Attachment-based Therapists in San Francisco, CA
I draw from various psychodynamic modalities, attachment-based theories, Internal Family Systems, and narrative interventions.
Hi there! I am so honored you have chosen to take the brave leap to begin therapy. As your therapist, I aim to create a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your inner world, heal from past experiences, and grow into the life you envision. I strive to help you uncover the roots of your experiences and foster meaningful change. Together, we will navigate the complexities of your emotions, relationships, and goals with warmth, understanding, and collaboration. Wherever you are on your journey, I am here to walk alongside you!
I draw from various psychodynamic modalities, attachment-based theories, Internal Family Systems, and narrative interventions.
Hi there! I am so honored you have chosen to take the brave leap to begin therapy. As your therapist, I aim to create a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your inner world, heal from past experiences, and grow into the life you envision. I strive to help you uncover the roots of your experiences and foster meaningful change. Together, we will navigate the complexities of your emotions, relationships, and goals with warmth, understanding, and collaboration. Wherever you are on your journey, I am here to walk alongside you!
In our work together, I draw upon attachment-based approaches, parts work, mindfulness, self-compassion, CBT, and relevant neuroscience, as well as emotionally-focused therapy for couples.
If you're feeling unhappy in your relationships and life, dissatisfied, scared, or stuck, I can help guide you towards greater well-being. I will offer you practical real-world tools and real insight to help you figure out not just what you need to be happier and more fulfilled, but how to get there. By the end of each session, I aim to help you feel you've learned something about yourself or your relationships, and that you're leaving with new approaches or ideas to try in your life. I work with individuals, young adults, parents, and couples, offering support, skills and insight to navigate life transitions and relationships.
In our work together, I draw upon attachment-based approaches, parts work, mindfulness, self-compassion, CBT, and relevant neuroscience, as well as emotionally-focused therapy for couples.
If you're feeling unhappy in your relationships and life, dissatisfied, scared, or stuck, I can help guide you towards greater well-being. I will offer you practical real-world tools and real insight to help you figure out not just what you need to be happier and more fulfilled, but how to get there. By the end of each session, I aim to help you feel you've learned something about yourself or your relationships, and that you're leaving with new approaches or ideas to try in your life. I work with individuals, young adults, parents, and couples, offering support, skills and insight to navigate life transitions and relationships.
My practice focuses on helping LGBTQ+ individuals and couples understand their present experience by identifying obstacles, patterns and core beliefs that become barriers to true growth and change. I specialize in addressing depression, anxiety, maladaptive coping skills, low self esteem, challenges with trust, intimacy and communication, open and polyamorous relationships. Utilizing attachment-based and emotional focused models along with integrated mindfulness and somatic practices, I strive to help clients find the right tools repair the wounds, strengthen relationships and learn to love themselves. It begins with one decision.
My practice focuses on helping LGBTQ+ individuals and couples understand their present experience by identifying obstacles, patterns and core beliefs that become barriers to true growth and change. I specialize in addressing depression, anxiety, maladaptive coping skills, low self esteem, challenges with trust, intimacy and communication, open and polyamorous relationships. Utilizing attachment-based and emotional focused models along with integrated mindfulness and somatic practices, I strive to help clients find the right tools repair the wounds, strengthen relationships and learn to love themselves. It begins with one decision.
Veronica Elizabeth Encinas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117
My passion and dedication to this work lies in that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Everyone at some point in their life has had some frictions or challenges and need support to get through those times. I work experientially and relationally. Welcoming clients to tell their stories, histories, and important aspects of life.
My passion and dedication to this work lies in that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Everyone at some point in their life has had some frictions or challenges and need support to get through those times. I work experientially and relationally. Welcoming clients to tell their stories, histories, and important aspects of life.
My approach includes attachment-based therapy, the Gottman Method, and CBT for reshaping negative thought patterns.
Navigating the complexities of relationships and marriage can be challenging, often leaving couples feeling disconnected and misunderstood. As a therapist with a rich background in working across the lifespan—from infants to adults—I bring a deep sense of empathy and curiosity to understand your unique challenges. My goal is to help you and your partner explore and express your feelings and emotions, uncovering the root of disconnection and conflict, and fostering a deeper, more meaningful connection.
