Photo of Matthew Moreno, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Matthew Moreno
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
This can create an unhealthy, repeating pattern causes conflict to cause a lot of pain.
In addition to working extensively with anxiety issues, I specialize in helping clients improve their relationships with their partners/spouses. I wholeheartedly welcome both straight and LGBT clients into my practice. I often tell clients that everything makes perfect sense (ie. the problems they share and how they react), and all we need to do is find the right pieces of the puzzle to help them understand. It is from this understanding that relief and solutions arise. By truly understanding what anxiety is and isn't, we learn how to navigate it so it doesn't control our lives.
This can create an unhealthy, repeating pattern causes conflict to cause a lot of pain.
In addition to working extensively with anxiety issues, I specialize in helping clients improve their relationships with their partners/spouses. I wholeheartedly welcome both straight and LGBT clients into my practice. I often tell clients that everything makes perfect sense (ie. the problems they share and how they react), and all we need to do is find the right pieces of the puzzle to help them understand. It is from this understanding that relief and solutions arise. By truly understanding what anxiety is and isn't, we learn how to navigate it so it doesn't control our lives.
(415) 675-1848 View (415) 675-1848
Photo of Beyond Coping, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Beyond Coping
Psychologist, PhD
Not Verified Not Verified
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.
(844) 382-8410 x701 View (844) 382-8410 x701
Photo of Denise Stilwell, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Denise Stilwell
Psychologist, RN, PsyD
Verified Verified
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.
(415) 306-8574 View (415) 306-8574
Photo of Samuel Khanukayev, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Samuel Khanukayev
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Prospective clients can anticipate the collaborative work of deconstructing, analyzing, and working through psychological pain.
I strive to facilitate a reflective and explorative environment where the unbearable can be held and truth can be spoken. Multicultural and bilingual elements of my identity, and a history of enduring ethnic discrimination and immigration, significantly inform how I listen to my clients, think through trauma and fragmentation with them. Unconscious repetitions of aversion, clinging, and reenactments of familiar/familial ways of being bind us in suffering. Through psychotherapy, rigid frames of being can be deconstructed and psychological space can be reclaimed for creativity, desire and becoming.
Prospective clients can anticipate the collaborative work of deconstructing, analyzing, and working through psychological pain.
I strive to facilitate a reflective and explorative environment where the unbearable can be held and truth can be spoken. Multicultural and bilingual elements of my identity, and a history of enduring ethnic discrimination and immigration, significantly inform how I listen to my clients, think through trauma and fragmentation with them. Unconscious repetitions of aversion, clinging, and reenactments of familiar/familial ways of being bind us in suffering. Through psychotherapy, rigid frames of being can be deconstructed and psychological space can be reclaimed for creativity, desire and becoming.
(510) 982-6497 View (510) 982-6497
Photo of Ana Dubey, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Ana Dubey
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I offer you 20+ years of client experience and, diverse life experience (6 countries, 3 languages). I am a good listener, and will work hard to help you achieve a happier, healthier balance. My clients have spanned different ages (child/family, students, adults, elders), incomes (homeless, professionals), sexual orientations (Hetero, LGBT), and different backgrounds ("American", Asian, Latino, African American). My client's issues have included trauma, depression, chronic mental illness, anxiety, grief, relationships, life transitions, dissatisfaction, adjustment challenges, and creative block
I offer you 20+ years of client experience and, diverse life experience (6 countries, 3 languages). I am a good listener, and will work hard to help you achieve a happier, healthier balance. My clients have spanned different ages (child/family, students, adults, elders), incomes (homeless, professionals), sexual orientations (Hetero, LGBT), and different backgrounds ("American", Asian, Latino, African American). My client's issues have included trauma, depression, chronic mental illness, anxiety, grief, relationships, life transitions, dissatisfaction, adjustment challenges, and creative block
(415) 877-4792 View (415) 877-4792
Photo of Leslie R Davis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Leslie R Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
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.
(415) 366-0587 View (415) 366-0587
Photo of Allycia Souza, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Allycia Souza
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101
My counseling style is compassionate, reflective, and rooted in radical self acceptance. My focus is on helping you accept the parts of yourself that are hard to tolerate and be at peace with. I have been a psychotherapist for 13 years and I am licensed in the state of California. I have worked with people from various backgrounds that grapple with differing issues, such as, depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain/illness, childhood abuse and trauma, relationship issues, parenting problems, grief, domestic violence and life transitions.
