Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Hello! I am passionate about working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, or healing from trauma. Whether from abuse, neglect, intergenerational trauma, or difficult childhood experiences, trauma can continue to impact our present lives. Many of my clients are ambitious, successful women of color seeking growth. I believe healing is most effective when holistic, addressing the mind-body connection. By incorporating spirituality, coping skills, and somatic practices, I help you reconnect with your own intuition.
Hello! I am passionate about working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, or healing from trauma. Whether from abuse, neglect, intergenerational trauma, or difficult childhood experiences, trauma can continue to impact our present lives. Many of my clients are ambitious, successful women of color seeking growth. I believe healing is most effective when holistic, addressing the mind-body connection. By incorporating spirituality, coping skills, and somatic practices, I help you reconnect with your own intuition.
Just even coming onto this site is an act of courageous self-inquiry; it shows a desire to improve yourself and your relationship to others.
In today’s overstimulated and uncertain world, therapy offers an opportunity for careful, slowed down, inward-attention. I work collaboratively, with a mindful awareness to dynamics of power and privilege. I believe the most effective psychotherapy is a deeply creative process, and I bring curiosity towards my clients' creative and artistic selves.
Just even coming onto this site is an act of courageous self-inquiry; it shows a desire to improve yourself and your relationship to others.
In today’s overstimulated and uncertain world, therapy offers an opportunity for careful, slowed down, inward-attention. I work collaboratively, with a mindful awareness to dynamics of power and privilege. I believe the most effective psychotherapy is a deeply creative process, and I bring curiosity towards my clients' creative and artistic selves.
Christina Frenzel, Therapy for ADHD &
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
I work with adults, couples, and families, and am trained in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), and the Gottman Method for couples therapy.
Individuals, couples, and families who tend to work with me are often navigating neurodivergence (ADHD, ASD, AuDHD) and are seeking tools to help strengthen their personal relationships and manage workplace or school challenges. I’m passionate about supporting clients traverse complex issues that impact their relationships and work such as trauma, confidence, executive functioning, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, burnout and overwhelm. With my background in both the entertainment industry and tech world, I understand the unique pressures these environments bring, and what it takes to manage them with clarity and integrity.
I work with adults, couples, and families, and am trained in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), and the Gottman Method for couples therapy.
Individuals, couples, and families who tend to work with me are often navigating neurodivergence (ADHD, ASD, AuDHD) and are seeking tools to help strengthen their personal relationships and manage workplace or school challenges. I’m passionate about supporting clients traverse complex issues that impact their relationships and work such as trauma, confidence, executive functioning, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, burnout and overwhelm. With my background in both the entertainment industry and tech world, I understand the unique pressures these environments bring, and what it takes to manage them with clarity and integrity.
Struggling with OCD or anxiety can feel like an endless battle with your own mind. You may be caught in cycles of doubt, fear, or compulsions that disrupt your life and leave you exhausted. I specialize in helping people break free from these patterns, using evidence-based therapy to build resilience and regain control. Together, we’ll work toward a life where your fears no longer dictate your choices—where confidence, clarity, and peace of mind take the lead.
I'm the clinic director and co-founder of The Bay Psychotherapy Center, which specializes in science-based treatments delivered in a personalized and compassionate way.
Struggling with OCD or anxiety can feel like an endless battle with your own mind. You may be caught in cycles of doubt, fear, or compulsions that disrupt your life and leave you exhausted. I specialize in helping people break free from these patterns, using evidence-based therapy to build resilience and regain control. Together, we’ll work toward a life where your fears no longer dictate your choices—where confidence, clarity, and peace of mind take the lead.
I'm the clinic director and co-founder of The Bay Psychotherapy Center, which specializes in science-based treatments delivered in a personalized and compassionate way.
Do you carry deep anxiety, anger, shame, or grief—often hidden beneath a composed surface? Have you experienced narcissistic abuse or trauma that left you questioning your worth, your voice, or your reality? Do you struggle with harsh self-criticism or fear of failure? Maybe you feel pressured to be everything for everyone, while neglecting your own needs? I work with thoughtful, capable people who feel stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed by emotional patterns they can’t shift on their own.
My approach is depth-oriented: I work with the deeper layers—the parts of you that carry pain and longings that haven’t had space to be seen.
Do you carry deep anxiety, anger, shame, or grief—often hidden beneath a composed surface? Have you experienced narcissistic abuse or trauma that left you questioning your worth, your voice, or your reality? Do you struggle with harsh self-criticism or fear of failure? Maybe you feel pressured to be everything for everyone, while neglecting your own needs? I work with thoughtful, capable people who feel stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed by emotional patterns they can’t shift on their own.
