Trauma and PTSD Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Seeking support for yourself and/or child requires courage and humility. I strive to provide each of my clients with a safe, comforting, and non-judgmental environment where we can build a therapeutic alliance based on trust. When we experience emotional safety, and the basic need of being seen and heard, we can begin to understand our ourselves more deeply. My style is warm, interpersonal, collaborative, and challenging at times, focusing mainly on our relationship in order to promote long-term fulfillment.
Seeking support for yourself and/or child requires courage and humility. I strive to provide each of my clients with a safe, comforting, and non-judgmental environment where we can build a therapeutic alliance based on trust. When we experience emotional safety, and the basic need of being seen and heard, we can begin to understand our ourselves more deeply. My style is warm, interpersonal, collaborative, and challenging at times, focusing mainly on our relationship in order to promote long-term fulfillment.
Life can be incredibly hard, and there is no "manual" for how to navigate life's overwhelming situations and complex emotional experiences. During these tough times, it's common to feel "stuck" and desperately wanting solutions, while struggling to identify them on your own. At this juncture, the objectivity, support, and insight of a licensed clinical psychologist can help you to move through this time in your life. I have witnessed this process, personally, and helped many clients persevere through intense periods of conflict and pain.
Life can be incredibly hard, and there is no "manual" for how to navigate life's overwhelming situations and complex emotional experiences. During these tough times, it's common to feel "stuck" and desperately wanting solutions, while struggling to identify them on your own. At this juncture, the objectivity, support, and insight of a licensed clinical psychologist can help you to move through this time in your life. I have witnessed this process, personally, and helped many clients persevere through intense periods of conflict and pain.
In 2007, I earned my LCSW and have since specialized in trauma and its effects.
Positive and healthy experiences can deeply enrich our lives, fostering a sense of connection and clarity about what we truly want and deserve. However, many of us have also faced negative or traumatic experiences that can shape our core beliefs, leaving us feeling unworthy, unlovable, or trapped in harmful thought patterns and behaviors. I am here to support you as you work towards creating the life you truly desire.
In 2007, I earned my LCSW and have since specialized in trauma and its effects.
Positive and healthy experiences can deeply enrich our lives, fostering a sense of connection and clarity about what we truly want and deserve. However, many of us have also faced negative or traumatic experiences that can shape our core beliefs, leaving us feeling unworthy, unlovable, or trapped in harmful thought patterns and behaviors. I am here to support you as you work towards creating the life you truly desire.
I am trained in depth and relational psychology, trauma therapy, and have practiced psychotherapy in San Francisco for over 25 years.
In the spirit of kindness and compassion we will sit together and explore the changes you are seeking and the habitual patterns and behaviors that may no longer serve you. I might help you to: Discover and release emotional and relational wounds; Alleviate depression, hopelessness, anxiety or mood instability; Face life transitions in employment, relationships, health or aging; Deal with loss and grief; Resolve issues with drug and alcohol dependence; Navigate parenting issues; Develop more satisfying communication and intimacy in relationships with others and with yourself, emerging from dissatisfaction to find fulfillment.
I am trained in depth and relational psychology, trauma therapy, and have practiced psychotherapy in San Francisco for over 25 years.
In the spirit of kindness and compassion we will sit together and explore the changes you are seeking and the habitual patterns and behaviors that may no longer serve you. I might help you to: Discover and release emotional and relational wounds; Alleviate depression, hopelessness, anxiety or mood instability; Face life transitions in employment, relationships, health or aging; Deal with loss and grief; Resolve issues with drug and alcohol dependence; Navigate parenting issues; Develop more satisfying communication and intimacy in relationships with others and with yourself, emerging from dissatisfaction to find fulfillment.
This method supports the regulation of the nervous system, enhances self-awareness, and facilitates the resolution of stored stress and trauma responses.
EMDR is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals process and heal from trauma. Incorporating Internal Family Systems (IFS) principles, we explore different parts that may be in conflict. With Sex Therapy: I provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment for exploring issues related to sexual intimacy, approached from a sex/ACE positive perspective.
This method supports the regulation of the nervous system, enhances self-awareness, and facilitates the resolution of stored stress and trauma responses.
EMDR is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals process and heal from trauma. Incorporating Internal Family Systems (IFS) principles, we explore different parts that may be in conflict. With Sex Therapy: I provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment for exploring issues related to sexual intimacy, approached from a sex/ACE positive perspective.
My psychotherapy practice is primarily focused on helping people who are struggling with the effects of trauma, relationship stress, depression, anxiety, substance use and addiction.
Suffering and healing are impacted by our past, our present and deeply intertwined with our environments. I find importance in developing an understanding of your perspective, how you relate to others, internalize experiences, find solutions to problems and make meaning out of these ideas.
My psychotherapy practice is primarily focused on helping people who are struggling with the effects of trauma, relationship stress, depression, anxiety, substance use and addiction.
Suffering and healing are impacted by our past, our present and deeply intertwined with our environments. I find importance in developing an understanding of your perspective, how you relate to others, internalize experiences, find solutions to problems and make meaning out of these ideas.
