Marriage Counseling Therapists in San Francisco, CA
"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it." Helen Keller. Those words have been a source of inspiration to me for years as a person and a psychotherapist. I have worked with many people who have been brave enough to try to understand and make changes to what they struggle with in life, and also to live life more fully, creatively, and lovingly.
"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it." Helen Keller. Those words have been a source of inspiration to me for years as a person and a psychotherapist. I have worked with many people who have been brave enough to try to understand and make changes to what they struggle with in life, and also to live life more fully, creatively, and lovingly.
Parents navigating overwhelm, marriage/communication hardships, general malaise, transition to 'middle age'.
It often feels that if one area of your life is going well, another takes a nose dive. Often the clients I work with are determined, successful and focused but still, something feels like it is not correctly aligned. Many of my clients feel that they are growing at work, but their personal lives are unfulfilling. Or their relationships feel strong, but it feels impossible to manage work and love. I help my clients determine where they want to go and who they want to be. I can help you explore your decisions, the reasons behind them and then make sense of it all.
Parents navigating overwhelm, marriage/communication hardships, general malaise, transition to 'middle age'.
It often feels that if one area of your life is going well, another takes a nose dive. Often the clients I work with are determined, successful and focused but still, something feels like it is not correctly aligned. Many of my clients feel that they are growing at work, but their personal lives are unfulfilling. Or their relationships feel strong, but it feels impossible to manage work and love. I help my clients determine where they want to go and who they want to be. I can help you explore your decisions, the reasons behind them and then make sense of it all.
I work with individuals, teens, and couples to explore what’s beneath the surface, helping you gain clarity, confidence, and emotional stability.
I specialize in trauma-informed therapy, attachment theory, and drama therapy. I offer a safe and affirming space for neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQ+ clients, and those navigating cultural identity challenges. Together, we’ll explore patterns, emotions, and relational dynamics to help develop healthier connections, manage stress, and feel more grounded.
I work with individuals, teens, and couples to explore what’s beneath the surface, helping you gain clarity, confidence, and emotional stability.
I specialize in trauma-informed therapy, attachment theory, and drama therapy. I offer a safe and affirming space for neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQ+ clients, and those navigating cultural identity challenges. Together, we’ll explore patterns, emotions, and relational dynamics to help develop healthier connections, manage stress, and feel more grounded.
Claire Palmquist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109
I am both an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC).
I believe that we all have deep sources of wisdom and healing within ourselves; my goal as your therapist is to help you access those resources within yourself in order to build the life that feels most true for you. I know how difficult it can be to locate barriers to growth- or even to know what kind of growth we're looking for. I feel passionate about meeting you right where you are on your healing journey. I am trained in somatic therapy, expressive art therapy, and drama therapy and believe these are powerful avenues to both locate what change we want to see in our lives and to begin cultivating that change.
I am both an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC).
I believe that we all have deep sources of wisdom and healing within ourselves; my goal as your therapist is to help you access those resources within yourself in order to build the life that feels most true for you. I know how difficult it can be to locate barriers to growth- or even to know what kind of growth we're looking for. I feel passionate about meeting you right where you are on your healing journey. I am trained in somatic therapy, expressive art therapy, and drama therapy and believe these are powerful avenues to both locate what change we want to see in our lives and to begin cultivating that change.
As a solution-oriented depth therapist, I intend to promote your capacity to reveal your true potential and embrace your life as worthy of celebrating. While we cannot alter problematic or painful events from the past, we can work together to restructure their impact on the present. Through the use of complementary therapy approaches, we will adjust adverse perceptions and behavior patterns that may be binding you from fully living your life. If you are seeking professional direction through rough circumstances or traumatic crises, and if you aim to enhance your emotional well-being, I look forward to working with you to accomplish your objectives.
As a solution-oriented depth therapist, I intend to promote your capacity to reveal your true potential and embrace your life as worthy of celebrating. While we cannot alter problematic or painful events from the past, we can work together to restructure their impact on the present. Through the use of complementary therapy approaches, we will adjust adverse perceptions and behavior patterns that may be binding you from fully living your life. If you are seeking professional direction through rough circumstances or traumatic crises, and if you aim to enhance your emotional well-being, I look forward to working with you to accomplish your objectives.
I am a somatically trained therapist who works with adults, couples, and teens in person in SF's Castro District on Wednesdays, and over telehealth Tuesdays - Fridays.
