Therapists in Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA
Kimia Mansoor
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115
Are you feeling disappointed and dissatisfied with your current circumstances, relationships, work, or the world at large? I specialize in working with adults, adolescents, and couples experiencing high levels of stress, interpersonal conflict, difficult family/relationship dynamics, grief, and chronic pain or illness. I often work with people who feel "different" and who may have experienced deep feelings of otherness throughout their lives. This includes children of immigrants, neurodiverse individuals, survivors of complex trauma/abuse, and those who identify with minority status in one or more ways.
Are you feeling disappointed and dissatisfied with your current circumstances, relationships, work, or the world at large? I specialize in working with adults, adolescents, and couples experiencing high levels of stress, interpersonal conflict, difficult family/relationship dynamics, grief, and chronic pain or illness. I often work with people who feel "different" and who may have experienced deep feelings of otherness throughout their lives. This includes children of immigrants, neurodiverse individuals, survivors of complex trauma/abuse, and those who identify with minority status in one or more ways.
Katy Wray, Psychotherapist & Jungian Psychoanalyst
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115
Sometimes there is a powerful link between pain in the body and the unconscious mind.
Psychotherapy can help when you are struggling with something specific, or when you are feeling concerned about where your life is going in general. There may be patterns that you tend to repeat and wish to change. Common concerns include relationships, work, anxiety, depression, grief, and childhood trauma. Depth therapy and Jungian psychoanalysis aim to go beyond immediate symptom relief to unblock your capacity to grow into who you are uniquely meant to be.
Sometimes there is a powerful link between pain in the body and the unconscious mind.
Psychotherapy can help when you are struggling with something specific, or when you are feeling concerned about where your life is going in general. There may be patterns that you tend to repeat and wish to change. Common concerns include relationships, work, anxiety, depression, grief, and childhood trauma. Depth therapy and Jungian psychoanalysis aim to go beyond immediate symptom relief to unblock your capacity to grow into who you are uniquely meant to be.
Natasha Smolkin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94109 (Online Only)
Dr. Natasha Smolkin is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with patients who struggle with chronic pain, stress and anxiety, addiction, interpersonal challenges, depression, self-esteem issues, and many more of life’s mental wellness obstacles. She utilizes an integrative, strength-based approach, which focuses on cultivating sense-of-efficacy around changes, obstacles, and goals.
Dr. Natasha Smolkin is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with patients who struggle with chronic pain, stress and anxiety, addiction, interpersonal challenges, depression, self-esteem issues, and many more of life’s mental wellness obstacles. She utilizes an integrative, strength-based approach, which focuses on cultivating sense-of-efficacy around changes, obstacles, and goals.
Shannon Hagan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115
I have worked extensively with couples and individuals, helping improve relationships, enhance spiritual practice, find greater joy and success, and improve pain management.
While life does have it's challenges, I am here to remind you that there is a path to a gentler, brighter, more playful future, both with our own selves and with our partners and loved one. Therapy can be a wonderful way to rediscover joy, aliveness and connectedness.
I have worked extensively with couples and individuals, helping improve relationships, enhance spiritual practice, find greater joy and success, and improve pain management.
While life does have it's challenges, I am here to remind you that there is a path to a gentler, brighter, more playful future, both with our own selves and with our partners and loved one. Therapy can be a wonderful way to rediscover joy, aliveness and connectedness.
Leslie R Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Perhaps you are seeking a path of self-exploration or struggling with anxiety, depression or low self-esteem. You may need some additional time to talk and make some sense out the barriers to your personal goals. Or you may desire to learn practical skills to cope with your pain. Every person is unique, which means that our time together would be tailored to your particular needs based on cultural background, family dynamics and personal values. Either way, I will be present with you and assist you as you journey toward a meaningful life.
Perhaps you are seeking a path of self-exploration or struggling with anxiety, depression or low self-esteem. You may need some additional time to talk and make some sense out the barriers to your personal goals. Or you may desire to learn practical skills to cope with your pain. Every person is unique, which means that our time together would be tailored to your particular needs based on cultural background, family dynamics and personal values. Either way, I will be present with you and assist you as you journey toward a meaningful life.
Denise Stilwell
Psychologist, RN, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94109 (Online Only)
Dr. Denise Stilwell is a licensed clinical psychologist with seven years of experience providing psychotherapy in a variety of clinical settings. She worked as a nurse for sixteen years before she became a psychotherapist and brings that rich experience into her practice. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, identity issues, interpersonal issues, grief, managing chronic illness, and somatic symptom disorder. Dr. Stilwell collaborates with her clients to ensure they feel seen and heard in their sessions while utilizing evidence-based therapy approaches that are culturally sensitive and individually focused.
