Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in San Francisco, CA

I practice using evidence-based modalities including CB), DBT, ACT, TF-CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness.
I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults who are motivated and committed to improving their lives. Many of my clients work on managing stress, anxiety, depression, are experiencing challenging life transitions, or are generally looking to gain skills and insight to increase their overall wellbeing and achieve goals.
I practice using evidence-based modalities including CB), DBT, ACT, TF-CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness.
I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults who are motivated and committed to improving their lives. Many of my clients work on managing stress, anxiety, depression, are experiencing challenging life transitions, or are generally looking to gain skills and insight to increase their overall wellbeing and achieve goals.

I draw from various therapy modalities ranging from ACT to trauma-informed methods such as Internal Family Systems and Brainspotting that support deep emotional processing and rehabilitation of the nervous system.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom - Anais Nin. You are feeling the internal push to make a change, and especially in areas of your life that no longer feel sustainable. You might identify as a people pleaser, often shrinking yourself and prioritizing others' needs over your own. You may long to cultivate a deep sense of self-connection and address longstanding emotional patterns at their source while releasing yourself from cycles of intergenerational trauma passed down through your lineage. You seek to live your life with authenticity, clarity, and intention.
I draw from various therapy modalities ranging from ACT to trauma-informed methods such as Internal Family Systems and Brainspotting that support deep emotional processing and rehabilitation of the nervous system.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom - Anais Nin. You are feeling the internal push to make a change, and especially in areas of your life that no longer feel sustainable. You might identify as a people pleaser, often shrinking yourself and prioritizing others' needs over your own. You may long to cultivate a deep sense of self-connection and address longstanding emotional patterns at their source while releasing yourself from cycles of intergenerational trauma passed down through your lineage. You seek to live your life with authenticity, clarity, and intention.

I use a blend of Acceptance and Commitment and Internal Family Systems Therapy in my practice, while also drawing on Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavior Therapy for practical skills building.
You want to trust yourself but don’t know how. You have lost vibrancy and interest in work and creative pursuits. Overwhelm with thoughts and feelings is a constant struggle. You long to start a family and are on the rollercoaster of repeated heartbreak from fertility treatment and loss. Or you are pregnant or postpartum, drowning in scary thoughts or painful emotions, finding it unexpectedly hard to step into parenthood while making space for the old you. You are AAPI American and long for a therapist with similar cultural experience. A major life transition is upon you, and you need an anchor as you move into a new phase.
I use a blend of Acceptance and Commitment and Internal Family Systems Therapy in my practice, while also drawing on Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavior Therapy for practical skills building.
You want to trust yourself but don’t know how. You have lost vibrancy and interest in work and creative pursuits. Overwhelm with thoughts and feelings is a constant struggle. You long to start a family and are on the rollercoaster of repeated heartbreak from fertility treatment and loss. Or you are pregnant or postpartum, drowning in scary thoughts or painful emotions, finding it unexpectedly hard to step into parenthood while making space for the old you. You are AAPI American and long for a therapist with similar cultural experience. A major life transition is upon you, and you need an anchor as you move into a new phase.

Mindfulness, gratitude, compassion, and acceptance are the foundation of my therapeutic practice.
Therapy is your journey. If you invite me to walk along beside you, I will offer to you my best critical thinking, understanding, compassion and theoretical knowledge based on 20 years of working in this field. I am adept at pointing out signposts, synchronicities, other paths and directions that you may not have noticed along the way. Sometimes we need another set of eyes to tell us when we are just about to step in something gooey and stinky. And other times we need help getting it off the bottoms of our shoes so that we can continue onward.
Mindfulness, gratitude, compassion, and acceptance are the foundation of my therapeutic practice.
Therapy is your journey. If you invite me to walk along beside you, I will offer to you my best critical thinking, understanding, compassion and theoretical knowledge based on 20 years of working in this field. I am adept at pointing out signposts, synchronicities, other paths and directions that you may not have noticed along the way. Sometimes we need another set of eyes to tell us when we are just about to step in something gooey and stinky. And other times we need help getting it off the bottoms of our shoes so that we can continue onward.