I experience somatic therapy as an invitation to be playfully curious about how our bodies carry experiences. I arrive to sessions with clients in a space of slow, attentive curiosity so we can be with what arises moment to moment, whether it be longings, fears, excitement, muscle tensions, impulses, embodied memories, what have you.
I am a somatically trained therapist who works with adults, couples, and teens in person in SF's Castro District on Wednesdays, and over telehealth Tuesdays - Fridays.
I experience somatic therapy as an invitation to be playfully curious about how our bodies carry experiences. I arrive to sessions with clients in a space of slow, attentive curiosity so we can be with what arises moment to moment, whether it be longings, fears, excitement, muscle tensions, impulses, embodied memories, what have you.
Erica is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Bonmente, a full-service mental health clinic that offers online appointments, accepts insurance (Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Cigna, United, and more), and has same-week appointments available.
As a provider at Bonmente, Erica treats a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, sleep disorders, PTSD, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and personality disorders. Through convenient telepsychiatry appointments, she offers a variety of psychotherapeutic interventions.
Erica is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Bonmente, a full-service mental health clinic that offers online appointments, accepts insurance (Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Cigna, United, and more), and has same-week appointments available.
As a provider at Bonmente, Erica treats a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, sleep disorders, PTSD, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and personality disorders. Through convenient telepsychiatry appointments, she offers a variety of psychotherapeutic interventions.
Your experience is worthy of exploration and I believe that we all benefit from a protected space to journey through our history, needs, thoughts, and wishes around who we've been and who we want to be. I'm also familiar with the many ways that we can feel prohibited from giving ourselves such a space.
Your experience is worthy of exploration and I believe that we all benefit from a protected space to journey through our history, needs, thoughts, and wishes around who we've been and who we want to be. I'm also familiar with the many ways that we can feel prohibited from giving ourselves such a space.
I offer psychotherapy services for adults, couples, teens, and young adults.
When you are struggling it can be hard to know where to begin, and even harder at times to believe that getting what you need is possible. You may have unresolved feelings, situations that you are trying to make sense of, or patterns and behaviors that you feel stuck in.
Your experiences and feelings are worthy of our curiosity and consideration. Through our conversations together, the therapy process can help us get to know you better, and open up possibilities for greater understanding, compassion, connection, and resilience in your life and relationships.
I offer psychotherapy services for adults, couples, teens, and young adults.
When you are struggling it can be hard to know where to begin, and even harder at times to believe that getting what you need is possible. You may have unresolved feelings, situations that you are trying to make sense of, or patterns and behaviors that you feel stuck in.
Your experiences and feelings are worthy of our curiosity and consideration. Through our conversations together, the therapy process can help us get to know you better, and open up possibilities for greater understanding, compassion, connection, and resilience in your life and relationships.
The Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Integrative Coaching I provide is insightful, proactive, and inspirational.
I work with couples who seek clear communication, intimacy + trust. Through attuned listening, & respect for the complexity of relationships, I create comfort for both partners in sessions. We will strengthen hope, understanding, clear communication, and an experience of love. For individuals, we will shift outdated mindsets + habits towards living an engaged, grounded, and proactive life.
The Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Integrative Coaching I provide is insightful, proactive, and inspirational.
I work with couples who seek clear communication, intimacy + trust. Through attuned listening, & respect for the complexity of relationships, I create comfort for both partners in sessions. We will strengthen hope, understanding, clear communication, and an experience of love. For individuals, we will shift outdated mindsets + habits towards living an engaged, grounded, and proactive life.
Even the most capable and intelligent person will sometimes need help. My clients include professionals, supervisors, executives, and healthcare providers who seek to better manage the stressors of their professional and personal lives. I create a safe and comfortable environment where you can learn how to decrease stress and anxiety, sleep better, reduce or eliminate pain, live well with chronic illness, resolve past trauma and stop self-limiting behaviors. My over 25 years of experience and training enables me to tailor therapeutic interventions to your needs.
Even the most capable and intelligent person will sometimes need help. My clients include professionals, supervisors, executives, and healthcare providers who seek to better manage the stressors of their professional and personal lives. I create a safe and comfortable environment where you can learn how to decrease stress and anxiety, sleep better, reduce or eliminate pain, live well with chronic illness, resolve past trauma and stop self-limiting behaviors. My over 25 years of experience and training enables me to tailor therapeutic interventions to your needs.
