Photo of Gillian Nathan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Gillian Nathan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Are you ready to invite ease, joy and connection into your life? To let go of old pain and live more fully in the present? My office is a safe and supportive environment for self-exploration, healing, and change. Together we address challenges by identifying current strengths and resources and adding new tools and resources. By developing more balance in your emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of self, this holistic approach helps you find greater peace and fulfillment in your life and relationships.
Are you ready to invite ease, joy and connection into your life? To let go of old pain and live more fully in the present? My office is a safe and supportive environment for self-exploration, healing, and change. Together we address challenges by identifying current strengths and resources and adding new tools and resources. By developing more balance in your emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of self, this holistic approach helps you find greater peace and fulfillment in your life and relationships.
(415) 726-2811 View (415) 726-2811
Photo of Sobia Saleem Psychotherapist, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Sobia Saleem Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
Although I don't know you yet, I do know some of your pain quite well.
Accepting New Clients! Are you a trans, non-binary, or poly person looking for a therapist who understands & reflects your identity? Are you a newly diagnosed neurodivergent or neuroqueer adult? Are you chronically ill and tired of educating your therapists about your medical conditions? Are you a queer Muslim seeking a therapist who's familiar with both your background & queerness? If so, I want to work with you on your unique challenges, like navigating your transition, exploring sexual dynamics with partner(s), dealing with a new diagnosis, and/or needing an HRT or GAS (surgery) letter. Therapy should cater to you and your needs.
Although I don't know you yet, I do know some of your pain quite well.
Accepting New Clients! Are you a trans, non-binary, or poly person looking for a therapist who understands & reflects your identity? Are you a newly diagnosed neurodivergent or neuroqueer adult? Are you chronically ill and tired of educating your therapists about your medical conditions? Are you a queer Muslim seeking a therapist who's familiar with both your background & queerness? If so, I want to work with you on your unique challenges, like navigating your transition, exploring sexual dynamics with partner(s), dealing with a new diagnosis, and/or needing an HRT or GAS (surgery) letter. Therapy should cater to you and your needs.
(657) 286-7337 View (657) 286-7337
Photo of Alicia Guerrero, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Alicia Guerrero
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
Accepting new clients for 2024! Whether you struggle with moderate/severe anxiety, depression, unbalanced relationships or boundaries, chronic illness or burnout- I may be able to help! Many (but not all) of my clients are: women or non-binary folks between the ages of 16-60 and part of the LGBTQ+ community • Identify as BIPOC, Latinx, or multiracial • Work in highly stressful positions (including entrepreneurs) and struggle with chronic burnout • Have experienced significant traumas and/or abuse. My couples' therapy clients often love each other immensely, but struggle with healthy communication, trust, and/or intimacy issues.
Accepting new clients for 2024! Whether you struggle with moderate/severe anxiety, depression, unbalanced relationships or boundaries, chronic illness or burnout- I may be able to help! Many (but not all) of my clients are: women or non-binary folks between the ages of 16-60 and part of the LGBTQ+ community • Identify as BIPOC, Latinx, or multiracial • Work in highly stressful positions (including entrepreneurs) and struggle with chronic burnout • Have experienced significant traumas and/or abuse. My couples' therapy clients often love each other immensely, but struggle with healthy communication, trust, and/or intimacy issues.
(657) 366-5433 View (657) 366-5433
Photo of Sarah Dihmes, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Sarah Dihmes
Psychologist, PhD, BCB
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103
Dr. Dihmes is a licensed clinical psychologist one of the few board certified biofeedback psychologists in Northern California. With specialties in life stressors, executive coaching, psychophysiology, and teens, she has expertise in working with various psychological concerns including depression, anxiety, life transitions and chronic illness. Dr. Dihmes' integrates evidence-based treatments such as CBT and mindfulness-based interventions, with consideration for each patient’s unique cultural, biological, and psychological background. Dr. Dihmes is now accepting new clients in California and New York!
Dr. Dihmes is a licensed clinical psychologist one of the few board certified biofeedback psychologists in Northern California. With specialties in life stressors, executive coaching, psychophysiology, and teens, she has expertise in working with various psychological concerns including depression, anxiety, life transitions and chronic illness. Dr. Dihmes' integrates evidence-based treatments such as CBT and mindfulness-based interventions, with consideration for each patient’s unique cultural, biological, and psychological background. Dr. Dihmes is now accepting new clients in California and New York!
(415) 799-5164 View (415) 799-5164
Photo of Angela M. Anderson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Angela M. Anderson, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
I am trained in EMDR and EFT which can be very helpful in processing symptoms related to depression, anxiety, chronic illness and difficult life experiences.
Do you struggle with feeling overwhelmed by your feelings and thoughts? Do you have trouble creating and maintaining relationships? Do you feel stuck? The answers we are looking for are not found in isolation but by coming together. My role is to facilitate the healing process for my clients by creating an open, nonjudgmental, and safe space to explore. Clients gain self-awareness, self-acceptance, and the skills they need to continue to heal and grow in connection with others.