Live Better Counseling (Sahar Akhtar)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, LPC, MSEd, INHC
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Clinically I specialize in the treatment of Trauma, Anxiety & ADHD.
People who decide to work with me are looking for someone who they feel comfortable sharing with. Someone who understands them culturally. Someone who can restore hope, work with them to implement healthier thought patterns, increase desired behaviors and empower them. People who work with me want better for themselves but feel stuck.
Clinically I specialize in the treatment of Trauma, Anxiety & ADHD.
People who decide to work with me are looking for someone who they feel comfortable sharing with. Someone who understands them culturally. Someone who can restore hope, work with them to implement healthier thought patterns, increase desired behaviors and empower them. People who work with me want better for themselves but feel stuck.
However, I currently have particular interest and experience in working with those who broadly fall under the category of what we now call "neurodivergence" (including ADHD, autism, learning differences, anxiety, etc) as well as with people who are facing issues related to trauma, sexuality, gender, relationships, intimacy, or the avoidance, reluctance, and fear associated with any of these very human challenges.
I work with adults, children ages 5 and up, teens, and couples.
My style is curious, open to possibility, exploratory, and nonjudgmental.
I do my best to remain focused, determined, and committed to every person I treat, whose willingness to enter into and continue with treatment is something I hold in very high regard and respect.
However, I currently have particular interest and experience in working with those who broadly fall under the category of what we now call "neurodivergence" (including ADHD, autism, learning differences, anxiety, etc) as well as with people who are facing issues related to trauma, sexuality, gender, relationships, intimacy, or the avoidance, reluctance, and fear associated with any of these very human challenges.
I work with adults, children ages 5 and up, teens, and couples.
My style is curious, open to possibility, exploratory, and nonjudgmental.
I do my best to remain focused, determined, and committed to every person I treat, whose willingness to enter into and continue with treatment is something I hold in very high regard and respect.
I have an extensive history of treating trauma, mental & emotional disorders, and dysfunctional behaviors.
Do you struggle with finding or maintaining inner peace in specific areas of your life or, in life in general? Do you experience unhappiness or dissatisfaction with your life? Therapy may help you identify the blocks in your life that keep you from living and experiencing life as you desire. Left unchecked and unexamined, negative dynamics rooted in our past and/or fears & anxiety about the future may progress with greater consequence and/or disillusionment about life. I strive to understand your experience(s) in order to form a genuine connection and to identify meaningful solutions that honor you and your highest life aspirations.
I have an extensive history of treating trauma, mental & emotional disorders, and dysfunctional behaviors.
Do you struggle with finding or maintaining inner peace in specific areas of your life or, in life in general? Do you experience unhappiness or dissatisfaction with your life? Therapy may help you identify the blocks in your life that keep you from living and experiencing life as you desire. Left unchecked and unexamined, negative dynamics rooted in our past and/or fears & anxiety about the future may progress with greater consequence and/or disillusionment about life. I strive to understand your experience(s) in order to form a genuine connection and to identify meaningful solutions that honor you and your highest life aspirations.
Will Barone is a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive clinical and research experience helping clients focusing on a range of issues including anxiety, trauma, OCD, life transitions, and self-exploration.
Dr. Barone enjoys working with adults via telemedicine across the State of California, and with limited options to meet in Oakland, CA.
Will Barone is a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive clinical and research experience helping clients focusing on a range of issues including anxiety, trauma, OCD, life transitions, and self-exploration.
Dr. Barone enjoys working with adults via telemedicine across the State of California, and with limited options to meet in Oakland, CA.
Whether born as a shield to trauma or driven by an overstimulating world, your overactive mind is now contributing to suffering.
I am passionate about working with the immigrant and first/second generation populations and those in the queer community. I enjoy helping clients navigate the minority experience while connecting with a sense of greater spiritual oneness- without spiritually bypassing, through all the nuances.
Whether born as a shield to trauma or driven by an overstimulating world, your overactive mind is now contributing to suffering.
I am passionate about working with the immigrant and first/second generation populations and those in the queer community. I enjoy helping clients navigate the minority experience while connecting with a sense of greater spiritual oneness- without spiritually bypassing, through all the nuances.
I specialize in supporting people who have experienced trauma or just have that nagging sense in the back of their mind that something isn’t quite right.
I am a transgender, non-binary queer, social justice therapist and clinical supervisor. I love working with LGBTQ people, activists and change makers. I see the whole person within the systems of oppression we live in. I also work with couples, poly units, and young adults. I provide pre-surgical assessments for people seeking gender affirming surgeries.
I specialize in supporting people who have experienced trauma or just have that nagging sense in the back of their mind that something isn’t quite right.
I am a transgender, non-binary queer, social justice therapist and clinical supervisor. I love working with LGBTQ people, activists and change makers. I see the whole person within the systems of oppression we live in. I also work with couples, poly units, and young adults. I provide pre-surgical assessments for people seeking gender affirming surgeries.