In today's challenging world, it's all too easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed and uncertain about how to navigate life's complexities. But you don't have to face these struggles alone. Having support can be essential in learning how to show up for yourself in your own life, and in the world around you. It can be hard to find meaning and feel like you have something to contribute. And some days it can hard to just get out of bed. I get it. You are not alone.
In today's challenging world, it's all too easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed and uncertain about how to navigate life's complexities. But you don't have to face these struggles alone. Having support can be essential in learning how to show up for yourself in your own life, and in the world around you. It can be hard to find meaning and feel like you have something to contribute. And some days it can hard to just get out of bed. I get it. You are not alone.
Sensitive, creative individuals often feel overwhelmed by anxiety, overthinking, and the weight of past traumas. These struggles might show up in relationship conflicts, career uncertainty, or a sense of being stuck in inertia or depression. Doing deep personal work in therapy offers a chance to explore the roots of your anxiety, understand your patterns, and find meaningful relief. Through self-exploration, insight, and gradual healing, you can release what holds you back and move toward clarity, calm, and lasting growth. You can find your sense of belonging, self-worth, and safety to start living the most "you" life possible.
Sensitive, creative individuals often feel overwhelmed by anxiety, overthinking, and the weight of past traumas. These struggles might show up in relationship conflicts, career uncertainty, or a sense of being stuck in inertia or depression. Doing deep personal work in therapy offers a chance to explore the roots of your anxiety, understand your patterns, and find meaningful relief. Through self-exploration, insight, and gradual healing, you can release what holds you back and move toward clarity, calm, and lasting growth. You can find your sense of belonging, self-worth, and safety to start living the most "you" life possible.
Have you been strugging with Depression, Relationship issues, or Life Transitions? I can help you find a place of acceptance and healing through our relationship and our work together. I have been helping people change their lives for 25 years. I use an interactive, relational approach to help guide you toward a higher level of self-awareness, and improved self-esteem. I believe therapy works through exploring your relationships to others, and by developing our relationship and connection to each other. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for us to explore who you are and who you want to be.
Have you been strugging with Depression, Relationship issues, or Life Transitions? I can help you find a place of acceptance and healing through our relationship and our work together. I have been helping people change their lives for 25 years. I use an interactive, relational approach to help guide you toward a higher level of self-awareness, and improved self-esteem. I believe therapy works through exploring your relationships to others, and by developing our relationship and connection to each other. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for us to explore who you are and who you want to be.
I also support couples navigating conflict in their relationship, communication difficulties, feelings of disconnection, and a lack of emotional and physical intimacy.
I utilize a blend of psychodynamic, trauma-informed, and mindfulness-based modalities, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma. EMDR is an experiential psychotherapy treatment designed to alleviate psychological and physiological symptoms associated with traumatic memories through the use of bilateral stimulation.
I also support couples navigating conflict in their relationship, communication difficulties, feelings of disconnection, and a lack of emotional and physical intimacy.
I utilize a blend of psychodynamic, trauma-informed, and mindfulness-based modalities, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma. EMDR is an experiential psychotherapy treatment designed to alleviate psychological and physiological symptoms associated with traumatic memories through the use of bilateral stimulation.
I offer short and long-term psychotherapy for individuals, children, adolescents, couples, and families in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
I facilitate client's healing and growth by creating a real partnership and a safe environment as well as by being authentic, supportive, compassionate and empathic within a nonjudgmental atmosphere. I feel honored to do this work and privileged to help individuals on their journey.
I offer short and long-term psychotherapy for individuals, children, adolescents, couples, and families in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
I facilitate client's healing and growth by creating a real partnership and a safe environment as well as by being authentic, supportive, compassionate and empathic within a nonjudgmental atmosphere. I feel honored to do this work and privileged to help individuals on their journey.
Whether you are looking to unravel patterns of codependency, improve communication with your partner(s), or navigate through body shame and disordered eating, I see opportunity for clarity and resolve.
My clinical approach holds an intersectional feminist and psychodynamic lens. Each session is focused on deconstructing conscious and unconscious beliefs and behaviors. Weeding out what holds us captive in doubt, while empowering individuality and acceptance of self.
