seeking change in your life. As your therapist, I will help you find meaning in the connections of your story and the patterns of your relationships, as well as discover and challenge your conflicts, assumptions and limitations. Through this exploration, you will be able to know yourself more deeply and live with more freedom, possibility, joy and self-understanding. My approach is collaborative, warm, and authentic.

Through compassion, humor, and gentle challenge, I work to create a supportive environment to help individuals and families overcome temporary setbacks, heal old wounds, and change dysfunctional patterns. My areas of expertise include anxiety, interpersonal trauma, issues related to parenting, early childhood mental health, and disruptions in early attachment.

I am glad you are here! I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in working with individuals and couples. I aim to help you get unstuck and enliven the direction you want to go with compassion, humor, and my clinical experience that spans over a decade. I enjoy working with a wide variety of clients, including first-generation, LGBTQ+, or those lacking a sense of belonging at times. I work from a social justice framework to help clients dismantle internalized systems of oppression in order to live meaningfully, despite us having to exist in these realities.

Relationships are challenging no matter what. They are especially difficult if you've had minimal guidance in learning healthy ways of dealing with conflict or asking for what you need. This lack of exposure to healthy ways of relating can show up in friendships, in a romantic relationship or at work through behaviors such as avoidance, accommodation or other ineffective actions. The result is disconnection and dissatisfaction. It is important to understand how you show up in relationship in order to make a healthy change. I am here to help you with this process.

As a licensed psychologist skilled in providing psychotherapy that addresses the full spectrum of human experience, I collaborate with you to attain healing and resolution of your problems, advance in your growth and transformation, and increasingly realize your potential. I facilitate the integration of your sense of identity, purpose, and values with the way you live your life to endow it with greater authenticity and meaning. As an Episcopal priest and Buddhist practitioner, I foster your spiritual development and worldly integration. In these ways, I assist you in the creation of a more peaceful, happy, and fulfilling 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.

It’s tough to go through the day dealing with overwhelming feelings of anxiety, anger, sadness, shame, or haunting memories. You may struggle with harsh self-criticism and a fear of failing while trying to maintain a facade of accomplishment and success. It can be exhausting to always feel the pressure to be perfect and support everyone else while neglecting your own needs. It might feel easier to push through alone than to ask for help, as you worry about being judged or burdening others. You could turn to unhealthy coping for relief, which leads to more stress. There is a way out, and I want to help you get your life back.

I am passionate about working with couples and individuals with any life transition issues including all stages of relationship, personal and professional development, recent or past trauma, or moving through any obstacles impeding your experience of joy, compassion and overall fulfillment. For couples, I can help you break negative cycles of distress and estrangement, guiding as you build the safe, intimate, loving connection you desire. Many years of training lead me to study the most current developments in neuropsychology and adult attachment based theory. I am a certified EMDR therapist & certified EFT therapist and supervisor

All of us need support at different times in our lives. And when that time comes, it takes lots of courage to reach out, so welcome. I am a body centered psychotherapist, bringing in tools of trauma re-negotiation and resolution that I gratefully learned through my training in Somatic Experiencing. Together we will discover, through the wisdom of the body, your innate resiliency and capacity. Through my training and experience in Systemic Constellation work we will explore the dynamics of the family in ways that foster a healthy completion your family of origin. I look forward to talking with you.

In my San Francisco based private practice I focus on an array of issues including depression, anxiety, postpartum depression, parenting support, trauma, work stress, relationship issues, substance abuse, transgender and gender non-binary support, and counseling for issues related to fertility including IVF support. Too often I work with individuals who have waited until the point of crisis to reach out for help, and relief can start much earlier! With empathy, sensitivity, and humor, my goal is to create a space in which to build the therapeutic relationship while cultivating a happier and healthier sense of self and wellbeing.

I have over 40 years of experience helping people face challenges in their lives including loss, adoption related issues, addiction, relationships/couples, life threatening illness, chronic pain, anxiety, mood and bipolar disorder, PTSD, complex trauma, divorce, and other life transitions. I am a warm and caring therapist who is also able to be direct when needed. From the moment you enter my office I do all I can to provide a safe and comfortable environment for us to work collaboratively with whatever issues you are facing in your life today. You will always be treated with respect and compassion throughout our work together.

Do you have a relationship that needs improving? Do your career, business skills, performance, and money power need a boost? Are negativity and self-doubt sabotaging the very things you want to do ... stopping you before you begin? Is your creativity at a dead stop? Has your power of attraction tad the dust? Do you start projects and never finish? Do you want to increase your personal magnetism and attract the right kind of people in your life? Your goals are achievable and the possibilities are endless with Biblical Counseling and Hypnosis sessions. I am Certified COVID-19 and Behavioral Health

Nate Hinerman, PhD, LMFT, is Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, where he is also a tenured Professor of Psychology, as well as the Chair of the Psychology Department. He is also on the faculty at the University of San Francisco, teaching in the Nursing School, and in the Religious Studies Department. He serves as Chair of the San Francisco End of Life Network, a community-based support and education group for hospice and palliative care professionals and patients, now in its 23rd year (www.sfeol.org).

I am a licensed psychotherapist who is deeply committed to supporting those whose lives have been impacted by alcohol or drugs. I am compassionate, practical, engaged and genuine. If you have struggled or are still struggling, I can help. If you are worried about someone who struggles, I can help. Even if you are unsure of what you may need, I can support you. I strive to develop meaningful therapeutic relationships that allow for understanding, grieving, healing and growth. Those who find help may be children, adult children, spouses, partners, parents, grandparents, couples, women or men.