Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in San Francisco, CA
I am dedicated to helping young professionals overcome the obstacles standing between them and the lives that they want to live. Many young adults report feeling “stuck” in at least one area of their lives. This can include recurring problematic relationship patterns, difficulty finding motivation at work, or chronic feelings of failure despite their objective success.
I am dedicated to helping young professionals overcome the obstacles standing between them and the lives that they want to live. Many young adults report feeling “stuck” in at least one area of their lives. This can include recurring problematic relationship patterns, difficulty finding motivation at work, or chronic feelings of failure despite their objective success.
Are you hoping to make a meaningful shift in your life—reducing anxiety, strengthening relationships, breaking patterns that no longer serve you, or reconnecting with a sense of purpose?
I believe therapy offers a space to slow down, turn inward, and reconnect with your own wisdom so that lasting change becomes possible. In our work together, I support you in exploring what may be holding you back and gently moving from where you are toward where you want to be—at a pace that feels supportive and sustainable.
Are you hoping to make a meaningful shift in your life—reducing anxiety, strengthening relationships, breaking patterns that no longer serve you, or reconnecting with a sense of purpose?
I believe therapy offers a space to slow down, turn inward, and reconnect with your own wisdom so that lasting change becomes possible. In our work together, I support you in exploring what may be holding you back and gently moving from where you are toward where you want to be—at a pace that feels supportive and sustainable.
Everyone deserves support– life can be overwhelming. Our sessions provide a safe, encouraging space for you to slow down and focus on what’s important. As an advocate for you, your family, or your child, we create solutions that help you find healing.
Everyone deserves support– life can be overwhelming. Our sessions provide a safe, encouraging space for you to slow down and focus on what’s important. As an advocate for you, your family, or your child, we create solutions that help you find healing.
I work with adults and couples who are ready to engage in deeper therapeutic work — people who want more than short-term coping strategies and are seeking meaningful, lasting change.
Clients often come to me when they are:
Carrying the impact of trauma, chronic stress, or emotional overwhelm,
Repeating relationship patterns they don’t fully understand,
Experience conflict, disconnection, lack of emotional and sexual intimacy in their relationships,
Navigating identity exploration, cultural transitions, or life changes,
Exploring non-traditional relationships, including ENM or polyamory,
I work with adults and couples who are ready to engage in deeper therapeutic work — people who want more than short-term coping strategies and are seeking meaningful, lasting change.
Clients often come to me when they are:
Carrying the impact of trauma, chronic stress, or emotional overwhelm,
Repeating relationship patterns they don’t fully understand,
Experience conflict, disconnection, lack of emotional and sexual intimacy in their relationships,
Navigating identity exploration, cultural transitions, or life changes,
Exploring non-traditional relationships, including ENM or polyamory,
All of us struggle at different points in our life—from anxiety, stress or unexpected challenges.
Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to go through it alone. Through individual therapy, I offer a supportive space to help you find clarity, work through challenges, and gain a fresh perspective. I enjoy helping clients explore the stories and patterns that keep them feeling stuck, and support them in making new choices that open the door to growth and lasting change.
All of us struggle at different points in our life—from anxiety, stress or unexpected challenges.
Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to go through it alone. Through individual therapy, I offer a supportive space to help you find clarity, work through challenges, and gain a fresh perspective. I enjoy helping clients explore the stories and patterns that keep them feeling stuck, and support them in making new choices that open the door to growth and lasting change.
My name is Karlianne, but you can call me Karlie. I believe that authenticity is a prerequisite for growth and healing, and I invite you to bring your full, unfiltered self into our sessions. As a clinician, I prioritize creating a nonjudgmental, sex-positive, and humor-friendly space where individuals and couples can explore anything and everything holding them back. Together, we can co-create a therapeutic relationship that supports personal growth, emotional development, and deeper connection—whether that means healing from trauma, navigating relational challenges, or reconnecting with yourself or your partner.
My name is Karlianne, but you can call me Karlie. I believe that authenticity is a prerequisite for growth and healing, and I invite you to bring your full, unfiltered self into our sessions. As a clinician, I prioritize creating a nonjudgmental, sex-positive, and humor-friendly space where individuals and couples can explore anything and everything holding them back. Together, we can co-create a therapeutic relationship that supports personal growth, emotional development, and deeper connection—whether that means healing from trauma, navigating relational challenges, or reconnecting with yourself or your partner.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy with Kylie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
It's hard to see your autistic child suddenly melt down, act out, or struggle to make friends. Kids can develop ways of coping that seem confusing or destructive when they're neurodiverse, because self-regulation and communication are hard in a neurotypical world. I see it as my job to help your child use the language of play to express emotions, solve problems, & learn to navigate a neurotypical world without suppressing their autistic self.
