Personality Disorders Therapists in San Francisco, CA
I've been in private practice for twenty years offering psychodynamic therapy and psychoanalysis. I received my B.A. at the Un. of Iowa where I studied poetry and creative writing, my Ph.D. in clinical psychology at U.C. Berkeley, trained in psychoanalysis at PANY-NYU. I am on the Faculty at San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis, currently accepting new patients only in my San Francisco CA. I've worked with children and families on early attachment issues, adults with depression, anxiety, early trauma, creative blocks, gay and lesbian issues, psychosomatic problems.
I've been in private practice for twenty years offering psychodynamic therapy and psychoanalysis. I received my B.A. at the Un. of Iowa where I studied poetry and creative writing, my Ph.D. in clinical psychology at U.C. Berkeley, trained in psychoanalysis at PANY-NYU. I am on the Faculty at San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis, currently accepting new patients only in my San Francisco CA. I've worked with children and families on early attachment issues, adults with depression, anxiety, early trauma, creative blocks, gay and lesbian issues, psychosomatic problems.
In my 20 years in practice, I have supported many people looking for a deeper relationship with themselves and others; people with a wide range of concerns and clinical presentations. I have a particular interest in developmental and attachment trauma. The tools I utilize are also highly effective in relieving chronic stress, and in helping almost anyone cope who feels stuck emotionally, physically, or spiritually. Whatever your unique needs, I'll work closely with you to identify what's holding you back - and ways we can help you move forward. I also support clients in the integration of psychedelic experiences.
In my 20 years in practice, I have supported many people looking for a deeper relationship with themselves and others; people with a wide range of concerns and clinical presentations. I have a particular interest in developmental and attachment trauma. The tools I utilize are also highly effective in relieving chronic stress, and in helping almost anyone cope who feels stuck emotionally, physically, or spiritually. Whatever your unique needs, I'll work closely with you to identify what's holding you back - and ways we can help you move forward. I also support clients in the integration of psychedelic experiences.
Are you struggling and longing for a change? Perhaps you put a great deal of effort into your relationships and work, but it seems that no one extends that same care and attention to you. Although you crave connection and meaning, you might feel weighed down by loneliness, hopelessness, and a pervading sense of disempowerment. You may feel that no one sees or values who you really are. In fact, you may be your own harshest critic, unsure of your purpose and certain you are falling short of your potential. Like so many others, you might be searching for the tools needed to live with greater confidence, satisfaction, and ease.
Are you struggling and longing for a change? Perhaps you put a great deal of effort into your relationships and work, but it seems that no one extends that same care and attention to you. Although you crave connection and meaning, you might feel weighed down by loneliness, hopelessness, and a pervading sense of disempowerment. You may feel that no one sees or values who you really are. In fact, you may be your own harshest critic, unsure of your purpose and certain you are falling short of your potential. Like so many others, you might be searching for the tools needed to live with greater confidence, satisfaction, and ease.
In my practice, I work to create a supportive space to help clients explore struggles with anxiety, disconnection, perfectionism, shame, addiction, vulnerability, self-harm, and trauma. My work with individuals centers on self-examination, cultivating present awareness, resourcing, and exploring interpersonal dynamics.
I also co-facilitate a Recovery group every Sunday at 11am in person in the many green spaces of San Francisco! If you are interested feel free to reach out or check out my groups below for more information.
In my practice, I work to create a supportive space to help clients explore struggles with anxiety, disconnection, perfectionism, shame, addiction, vulnerability, self-harm, and trauma. My work with individuals centers on self-examination, cultivating present awareness, resourcing, and exploring interpersonal dynamics.
I also co-facilitate a Recovery group every Sunday at 11am in person in the many green spaces of San Francisco! If you are interested feel free to reach out or check out my groups below for more information.
Welcome. Are you ready for the work necessary to make real, enduring change? Do you have a troubling personal issue or suffer from general dissatisfaction? My orientation is to focus on the unconscious, the elusive essence of the problem. A powerful process unfolds when change occurs at this level of the mind. This opens the space for authentic personal transformation.
Welcome. Are you ready for the work necessary to make real, enduring change? Do you have a troubling personal issue or suffer from general dissatisfaction? My orientation is to focus on the unconscious, the elusive essence of the problem. A powerful process unfolds when change occurs at this level of the mind. This opens the space for authentic personal transformation.
Sometimes the issues and struggles that we encounter in life are almost impossible to resolve on our own. A seasoned therapist, I bring nearly 20 years of experience working with people struggling with a range of difficulties including more severe emotional problems. My approach is down-to-earth and practical. I'll first clarify with you where you feel stuck and how you would like to feel or behave differently. We will work collaboratively to understand the nature of your distress and the blocked or unknown or possibly forbidden feelings that tangle the process of achieving the life you seek.