My approach includes attachment-based therapy, the Gottman Method, and CBT for reshaping negative thought patterns.
Navigating the complexities of relationships and marriage can be challenging, often leaving couples feeling disconnected and misunderstood. As a therapist with a rich background in working across the lifespan—from infants to adults—I bring a deep sense of empathy and curiosity to understand your unique challenges. My goal is to help you and your partner explore and express your feelings and emotions, uncovering the root of disconnection and conflict, and fostering a deeper, more meaningful connection.
I am trained to effectively treat the effects of childhood trauma, anxiety, and depression using an integrative approach, often including EMDR, DBT, and attachment-based, trauma-informed psychotherapy.
You may be a young person struggling with relationships or anxiety as you grow into adulthood. You may be a parent worried about your child who is struggling and needs support. You may be an adult dealing with feelings that are painful or confusing and leave you feeling stuck, anxious or ashamed. You may be coping with painful experiences earlier in your life that have left you with the belief that there is something wrong with you or you don’t belong. Whatever you are facing, if you choose to work with me as your therapist, we will sort through your concerns and make a plan to relieve suffering and open the way to growth.
I am trained to effectively treat the effects of childhood trauma, anxiety, and depression using an integrative approach, often including EMDR, DBT, and attachment-based, trauma-informed psychotherapy.
You may be a young person struggling with relationships or anxiety as you grow into adulthood. You may be a parent worried about your child who is struggling and needs support. You may be an adult dealing with feelings that are painful or confusing and leave you feeling stuck, anxious or ashamed. You may be coping with painful experiences earlier in your life that have left you with the belief that there is something wrong with you or you don’t belong. Whatever you are facing, if you choose to work with me as your therapist, we will sort through your concerns and make a plan to relieve suffering and open the way to growth.
I have experience with Integrated Family Systems IFS); Relational Life Therapy (RLT); Systemic Models; Interpersonal Neurobiology: Attachment-Based Therapy; and Substance Use.
Are you feeling stuck and unhappy? Are you struggling in your work or family life? Do you want more from your relationships? If so, it might be time to reach out to a professional for help. Taking care of your mental health is a sign of self-compassion. It's the beginning of the healing process. Whether you choose to engage in Individual, Couple, or Family Therapy together we can find a way to restore a sense of hope and well-being. Please contact me for more information on how therapy can help you reach your goals.
I have experience with Integrated Family Systems IFS); Relational Life Therapy (RLT); Systemic Models; Interpersonal Neurobiology: Attachment-Based Therapy; and Substance Use.
Are you feeling stuck and unhappy? Are you struggling in your work or family life? Do you want more from your relationships? If so, it might be time to reach out to a professional for help. Taking care of your mental health is a sign of self-compassion. It's the beginning of the healing process. Whether you choose to engage in Individual, Couple, or Family Therapy together we can find a way to restore a sense of hope and well-being. Please contact me for more information on how therapy can help you reach your goals.
Successfully helping individuals and couples has always been a priority to me. First and foremost I want you to feel comfortable and safe when we work together and this is essential to fostering your growth. I will be open with you in my understanding of your situation and to share what I can about options you might use in your life situation. Your sessions will encourage you to learn how to make sense of yourself in relationship to others, in love and work. Our work will leave you both supported and also challenged to explore new options in your personal style. Heal dental anxiety and phobias.
Successfully helping individuals and couples has always been a priority to me. First and foremost I want you to feel comfortable and safe when we work together and this is essential to fostering your growth. I will be open with you in my understanding of your situation and to share what I can about options you might use in your life situation. Your sessions will encourage you to learn how to make sense of yourself in relationship to others, in love and work. Our work will leave you both supported and also challenged to explore new options in your personal style. Heal dental anxiety and phobias.
Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, identity, and difficult life transitions? Do you find yourself feeling stuck and can’t seem to focus or move forward? There are many ways to get unstuck, and this is the work I love to do to help you heal, grow and live a more fulfilling life. I use an integrative approach including attachment-based work, DBT, CBT, IFS, and mindfulness, bringing in each as needed. Above all, I strive to hold space and empathy for your life experience.
Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, identity, and difficult life transitions? Do you find yourself feeling stuck and can’t seem to focus or move forward? There are many ways to get unstuck, and this is the work I love to do to help you heal, grow and live a more fulfilling life. I use an integrative approach including attachment-based work, DBT, CBT, IFS, and mindfulness, bringing in each as needed. Above all, I strive to hold space and empathy for your life experience.
Maeve Odile Jackson-Dufault
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
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.
Do you feel anxious in your relationships? I can help. I specialize in anxiety, relationships, and in attachment-based, relational trauma, informed by neuroscience and the nervous-system. From heart-break and dating, to recognizing a secure partner, or healing yourself and past relationships, I work with clients who want to develop more confidence, security and clarity in themselves, their relationships and the world. We'll be looking at your self, in your current relationships, and diving into your past to uncover the patterns that keep you stuck. We'll be noticing your strengths, and honoring your authentic feelings and needs.
Do you feel anxious in your relationships? I can help. I specialize in anxiety, relationships, and in attachment-based, relational trauma, informed by neuroscience and the nervous-system. From heart-break and dating, to recognizing a secure partner, or healing yourself and past relationships, I work with clients who want to develop more confidence, security and clarity in themselves, their relationships and the world. We'll be looking at your self, in your current relationships, and diving into your past to uncover the patterns that keep you stuck. We'll be noticing your strengths, and honoring your authentic feelings and needs.
15 Second Videos
Kimberly Koljat
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, IMFT-S, RPT-S, RDT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94131
For adults, I provide insight-oriented, depthful, relational and attachment-based work for those who may identify as: people pleasers, grieving individuals, Highly Sensitive People and neurodivergent individuals, folks within the LGBT+ community, creative individuals and performing artists experiencing creative block, the stresses of multi-gig life, managing performance anxiety, identity, managing demands of the industry, self-care, those seeking to deepen their understanding of their identity and the experiences they’ve had throughout their lives, seeking empowerment and personal growth.
For adults, I provide insight-oriented, depthful, relational and attachment-based work for those who may identify as: people pleasers, grieving individuals, Highly Sensitive People and neurodivergent individuals, folks within the LGBT+ community, creative individuals and performing artists experiencing creative block, the stresses of multi-gig life, managing performance anxiety, identity, managing demands of the industry, self-care, those seeking to deepen their understanding of their identity and the experiences they’ve had throughout their lives, seeking empowerment and personal growth.
My style of practice is relational, attachment-based, trauma-informed, and interactive.
People can feel stuck in their lives for many reasons. You may have vague feelings of dissatisfaction, or have an idea of what isn’t working but struggle to find a way forward. Perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed by familiar feelings from earlier difficulties or trauma that are being stirred up by current situations. My aim is to help you uncover the meanings and underlying causes of patterns of thinking, feeling, and interacting that may be holding you back. These can emerge in addressing day-to-day challenges, or while untangling old narratives formed by deeply rooted experiences.
My style of practice is relational, attachment-based, trauma-informed, and interactive.
People can feel stuck in their lives for many reasons. You may have vague feelings of dissatisfaction, or have an idea of what isn’t working but struggle to find a way forward. Perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed by familiar feelings from earlier difficulties or trauma that are being stirred up by current situations. My aim is to help you uncover the meanings and underlying causes of patterns of thinking, feeling, and interacting that may be holding you back. These can emerge in addressing day-to-day challenges, or while untangling old narratives formed by deeply rooted experiences.
Natalie M. Mills
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I approach my work from a strong foundation in mindfulness, insight-oriented training, Compassion-Focused Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Attachment-Based Therapy.
I work with individuals and couples who want to shift relational problem patterns by healing from trauma, deepening their self-awareness, and strengthening their connections with others. I offer tools to help people gain insight into their behavior, learn how to effectively manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and ameliorate destructive cycles. Collaboratively, my clients and I improve their self-concepts. I use a relational, attachment-based framework and draw on EMDR therapy when indicated.