I am trained in EMDR and EFT which can be very helpful in processing symptoms related to depression, anxiety, chronic illness and difficult life experiences.
Do you struggle with feeling overwhelmed by your feelings and thoughts? Do you have trouble creating and maintaining relationships? Do you feel stuck? The answers we are looking for are not found in isolation but by coming together. My role is to facilitate the healing process for my clients by creating an open, nonjudgmental, and safe space to explore. Clients gain self-awareness, self-acceptance, and the skills they need to continue to heal and grow in connection with others.
(510) 257-9468 View (510) 257-9468
Photo of J. Delfina Piretti LMFT, REAT, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
J. Delfina Piretti LMFT, REAT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, REAT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I generally work with high functioning people at important junctures in life where the suffering is great. Asking for help is often a powerful step of surrendering the ego's attempts to resist change. Symptoms are often a sign that something is trying to wake up inside of you. When you turn your attention inward and get intimate with your inner life you can start to find the energy to heal, to grow and to change. I specialize in somatic table work for treating developmental trauma. This work focuses on repairing developmental wounds, strengthening somatic resilience and increasing capacity for regulation in the nervous system.
I generally work with high functioning people at important junctures in life where the suffering is great. Asking for help is often a powerful step of surrendering the ego's attempts to resist change. Symptoms are often a sign that something is trying to wake up inside of you. When you turn your attention inward and get intimate with your inner life you can start to find the energy to heal, to grow and to change. I specialize in somatic table work for treating developmental trauma. This work focuses on repairing developmental wounds, strengthening somatic resilience and increasing capacity for regulation in the nervous system.
(415) 598-2307 View (415) 598-2307
Photo of Barbara Herring, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Barbara Herring
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Seeking out therapy is a very heroic action in and of itself, perhaps your first proactive step into redefining your sense of self, creating a new life story, and taking a leap into the direction of self-care. If you are reading this, you may be in a state of uncertainty, or perhaps connected more deeply than you would like to be to the effects of depression, anxiety, or your daily life situations. Maybe, you are wrestling in a relationship with someone you love; perhaps, finding the words to communicate who you are and how you feel may seem unattainable and challenging at best.
Seeking out therapy is a very heroic action in and of itself, perhaps your first proactive step into redefining your sense of self, creating a new life story, and taking a leap into the direction of self-care. If you are reading this, you may be in a state of uncertainty, or perhaps connected more deeply than you would like to be to the effects of depression, anxiety, or your daily life situations. Maybe, you are wrestling in a relationship with someone you love; perhaps, finding the words to communicate who you are and how you feel may seem unattainable and challenging at best.
(424) 354-3038 View (424) 354-3038
Photo of Renee Rios, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Renee Rios
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122
I possess a passion for helping others along their life's journey. In my work, I arrive with sincerity, humility, optimism, and professionalism. My purpose is to hold a safe space--- removed of judgment and bias--- in order to facilitate healing, growth and transformation, so one can fulfill their life's purpose. I serve infant, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric populations through an intersectional approach to client-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally-attuned, evidence-based, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapeutic interventions. Individual, couples, and family therapy available.
I possess a passion for helping others along their life's journey. In my work, I arrive with sincerity, humility, optimism, and professionalism. My purpose is to hold a safe space--- removed of judgment and bias--- in order to facilitate healing, growth and transformation, so one can fulfill their life's purpose. I serve infant, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric populations through an intersectional approach to client-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally-attuned, evidence-based, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapeutic interventions. Individual, couples, and family therapy available.
(424) 416-2317 View (424) 416-2317
Photo of Abbie Loveland Tuller, Counselor in San Francisco, CA
Abbie Loveland Tuller
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
The greatest discovery I have made in life is to embrace the unexpected, to crave the twists and turns as much as the great joys of life, and to lead with curiosity. Life can often feel scary, and we may face challenges that leave us feeling like there is nowhere to turn. If you find yourself feeling this way, you are not alone. Whether you are dealing with feelings of great sadness, anxiousness that feels uncontrollable, or struggling to move past an event in your life you have turned to the right place. Seeking therapy can lead to a greater understanding of yourself, the world around you, and the person you want to be.
The greatest discovery I have made in life is to embrace the unexpected, to crave the twists and turns as much as the great joys of life, and to lead with curiosity. Life can often feel scary, and we may face challenges that leave us feeling like there is nowhere to turn. If you find yourself feeling this way, you are not alone. Whether you are dealing with feelings of great sadness, anxiousness that feels uncontrollable, or struggling to move past an event in your life you have turned to the right place. Seeking therapy can lead to a greater understanding of yourself, the world around you, and the person you want to be.
(917) 512-5866 View (917) 512-5866

