Divorce Therapists in San Francisco, CA
It is essentially human to crave emotional connection. Neurobiology informs us that deep emotional connections excite complex neural networks, flooding us with ecstasy-inducing dopamine and so it makes sense that we chase more. But negative emotional experiences invariably interrupt our constant searches for positive ones. And when left unattended, piles of negative emotions can lead to feelings of disconnection. What if each negative confrontation is actually a gift, merely disguised as a negative experience, that can be used to help us experience the world differently? I look forward to helping you discover the possibility.
It is essentially human to crave emotional connection. Neurobiology informs us that deep emotional connections excite complex neural networks, flooding us with ecstasy-inducing dopamine and so it makes sense that we chase more. But negative emotional experiences invariably interrupt our constant searches for positive ones. And when left unattended, piles of negative emotions can lead to feelings of disconnection. What if each negative confrontation is actually a gift, merely disguised as a negative experience, that can be used to help us experience the world differently? I look forward to helping you discover the possibility.
You met someone; you fell in love…is it time to build a family together? What about all the fights you have been having recently? Now you are a mother/father, juggling childcare, professional development, housework… what about US? What about ME? How to teach our kids when we don’t even agree? Things are not working out; Shall we give it one last try before separating? My partner wants to open up the relationship/marriage. What does it even mean?
You met someone; you fell in love…is it time to build a family together? What about all the fights you have been having recently? Now you are a mother/father, juggling childcare, professional development, housework… what about US? What about ME? How to teach our kids when we don’t even agree? Things are not working out; Shall we give it one last try before separating? My partner wants to open up the relationship/marriage. What does it even mean?
I work with individuals and couples experiencing self-esteem struggles, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, life transitions, relationship issues, divorce, men's issues, cultural stress, depression, suicidality, athletic performance, family issues, and PTSD.
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
I work with individuals and couples experiencing self-esteem struggles, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, life transitions, relationship issues, divorce, men's issues, cultural stress, depression, suicidality, athletic performance, family issues, and PTSD.
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
You might be navigating grief, anxiety, or the growing pains of transition- becoming a parent, changing careers, a breakup, or asking deeper questions about who you are and what you want. Many of my clients are learning to let go of old survival strategies like people-pleasing, perfectionism and hypervigilance that once helped them feel safe but now leave them feeling disconnected, depleted or anxious.
Whether you're navigating ADHD, developmental trauma, sexuality/identity exploration, or simply feeling stuck, therapy can be a place to reconnect with yourself, build self-trust and discover new ways of moving through the world.
You might be navigating grief, anxiety, or the growing pains of transition- becoming a parent, changing careers, a breakup, or asking deeper questions about who you are and what you want. Many of my clients are learning to let go of old survival strategies like people-pleasing, perfectionism and hypervigilance that once helped them feel safe but now leave them feeling disconnected, depleted or anxious.
Whether you're navigating ADHD, developmental trauma, sexuality/identity exploration, or simply feeling stuck, therapy can be a place to reconnect with yourself, build self-trust and discover new ways of moving through the world.
I provide couples therapy in San Francisco for people who are successful at everything except the most important relationship in their life. Over 17 years, I have worked with more than 3,000 couples. Most of my clients are tech executives, founders, and high-achievers in San Francisco and Silicon Valley who need someone who understands their world.
Before becoming a therapist, I was a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch. I know what high-stakes pressure does to a person and what it does to the person who loves them.
I provide couples therapy in San Francisco for people who are successful at everything except the most important relationship in their life. Over 17 years, I have worked with more than 3,000 couples. Most of my clients are tech executives, founders, and high-achievers in San Francisco and Silicon Valley who need someone who understands their world.
Before becoming a therapist, I was a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch. I know what high-stakes pressure does to a person and what it does to the person who loves them.
I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and obtained a M.S.in Psychopharmacology in 2001. I've been in private practice for 43 years and an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF since 2005. My practice includes individuals and couples seeking help with a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loss, and grief. I work within a relational, psychodynamic theoretical model as a means of understanding and integrating the complex relationship that individuals and couples present. In my clinical work as a therapist and supervisor, I work collaboratively in pursuing goals and objectives.