It's hard to see your autistic child suddenly melt down, act out, or struggle to make friends. Kids can develop ways of coping that seem confusing or destructive when they're neurodiverse, because self-regulation and communication are hard in a neurotypical world. I see it as my job to help your child use the language of play to express emotions, solve problems, & learn to navigate a neurotypical world without suppressing their autistic self.
I work with Mandarin-speaking adults who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or alone as they navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship and family challenges, cultural stressors, or self-esteem concerns. Many of my clients are balancing different cultural expectations, caring for others while neglecting their own needs, or struggling to find a space where they feel truly understood.
I work with Mandarin-speaking adults who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or alone as they navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship and family challenges, cultural stressors, or self-esteem concerns. Many of my clients are balancing different cultural expectations, caring for others while neglecting their own needs, or struggling to find a space where they feel truly understood.
The Free Association Clinic offers existential psychotherapy and psychoanalysis for individuals, couples, families, and children seeking greater understanding and meaningful change. For more than 30 years, our clinicians have helped people navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and emotional disconnection. Through thoughtful, depth-oriented therapy, we help clients recognize recurring patterns, deepen self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and cultivate a more authentic and fulfilling way of living.
The Free Association Clinic offers existential psychotherapy and psychoanalysis for individuals, couples, families, and children seeking greater understanding and meaningful change. For more than 30 years, our clinicians have helped people navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and emotional disconnection. Through thoughtful, depth-oriented therapy, we help clients recognize recurring patterns, deepen self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and cultivate a more authentic and fulfilling way of living.
Hello, and welcome to your journey of self-exploration. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who utilizes a trauma-informed lens approach to therapy. I work with trauma, mood disorders ( anxiety, depression), self-esteem, and life transitions. I typically work with clients who struggle with trauma, PTSD symptoms, mood disorders (anxiety and depression), and self-esteem. I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems, and Psychodynamic Therapy. I create a warm, compassionate, non-judgmental, and exploratory environment for clients.
Hello, and welcome to your journey of self-exploration. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who utilizes a trauma-informed lens approach to therapy. I work with trauma, mood disorders ( anxiety, depression), self-esteem, and life transitions. I typically work with clients who struggle with trauma, PTSD symptoms, mood disorders (anxiety and depression), and self-esteem. I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems, and Psychodynamic Therapy. I create a warm, compassionate, non-judgmental, and exploratory environment for clients.
If you are facing difficult life transitions, struggling in relationships, or feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. As a therapist, I believe that sharing our challenges is a powerful step toward healing. My goal is to help you uncover your inner strengths and build new skills that make life more manageable and allow you to thrive.
Together, we will create a safe, supportive space where you can openly share your thoughts, fears, and unique experiences without judgment or shame. I customize our therapeutic approach to meet your individual needs.
If you are facing difficult life transitions, struggling in relationships, or feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. As a therapist, I believe that sharing our challenges is a powerful step toward healing. My goal is to help you uncover your inner strengths and build new skills that make life more manageable and allow you to thrive.
Together, we will create a safe, supportive space where you can openly share your thoughts, fears, and unique experiences without judgment or shame. I customize our therapeutic approach to meet your individual needs.
I use evidence-based practices, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Is your family navigating significant changes, transitions, or a recent diagnosis or identified learning difference? Is your child struggling with self-esteem, behavior challenges, or anxiety and depression? Do you want to break a cycle of blame and resentment in your intimate relationship, or need a couples tune-up? Are you searching for more fulfillment and less stress in your busy life? These are just a few of the issues I am experienced in treating as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT79984). I offer psychotherapy for children, adolescents, families, couples, and individuals.
I use evidence-based practices, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Is your family navigating significant changes, transitions, or a recent diagnosis or identified learning difference? Is your child struggling with self-esteem, behavior challenges, or anxiety and depression? Do you want to break a cycle of blame and resentment in your intimate relationship, or need a couples tune-up? Are you searching for more fulfillment and less stress in your busy life? These are just a few of the issues I am experienced in treating as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT79984). I offer psychotherapy for children, adolescents, families, couples, and individuals.