Sometimes the issues and struggles that we encounter in life are almost impossible to resolve on our own. A seasoned therapist, I bring nearly 20 years of experience working with people struggling with a range of difficulties including more severe emotional problems. My approach is down-to-earth and practical. I'll first clarify with you where you feel stuck and how you would like to feel or behave differently. We will work collaboratively to understand the nature of your distress and the blocked or unknown or possibly forbidden feelings that tangle the process of achieving the life you seek.
I bring 40 plus years of assorted, diverse and complex Clinical Experience to the care of my patients. I offer Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy providing Individual, Couple & Family Treatments. MFT License 17611 - May 1982; Certified as a Psychoanalyst by The International Psychoanalytical Association. Working in conjunction with each person that comes to me, I strive to formulate a treatment which is responsive and that creates the conditions to most deeply address their personal concerns.
I bring 40 plus years of assorted, diverse and complex Clinical Experience to the care of my patients. I offer Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy providing Individual, Couple & Family Treatments. MFT License 17611 - May 1982; Certified as a Psychoanalyst by The International Psychoanalytical Association. Working in conjunction with each person that comes to me, I strive to formulate a treatment which is responsive and that creates the conditions to most deeply address their personal concerns.
I believe that psychotherapy is an interpersonal journey of discovery of new perspectives and new ideas on the issues that concern the client(s). The therapist lends his or her knowledge of psychotherapeutic techniques, desire to help, ability to empathize, and his or her ideas from past and present experience The client brings curiosity about himself or herself, expertise on his or her own experience, and a desire/need to change.
I believe that psychotherapy is an interpersonal journey of discovery of new perspectives and new ideas on the issues that concern the client(s). The therapist lends his or her knowledge of psychotherapeutic techniques, desire to help, ability to empathize, and his or her ideas from past and present experience The client brings curiosity about himself or herself, expertise on his or her own experience, and a desire/need to change.
Let’s embark on a collaborative journey to navigate the difficulties you’re facing—especially during those times when you feel overwhelmed or stuck.
We’ll explore what’s getting in the way and uncover the tools, insight, and resilience already within you.
You’ll learn practical strategies to help you feel more grounded, confident, and capable of creating meaningful change in your life.
Let’s embark on a collaborative journey to navigate the difficulties you’re facing—especially during those times when you feel overwhelmed or stuck.
We’ll explore what’s getting in the way and uncover the tools, insight, and resilience already within you.
You’ll learn practical strategies to help you feel more grounded, confident, and capable of creating meaningful change in your life.
I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore your emotions, work through challenges, and grow in meaningful ways. I work with adults, couples, and families, supporting those processing past trauma, managing stress, or seeking greater self-understanding. My goal is to empower you on your journey toward emotional clarity and resilience. I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs and am especially passionate about supporting high-conflict individuals and those navigating difficult emotional experiences.
I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore your emotions, work through challenges, and grow in meaningful ways. I work with adults, couples, and families, supporting those processing past trauma, managing stress, or seeking greater self-understanding. My goal is to empower you on your journey toward emotional clarity and resilience. I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs and am especially passionate about supporting high-conflict individuals and those navigating difficult emotional experiences.
I have extensive experience working with adults and children as young as 3. I specialize in helping children other therapists describe as "difficult to treat," including children who are traumatized, emotionally unregulated, physically aggressive, or have difficulty connecting with adults and caregivers. I will work with your child whose needs have not been met in schools or by other therapists. I help children through play, physical movement, games, art, and words. I help overwhelmed parents with sound psychological guidance. I have almost 20 years of experience and I teach and train other therapists.
I have extensive experience working with adults and children as young as 3. I specialize in helping children other therapists describe as "difficult to treat," including children who are traumatized, emotionally unregulated, physically aggressive, or have difficulty connecting with adults and caregivers. I will work with your child whose needs have not been met in schools or by other therapists. I help children through play, physical movement, games, art, and words. I help overwhelmed parents with sound psychological guidance. I have almost 20 years of experience and I teach and train other therapists.
I'm a clinical psychologist practicing with those who suffer from loneliness, anxiety, obsessions, trauma, anger, addiction, loss, issues of identity and intimacy, difficult life circumstances, and many other problems. While I greatly value knowledge about psychopathology, I find a strictly diagnosis-based approach to be limiting. Instead, we might be curious together about the many aspects of life that bear on your particular suffering. This broad exploration and discovery can only happen in a safe and confidential relationship. I feel so privileged when someone chooses to reveal themselves to me on these deeply personal levels.