I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and obtained a M.S.in Psychopharmacology in 2001. I've been in private practice for 43 years and an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF since 2005. My practice includes individuals and couples seeking help with a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loss, and grief. I work within a relational, psychodynamic theoretical model as a means of understanding and integrating the complex relationship that individuals and couples present. In my clinical work as a therapist and supervisor, I work collaboratively in pursuing goals and objectives.
Have you been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like something is missing, even though you’ve tried to do everything "right"? Maybe you feel anxious trying to reach goalposts that keep moving further away. As an Asian American woman, I know how hard it is to balance cultural pressures, familial expectations, and your own needs. Perfectionism and the drive for success can leave you feeling disconnected from yourself. You may also find it difficult to set boundaries or advocate for yourself. It's exhausting, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Have you been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like something is missing, even though you’ve tried to do everything "right"? Maybe you feel anxious trying to reach goalposts that keep moving further away. As an Asian American woman, I know how hard it is to balance cultural pressures, familial expectations, and your own needs. Perfectionism and the drive for success can leave you feeling disconnected from yourself. You may also find it difficult to set boundaries or advocate for yourself. It's exhausting, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Hi, I’m Elizabeth—thank you for your interest in my private practice. If you're reading this right now things are probably pretty tough. I can help. As a licensed psychologist, my number one goal is to help you feel better—full stop. The way we’ll do this is by moving at your pace to find out what is keeping you stuck, and then use a concrete treatment plan backed by research to get you feeling better. In my practice I specialize in working with adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, family challenges, as well as adults with ADHD. Previous clients have described my style as warm, disarming, down-to-earth, and affirming.
Hi, I’m Elizabeth—thank you for your interest in my private practice. If you're reading this right now things are probably pretty tough. I can help. As a licensed psychologist, my number one goal is to help you feel better—full stop. The way we’ll do this is by moving at your pace to find out what is keeping you stuck, and then use a concrete treatment plan backed by research to get you feeling better. In my practice I specialize in working with adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, family challenges, as well as adults with ADHD. Previous clients have described my style as warm, disarming, down-to-earth, and affirming.
I love my work with clients. My goal is to uplift my clients toward being their best confident purposeful selves.
You are who I am interested in. I am willing and interested in working with anyone who feels drawn to working with me. I look forward to meeting you and developing this therapeutic alliance with you for your growth and success.
Here is what a mentor said we are able to do together:
"Sierra Forest is a talented and empathic therapist who has the ability to help people change and transform their lives." Bob Shelby, LMFT, John F Kennedy University
I love my work with clients. My goal is to uplift my clients toward being their best confident purposeful selves.
You are who I am interested in. I am willing and interested in working with anyone who feels drawn to working with me. I look forward to meeting you and developing this therapeutic alliance with you for your growth and success.
Here is what a mentor said we are able to do together:
"Sierra Forest is a talented and empathic therapist who has the ability to help people change and transform their lives." Bob Shelby, LMFT, John F Kennedy University
As a licensed psychoanalytic psychotherapist and relational psychoanalyst, I believe in the collaborative process of assisting clients in uncovering their emotional and personal truths. I attempt to create a safe place for the client to more fully understand and transform their challenging lived experiences, in order to identify and work through the obstacles that inhibit their growth. I see my therapeutic role as being a thought partner in helping clients create meaningful change and identify and strengthen one’s inherent resilience.
As a licensed psychoanalytic psychotherapist and relational psychoanalyst, I believe in the collaborative process of assisting clients in uncovering their emotional and personal truths. I attempt to create a safe place for the client to more fully understand and transform their challenging lived experiences, in order to identify and work through the obstacles that inhibit their growth. I see my therapeutic role as being a thought partner in helping clients create meaningful change and identify and strengthen one’s inherent resilience.
In today’s fast paced world, we are faced with many stressors, obstacles and challenges. Sometimes we need to slow down and take stock of what we have and changes we may want to make. My practice is geared towards helping adults and couples achieve the life that they want rather than struggling just to get by. Therapy can be both challenging and an exciting experience. Together, we can work on eliminating your anxiety, depression, relationships problems and general discontent.