I am a trauma-informed therapist and use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other mindfulness-based, experiential, emotion-focused approaches that will help you cultivate self-compassion and acceptance, and process past negative experiences. My style is warm, engaging, and open. I work with traumas such as illness, loss, assaults, birth trauma, car accidents, and war. I also specialize in working with anxious attachment styles. I help individuals overcome relationship issues, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, work stress, and unresolved grief.
I am a trauma-informed therapist and use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other mindfulness-based, experiential, emotion-focused approaches that will help you cultivate self-compassion and acceptance, and process past negative experiences. My style is warm, engaging, and open. I work with traumas such as illness, loss, assaults, birth trauma, car accidents, and war. I also specialize in working with anxious attachment styles. I help individuals overcome relationship issues, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, work stress, and unresolved grief.
Our staff uses mindfulness, CBT, DBT, EFT, ACT, Hakomi, Somatics, psychodynamic, person-centered, and many other therapeutic orientations to find the right fit for you.
We are a nonprofit counseling center dedicated to providing excellent therapy for adults, teens, children, couples and families. Our diverse staff can help you with a wide variety of issues, such as: depression and anxiety, emotion regulation, coping with illness, ADHD, grief, stage of life changes, couples and relationship issues, gender identity and sexuality concerns. Our affordable fees are based on your income and if you are paying out of pocket we offer a need-based sliding scale to help you make weekly therapy a reality. Plus we accept Medi-Cal with no co-payment!
Our staff uses mindfulness, CBT, DBT, EFT, ACT, Hakomi, Somatics, psychodynamic, person-centered, and many other therapeutic orientations to find the right fit for you.
We are a nonprofit counseling center dedicated to providing excellent therapy for adults, teens, children, couples and families. Our diverse staff can help you with a wide variety of issues, such as: depression and anxiety, emotion regulation, coping with illness, ADHD, grief, stage of life changes, couples and relationship issues, gender identity and sexuality concerns. Our affordable fees are based on your income and if you are paying out of pocket we offer a need-based sliding scale to help you make weekly therapy a reality. Plus we accept Medi-Cal with no co-payment!
I lean on CBT, solution-focused work, DBT skills, sex therapy, and motivational interviewing.
I work with adults who may be juggling life, stagnant sex lives, and trying to find joy again. No matter if your issues show up in the bedroom, with your partner(s), or just flying solo. We can talk honestly about things like low desire, mismatched interest with a partner, arousal or orgasm issues, and feeling 'broken' around sex. My goal is to help you have a sexual life that actually feels safe, doable, and maybe even fun again. Mostly, you just need a therapist who won't flinch at the real stuff.
I have a special place in my heart for LGBTQIA+ and trans folks, but you don't have to share those identities to work with me.
I lean on CBT, solution-focused work, DBT skills, sex therapy, and motivational interviewing.
I work with adults who may be juggling life, stagnant sex lives, and trying to find joy again. No matter if your issues show up in the bedroom, with your partner(s), or just flying solo. We can talk honestly about things like low desire, mismatched interest with a partner, arousal or orgasm issues, and feeling 'broken' around sex. My goal is to help you have a sexual life that actually feels safe, doable, and maybe even fun again. Mostly, you just need a therapist who won't flinch at the real stuff.
I have a special place in my heart for LGBTQIA+ and trans folks, but you don't have to share those identities to work with me.
We support children, teens, parents, couples and families in finding their voice. We offer support in becoming more self confident, and communicating in a way that expresses essential needs. We are here to support you every step of the way. We work closely to increase awareness and encourage an overall goal of self awareness and self control. We believe that every human has the potential to fulfill their dreams and create an outcome they desire.
We support children, teens, parents, couples and families in finding their voice. We offer support in becoming more self confident, and communicating in a way that expresses essential needs. We are here to support you every step of the way. We work closely to increase awareness and encourage an overall goal of self awareness and self control. We believe that every human has the potential to fulfill their dreams and create an outcome they desire.
I love incorporating framework and interventions with clients based in psychodynamic theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and solution focused therapy with a strength-based client centered approach.
Hi! I'm Erica, a warm, empathetic, and open Marriage and Family Therapist that helps clients find their purpose, heal, and thrive! I'd love to be your guide to holistic healing and transformation. With expertise in trauma- rooted anxiety and depression, recovery counseling with addictions, and women’s issues including body image, low self esteem, and eating disorders, I'll help teach you evidence-based tools to reframe thoughts and regulate emotions, as well as explore root causes for symptom management. Let's empower you to achieve resilience and personal growth, leading to a healthier and happier future:)
I love incorporating framework and interventions with clients based in psychodynamic theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and solution focused therapy with a strength-based client centered approach.