My approach is depth-oriented: I work with the deeper layers—the parts of you that carry pain and longings that haven’t had space to be seen.
Moving closer to a balanced and whole state of mind is the main goal of talk therapy. In a trusting and collaborative environment, you are given the chance to remove obstacles on the way of reaching your full potential for personal growth and improved mental health. Also, through conversation with an objective and trained individual, you will be able to understand the complexities of your mind, making your unknown known. In addition to working with adults, one of my main focuses is individual and family psychotherapy with adolescents dealing with issues such as identity formation and relationship building.
Moving closer to a balanced and whole state of mind is the main goal of talk therapy. In a trusting and collaborative environment, you are given the chance to remove obstacles on the way of reaching your full potential for personal growth and improved mental health. Also, through conversation with an objective and trained individual, you will be able to understand the complexities of your mind, making your unknown known. In addition to working with adults, one of my main focuses is individual and family psychotherapy with adolescents dealing with issues such as identity formation and relationship building.
You may look like you’re doing just fine on the outside, while internally feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just tired of being in your own head. You want to feel more present in your life, trust yourself, and actually enjoy the life you’ve worked hard to build. Maybe you overthink decisions, replay conversations, put a lot of pressure on yourself, or have a hard time switching off. I work with women navigating anxiety, perfectionism, OCD, burnout, fertility challenges, and the identity shifts that can come with motherhood, relationships, and work. Life doesn’t have to feel so exhausting and hard, there are ways to feel better.
You may look like you’re doing just fine on the outside, while internally feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just tired of being in your own head. You want to feel more present in your life, trust yourself, and actually enjoy the life you’ve worked hard to build. Maybe you overthink decisions, replay conversations, put a lot of pressure on yourself, or have a hard time switching off. I work with women navigating anxiety, perfectionism, OCD, burnout, fertility challenges, and the identity shifts that can come with motherhood, relationships, and work. Life doesn’t have to feel so exhausting and hard, there are ways to feel better.
Feeling anxious, empty, trapped, or stuck in a pattern that feels impossible to break? Often, our current struggles signify deeper wounds that, when nurtured, can bring profound healing and empowerment. I believe every individual has inherent purpose and value and my goal is to help you align with yours—whether through clarifying values, making behavioral changes, or shifting thought patterns. My approach is strengths-based and nonjudgmental. I understand that healing is a deeply personal journey, and I work collaboratively with you to ensure that you feel understood and supported.
Feeling anxious, empty, trapped, or stuck in a pattern that feels impossible to break? Often, our current struggles signify deeper wounds that, when nurtured, can bring profound healing and empowerment. I believe every individual has inherent purpose and value and my goal is to help you align with yours—whether through clarifying values, making behavioral changes, or shifting thought patterns. My approach is strengths-based and nonjudgmental. I understand that healing is a deeply personal journey, and I work collaboratively with you to ensure that you feel understood and supported.
I aim to help my clients achieve their goals by dissolving obstacles, discovering patterns, and gaining insights while developing new skills to cope with life challenges. This journey may take a few sessions or several, and it requires motivation, commitment, and consistency. I work best with clients who are willing to be accountable and responsible for the changes they wish to make in their lives.
I aim to help my clients achieve their goals by dissolving obstacles, discovering patterns, and gaining insights while developing new skills to cope with life challenges. This journey may take a few sessions or several, and it requires motivation, commitment, and consistency. I work best with clients who are willing to be accountable and responsible for the changes they wish to make in their lives.
I also pull in skills drawn from ACT and DBT to reinforce your existing tools and help you manage the stress and discomfort of adaptation.
Many of my clients come to me at an inflection point in their life. They might have suffered a major loss. They may be weighing a career transition. The things that used to bring them joy and meaning may suddenly feel unfulfilling.
Change is inevitable in life. Although it can be scary and disorienting, change also offers an opportunity to step forward into brighter future. Whether the stress of change is pushing you back into old habits, keeping you from moving toward your goals, or bringing discord to your once-loving relationship, I am here to help you find solid ground and move towards the future you want.
I also pull in skills drawn from ACT and DBT to reinforce your existing tools and help you manage the stress and discomfort of adaptation.
Many of my clients come to me at an inflection point in their life. They might have suffered a major loss. They may be weighing a career transition. The things that used to bring them joy and meaning may suddenly feel unfulfilling.