Online Therapists

Photo of Julianne M Carroll, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Julianne M Carroll
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
My work as a therapist is grounded in trauma-informed, feminist, and attachment based principles that highlight the importance of safe and trusting relationships. I am here to provide attuned feedback and guidance as you navigate sex and love, anxiety, grief and loss, the ongoing effects of childhood trauma, unlearning codependency and strengthening or softening boundaries. My goal is to help you develop tools for self-awareness, resiliency and intimacy building, and conflict resolution. I believe deeply in the power of healing work, and the great courage it takes to turn inward, to turn toward pain, and to face and love ourselves.
My work as a therapist is grounded in trauma-informed, feminist, and attachment based principles that highlight the importance of safe and trusting relationships. I am here to provide attuned feedback and guidance as you navigate sex and love, anxiety, grief and loss, the ongoing effects of childhood trauma, unlearning codependency and strengthening or softening boundaries. My goal is to help you develop tools for self-awareness, resiliency and intimacy building, and conflict resolution. I believe deeply in the power of healing work, and the great courage it takes to turn inward, to turn toward pain, and to face and love ourselves.
(707) 883-1364 View (707) 883-1364
Photo of Doreen Maxwell, MFT and Associates, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Doreen Maxwell, MFT and Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95032
If you've been feeling sad, stuck, and stressed for too long, don't hesitate to reach out. I can help you find clarity and contentment. Our therapeutic relationship combined with mindfulness and experiential methods of psychotherapy, lead to real and lasting changes. Patterns which you once took on to cope with your family or stressors may not serve you anymore. Together we can access these old patterns of feeling and thinking that hold you back, and create new ways to be in your world. You can discover that life and relationships can have meaning and ease.
If you've been feeling sad, stuck, and stressed for too long, don't hesitate to reach out. I can help you find clarity and contentment. Our therapeutic relationship combined with mindfulness and experiential methods of psychotherapy, lead to real and lasting changes. Patterns which you once took on to cope with your family or stressors may not serve you anymore. Together we can access these old patterns of feeling and thinking that hold you back, and create new ways to be in your world. You can discover that life and relationships can have meaning and ease.
(408) 465-9938 View (408) 465-9938
Photo of Alane Freund, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Alane Freund
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA, LMFT, ICHS
Verified Verified
Woodacre, CA 94973
Are You Highly Sensitive? You notice the subtleties in life, feel overwhelmed or anxious often, think deeply about the world, have strong empathy or an active inner life. You might have been born with high sensitivity trait. In equine-assisted psychotherapy, self-discovery, communication, and personal authenticity are modeled and taught by the horses. Family issues including parenting, couples, and youth, highly sensitive people (HSPs), and 12 step recovery. Team building and leadership training for groups. HSPs & Horses workshops. Alane Freund has created many programs and workshops for highly sensitive people and their families.
Are You Highly Sensitive? You notice the subtleties in life, feel overwhelmed or anxious often, think deeply about the world, have strong empathy or an active inner life. You might have been born with high sensitivity trait. In equine-assisted psychotherapy, self-discovery, communication, and personal authenticity are modeled and taught by the horses. Family issues including parenting, couples, and youth, highly sensitive people (HSPs), and 12 step recovery. Team building and leadership training for groups. HSPs & Horses workshops. Alane Freund has created many programs and workshops for highly sensitive people and their families.
(415) 463-4587 View (415) 463-4587