Hi! I'm Erica, a warm, empathetic, and open Marriage and Family Therapist that helps clients find their purpose, heal, and thrive! I'd love to be your guide to holistic healing and transformation. With expertise in trauma- rooted anxiety and depression, recovery counseling with addictions, and women’s issues including body image, low self esteem, and eating disorders, I'll help teach you evidence-based tools to reframe thoughts and regulate emotions, as well as explore root causes for symptom management. Let's empower you to achieve resilience and personal growth, leading to a healthier and happier future:)
I offer trauma therapy for adults using EMDR, EMDR Intensives, Flash, DBT, CBT, and — when appropriate — ketamine-assisted and psychedelic therapy.
I work from a compassionate, client-centered approach that honors both the complexity of your history and your capacity to heal. EMDR Intensives offer an accelerated path through trauma processing — extended sessions for those ready to go deeper — and ketamine-assisted therapy is woven into this work where it fits.
I offer trauma therapy for adults using EMDR, EMDR Intensives, Flash, DBT, CBT, and — when appropriate — ketamine-assisted and psychedelic therapy.
I work from a compassionate, client-centered approach that honors both the complexity of your history and your capacity to heal. EMDR Intensives offer an accelerated path through trauma processing — extended sessions for those ready to go deeper — and ketamine-assisted therapy is woven into this work where it fits.
Therapy can feel strange, scary, and confronting. At the same time, it can lead to growth, learning, and meaningful change. I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to seek support and invest in yourself. Choosing therapy does not mean you are weak or broken—it reflects strength, self-awareness, and a desire for something different. Life often brings challenges we don’t feel fully prepared for, whether in relationships, identity, family dynamics, careers, or other circumstances. Over time, these experiences can lead us to feel stuck, disconnected, or reacting in ways that no longer align with who we are or who we want to be.
Therapy can feel strange, scary, and confronting. At the same time, it can lead to growth, learning, and meaningful change. I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to seek support and invest in yourself. Choosing therapy does not mean you are weak or broken—it reflects strength, self-awareness, and a desire for something different. Life often brings challenges we don’t feel fully prepared for, whether in relationships, identity, family dynamics, careers, or other circumstances. Over time, these experiences can lead us to feel stuck, disconnected, or reacting in ways that no longer align with who we are or who we want to be.
Hi! My name is Analyn Abad, and I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe therapy is a space where you get to show up exactly as you are without judgment, pressure, or the need to have everything figured out. Life transitions, family dynamics, and emotional overwhelm can leave you feeling stuck, misunderstood, or disconnected from yourself and others. I work with teens, young adults, new parents, and adoptees navigating relationship challenges, communication difficulties, boundary-setting, and major life transitions.
Hi! My name is Analyn Abad, and I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe therapy is a space where you get to show up exactly as you are without judgment, pressure, or the need to have everything figured out. Life transitions, family dynamics, and emotional overwhelm can leave you feeling stuck, misunderstood, or disconnected from yourself and others. I work with teens, young adults, new parents, and adoptees navigating relationship challenges, communication difficulties, boundary-setting, and major life transitions.
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Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists
Who is DBT for?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is designed for people who experience extreme emotional suffering because they lack the skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The basic affliction can underlie a wide range of conditions, from borderline and other personality disorders to PTSD and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression. The therapy is helpful to those whose emotional reactivity is so intense it is disruptive to everyday functioning and leads to frequent crises.
Why do people need DBT?
The ability to regulate emotions is a core psychological skill that enables people to function in life and pay attention to the world outside themselves; it is consistently associated with well-being. DBT is designed to help people learn how to manage and regulate their emotions. Originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder whose extreme emotional suffering led to self-harming behavior and suicide attempts, the therapy is now applied to other conditions involving emotion dysregulation, particularly when other treatments have failed.
What happens in DBT?
Individuals meet weekly with their therapist to discuss their experiences relating to moods, behavior, and skills. Using checklists they maintain, they review emotional experiences and positive practices they engage in. The diaries help individuals discern what led up to a specific problem encountered, this is followed by discussion of the consequences of their actions. In addition, individuals may meet in class-like small groups to learn skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.
How long does DBT last?
Because it is intended to establish long-lasting behavioral change among those with persistent problems, DBT is designed to last six months to a year. DBT includes both weekly sessions of individual therapy and weekly skills-training sessions conducted in small groups. Studies of DBT have documented improvement within a year of treatment, particularly in controlling self-harmful behavior; nevertheless, individuals may require therapy for several years.