I approach my work from a strong foundation in mindfulness, insight-oriented training, Compassion-Focused Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Attachment-Based Therapy.
I work with individuals and couples who want to shift relational problem patterns by healing from trauma, deepening their self-awareness, and strengthening their connections with others. I offer tools to help people gain insight into their behavior, learn how to effectively manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and ameliorate destructive cycles. Collaboratively, my clients and I improve their self-concepts. I use a relational, attachment-based framework and draw on EMDR therapy when indicated.
My name is Marion Swenson. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. My approach to therapy is to discover who my client is and how I may help them. My focus is to listen deeply to the heart of my client and to walk with them while on their healing journey. My approach to therapy is simply listening to my client and collaborating with them to attain their goal/goals. The theoretical approaches utilized in my practice are CBT, attachment-based, and family systems.
My name is Marion Swenson. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. My approach to therapy is to discover who my client is and how I may help them. My focus is to listen deeply to the heart of my client and to walk with them while on their healing journey. My approach to therapy is simply listening to my client and collaborating with them to attain their goal/goals. The theoretical approaches utilized in my practice are CBT, attachment-based, and family systems.
Are you a driven person yet having difficulties managing your relationships, work stress, and family life? Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Do you need help getting through a traumatic event? Are you feeling like you’ve exhausted all your coping skills and nothing seems to work? From a trauma informed and attachment-based lens we will explore your core issues and help you improve your mental health and emotional well-being. You can heal from past trauma, learn to regulate your emotions, lift your mood, and communicate effectively. Together we'll work through unresolved feelings and patterns to live a more authentic life now.
Are you a driven person yet having difficulties managing your relationships, work stress, and family life? Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Do you need help getting through a traumatic event? Are you feeling like you’ve exhausted all your coping skills and nothing seems to work? From a trauma informed and attachment-based lens we will explore your core issues and help you improve your mental health and emotional well-being. You can heal from past trauma, learn to regulate your emotions, lift your mood, and communicate effectively. Together we'll work through unresolved feelings and patterns to live a more authentic life now.
Radical Roots Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Ruby draws upon multiple therapeutic approaches including family systems, attachment-based science, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), mindfulness practices, harm reduction principles, non-violent communication, and Gottman methodology.
Ruby (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW 101630) who brings a decade of experience supporting youth, young adults, caregivers, families, and individuals navigate loss and attachment ruptures, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, family conflict, life stressors, and the life cycle. Ruby approaches her sessions with warmth, humility, and a strengths-based lens, valuing collaboration, authenticity, and creativity.
Ruby draws upon multiple therapeutic approaches including family systems, attachment-based science, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), mindfulness practices, harm reduction principles, non-violent communication, and Gottman methodology.
Ruby (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW 101630) who brings a decade of experience supporting youth, young adults, caregivers, families, and individuals navigate loss and attachment ruptures, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, family conflict, life stressors, and the life cycle. Ruby approaches her sessions with warmth, humility, and a strengths-based lens, valuing collaboration, authenticity, and creativity.
My approach is grounded in depth therapy and includes attachment-based, trauma-informed, and somatic orientations.
I specialize in helping individuals who experience chronic stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and interrelational/ interfamilial conflicts. My aim is to support you in a safe and non-judgmental container, where we can explore the roots of your issues, as well as provide you skills which can help to alleviate any symptoms/ conflicts you may have. I believe that you are the expert of your story and hold a space that is of compassion and unconditional positive regard. I also offer online ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, when indicated for various diagnoses that may have been treatment-resistant with traditional forms of talk therapy.
My approach is grounded in depth therapy and includes attachment-based, trauma-informed, and somatic orientations.
I specialize in helping individuals who experience chronic stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and interrelational/ interfamilial conflicts. My aim is to support you in a safe and non-judgmental container, where we can explore the roots of your issues, as well as provide you skills which can help to alleviate any symptoms/ conflicts you may have. I believe that you are the expert of your story and hold a space that is of compassion and unconditional positive regard. I also offer online ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, when indicated for various diagnoses that may have been treatment-resistant with traditional forms of talk therapy.