Photo of Janet Greenwood, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Janet Greenwood
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, RN, MFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I specialize in working with couples wanting to recover from a crisis. I offer over 30 years experience as a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, PhD, RN, Licensed marriage therapist. You can select either our 10 Hour Couples Program or the 5 hour private Intensive Couples Session. Prevent unnecessary divorce; change begins the first session. Increase emotional and physical intimacy and fall back in love with your partner.
I specialize in working with couples wanting to recover from a crisis. I offer over 30 years experience as a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, PhD, RN, Licensed marriage therapist. You can select either our 10 Hour Couples Program or the 5 hour private Intensive Couples Session. Prevent unnecessary divorce; change begins the first session. Increase emotional and physical intimacy and fall back in love with your partner.
(916) 546-1518 View (916) 546-1518
Photo of Mary McFarland, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Mary McFarland, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
Are you unhappy in your life? Unhappy with your relationships? Are you looking for an experienced therapist who will listen to what YOU WANT and need? I am a kind compassionate seasoned professional who will help you understand yourself better. I have an engaging and collaborative style. I help clients struggling with life transitions, relationships and depression/anxiety.
Are you unhappy in your life? Unhappy with your relationships? Are you looking for an experienced therapist who will listen to what YOU WANT and need? I am a kind compassionate seasoned professional who will help you understand yourself better. I have an engaging and collaborative style. I help clients struggling with life transitions, relationships and depression/anxiety.
(510) 655-5568 View (510) 655-5568
Photo of Sharon Kaplan, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Sharon Kaplan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060  (Online Only)
My therapeutic approach is rooted in my deep respect and genuine interest in people. Since I am an expressive and inquisitive person, it comes naturally to me to practice a style of therapy that is both interactive and eclectic. I offer insights, observations, suggestions, feedback, as well as attentive listening. I am adaptable and able to adjust my style according to what works best for the client. As a team, my clients and I work together to find creative solutions to overcome obstacles to growth and well-being.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in my deep respect and genuine interest in people. Since I am an expressive and inquisitive person, it comes naturally to me to practice a style of therapy that is both interactive and eclectic. I offer insights, observations, suggestions, feedback, as well as attentive listening. I am adaptable and able to adjust my style according to what works best for the client. As a team, my clients and I work together to find creative solutions to overcome obstacles to growth and well-being.
(831) 346-1213 View (831) 346-1213
Photo of Patricia Yardley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Patricia Yardley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Petaluma, CA 94952
I work from a depth perspective and emphasize respect and compassion in my work with people of all ages, engaging with my clients interactively to support healing and growth.
I work from a depth perspective and emphasize respect and compassion in my work with people of all ages, engaging with my clients interactively to support healing and growth.
(707) 600-6281 View (707) 600-6281

See more therapy options for San Francisco

Chronic Pain Therapists

How does chronic pain therapy work?

Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.

What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?

Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.

Are there new treatments for chronic pain?

Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.

How long does therapy for chronic pain take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.