Dr. Denise Stilwell is a licensed clinical psychologist with seven years of experience providing psychotherapy in a variety of clinical settings. She worked as a nurse for sixteen years before she became a psychotherapist and brings that rich experience into her practice. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, identity issues, interpersonal issues, grief, managing chronic illness, and somatic symptom disorder. Dr. Stilwell collaborates with her clients to ensure they feel seen and heard in their sessions while utilizing evidence-based therapy approaches that are culturally sensitive and individually focused.
Stéphanie Gay Moss
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115
Sometimes, engaging with emotional pain involves making contact with wordless places and unthought truths.
My work with you begins with the recognition that it takes courage to seek help. You may have questions about why you feel the way you feel and why you do the things you do. I believe you are not defined by your symptoms. Whether you struggle with love, work, or relationships, whether you are in crisis or you have received a mental health diagnosis, I believe that your true desires, conflicts, and needs are meaningful and worth actively getting to know. From our first session together, I meet you where you are.
Sometimes, engaging with emotional pain involves making contact with wordless places and unthought truths.
My work with you begins with the recognition that it takes courage to seek help. You may have questions about why you feel the way you feel and why you do the things you do. I believe you are not defined by your symptoms. Whether you struggle with love, work, or relationships, whether you are in crisis or you have received a mental health diagnosis, I believe that your true desires, conflicts, and needs are meaningful and worth actively getting to know. From our first session together, I meet you where you are.
Beyond Coping
Psychologist, PhD
Not Verified Not Verified
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115
Are you living with or have you recently been diagnosed with a major medical condition? Caring for someone who is ill or dying? Are you having difficulties coping with a chronic or newly diagnosed illness? Are your children struggling with the loss of a loved one? Are you dealing with the impact of illness on body image? Are you considering end of life options or dealing with issues such as loss and grief? We help patients, their loved ones, and caregivers coping with cancer, life-altering illness, chronic pain, neurological conditions, infertility, complex pregnancy, and end of life issues.
Are you living with or have you recently been diagnosed with a major medical condition? Caring for someone who is ill or dying? Are you having difficulties coping with a chronic or newly diagnosed illness? Are your children struggling with the loss of a loved one? Are you dealing with the impact of illness on body image? Are you considering end of life options or dealing with issues such as loss and grief? We help patients, their loved ones, and caregivers coping with cancer, life-altering illness, chronic pain, neurological conditions, infertility, complex pregnancy, and end of life issues.
Buddhist Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115
The type of therapy that I specialize in would likely be a good match for you if you're interested in integrating practices like meditation, mindfulness, self-compassion, and loving-kindness with contemporary psychotherapy to address current issues in your life. In the past I have successfully worked with individuals struggling with anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, anger, addiction, chronic pain, marital and other relational issues including LGBT relationships. My specialty is working with anxiety and stress related disorders.
The type of therapy that I specialize in would likely be a good match for you if you're interested in integrating practices like meditation, mindfulness, self-compassion, and loving-kindness with contemporary psychotherapy to address current issues in your life. In the past I have successfully worked with individuals struggling with anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, anger, addiction, chronic pain, marital and other relational issues including LGBT relationships. My specialty is working with anxiety and stress related disorders.
Bahar Yaghoubian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
My name is Bahar, and I provide counseling for Anxiety, Trauma, and Pain virtually to anyone living in San Francisco, Bay Area, & Los Angeles, CA.
Before your day starts, your heart and mind are already racing, your back and neck feel tense, and your stomach feels queasy. You have this feeling that you are stuck and not sure how to get out of this situation. You think to yourself, “What is happening to my life? Why do I feel this way?” Worry, fear, avoidance, racing heart and negative thoughts. In other words, Anxiety!!! It’s taking up all your energy and controlling your thoughts, emotions, and body. It feels like the anxiety is running your life.
My name is Bahar, and I provide counseling for Anxiety, Trauma, and Pain virtually to anyone living in San Francisco, Bay Area, & Los Angeles, CA.
Before your day starts, your heart and mind are already racing, your back and neck feel tense, and your stomach feels queasy. You have this feeling that you are stuck and not sure how to get out of this situation. You think to yourself, “What is happening to my life? Why do I feel this way?” Worry, fear, avoidance, racing heart and negative thoughts. In other words, Anxiety!!! It’s taking up all your energy and controlling your thoughts, emotions, and body. It feels like the anxiety is running your life.