I have extensive training in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Sandtray, and mindfulness practices.
I specialize in health issues (diabetes, chronic illness), anxiety, trauma & PTSD, worry, stress, grief, depression, perfectionism, ADHD, and more. I'm passionate about therapy that is creative, experiential, and goes beyond words and insight. I believe I'm doing my job when I help folks Slow Down, connect to what is deeply important to them, and learn skills for handling difficulties. I'm often a good fit for those who have tried many things already and are looking for something different. I love working in person and offer Nature Therapy to those who enjoy being outside - e.g., we can do sessions in the forest or on the beach!
I have extensive training in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Sandtray, and mindfulness practices.
I specialize in health issues (diabetes, chronic illness), anxiety, trauma & PTSD, worry, stress, grief, depression, perfectionism, ADHD, and more. I'm passionate about therapy that is creative, experiential, and goes beyond words and insight. I believe I'm doing my job when I help folks Slow Down, connect to what is deeply important to them, and learn skills for handling difficulties. I'm often a good fit for those who have tried many things already and are looking for something different. I love working in person and offer Nature Therapy to those who enjoy being outside - e.g., we can do sessions in the forest or on the beach!

I draw from a number of evidence-based treatments, including CBT, ERP, ACT, and mindfulness-based approaches.
I am passionate about helping clients understand and rise above that unwanted presence that has likely been a steady companion for some time — anxiety. This anxious part of the brain can have quite a loud voice, triggering uncomfortable symptoms that lead you to avoid what you fear. You can then become stuck in a smaller, less vibrant life, one where you stop pursuing what matters most. Anxiety can show up in the form of worry that is difficult to control, public speaking anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, OCD, health anxiety, and work stress/burnout. I also treat insomnia, which can be a related problem.
I draw from a number of evidence-based treatments, including CBT, ERP, ACT, and mindfulness-based approaches.
I am passionate about helping clients understand and rise above that unwanted presence that has likely been a steady companion for some time — anxiety. This anxious part of the brain can have quite a loud voice, triggering uncomfortable symptoms that lead you to avoid what you fear. You can then become stuck in a smaller, less vibrant life, one where you stop pursuing what matters most. Anxiety can show up in the form of worry that is difficult to control, public speaking anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, OCD, health anxiety, and work stress/burnout. I also treat insomnia, which can be a related problem.

Poplawski works from several modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and emotion-focused therapy.
Dr. Poplawski enjoys seeing individual adults and couples in San Francisco, as well as via telehealth across the state of California.
Poplawski works from several modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and emotion-focused therapy.
Dr. Poplawski enjoys seeing individual adults and couples in San Francisco, as well as via telehealth across the state of California.

Blue Mudbhary
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, JD, AMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Online Only
I also like Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Attachment and Values Work, and DBT.
I am honored to work with grief and other complex emotions with clients. Loss of your loved one or loss of one's dreams (career, family, health) are difficult to navigate and often it can be bewildering how anger, shame, guilt can be tied up in the grieving process. Building your own support network to accommodate your unique complexity will be one of our goals. I do believe in the power of transitional periods (such as becoming a parent, young adults leaving for college, loss of a parent, mid-life changes and reflections, empty nest adjustments) as inflection points for change. These transitions are where real growth often happens.
I also like Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Attachment and Values Work, and DBT.
I am honored to work with grief and other complex emotions with clients. Loss of your loved one or loss of one's dreams (career, family, health) are difficult to navigate and often it can be bewildering how anger, shame, guilt can be tied up in the grieving process. Building your own support network to accommodate your unique complexity will be one of our goals. I do believe in the power of transitional periods (such as becoming a parent, young adults leaving for college, loss of a parent, mid-life changes and reflections, empty nest adjustments) as inflection points for change. These transitions are where real growth often happens.