I'm a clinical psychologist practicing with those who suffer from loneliness, anxiety, obsessions, trauma, anger, addiction, loss, issues of identity and intimacy, difficult life circumstances, and many other problems. While I greatly value knowledge about psychopathology, I find a strictly diagnosis-based approach to be limiting. Instead, we might be curious together about the many aspects of life that bear on your particular suffering. This broad exploration and discovery can only happen in a safe and confidential relationship. I feel so privileged when someone chooses to reveal themselves to me on these deeply personal levels.
I am an experienced psychotherapist offering sessions for individuals, families and groups. I strive to facilitate conversations that invite fresh perspectives and personal agency, attuning to broader social and cultural factors that influence individuals and relationships. My clients often discover they can release coping strategies that no longer support them, and cultivate conditions for personal growth, freedom and more satisfaction in life. My group therapy clients are interested in deepening their awareness and growth through here-and-now experiences within the group. Please contact me for more information about the group.
I am an experienced psychotherapist offering sessions for individuals, families and groups. I strive to facilitate conversations that invite fresh perspectives and personal agency, attuning to broader social and cultural factors that influence individuals and relationships. My clients often discover they can release coping strategies that no longer support them, and cultivate conditions for personal growth, freedom and more satisfaction in life. My group therapy clients are interested in deepening their awareness and growth through here-and-now experiences within the group. Please contact me for more information about the group.
Treatment for body image issues, anxiety, and personality disorders is grounded in evidence-based, trauma-informed care and begins with an assessment to guide treatment planning.
My ideal clients are adolescents transitioning into adulthood through older adults (approximately ages 18–80) who are navigating substance use challenges, trauma histories, and mild to moderate depressive symptoms. They often experience recurring crises, difficulty with independent living skills, and unresolved trauma that impacts daily functioning and relationships.
They need a safe, consistent, and trauma-informed therapeutic space that supports emotional regulation, stability, skill-building, and healing. Their goals include reducing substance use, processing trauma, strengthening coping and life skills, and improving mood.
Treatment for body image issues, anxiety, and personality disorders is grounded in evidence-based, trauma-informed care and begins with an assessment to guide treatment planning.
My ideal clients are adolescents transitioning into adulthood through older adults (approximately ages 18–80) who are navigating substance use challenges, trauma histories, and mild to moderate depressive symptoms. They often experience recurring crises, difficulty with independent living skills, and unresolved trauma that impacts daily functioning and relationships.
They need a safe, consistent, and trauma-informed therapeutic space that supports emotional regulation, stability, skill-building, and healing. Their goals include reducing substance use, processing trauma, strengthening coping and life skills, and improving mood.
Stressed? Burned out? Anxious? Depressed? Overwhelmed by the world? Difficulty communicating? Feeling disconnected from your partner or yourself? The world is a crazy messy place sometimes (especially lately). Our past and current circumstances often create a difficult place to be in our thoughts and our feelings and we often can feel “stuck” in our current circumstances. Some of us carry really heavy burdens and keep on a brave face for those around us because for a lot of reasons like our jobs, roles at home, family, friends, keeping up with the Joneses, you name it!
Stressed? Burned out? Anxious? Depressed? Overwhelmed by the world? Difficulty communicating? Feeling disconnected from your partner or yourself? The world is a crazy messy place sometimes (especially lately). Our past and current circumstances often create a difficult place to be in our thoughts and our feelings and we often can feel “stuck” in our current circumstances. Some of us carry really heavy burdens and keep on a brave face for those around us because for a lot of reasons like our jobs, roles at home, family, friends, keeping up with the Joneses, you name it!
You may be in a season of transition, questioning your identity, purpose, or sense of belonging. Perhaps anxiety, depression, grief, or a powerful inner or transpersonal experience has disrupted the way you understand yourself and your life. You may feel stuck in repeating patterns or disconnected from your creativity, body, or relationships, and sense that surface-level solutions aren’t enough. You want deeper understanding, integration, and meaning—ways to live more authentically and aligned. I help clients explore the unconscious patterns shaping their inner world so they can gain clarity, restore vitality, and heal.
You may be in a season of transition, questioning your identity, purpose, or sense of belonging. Perhaps anxiety, depression, grief, or a powerful inner or transpersonal experience has disrupted the way you understand yourself and your life. You may feel stuck in repeating patterns or disconnected from your creativity, body, or relationships, and sense that surface-level solutions aren’t enough. You want deeper understanding, integration, and meaning—ways to live more authentically and aligned. I help clients explore the unconscious patterns shaping their inner world so they can gain clarity, restore vitality, and heal.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’re worried it means something is “wrong” with you. When I was first going to counseling, these were feelings and thoughts I was experiencing. Many people feel nervous, ashamed, or unsure about asking for help. By utilizing effective treatment with identifiable results, I offer a safe, respectful space where you can feel understood, supported, and confident as you make meaningful changes.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’re worried it means something is “wrong” with you. When I was first going to counseling, these were feelings and thoughts I was experiencing. Many people feel nervous, ashamed, or unsure about asking for help. By utilizing effective treatment with identifiable results, I offer a safe, respectful space where you can feel understood, supported, and confident as you make meaningful changes.
Hi there, I'm Brett! You are on this site because there is something in your life keeping you from the adventurous life it should be. Let me help you resolve this issue. I have been in the counseling field for approx. 20 yrs. I came to this field in an attempt to resolve my own issues with PTSD. I'm a combat veteran and a former law enforcement officer. I have an intimate understanding of trauma, both on the clinical side and the side of the victim. My style is direct. I use primarily dialectical behavior therapy, but will switch modalities if the situation needs flexibility.
Hi there, I'm Brett! You are on this site because there is something in your life keeping you from the adventurous life it should be. Let me help you resolve this issue. I have been in the counseling field for approx. 20 yrs. I came to this field in an attempt to resolve my own issues with PTSD. I'm a combat veteran and a former law enforcement officer. I have an intimate understanding of trauma, both on the clinical side and the side of the victim. My style is direct. I use primarily dialectical behavior therapy, but will switch modalities if the situation needs flexibility.
As a clinician, the therapeutic process is only meaningful and complete with the reciprocity and engagement of those I work with. Each individual is unique and their stories are interwoven with a rich tapestry of diverse emotions. By balancing the abstract, creative, philosophical, and introspective aspects of life with friendliness, compassion, empathy and care, I walk the path with you on your journey toward peace and happiness.
As a clinician, the therapeutic process is only meaningful and complete with the reciprocity and engagement of those I work with. Each individual is unique and their stories are interwoven with a rich tapestry of diverse emotions. By balancing the abstract, creative, philosophical, and introspective aspects of life with friendliness, compassion, empathy and care, I walk the path with you on your journey toward peace and happiness.
I work with anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and psychosis.
With an integrative, client-centered approach, I blend DBT, CBT, and Narrative Therapy to help clients manage emotions, reframe thoughts, and reshape personal narratives for growth. I balance structure with flexibility, mixing creativity, humor, and open-mindedness to make therapy meaningful, engaging, and fun. After all, therapy doesn’t have to be a snooze.
I work with anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and psychosis.
With an integrative, client-centered approach, I blend DBT, CBT, and Narrative Therapy to help clients manage emotions, reframe thoughts, and reshape personal narratives for growth. I balance structure with flexibility, mixing creativity, humor, and open-mindedness to make therapy meaningful, engaging, and fun. After all, therapy doesn’t have to be a snooze.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Personality Disorders Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
Personality Disorders Therapists
What are the common treatment options for personality disorders?
Personality disorders are typically treated with psychotherapy, sometimes in conjunction with medication. Therapy can help people with personality disorders develop skills to tolerate difficult emotions, navigate interpersonal relationships, and solidify their sense of self. Medications can treat symptoms that co-occur with the disorder, such as depression, anger, aggression, and impulsivity.
When to seek treatment for personality disorders?
Even though treatment for personality disorders can be an uphill battle, it’s best to seek help if you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with one, because personality disorders can create substantial problems in life. Symptoms depend on the specific disorder, but overall signs of personality disorders include consistent difficulty maintaining close relationships, dramatic variations in self-esteem, and an unstable sense of identity.
How long does therapy take for personality disorders?
The timeline for treating personality disorders isn’t as clear-cut as it is for other disorders. Change can be difficult, taking from around one year to five, 10, or more. The key is finding a therapist who has extensive experience treating the relevant disorder. For example, a psychologist who specializes in narcissistic personality disorder has specific communication strategies that allow them to sustain the relationship and be more effective with narcissistic patients.
Can therapy help people with personality disorders?
Research suggests that for those who are motivated to address concerns or interpersonal conflict related to a personality disorder, therapy is far more effective than no treatment, and that most people in therapy see improvements. However, since personality disorders involve entrenched elements of identity, they are less responsive to treatment than are other mental health conditions. Finding an expert who has extensive experience working with a given personality disorder is one factor that increases the likelihood of successful treatment.