Kaitlin Doran
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94109 (Online Only)
Dr. Kaitlin Doran is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in chronic pain management, depression and anxiety, LGBTQIA issues, women’s health issues, and life transitions. Her approach is warm and collaborative, informed by interpersonal and emotion-focused theories. She fosters a safe and nurturing environment from which to gain greater insight and confidence through genuineness, interest, and humor.
Dr. Kaitlin Doran is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in chronic pain management, depression and anxiety, LGBTQIA issues, women’s health issues, and life transitions. Her approach is warm and collaborative, informed by interpersonal and emotion-focused theories. She fosters a safe and nurturing environment from which to gain greater insight and confidence through genuineness, interest, and humor.
15 Second Videos
Elisa Joy Friedlander
Firebird Healing
Adriana Popescu
The Conscious Partnership™
Ivan Belyaev
Brinn E. Langdale
Lisa Bialy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115
I specialize in: relationship problems (all kinds), mind/body issues (including addictions and medical illness), anxiety/depression (including panic attacks), and work/career satisfaction (including peak performance).
I help individuals, couples, and families identify their goals, face their fears, and explore old patterns of behavior so they can make the desired changes in their lives that lead to more meaningful, happy futures as well as better relationships with themselves and others. I am interested in why we keep doing things that don't seem to work. My approach is both pragmatic and depth oriented and my style is collaborative.
I specialize in: relationship problems (all kinds), mind/body issues (including addictions and medical illness), anxiety/depression (including panic attacks), and work/career satisfaction (including peak performance).
I help individuals, couples, and families identify their goals, face their fears, and explore old patterns of behavior so they can make the desired changes in their lives that lead to more meaningful, happy futures as well as better relationships with themselves and others. I am interested in why we keep doing things that don't seem to work. My approach is both pragmatic and depth oriented and my style is collaborative.
Sean Fitzgerald
Counselor, DMFT, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94109 (Online Only)
Do you feel unbalanced and overwhelmed? Feeling trapped by your own life? Sometimes people and life expect more and more out of us, leaving nothing for us but a full schedule and an empty life. You may also fear expressing our emotions because you're not sure what will happen if you do. Whether it’s problems with work, home life, a relationship, chronic illness or a specific event like a major transition, accident, or sudden death, I can help by providing a safe place for you to open up and feel heard.
Do you feel unbalanced and overwhelmed? Feeling trapped by your own life? Sometimes people and life expect more and more out of us, leaving nothing for us but a full schedule and an empty life. You may also fear expressing our emotions because you're not sure what will happen if you do. Whether it’s problems with work, home life, a relationship, chronic illness or a specific event like a major transition, accident, or sudden death, I can help by providing a safe place for you to open up and feel heard.
Haley Hewitt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, E-RYT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115
Waitlist for new clients
My name is Haley Hewitt and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, mental illness/mental health issues, gender and/or sexual identity, and LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, DBT/CBT & Somatics.
My name is Haley Hewitt and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, mental illness/mental health issues, gender and/or sexual identity, and LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, DBT/CBT & Somatics.
Ali Gunsberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115
One of the most difficult aspects of being a parent is seeing your child in pain and feeling like there is nothing that you can do to help. Whether they feel the pain of depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, divorce or social and academic pressure, my expertise is in helping children connect with their inner strength and confidence. I support families in developing the communication skills necessary to allow children to grow and move forward in healthy ways. I believe all children are unique, and my goal is to help bring out the best in your child.
One of the most difficult aspects of being a parent is seeing your child in pain and feeling like there is nothing that you can do to help. Whether they feel the pain of depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, divorce or social and academic pressure, my expertise is in helping children connect with their inner strength and confidence. I support families in developing the communication skills necessary to allow children to grow and move forward in healthy ways. I believe all children are unique, and my goal is to help bring out the best in your child.
Laura Cayan
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115
Common treatment issues may include but are not limited to behavioral problems at school and at home, coping with medical illness, and parenting challenges.
At San Francisco Family Practice, I specialize in psychotherapy with children, adolescents and their families, as well as with adults. I use evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to work with you and your family, and believe in a treatment-team approach, wherein families are highly encouraged to be a part of the therapy process. In order to best create your treatment plan, I tailor my approach to your unique concerns and goals.
Common treatment issues may include but are not limited to behavioral problems at school and at home, coping with medical illness, and parenting challenges.
At San Francisco Family Practice, I specialize in psychotherapy with children, adolescents and their families, as well as with adults. I use evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to work with you and your family, and believe in a treatment-team approach, wherein families are highly encouraged to be a part of the therapy process. In order to best create your treatment plan, I tailor my approach to your unique concerns and goals.