Laure Saint Georges Chaumet
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am licensed in both CA and NV and use evidenced-based practices such as ACT, CBT, and Gottman Couples Theory.
Many people come to me when they experience the following: people pleasing, self criticism, "what is wrong with me?", not connecting with loved ones, feelings of emptiness, parental self-doubt, never feeling good enough. If you consistently experience these, please don't hesitate to reach out to me for help. Things can change for you!
I am licensed in both CA and NV and use evidenced-based practices such as ACT, CBT, and Gottman Couples Theory.
Many people come to me when they experience the following: people pleasing, self criticism, "what is wrong with me?", not connecting with loved ones, feelings of emptiness, parental self-doubt, never feeling good enough. If you consistently experience these, please don't hesitate to reach out to me for help. Things can change for you!

Nicholas Seibel
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Online Only
Together, we can move toward healing, self- acceptance, and a life that finally feels like yours.
My approach is direct, practical, and deeply human. I want you to show up as yourself, without the pressure to mask or code-switch. I believe humor can be healing, and I aim to make this space one where you feel both challenged and supported. This process is a partnership, and we’ll work side by side to create real change.
Together, we can move toward healing, self- acceptance, and a life that finally feels like yours.
My approach is direct, practical, and deeply human. I want you to show up as yourself, without the pressure to mask or code-switch. I believe humor can be healing, and I aim to make this space one where you feel both challenged and supported. This process is a partnership, and we’ll work side by side to create real change.

I utilize an Attachment-Focused and Emotionally Focused therapeutic approach alongside Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, grounding my work with values of Feminism, Liberation, Intersectionality, and Disability Justice.
Imagine being in a space that feels open, accepting, and free of judgment—where you can show up as your full self without ever needing to censor or adjust who you are. I understand how challenging it can be to find a therapeutic environment where you truly feel like you belong, and it’s deeply meaningful to witness the relief clients experience when they’re able to engage authentically in the therapeutic journey. My practice primarily focuses on supporting individuals navigating sex, sexuality-related concerns, as well as Neurodiverse clients. I have completed and continue to pursue specialized training and education in Sex Therapy.
I utilize an Attachment-Focused and Emotionally Focused therapeutic approach alongside Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, grounding my work with values of Feminism, Liberation, Intersectionality, and Disability Justice.
Imagine being in a space that feels open, accepting, and free of judgment—where you can show up as your full self without ever needing to censor or adjust who you are. I understand how challenging it can be to find a therapeutic environment where you truly feel like you belong, and it’s deeply meaningful to witness the relief clients experience when they’re able to engage authentically in the therapeutic journey. My practice primarily focuses on supporting individuals navigating sex, sexuality-related concerns, as well as Neurodiverse clients. I have completed and continue to pursue specialized training and education in Sex Therapy.
Meet Our Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists

We'll utilize ACT to identify values, DBT to manage feelings, and CBT to change unhealthy core beliefs
Your past efforts to stop substance misuse haven’t worked or you’re exploring ways to moderate rather than abstain. We use a compassionate, evidence-based approach to treat addiction, guided by a biopsychosocial model to help you understand what underlies the substance use. Our therapeutic style is empathetic, non-judgmental, and direct, helping you gain a deep understanding of your needs. We encourage you to reach out for a free phone consultation.
We'll utilize ACT to identify values, DBT to manage feelings, and CBT to change unhealthy core beliefs
Your past efforts to stop substance misuse haven’t worked or you’re exploring ways to moderate rather than abstain. We use a compassionate, evidence-based approach to treat addiction, guided by a biopsychosocial model to help you understand what underlies the substance use. Our therapeutic style is empathetic, non-judgmental, and direct, helping you gain a deep understanding of your needs. We encourage you to reach out for a free phone consultation.