Alexandra Haas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I specialize in attachment theory, addiction/addiction related issues, & becoming more aligned with your authentic self. I also enjoy working with couples wanting to strengthen communication skills or rebuild trust within their relationship. Caregivers were the first to teach us how to relate to others. Healthy relationships are often not modeled for us & we wonder why the same patterns repeat. I can help you gain insight into these patterns & we will work together to have healthier relationships. My goal is to get to know you, establish a strong connection, and provide a safe space to begin your healing journey together.
I specialize in attachment theory, addiction/addiction related issues, & becoming more aligned with your authentic self. I also enjoy working with couples wanting to strengthen communication skills or rebuild trust within their relationship. Caregivers were the first to teach us how to relate to others. Healthy relationships are often not modeled for us & we wonder why the same patterns repeat. I can help you gain insight into these patterns & we will work together to have healthier relationships. My goal is to get to know you, establish a strong connection, and provide a safe space to begin your healing journey together.
I utilize depth psychology, somatic therapy, and attachment-based therapy to support clients reconnect with their bodies and build a sense of safety and authenticity with themselves and in relationship with others.
My ideal client is someone recovering from emotional trauma, whether from a high-control group, toxic relationship, or unresolved past wounds. They need validation, trust-building and practical tools for emotional resilience. Their goal is to reclaim their voice, rediscover their identity, and build healthier relationships. I support them in developing a deeper sense of trust in themselves and help them reconnect with their core values, empowering them to live authentically, with self-compassion, and in alignment with their true sense of purpose. Through this process, they find healing, confidence, and a renewed sense of direction.
I utilize depth psychology, somatic therapy, and attachment-based therapy to support clients reconnect with their bodies and build a sense of safety and authenticity with themselves and in relationship with others.
My ideal client is someone recovering from emotional trauma, whether from a high-control group, toxic relationship, or unresolved past wounds. They need validation, trust-building and practical tools for emotional resilience. Their goal is to reclaim their voice, rediscover their identity, and build healthier relationships. I support them in developing a deeper sense of trust in themselves and help them reconnect with their core values, empowering them to live authentically, with self-compassion, and in alignment with their true sense of purpose. Through this process, they find healing, confidence, and a renewed sense of direction.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Attachment-based Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Belvedere
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
Attachment-based Therapists
Is attachment-based therapy the same as attachment therapy?
Attachment-based therapy may be confused with what is called “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy”), a discredited and dangerous approach to treating children with attachment disorders, autism, or other mental health concerns. Attachment therapy—not attachment-based therapy—may involve restraining a child, forcing eye contact, and other coercive or abusive techniques. None of these practices are used in attachment-based therapy and the two modalities are in no way related.
What should I expect from attachment-based therapy?
Attachment-based therapy is based on attachment theory, which posits that children’s early relationships with their caregivers strongly influence their ability to navigate the world later in life. Thus, adults who seek attachment-based therapy should expect to deeply explore their childhood, identifying the dynamics or experiences that disrupted their attachment and the steps necessary to overcome challenges that arose as a result. Parents and children should expect to explore the possible factors that disrupted the parent-child relationship and work toward restoring trust and connection.
How long does attachment-based therapy last?
Certain forms of attachment-based therapy, especially those designed for parents and children, last for a set number of sessions; for example, Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up, a specific attachment-based approach for young children who have undergone early adversity, unfolds over 10 one-hour sessions. When attachment-based therapy is practiced on adults or combined with other modalities, it may not last a specific length of time; clients may wish to ask prospective therapists how long they expect treatment to take.
Does attachment-based therapy work?
Most of the research on attachment-based therapy focuses on children and adolescents. Some of this research shows a positive effect, especially for attachment-based family therapy (ABFT). Other studies, however, have found that attachment-based therapy is no more effective than other approaches to childhood depression, anxiety, or suicidality. Less is known about the therapy’s efficacy on adult populations.