In today’s fast paced world, we are faced with many stressors, obstacles and challenges. Sometimes we need to slow down and take stock of what we have and changes we may want to make. My practice is geared towards helping adults and couples achieve the life that they want rather than struggling just to get by. Therapy can be both challenging and an exciting experience. Together, we can work on eliminating your anxiety, depression, relationships problems and general discontent.
Why do they always criticize me?
Why do they go silent during arguments?
Why do we keep having the same fight over and over?
I work with couples who are stuck. If you're having communication problems and feel overwhelmed or hopeless about your relationship please reach out to me. I specialize in helping couples who are in transition, exploring non-monogamy, opening or closing their relationship, and healing from infidelity.
Why do they always criticize me?
Why do they go silent during arguments?
Why do we keep having the same fight over and over?
I work with couples who are stuck. If you're having communication problems and feel overwhelmed or hopeless about your relationship please reach out to me. I specialize in helping couples who are in transition, exploring non-monogamy, opening or closing their relationship, and healing from infidelity.
Are you living with or have you recently been diagnosed with a major medical condition? Caring for someone who is ill or dying? Are you having difficulties coping with a chronic or newly diagnosed illness? Are your children struggling with the loss of a loved one? Are you dealing with the impact of illness on body image? Are you considering end of life options or dealing with issues such as loss and grief? We help patients, their loved ones, and caregivers coping with cancer, life-altering illness, chronic pain, neurological conditions, infertility, complex pregnancy, and end of life issues.
Are you living with or have you recently been diagnosed with a major medical condition? Caring for someone who is ill or dying? Are you having difficulties coping with a chronic or newly diagnosed illness? Are your children struggling with the loss of a loved one? Are you dealing with the impact of illness on body image? Are you considering end of life options or dealing with issues such as loss and grief? We help patients, their loved ones, and caregivers coping with cancer, life-altering illness, chronic pain, neurological conditions, infertility, complex pregnancy, and end of life issues.
We humans are relational. We all need support, and this is a meaningful step -- choosing to enter therapy and accept that support. As an LMFT, my emphasis is on relationship. That could be relationships to anyone and ultimately it is relationship to oneself. I work with empathy, partnering with you in your growth, with the aim of expanding your love of self and life. I ask that you join me in being curious about you and to treat our work as a lab for learning which you can take outside of our sessions and apply to your life. We are all naturally striving toward greater health and aliveness -- it is the thrust of life.
We humans are relational. We all need support, and this is a meaningful step -- choosing to enter therapy and accept that support. As an LMFT, my emphasis is on relationship. That could be relationships to anyone and ultimately it is relationship to oneself. I work with empathy, partnering with you in your growth, with the aim of expanding your love of self and life. I ask that you join me in being curious about you and to treat our work as a lab for learning which you can take outside of our sessions and apply to your life. We are all naturally striving toward greater health and aliveness -- it is the thrust of life.
Each client walks through my door with their own struggle. And although each person comes with their own unique story, the one thing that clients do share is a search for a more fulfilled life or a greater sense of self. I support clients as they navigate life's harder transitions - a loss of a relationship, the transition to becoming a parent, a job transition, or simply figuring out who they truly are and want to be. We work together to notice and shift your inner critic that so frequently gets in the way. Additionally, I support couples as they work through the challenges and desires that come with a relationship.
Each client walks through my door with their own struggle. And although each person comes with their own unique story, the one thing that clients do share is a search for a more fulfilled life or a greater sense of self. I support clients as they navigate life's harder transitions - a loss of a relationship, the transition to becoming a parent, a job transition, or simply figuring out who they truly are and want to be. We work together to notice and shift your inner critic that so frequently gets in the way. Additionally, I support couples as they work through the challenges and desires that come with a relationship.