Change is inevitable in life. Although it can be scary and disorienting, change also offers an opportunity to step forward into brighter future. Whether the stress of change is pushing you back into old habits, keeping you from moving toward your goals, or bringing discord to your once-loving relationship, I am here to help you find solid ground and move towards the future you want.
You may be used to holding everything together for everyone else—but you deserve support, too! Let’s collaboratively create a space where you feel seen, understood, grounded, and empowered to make meaningful change and reclaim your agency. Our therapy together will honor the full context of your life—including identity, culture, systemic stressors, and relationships. I work with folks who are seeking clarity and understanding about themselves—navigating stress, grief & loss, life transitions, identity exploration, relationships, and/or exploring ADHD and Autism.
You may be used to holding everything together for everyone else—but you deserve support, too! Let’s collaboratively create a space where you feel seen, understood, grounded, and empowered to make meaningful change and reclaim your agency. Our therapy together will honor the full context of your life—including identity, culture, systemic stressors, and relationships. I work with folks who are seeking clarity and understanding about themselves—navigating stress, grief & loss, life transitions, identity exploration, relationships, and/or exploring ADHD and Autism.
My work embraces two levels. 1. Licensed clinical psychologist with a range of classical methods. 2. Board Certified Senior Fellow in Medical Neurofeedback and QEEG (not consumer level for amusement/recreation). Clients develop a more powerful sense of relaxed self-esteem and an effective understanding of how to manage life traumas and stress more effectively. Several publications in mental health and medical neurofeedback. "The Encyclopedia of Mental Health", "Neurofeedback First 50 Years". The combination of clinical therapy and medical neurofeedback can be powerful, healing, and transformative in its ability to change lives.
My work embraces two levels. 1. Licensed clinical psychologist with a range of classical methods. 2. Board Certified Senior Fellow in Medical Neurofeedback and QEEG (not consumer level for amusement/recreation). Clients develop a more powerful sense of relaxed self-esteem and an effective understanding of how to manage life traumas and stress more effectively. Several publications in mental health and medical neurofeedback. "The Encyclopedia of Mental Health", "Neurofeedback First 50 Years". The combination of clinical therapy and medical neurofeedback can be powerful, healing, and transformative in its ability to change lives.
As a gay therapist focused on LGBTQ+ mental health, I bring a deep understanding and professional experience to help gay, bi and queer men shift to a healthier mindset, find meaning and purpose, and create a connected, fulfilling life. Whether you’re working through life transitions or seeking deeper connections and fulfillment, I will guide you every step of the way. I provide a safe and welcoming space to help you process emotions, find clarity, and build resilience. Therapy isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about moving toward a brighter future and embracing your story.
As a gay therapist focused on LGBTQ+ mental health, I bring a deep understanding and professional experience to help gay, bi and queer men shift to a healthier mindset, find meaning and purpose, and create a connected, fulfilling life. Whether you’re working through life transitions or seeking deeper connections and fulfillment, I will guide you every step of the way. I provide a safe and welcoming space to help you process emotions, find clarity, and build resilience. Therapy isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about moving toward a brighter future and embracing your story.
My services provide a safe space to explore and empower yourself and learn to overcome obstacles getting in the way of living your most fulfilling life. Clients come to me for treatment of a wide range of symptoms and disorders, including stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, performance psychology, concussion recovery, and executive coaching. Whether you are seeking targeted coaching on work performance or exploration of your past and current life circumstances, I offer a compassionate but focused approach to increasing fulfillment and success.
My services provide a safe space to explore and empower yourself and learn to overcome obstacles getting in the way of living your most fulfilling life. Clients come to me for treatment of a wide range of symptoms and disorders, including stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, performance psychology, concussion recovery, and executive coaching. Whether you are seeking targeted coaching on work performance or exploration of your past and current life circumstances, I offer a compassionate but focused approach to increasing fulfillment and success.
You may feel as if you are a passive participant in your life longing to be more active and connected while feeling so incredibly stuck. If you find yourself here, perhaps you or your child has been struggling to enjoy things that he or she usually enjoys (having friends over, heading outdoors, reading/watching tv). Their mind might be filled with worries of what others think and they did something wrong and are having difficulties shaking off an interaction. You or your child are wanting to feel more at ease in your relationships while finding yourself in familiar unhelpful patterns.