I use a variety of theoretical approaches including Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, Trauma Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
My work is with adults of all ages. My clients are culturally diverse and are seeking support with issues such as, life transitions, grief, relationship issues, self-esteem, family of origin issues, trauma, and identity.
I use a variety of theoretical approaches including Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, Trauma Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
My work is with adults of all ages. My clients are culturally diverse and are seeking support with issues such as, life transitions, grief, relationship issues, self-esteem, family of origin issues, trauma, and identity.
With over a decade of experience in clinical psychology, I specialize in helping clients with stress, anxiety, OCD, grief, depression, and trauma.
I utilize therapies with strong evidence behind them and collaborate closely with each client to create a unique treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. I am well-versed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and mindfulness.
With over a decade of experience in clinical psychology, I specialize in helping clients with stress, anxiety, OCD, grief, depression, and trauma.
I utilize therapies with strong evidence behind them and collaborate closely with each client to create a unique treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. I am well-versed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and mindfulness.
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.
I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and self-esteem.
Do you often feel misunderstood, unsatisfied in your relationships, or kept awake by racing thoughts? It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when life gets confusing or difficult. My role is to support you and provide a safe space to better understand yourself and discover new ways to move forward. I’m passionate about helping people uncover the emotional and relational patterns that shape their lives, so they can build stronger connections—with themselves and with others.
I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and self-esteem.
Do you often feel misunderstood, unsatisfied in your relationships, or kept awake by racing thoughts? It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when life gets confusing or difficult. My role is to support you and provide a safe space to better understand yourself and discover new ways to move forward. I’m passionate about helping people uncover the emotional and relational patterns that shape their lives, so they can build stronger connections—with themselves and with others.
Unprocessed trauma, anxiety, depression, painful entanglements, behavioral issues, and the lingering effects of damaging experiences can exhaust us.
I have 20+ years of experience working with adults, couples, children, and adolescents. I have a special interest in working with relationship issues, trauma, behavioral issues, eating disorders, parent coaching, divorce/separation/single parenthood, and medical issues (cancer, infertility, postpartum depression, and type 1 diabetes, to name a few).
Unprocessed trauma, anxiety, depression, painful entanglements, behavioral issues, and the lingering effects of damaging experiences can exhaust us.
I have 20+ years of experience working with adults, couples, children, and adolescents. I have a special interest in working with relationship issues, trauma, behavioral issues, eating disorders, parent coaching, divorce/separation/single parenthood, and medical issues (cancer, infertility, postpartum depression, and type 1 diabetes, to name a few).
I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults with trauma histories, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, body and self-esteem issues, life and family transitions.
My approach is relational, guided by psychodynamic, creative expression and social justice principles. I work closely with clients' parents, families, and significant others to bridge gaps in communication, discover and explore where conflict, distress and misattunement stem from, and create possibility for healing, growth and connection.
I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults with trauma histories, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, body and self-esteem issues, life and family transitions.
My approach is relational, guided by psychodynamic, creative expression and social justice principles. I work closely with clients' parents, families, and significant others to bridge gaps in communication, discover and explore where conflict, distress and misattunement stem from, and create possibility for healing, growth and connection.
I specialize in trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety.
Being human guarantees a range of feelings and thoughts, some of which are beautiful and light, others of which are heavy or scary. Sometimes it's hard to see the way ahead or feel like you could move toward it if you did see it. We seek to manage emotions in ways that end up getting us more stuck rather than less so. As one comes in contact with these internal experiences, both inside and outside of the therapy room, I help my clients to respond in new ways that take them closer to their most deeply cherished values. The answers you ultimately need are mostly within you already, if we look in the right places.
I specialize in trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety.
Being human guarantees a range of feelings and thoughts, some of which are beautiful and light, others of which are heavy or scary. Sometimes it's hard to see the way ahead or feel like you could move toward it if you did see it. We seek to manage emotions in ways that end up getting us more stuck rather than less so. As one comes in contact with these internal experiences, both inside and outside of the therapy room, I help my clients to respond in new ways that take them closer to their most deeply cherished values. The answers you ultimately need are mostly within you already, if we look in the right places.
Karla Fakhouri
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, SOMATIC, EMDR
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
As your therapist, I maintain curiosity about your unique perspective, assessing your threshold for growth within your cultural context. I work with you, tailoring the work to your need. I utilize various modalities, including somatic, art and play therapy. I work with you in the present moment, accessing and resolving past traumatic experiences. I work with individuals, couples, families and children.
As your therapist, I maintain curiosity about your unique perspective, assessing your threshold for growth within your cultural context. I work with you, tailoring the work to your need. I utilize various modalities, including somatic, art and play therapy. I work with you in the present moment, accessing and resolving past traumatic experiences. I work with individuals, couples, families and children.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Trauma and PTSD Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
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- Brisbane
- Colma
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Oakland
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- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
Trauma and PTSD Therapists
When should I seek treatment for trauma?
Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.
How long does trauma therapy take?
Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.
What happens if trauma is left untreated?
Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.
Can PTSD come back after treatment?
It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.