Gillian Nathan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHT
Verified Verified
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Are you ready to invite ease, joy and connection into your life? To let go of old pain and live more fully in the present? My office is a safe and supportive environment for self-exploration, healing, and change. Together we address challenges by identifying current strengths and resources and adding new tools and resources. By developing more balance in your emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of self, this holistic approach helps you find greater peace and fulfillment in your life and relationships.
Are you ready to invite ease, joy and connection into your life? To let go of old pain and live more fully in the present? My office is a safe and supportive environment for self-exploration, healing, and change. Together we address challenges by identifying current strengths and resources and adding new tools and resources. By developing more balance in your emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of self, this holistic approach helps you find greater peace and fulfillment in your life and relationships.
Hollie Hannan
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115
If change were as simple as Cher telling Nicholas Cage in Moonstruck to "Snap out of it!" there would be no need for therapists. While experiencing pain is difficult, it is often a catalyst for growth. As a licensed Therapist for 18 years, I specialize in helping people heal their emotional injuries and move through the "stuck" places that prevent them from living fuller and more meaningful lives. Resilience increases by working through challenges.
If change were as simple as Cher telling Nicholas Cage in Moonstruck to "Snap out of it!" there would be no need for therapists. While experiencing pain is difficult, it is often a catalyst for growth. As a licensed Therapist for 18 years, I specialize in helping people heal their emotional injuries and move through the "stuck" places that prevent them from living fuller and more meaningful lives. Resilience increases by working through challenges.
Alina Liu
Psychologist, PsyD, MSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115
Anxiety and emotional pain are part of being human, but you don't have to suffer alone and I am here to help.
Are you burned out from "imposter syndrome" at work, stuck in an unfulfilling relationship, or feeling perpetually disconnected and isolated? Living inauthentically can feel exhausting. I work with individuals and couples to provide a range of therapy services from short-term evidence-based treatment for anxiety/depression to long-term relational work. Mental health is about having choices; in our first session, I am excited to get to know you and walk you through the process of therapy. My goal is to help you release painful emotions, reflect on patterns of thoughts and behaviors, and reconnect with a deeper sense of inner freedom.
Anxiety and emotional pain are part of being human, but you don't have to suffer alone and I am here to help.
Are you burned out from "imposter syndrome" at work, stuck in an unfulfilling relationship, or feeling perpetually disconnected and isolated? Living inauthentically can feel exhausting. I work with individuals and couples to provide a range of therapy services from short-term evidence-based treatment for anxiety/depression to long-term relational work. Mental health is about having choices; in our first session, I am excited to get to know you and walk you through the process of therapy. My goal is to help you release painful emotions, reflect on patterns of thoughts and behaviors, and reconnect with a deeper sense of inner freedom.
Michelle Baumgartner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, OTR/L
Verified Verified
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115
Through deeper inquiry, often utilizing the wisdom of the body, I help clients to discover the root causes of their pain, resolve trauma, and integrate all parts of themselves.
Are life's challenges leaving you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Highly skilled in helping clients navigate and integrate the experience of having a chronic/serious health condition, or the loss of a loved one. Help resolving difficult or early life experiences that are affecting current relationships. Enjoy supporting women as they transition: A young adult woman finding her authentic, empowered self. A pregnant/postpartum woman managing her changing moods, preparing for this rite of passage, and adjusting to a new role. A perimenopausal/menopausal woman examining her life, finding her voice, and taking new risks.
Through deeper inquiry, often utilizing the wisdom of the body, I help clients to discover the root causes of their pain, resolve trauma, and integrate all parts of themselves.
Are life's challenges leaving you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Highly skilled in helping clients navigate and integrate the experience of having a chronic/serious health condition, or the loss of a loved one. Help resolving difficult or early life experiences that are affecting current relationships. Enjoy supporting women as they transition: A young adult woman finding her authentic, empowered self. A pregnant/postpartum woman managing her changing moods, preparing for this rite of passage, and adjusting to a new role. A perimenopausal/menopausal woman examining her life, finding her voice, and taking new risks.
See more therapy options for Pacific Heights, San Francisco
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Pacific Heights, San Francisco
- Civic Center
- Cow Hollow
- Downtown
- Fillmore
- Hayes Valley
- Laurel Heights
- Marina
- Nob Hill
- North of Market (NoMa)
- Presidio Heights
- Russian Hill
- Western Addition
Chronic Pain Therapists
How does chronic pain therapy work?
Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?
Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.
Are there new treatments for chronic pain?
Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.
How long does therapy for chronic pain take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.