You may feel as if you are a passive participant in your life longing to be more active and connected while feeling so incredibly stuck. If you find yourself here, perhaps you or your child has been struggling to enjoy things that he or she usually enjoys (having friends over, heading outdoors, reading/watching tv). Their mind might be filled with worries of what others think and they did something wrong and are having difficulties shaking off an interaction. You or your child are wanting to feel more at ease in your relationships while finding yourself in familiar unhelpful patterns.
In my practice, East meets West. I have been a psychotherapist for more than 30 years, providing MHS to veterans, children, adults, couples and families. I have worked at Kaiser Permanente in the Psychiatry Department for 15 years, the City and County of San Francisco for three years, Santa Clara County for 7 years and at the VA Medical Center for a year.
In my practice, East meets West. I have been a psychotherapist for more than 30 years, providing MHS to veterans, children, adults, couples and families. I have worked at Kaiser Permanente in the Psychiatry Department for 15 years, the City and County of San Francisco for three years, Santa Clara County for 7 years and at the VA Medical Center for a year.
My name is Jenna Jing Xu, Psy.D. I’m a licensed psychologist and certified clinical supervisor. I am also an adjunct professor at Santa Clara University for the School of Counseling Psychology. I speak English and Mandarin fluently and hold degrees from Stanford University, Santa Clara University, and California Southern University.
My name is Jenna Jing Xu, Psy.D. I’m a licensed psychologist and certified clinical supervisor. I am also an adjunct professor at Santa Clara University for the School of Counseling Psychology. I speak English and Mandarin fluently and hold degrees from Stanford University, Santa Clara University, and California Southern University.
Dr. Natasha Smolkin is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with patients who struggle with chronic pain, stress and anxiety, addiction, interpersonal challenges, depression, self-esteem issues, and many more of life’s mental wellness obstacles. She utilizes an integrative, strength-based approach, which focuses on cultivating sense-of-efficacy around changes, obstacles, and goals.
Dr. Natasha Smolkin is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with patients who struggle with chronic pain, stress and anxiety, addiction, interpersonal challenges, depression, self-esteem issues, and many more of life’s mental wellness obstacles. She utilizes an integrative, strength-based approach, which focuses on cultivating sense-of-efficacy around changes, obstacles, and goals.
When you meet with me, you can expect a calm, welcoming space where you are listened to with care and without judgment. I work to create safety so you can openly share your fears, frustrations, hopes, and the parts of your story that feel hardest to say out loud. Our work may include exploring emotional patterns, building practical communication tools, and understanding what keeps certain struggles repeating. I bring warmth, collaboration, and consistency to help you feel supported, empowered, and more grounded in yourself and your relationships.
When you meet with me, you can expect a calm, welcoming space where you are listened to with care and without judgment. I work to create safety so you can openly share your fears, frustrations, hopes, and the parts of your story that feel hardest to say out loud. Our work may include exploring emotional patterns, building practical communication tools, and understanding what keeps certain struggles repeating. I bring warmth, collaboration, and consistency to help you feel supported, empowered, and more grounded in yourself and your relationships.
My approach to therapy is empathic, attachment based, emotionally focused, and in depth. In my experience, people come to therapy to receive help, insight, and to create positive change in their lives. I am accepting families, couples, children, and individuals of all ages and walks of life.
My approach to therapy is empathic, attachment based, emotionally focused, and in depth. In my experience, people come to therapy to receive help, insight, and to create positive change in their lives. I am accepting families, couples, children, and individuals of all ages and walks of life.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists
How does acceptance and commitment therapy work?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy encourages a person to listen to their self-talk. A person’s inner dialog can be indicative of how they treat themselves. ACT also encourages self-compassion; this can lead to a better understanding of negative thought patterns and emotional states. This understanding can then lead the individual to needed behavior change.
What are the goals of acceptance and commitment therapy?
The goal of acceptance and commitment is to expand a person’s psychological flexibility, a trait that encourages an individual to live in the present moment and to accept all their thoughts, feelings, and emotions, even ones that are difficult such as sadness and anxiety. In ACT, this acceptance is congruent with the individual’s values and beliefs.
Does acceptance and commitment therapy work for depression?
Acceptance and commitment therapy is effective for depression because it allows the individual to view their discomfort and suffering differently. Depressive feelings about relationship heartaches, for example, are a part of life. A despondent person learns to let go of their struggles and instead view their painful thoughts and feelings with compassion. This will lead the individual toward positive change.
How long are people typically in acceptance and commitment therapy?
A typical acceptance and commitment therapy session is 50 minutes long with one session per week. Treatment for common problems such as anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties can last between eight weeks to four months. However, more severe cases may require more than one session a week and/or a longer time frame for treatment.