Whether you are looking to unravel patterns of codependency, improve communication with your partner(s), or navigate through body shame and disordered eating, I see opportunity for clarity and resolve.
My clinical approach holds an intersectional feminist and psychodynamic lens. Each session is focused on deconstructing conscious and unconscious beliefs and behaviors. Weeding out what holds us captive in doubt, while empowering individuality and acceptance of self.
Jessica Claire Lief
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MLS, DSW
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
I have been practicing social work and working as a psychotherapist since 2014. I support individuals who are recovering from eating disorders, body image issues, substance use, trauma, self harm, Borderline Personality Disorder, prenatal and postpartum issues. I work with adults and teens. My style has been described as nurturing, empathic, and empowering. I am direct and authentic; I will never blame you for your suffering. My approach is primarily psychodynamic but combines aspects of feminist and social justice perspectives, mindful self-compassion, dialectical behavior therapy, Seeking Safety, and mindfulness. I use HAES.
I have been practicing social work and working as a psychotherapist since 2014. I support individuals who are recovering from eating disorders, body image issues, substance use, trauma, self harm, Borderline Personality Disorder, prenatal and postpartum issues. I work with adults and teens. My style has been described as nurturing, empathic, and empowering. I am direct and authentic; I will never blame you for your suffering. My approach is primarily psychodynamic but combines aspects of feminist and social justice perspectives, mindful self-compassion, dialectical behavior therapy, Seeking Safety, and mindfulness. I use HAES.
I work with individuals and couples who are longing for real relationships—for partnership and community—but find it hard to actually feel safe, connected, and fully themselves in their relationships.
Relationships take practice—and in therapy, you get to practice in real time. Together, we'll practice sensing safety; practice tending to your nervous system; practice coming back to the here and now; practice staying with yourself and in connection at the same time; practice noticing and communicating your internal experience so you can be met there.
I work with individuals and couples who are longing for real relationships—for partnership and community—but find it hard to actually feel safe, connected, and fully themselves in their relationships.
Relationships take practice—and in therapy, you get to practice in real time. Together, we'll practice sensing safety; practice tending to your nervous system; practice coming back to the here and now; practice staying with yourself and in connection at the same time; practice noticing and communicating your internal experience so you can be met there.
My name is Molly, I'm a psychotherapist in California + Hawai'i specializing anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges with individuals and couples.
Therapy isn’t just about managing what shows up the surface, it’s about turning inward and creating space for meaningful, lasting change. Together, we'll work to help you relate to your emotions with compassion, loosen old protective patterns, respond to challenges with more flexibility, and move toward more meaningful, authentic experiences & relationships.
My name is Molly, I'm a psychotherapist in California + Hawai'i specializing anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges with individuals and couples.
Therapy isn’t just about managing what shows up the surface, it’s about turning inward and creating space for meaningful, lasting change. Together, we'll work to help you relate to your emotions with compassion, loosen old protective patterns, respond to challenges with more flexibility, and move toward more meaningful, authentic experiences & relationships.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Marriage Counseling Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
Marriage Counseling Therapists
How does marriage counseling work?
Marriage counseling works by teaching couples concrete skills to communicate with one another and solve disagreements in healthy ways. A trained mental health professional works with both members of a couple to explore difficulties the couple may be having and helps them develop skills to address these matters. Couples who don’t have any difficulties but want to prepare for marriage may develop skills for the future.
How long does marriage counseling typically last?
Marriage counseling is a short-term form of therapy; the process may last between four and eight sessions. Other forms of relationship guidance from mental health professionals, such as couples therapy, are longer lasting, may focus on the past rather than just the present, and are tailored to the individual couple and their emotions, history, and patterns in the relationship. Couples therapy often lasts for 12 weeks or longer.
Is marriage counseling effective?
Marriage counseling helps many couples develop relationship skills that may not have been acquired or tested in a relationship; partners may be better able to communicate and address conflict following counseling. However, there are many different forms of marriage counseling, and this form of counseling does not have as strong an evidence base as other modalities such as couples therapy.
Is marriage counseling effective if only one partner wants to go?
Yes, marriage counseling can still be effective if one partner convinces the other to engage in the process. Of course, whether counseling is effective depends on the couple’s commitment to work on their relationship; however, the short-term, skills-based nature of marriage counseling makes it a relatively easy “ask” of a partner, and the hesitant individual may see its value once counseling begins.