I incorporate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Schema Therapy, and other self-compassion and mindfulness-based techniques.
I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, disordered eating, body image concerns, relationship issues, life/role transitions, attachment issues, and trauma. I focus on trying to help my clients identify what is important to them and to find ways to live a more rich and meaningful life. I help to uncover what negative beliefs or patterns might be keeping them stuck while helping to shift perspective on their distress and find ways to move forward. I see adults only in my practice.
I incorporate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Schema Therapy, and other self-compassion and mindfulness-based techniques.
I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, disordered eating, body image concerns, relationship issues, life/role transitions, attachment issues, and trauma. I focus on trying to help my clients identify what is important to them and to find ways to live a more rich and meaningful life. I help to uncover what negative beliefs or patterns might be keeping them stuck while helping to shift perspective on their distress and find ways to move forward. I see adults only in my practice.

Therapy can be a brave and vulnerable act.
Dr. El-Oqlah specializes in individual and couples therapy, relationship concerns, anxiety, and identity-development. She is particularly passionate about and experienced in couples therapy, and derives great satisfaction from teaching partners foundational relationship skills to have healthier, happier, and long-lasting relationships.
Therapy can be a brave and vulnerable act.
Dr. El-Oqlah specializes in individual and couples therapy, relationship concerns, anxiety, and identity-development. She is particularly passionate about and experienced in couples therapy, and derives great satisfaction from teaching partners foundational relationship skills to have healthier, happier, and long-lasting relationships.

I often use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help diffuse the power of overwhelming negative feelings.
As a psychologist, writer, and trauma survivor, it's my passion and privilege to help others overcome emotionally challenging circumstances. I'm dedicated to helping people make sense of the painful experiences that have shaped their lives. Over decades of education and personal exploration, I've had the good fortune to put together some of the pieces in life's puzzle. I bring a unique blend of science, art, philosophy, and education to help trauma survivors heal from old wounds. Our work will integrate your story's broken fragments into a healthy, cohesive whole, releasing the grip of trauma's hold on your life.
I often use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help diffuse the power of overwhelming negative feelings.
As a psychologist, writer, and trauma survivor, it's my passion and privilege to help others overcome emotionally challenging circumstances. I'm dedicated to helping people make sense of the painful experiences that have shaped their lives. Over decades of education and personal exploration, I've had the good fortune to put together some of the pieces in life's puzzle. I bring a unique blend of science, art, philosophy, and education to help trauma survivors heal from old wounds. Our work will integrate your story's broken fragments into a healthy, cohesive whole, releasing the grip of trauma's hold on your life.

My training in internal family systems, trauma-focused CBT, motivational interviewing, ACT ( acceptance and commitment therapy), and mindfulness are integrated into my work.
One of my strengths is forming a strong therapeutic alliance with clients of all backgrounds, cultures, ages, identities, orientations, beliefs, and abilities. My previous experiences as a hotline volunteer for parents, coach, teacher, and parent, inform my work with children, teens, individuals, couples, and families.
My training in internal family systems, trauma-focused CBT, motivational interviewing, ACT ( acceptance and commitment therapy), and mindfulness are integrated into my work.
One of my strengths is forming a strong therapeutic alliance with clients of all backgrounds, cultures, ages, identities, orientations, beliefs, and abilities. My previous experiences as a hotline volunteer for parents, coach, teacher, and parent, inform my work with children, teens, individuals, couples, and families.

Greg Bodin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
I utilize evidence-based methods in my work with clients and typically focus on how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help you meet your goals, reduce struggle with painful experiences like anxiety, and lead a richer, more meaningful life.
Anxiety is something you’ve struggled with for a long time. While you seem to be functioning OK on the outside, inside you’re dealing with feelings of dread, catastrophic thoughts that you can’t seem to stop, and constantly feeling like you need to plan for what could go wrong. The good news is that therapy can help you struggle less with anxiety. You and I will work together to help you relate to anxiety more effectively and focus on building a full and vital life.
I utilize evidence-based methods in my work with clients and typically focus on how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help you meet your goals, reduce struggle with painful experiences like anxiety, and lead a richer, more meaningful life.
Anxiety is something you’ve struggled with for a long time. While you seem to be functioning OK on the outside, inside you’re dealing with feelings of dread, catastrophic thoughts that you can’t seem to stop, and constantly feeling like you need to plan for what could go wrong. The good news is that therapy can help you struggle less with anxiety. You and I will work together to help you relate to anxiety more effectively and focus on building a full and vital life.

In psychotherapy practice I integrate acceptance and mindfulness-based, interpersonal, emotionally-focused and psychodynamic elements
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years experience providing evidence-based care and support to individuals and couples. My areas of specialization include prenatal and postpartum (perinatal) mental health, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and chronic pain management, including pelvic pain conditions such as endometriosis, painful sex (dyspareunia), vulvodynia and vaginismus. I'm also certified in gerontology and work with older adults and caregivers. In addition to psychotherapy, I provide adult ADHD diagnostic assessment.
In psychotherapy practice I integrate acceptance and mindfulness-based, interpersonal, emotionally-focused and psychodynamic elements
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years experience providing evidence-based care and support to individuals and couples. My areas of specialization include prenatal and postpartum (perinatal) mental health, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and chronic pain management, including pelvic pain conditions such as endometriosis, painful sex (dyspareunia), vulvodynia and vaginismus. I'm also certified in gerontology and work with older adults and caregivers. In addition to psychotherapy, I provide adult ADHD diagnostic assessment.

I practice based on three main approaches: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Strength-Based Approach.
I would like to support you in creating the life that you want for yourself. I had worked with individuals/couples from various backgrounds. Although I specialize in supporting individuals who have difficulty with anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, life transitions, and self-esteem, I am thrilled to collaborate with anyone who is ready to enhance their quality of life.
I create a welcoming, motivating, and empowering healing space for my clients to unlock their full potential. Clients can expect to gain self-insight, strengthen their inner compass, uplift barriers, develop new skills, and take action towards higher life satisfaction.
I practice based on three main approaches: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Strength-Based Approach.
I would like to support you in creating the life that you want for yourself. I had worked with individuals/couples from various backgrounds. Although I specialize in supporting individuals who have difficulty with anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, life transitions, and self-esteem, I am thrilled to collaborate with anyone who is ready to enhance their quality of life.
I create a welcoming, motivating, and empowering healing space for my clients to unlock their full potential. Clients can expect to gain self-insight, strengthen their inner compass, uplift barriers, develop new skills, and take action towards higher life satisfaction.

Bryn Hickey - EMDR, Couples, LGBTQ
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Online Only
I approach sessions from an ACT lens ( acceptance and commitment therapy) which incorporates mindfulness to address the internal and external changes we seek to make.
Trauma cuts deep. It has the ability to knock the wind out of you and throw you off course. It can creep up gradually, or sometimes feel as though it strikes all at once. The process of finding someone that you trust to work with you in some of your most tender moments can be incredibly intimidating. I place great emphasis on building the therapeutic relationship in order to create a comfortable and judgment-free environment where even the darkest parts of you can feel safe to come out and be tended to. I would be honored to talk with you and see if we would be a good match in your process of healing.
I approach sessions from an ACT lens ( acceptance and commitment therapy) which incorporates mindfulness to address the internal and external changes we seek to make.
Trauma cuts deep. It has the ability to knock the wind out of you and throw you off course. It can creep up gradually, or sometimes feel as though it strikes all at once. The process of finding someone that you trust to work with you in some of your most tender moments can be incredibly intimidating. I place great emphasis on building the therapeutic relationship in order to create a comfortable and judgment-free environment where even the darkest parts of you can feel safe to come out and be tended to. I would be honored to talk with you and see if we would be a good match in your process of healing.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (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.