I imagine you are looking through this list because you've become stuck in something. Something big or small but it feels bad and you want help getting unstuck. It might be something new and unfamiliar or something too well known and you're tired of history repeating itself. I believe history does not have to repeat itself. Emotions can shift and patterns of behavior can change. It's not simple, easy or fast. There is comfort in the familiar and it takes bravery to change. But in the right environment, with the right help, change is possible.
I imagine you are looking through this list because you've become stuck in something. Something big or small but it feels bad and you want help getting unstuck. It might be something new and unfamiliar or something too well known and you're tired of history repeating itself. I believe history does not have to repeat itself. Emotions can shift and patterns of behavior can change. It's not simple, easy or fast. There is comfort in the familiar and it takes bravery to change. But in the right environment, with the right help, change is possible.
I specialize in working with adolescents—the stage of life between childhood and adulthood, ages 10 to 19—and with the parents and caregivers who support them. Adolescence is full of transitions: identity, independence, friendships, family dynamics, and school pressures. For teens, it can feel overwhelming. For parents, it can be confusing and stressful. I help families navigate these challenges with warmth, empathy, and practical strategies so teens and parents feel supported, understood, and empowered.
I specialize in working with adolescents—the stage of life between childhood and adulthood, ages 10 to 19—and with the parents and caregivers who support them. Adolescence is full of transitions: identity, independence, friendships, family dynamics, and school pressures. For teens, it can feel overwhelming. For parents, it can be confusing and stressful. I help families navigate these challenges with warmth, empathy, and practical strategies so teens and parents feel supported, understood, and empowered.
We help with depression, anxiety, addiction, panic attacks, grief/loss, trauma, family, child and teen dynamics, couples, divorce, co-parenting, dating, life transitions, LGBTQIA+ concerns, ethnic identity, and polyamory.
Find your best therapist match with us! We're a diverse, highly-trained, and inclusive team of therapists helping you to live the life you want. We build supportive, compassionate, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients, so you feel safe to grow and heal. To enhance your experience, we offer concierge billing for PPO insurance and flexible scheduling, including weekday, evening, and weekend appointments. We work with children, teens, and adults, providing therapy for individuals, couples, and families. We support clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
We help with depression, anxiety, addiction, panic attacks, grief/loss, trauma, family, child and teen dynamics, couples, divorce, co-parenting, dating, life transitions, LGBTQIA+ concerns, ethnic identity, and polyamory.
Find your best therapist match with us! We're a diverse, highly-trained, and inclusive team of therapists helping you to live the life you want. We build supportive, compassionate, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients, so you feel safe to grow and heal. To enhance your experience, we offer concierge billing for PPO insurance and flexible scheduling, including weekday, evening, and weekend appointments. We work with children, teens, and adults, providing therapy for individuals, couples, and families. We support clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
Tired of endlessly searching for a therapist who "gets it"? You're looking for someone genuine and down-to-earth who gets straight to the point—someone who uses effective, evidence-based approaches to help you understand what's happening and create lasting change.
Tired of endlessly searching for a therapist who "gets it"? You're looking for someone genuine and down-to-earth who gets straight to the point—someone who uses effective, evidence-based approaches to help you understand what's happening and create lasting change.
Dr. Denise Stilwell is a licensed clinical psychologist with seven years of experience providing psychotherapy in a variety of clinical settings. She worked as a nurse for sixteen years before she became a psychotherapist and brings that rich experience into her practice. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, identity issues, interpersonal issues, grief, managing chronic illness, and somatic symptom disorder. Dr. Stilwell collaborates with her clients to ensure they feel seen and heard in their sessions while utilizing evidence-based therapy approaches that are culturally sensitive and individually focused.
Dr. Denise Stilwell is a licensed clinical psychologist with seven years of experience providing psychotherapy in a variety of clinical settings. She worked as a nurse for sixteen years before she became a psychotherapist and brings that rich experience into her practice. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, identity issues, interpersonal issues, grief, managing chronic illness, and somatic symptom disorder. Dr. Stilwell collaborates with her clients to ensure they feel seen and heard in their sessions while utilizing evidence-based therapy approaches that are culturally sensitive and individually focused.
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Nearby Divorce Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon


