Somatic Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Living in the current state of our world can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and at times heartbreaking - especially if you are someone who feels deeply. If you’re highly sensitive and finding it hard to stay grounded, hopeful, or connected to yourself, you’re not alone but meaningful change is possible.
I work with highly sensitive individuals who feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or emotionally flooded, yet still want to stay connected to joy, curiosity, and the parts of themselves that feel alive. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling like they are “too much” for the world around them, but together I can help you change that.
Living in the current state of our world can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and at times heartbreaking - especially if you are someone who feels deeply. If you’re highly sensitive and finding it hard to stay grounded, hopeful, or connected to yourself, you’re not alone but meaningful change is possible.
I work with highly sensitive individuals who feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or emotionally flooded, yet still want to stay connected to joy, curiosity, and the parts of themselves that feel alive. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling like they are “too much” for the world around them, but together I can help you change that.
I take a holistic, body-based approach—drawing on Somatic Experiencing and the wisdom of your emotions and physical responses—to help you reconnect with your true self and what you need to feel more grounded and connected.
I have experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. My work also includes sex therapy and dream analysis. I take a holistic view of well-being, integrating body, mind, and spirit in the healing process. My approach draws from Jungian psychoanalysis, Somatic Experiencing, sex therapy, and EMDR.
I take a holistic, body-based approach—drawing on Somatic Experiencing and the wisdom of your emotions and physical responses—to help you reconnect with your true self and what you need to feel more grounded and connected.
I have experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. My work also includes sex therapy and dream analysis. I take a holistic view of well-being, integrating body, mind, and spirit in the healing process. My approach draws from Jungian psychoanalysis, Somatic Experiencing, sex therapy, and EMDR.
However you show up, my baseline is to provide a safe, respectful, and validating space where you are received without assumptions, judgment, or agenda. To bring us closer to your inner voice and illuminate your inner world, I draw on diverse practice experiences that taught me to listen beyond words and look beyond surfaces, plus art and music training that sharpened my attunement. This facilitates human-to-human understanding that can help us work together toward your goals with care and clarity, whether that involves change, growth, exploration, or acceptance.
However you show up, my baseline is to provide a safe, respectful, and validating space where you are received without assumptions, judgment, or agenda. To bring us closer to your inner voice and illuminate your inner world, I draw on diverse practice experiences that taught me to listen beyond words and look beyond surfaces, plus art and music training that sharpened my attunement. This facilitates human-to-human understanding that can help us work together toward your goals with care and clarity, whether that involves change, growth, exploration, or acceptance.
I offer multiple modalities: Somatic, psychodynamic, relational attachment focused, trauma informed and evidenced based cognitive appraoches.
I am a licensed psychotherapist with experience working with adults and teens. My work is best suited for clients who are motivated to find freedom from old patterns of suffering and make the most out of a therapeutic relationship. Some examples of common issues I work with are: Anxiety and trauma recovery. Self-acceptance and emotional awareness. I help clients with communicating to others vulnerably while staying steady. I have a specialization in sexuality and alt relationship structures such as polyamory. I also have expertise in working with extreme exeriences aka psychosis syndrome (within past 2 years of early signs)
I offer multiple modalities: Somatic, psychodynamic, relational attachment focused, trauma informed and evidenced based cognitive appraoches.
I am a licensed psychotherapist with experience working with adults and teens. My work is best suited for clients who are motivated to find freedom from old patterns of suffering and make the most out of a therapeutic relationship. Some examples of common issues I work with are: Anxiety and trauma recovery. Self-acceptance and emotional awareness. I help clients with communicating to others vulnerably while staying steady. I have a specialization in sexuality and alt relationship structures such as polyamory. I also have expertise in working with extreme exeriences aka psychosis syndrome (within past 2 years of early signs)
Are you tired of the power struggles with your toddler or preschooler? Are you navigating life changing events with your child, such as loss, divorce, adoption, moving, traumatic accidents or events? Does your little one have challenges in life with special needs and developmental delays? One of the hardest part of parenting is seeing your child being in pain and feeling like there is nothing you can do to help. I support families with young children to transform what seems like daily survival struggles into thriving in life and in relationships.
Are you tired of the power struggles with your toddler or preschooler? Are you navigating life changing events with your child, such as loss, divorce, adoption, moving, traumatic accidents or events? Does your little one have challenges in life with special needs and developmental delays? One of the hardest part of parenting is seeing your child being in pain and feeling like there is nothing you can do to help. I support families with young children to transform what seems like daily survival struggles into thriving in life and in relationships.
Dr. Joanna Renee Fassl
Marriage & Family Therapist, Joanna Fassl, LMFT, DC, MA
San Francisco, CA 94117
I specialize in Orgonomic Character and Somatic Biophysical work, integrating breath, de-armoring, and trauma-informed bodywork to move talk therapy into the body.
My clients seek a therapy that engages beyond words, enlivening the body, heart, and mind to address chronic anxiety, depression, or anger, and the feeling of being stuck in rigid patterns. I work at the intersection of body and psyche, lovingly chipping away at hardened barriers while inviting steady, free, authentic expression. Sessions integrate biopsychosocial and intersectional frameworks, honoring the whole self while considering the influence of our environments.
I specialize in Orgonomic Character and Somatic Biophysical work, integrating breath, de-armoring, and trauma-informed bodywork to move talk therapy into the body.
My clients seek a therapy that engages beyond words, enlivening the body, heart, and mind to address chronic anxiety, depression, or anger, and the feeling of being stuck in rigid patterns. I work at the intersection of body and psyche, lovingly chipping away at hardened barriers while inviting steady, free, authentic expression. Sessions integrate biopsychosocial and intersectional frameworks, honoring the whole self while considering the influence of our environments.
Do you believe that happiness is not possible unless you obtain a certain body size, relationship or job and are on a constant quest for perfectionism? You may find yourself turning to addiction, chaotic relationships, disordered eating, your inner critic and negative body image to find relief from anxiety, stress or trauma. This is understandable, but there is another way... Imagine creating a compassionate relationship with yourself based on accepting your body as a source of wisdom, connecting you to your feelings, authenticity, creativity and life force.
Do you believe that happiness is not possible unless you obtain a certain body size, relationship or job and are on a constant quest for perfectionism? You may find yourself turning to addiction, chaotic relationships, disordered eating, your inner critic and negative body image to find relief from anxiety, stress or trauma. This is understandable, but there is another way... Imagine creating a compassionate relationship with yourself based on accepting your body as a source of wisdom, connecting you to your feelings, authenticity, creativity and life force.
Kristina Scott
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, SEP
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
As children, and throughout our lives, many of us are taught, through our families, our peers and our culture, that parts of the truth of who we are—our feelings, thoughts, desires, expression or identity—are bad or wrong, and that we must cut off and bury those unacceptable parts of ourselves in order to be loved. We spend much of our lives living with a fractured sense of self, without ever really knowing why we suffer, feel incomplete, ashamed, and never enough, filling the holes in our hearts with poor substitutes for the acceptance, love and connection we so truly need.
As children, and throughout our lives, many of us are taught, through our families, our peers and our culture, that parts of the truth of who we are—our feelings, thoughts, desires, expression or identity—are bad or wrong, and that we must cut off and bury those unacceptable parts of ourselves in order to be loved. We spend much of our lives living with a fractured sense of self, without ever really knowing why we suffer, feel incomplete, ashamed, and never enough, filling the holes in our hearts with poor substitutes for the acceptance, love and connection we so truly need.
You’re a caring professional, student, or parent stretched thin by anxiety, low mood, burnout, grief, or relationship conflict. You want calm, clarity, and tools that actually work. I provide warm, down-to-earth therapy—CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care—to help you manage stress, set boundaries, improve communication, and navigate life transitions. Together we’ll make sense of what’s happening, set realistic goals, and build simple practices you can use.
You’re a caring professional, student, or parent stretched thin by anxiety, low mood, burnout, grief, or relationship conflict. You want calm, clarity, and tools that actually work. I provide warm, down-to-earth therapy—CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care—to help you manage stress, set boundaries, improve communication, and navigate life transitions. Together we’ll make sense of what’s happening, set realistic goals, and build simple practices you can use.
I welcome you to the crossroads. This is a place where you can learn to live your life to its full potential. Although I have a diverse practice, I specialize in working with adult individuals and couples, helping them find ways to foster safety, strength and inner peace when facing depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges. Whether you are looking for relief from painful confusion, sadness, or worry, or are just looking for more meaningful life experiences and relationships, I welcome you on this journey towards personal growth.
I welcome you to the crossroads. This is a place where you can learn to live your life to its full potential. Although I have a diverse practice, I specialize in working with adult individuals and couples, helping them find ways to foster safety, strength and inner peace when facing depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges. Whether you are looking for relief from painful confusion, sadness, or worry, or are just looking for more meaningful life experiences and relationships, I welcome you on this journey towards personal growth.
In individual sessions, I utilize Expressive Arts, Drama, & Somatic Therapies offering creative tools that enhance the mind-body connection & promote emotional awareness, expression & integration.
I am passionate about supporting children, adults and families to improve their communication, emotional connections and self-esteem. My approach is warm, interactive and strength-based. I have experience working with children and adults going through divorce, traumatic experiences, conflicts, challenges with self-regulation, as well as parenting difficulties and behavioral problems. I support my clients through life transitions, the process of acculturation and belonging, anxiety, depression or seeking any type of emotional healing from current or past experiences.
In individual sessions, I utilize Expressive Arts, Drama, & Somatic Therapies offering creative tools that enhance the mind-body connection & promote emotional awareness, expression & integration.
I am passionate about supporting children, adults and families to improve their communication, emotional connections and self-esteem. My approach is warm, interactive and strength-based. I have experience working with children and adults going through divorce, traumatic experiences, conflicts, challenges with self-regulation, as well as parenting difficulties and behavioral problems. I support my clients through life transitions, the process of acculturation and belonging, anxiety, depression or seeking any type of emotional healing from current or past experiences.
In my therapy approach, I lean on the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework as a steady foundation, weaving in the wisdom of Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic awareness, gentle mindfulness practices, and EMDR for trauma processing.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck on auto-pilot, and unsure of what to do? You don't have to figure it out alone. I help people get unstuck by exploring identity and values, untangling trauma, and moving toward a more grounded life. Clients tell me our sessions feel like a "golden hour" in their day: a calm, compassionate pause that lets warm light shine upon life's shadows. I am queer and am passionate about working with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples/relationships. My work is centered in liberation, providing a space that encourages expression, empowerment, and choice.
In my therapy approach, I lean on the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework as a steady foundation, weaving in the wisdom of Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic awareness, gentle mindfulness practices, and EMDR for trauma processing.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck on auto-pilot, and unsure of what to do? You don't have to figure it out alone. I help people get unstuck by exploring identity and values, untangling trauma, and moving toward a more grounded life. Clients tell me our sessions feel like a "golden hour" in their day: a calm, compassionate pause that lets warm light shine upon life's shadows. I am queer and am passionate about working with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples/relationships. My work is centered in liberation, providing a space that encourages expression, empowerment, and choice.
Hi, I’m Renee Hawley, Licensed Clinical Social Worker—welcome! Life has a way of throwing us off balance sometimes. You might find yourself feeling more anxious, low, stuck in unhelpful habits, or overwhelmed in your relationships. You’re not alone in that. Together, we’ll explore how your experiences—your thoughts, beliefs, fears, motivations, and needs—are shaping your current challenges. From there, we’ll build on your strengths and create a toolkit to help you feel more grounded, capable, and at peace.
Hi, I’m Renee Hawley, Licensed Clinical Social Worker—welcome! Life has a way of throwing us off balance sometimes. You might find yourself feeling more anxious, low, stuck in unhelpful habits, or overwhelmed in your relationships. You’re not alone in that. Together, we’ll explore how your experiences—your thoughts, beliefs, fears, motivations, and needs—are shaping your current challenges. From there, we’ll build on your strengths and create a toolkit to help you feel more grounded, capable, and at peace.
Lauren LaPointe
Marriage & Family Therapist, BA, MA
San Francisco, CA 94118
Waitlist for new clients
Struggling with depression, anxiety, a major life transition or grief? Feeling stuck in therapy or unsure if it’s still helping? I offer a safe and inclusive space where you can explore your unique challenges and what tools may best support you. Whether navigating life transitions, understanding family dynamics, processing trauma, or even exploring the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy, I’m here to support you. If you’re seeking to deepen your self-understanding and heal from past experiences, let’s work together to find a path toward emotional wellness and fulfillment
Struggling with depression, anxiety, a major life transition or grief? Feeling stuck in therapy or unsure if it’s still helping? I offer a safe and inclusive space where you can explore your unique challenges and what tools may best support you. Whether navigating life transitions, understanding family dynamics, processing trauma, or even exploring the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy, I’m here to support you. If you’re seeking to deepen your self-understanding and heal from past experiences, let’s work together to find a path toward emotional wellness and fulfillment
Using Brainspotting, mindfulness and somatic, integrative approaches, we can help you connect to your grounded deeper self, and shift into a life that feels more authentic, connected, confident, even joyful.
I help high-achieving sensitive people from immigrant and other diverse backgrounds connect more to their authentic selves and thrive. You are a high performer---maybe even the go-to person for other people. Perhaps you identify as an introvert, empath/HSP, creative, changemaker, or healer. You feel deeply, and are concerned about others. Outwardly, you’ve held it together, worked hard to keep others happy. But inside, you're exhausted, frustrated with yourself and others, feeling unseen. You don’t have to do this work alone, amidst the existential grief of global crises and persisting inequalities. I'm here for you. I can relate.
Using Brainspotting, mindfulness and somatic, integrative approaches, we can help you connect to your grounded deeper self, and shift into a life that feels more authentic, connected, confident, even joyful.
I help high-achieving sensitive people from immigrant and other diverse backgrounds connect more to their authentic selves and thrive. You are a high performer---maybe even the go-to person for other people. Perhaps you identify as an introvert, empath/HSP, creative, changemaker, or healer. You feel deeply, and are concerned about others. Outwardly, you’ve held it together, worked hard to keep others happy. But inside, you're exhausted, frustrated with yourself and others, feeling unseen. You don’t have to do this work alone, amidst the existential grief of global crises and persisting inequalities. I'm here for you. I can relate.
I offer somatic tools that support nervous system regulation, strategies to shift away from negative thinking patterns, practices that honor you spiritually, and the western studies + ancestral wisdom to back up why this all matters.
I want your nervous system to know the safety and care it deserves. Collectively, we’re facing tumultuous and unsettling times. If you feel overwhelmed, disconnected from your body, or trapped in your thoughts due to anxiety—whether for personal or collective reasons, I’d love to support you with that.
I'll offer you a safe container to unpack the sociopolitical stress you may be experiencing, help you release negative beliefs, heal traumatic experiences, and support you in unlearning who you were conditioned to be in the context of your family and society so that you feel more at ease to live confidently and authentically.
I offer somatic tools that support nervous system regulation, strategies to shift away from negative thinking patterns, practices that honor you spiritually, and the western studies + ancestral wisdom to back up why this all matters.
I want your nervous system to know the safety and care it deserves. Collectively, we’re facing tumultuous and unsettling times. If you feel overwhelmed, disconnected from your body, or trapped in your thoughts due to anxiety—whether for personal or collective reasons, I’d love to support you with that.
I'll offer you a safe container to unpack the sociopolitical stress you may be experiencing, help you release negative beliefs, heal traumatic experiences, and support you in unlearning who you were conditioned to be in the context of your family and society so that you feel more at ease to live confidently and authentically.
I'm trained in somatic psychotherapy and take an integrated, relational approach, incorporating psychodynamics, mindfulness, and embodied awareness.
I work with individuals who are looking to explore the underlying experiences from their past that shape their present suffering, those who have struggled to feel safe in their own bodies, and those who want to welcome greater presence, joy, and agency into their lives right now. With couples and families, I look for the dynamics that create a unique system that has its successes and its stressors. Together, we'll find ways to support you to communicate from a place of openness rather than defensiveness so that you can begin to hear each other through the noise and work toward resolution. Trauma-informed and LGBTQIA-affirming.
I'm trained in somatic psychotherapy and take an integrated, relational approach, incorporating psychodynamics, mindfulness, and embodied awareness.
I work with individuals who are looking to explore the underlying experiences from their past that shape their present suffering, those who have struggled to feel safe in their own bodies, and those who want to welcome greater presence, joy, and agency into their lives right now. With couples and families, I look for the dynamics that create a unique system that has its successes and its stressors. Together, we'll find ways to support you to communicate from a place of openness rather than defensiveness so that you can begin to hear each other through the noise and work toward resolution. Trauma-informed and LGBTQIA-affirming.
We understand you're stuck and you've tried everything. We listen carefully, think collaboratively, and work with you to make sense of what’s not working and how to change it. Our speciality is adapting therapy to fit you, whether that means talking about shows and characters you find moving, giving you concrete suggestions about how to tackle whatever is in your way, laughing together, or giving you space to grieve and process trauma.
We understand you're stuck and you've tried everything. We listen carefully, think collaboratively, and work with you to make sense of what’s not working and how to change it. Our speciality is adapting therapy to fit you, whether that means talking about shows and characters you find moving, giving you concrete suggestions about how to tackle whatever is in your way, laughing together, or giving you space to grieve and process trauma.
My ideal client feels emotionally drained after relationships marked by manipulation, control, or neglect. They may carry shame, self-doubt, or use substances to cope, yet are insightful and resilient. They want to understand themselves, trust their emotions again, and build healthier relationships. They seek therapy to heal old wounds and feel more grounded and whole.
Mi cliente ideal se siente cansado por relaciones con control o abuso. Puede sentir vergüenza, duda o usar sustancias para aguantar. Quiere entenderse, confiar en lo que siente y tener relaciones más sanas. Busca sanar heridas y sentirse en paz.
My ideal client feels emotionally drained after relationships marked by manipulation, control, or neglect. They may carry shame, self-doubt, or use substances to cope, yet are insightful and resilient. They want to understand themselves, trust their emotions again, and build healthier relationships. They seek therapy to heal old wounds and feel more grounded and whole.
Mi cliente ideal se siente cansado por relaciones con control o abuso. Puede sentir vergüenza, duda o usar sustancias para aguantar. Quiere entenderse, confiar en lo que siente y tener relaciones más sanas. Busca sanar heridas y sentirse en paz.
I often use mindfulness and somatic (body-based) therapy tools while teach coping skills for emotional regulation and tolerating distress.
We are wired for connection — with our internal selves, with others, and within broader communities. But oftentimes there are barriers. It can be something we learned when we were small and trying to survive, a challenging message or "should" from the world around us, or a loss we struggle to understand. Many of us seek therapy to better know who we are and what we want, and be able to communicate that understanding to those around us. Whatever brings you to therapy, your awareness of seeking someone to walk with you on this healing path is a great first step!
I often use mindfulness and somatic (body-based) therapy tools while teach coping skills for emotional regulation and tolerating distress.
We are wired for connection — with our internal selves, with others, and within broader communities. But oftentimes there are barriers. It can be something we learned when we were small and trying to survive, a challenging message or "should" from the world around us, or a loss we struggle to understand. Many of us seek therapy to better know who we are and what we want, and be able to communicate that understanding to those around us. Whatever brings you to therapy, your awareness of seeking someone to walk with you on this healing path is a great first step!
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Somatic Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
Somatic Therapists
How does somatic therapy work?
Somatic therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how the body and mind are interconnected. In this approach, physical symptoms are addressed because they may in fact signal emotional distress. Somatic therapists combine mindfulness, talk therapy, breathwork, yoga, dance, and physical manipulations of the body to help patients become more attuned to what their body is telling them.
Is EMDR a somatic therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of somatic therapy, as it incorporates mental and physical principles. EMDR involves remembering a traumatic experience while allowing one’s eyes to track a side-to-side visual stimulus from a therapist. This lateral eye movement is believed to diminish the painful power of the memory so that it can be discussed with a therapist.
Is somatic therapy evidence-based?
Somatic therapy has been researched and studied, and some forms of somatic therapy are found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions. Because somatic therapy encompasses many techniques, some, such as EMDR and meditation, have been studied more than others.
What is somatic trauma therapy?
Somatic trauma therapy is based on the idea that when people experience trauma, they can become stuck in the “freeze” part of a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. In this state, trauma can manifest itself both mentally and physically—through tension in the muscles, anxiety, and stress. Popular forms of somatic trauma therapy include EMDR, sensorimotor therapy, and somatic experiencing.