My counseling style is compassionate, reflective, and rooted in radical self acceptance. My focus is on helping you accept the parts of yourself that are hard to tolerate and be at peace with. I have been a psychotherapist for 13 years and I am licensed in the state of California. I have worked with people from various backgrounds that grapple with differing issues, such as, depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain/illness, childhood abuse and trauma, relationship issues, parenting problems, grief, domestic violence and life transitions.
(510) 674-1117 View (510) 674-1117
Photo of Barbara Claire Freeman, Licensed Psychoanalyst in San Francisco, CA
Barbara Claire Freeman
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101
Sometimes it seems life asks us to bear the unbearable. A heartbreaking loss, difficult transition, illness of yourself or loved one, the lack of anything that might make your life meaningful and pleasurable—these are some of the issues I respond to and can help with. If you’re suffering or your life lacks purpose look at my website and, if you feel a connection, please reach out. I work from a generous and flexible sliding scale and am committed to providing accessible treatment. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to do this alone. Psychoanalytic therapy, especially as practiced by Lacanian analysts, can be transformative.
Sometimes it seems life asks us to bear the unbearable. A heartbreaking loss, difficult transition, illness of yourself or loved one, the lack of anything that might make your life meaningful and pleasurable—these are some of the issues I respond to and can help with. If you’re suffering or your life lacks purpose look at my website and, if you feel a connection, please reach out. I work from a generous and flexible sliding scale and am committed to providing accessible treatment. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to do this alone. Psychoanalytic therapy, especially as practiced by Lacanian analysts, can be transformative.
(341) 888-7964 View (341) 888-7964
Photo of Daniel Yu, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Daniel Yu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
It's likely that you are here because you are in some kind of distress. I draw on over 20 years of training and deep listening to help you understand your difficulties and find relief. I also teach psychotherapy to students and new therapists. I am compassionate, direct, and practical. I will tell you what I think the problem is, and how we can proceed together to assist you in feeling better. Individual therapy can help you feel stronger, more resilient, and become more of who you are as a person.
It's likely that you are here because you are in some kind of distress. I draw on over 20 years of training and deep listening to help you understand your difficulties and find relief. I also teach psychotherapy to students and new therapists. I am compassionate, direct, and practical. I will tell you what I think the problem is, and how we can proceed together to assist you in feeling better. Individual therapy can help you feel stronger, more resilient, and become more of who you are as a person.
(415) 367-3171 View (415) 367-3171
Photo of Marina Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Marina Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
At times we all need help sorting out life's complexities. At the Marina Counseling Center we offer professional, skilled, affordable, psychotherapy to address the challanges that life can bring. The Marina Counseling Center is a non-profit community counseling center and training institute in the heart of San Francisco's Marina district. We provide counseling to adults, couples, and families on fees adjusted to client needs. These fees range from $35 and up, based on ability to pay.
At times we all need help sorting out life's complexities. At the Marina Counseling Center we offer professional, skilled, affordable, psychotherapy to address the challanges that life can bring. The Marina Counseling Center is a non-profit community counseling center and training institute in the heart of San Francisco's Marina district. We provide counseling to adults, couples, and families on fees adjusted to client needs. These fees range from $35 and up, based on ability to pay.
(415) 969-2090 View (415) 969-2090
Dr. Meg Earls, Psychotherapy
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
Therapeutic relationships can truly be life changing and transformational. The issues that are leading you to think about therapy can be worked on, leading to increased satisfaction and joy with yourself, improved relationships with others, and enhanced functioning in pursuit of the life you want. I work collaboratively with you to help you develop more flexible responses to resolve conflict. Listening to your unique story with deep curiosity is crucial to our work, but I'm also pro-active and engaged in sharing my thoughts and observations. Kindness and compassion are vital, but so too are active help and feedback.
Therapeutic relationships can truly be life changing and transformational. The issues that are leading you to think about therapy can be worked on, leading to increased satisfaction and joy with yourself, improved relationships with others, and enhanced functioning in pursuit of the life you want. I work collaboratively with you to help you develop more flexible responses to resolve conflict. Listening to your unique story with deep curiosity is crucial to our work, but I'm also pro-active and engaged in sharing my thoughts and observations. Kindness and compassion are vital, but so too are active help and feedback.
(415) 423-2445 View (415) 423-2445
Gaylesta, Psych Assn for Gender & Sexual Diversity
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
Photo of Sarah Connelly, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Sarah Connelly
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
Just as the words of a poem can open our eyes, minds and hearts in ways language otherwise might not be able to, I believe that psychotherapy is a creative process that utilizes language to access psychic terrain that's often inaccessible in our everyday lives. Accessing and exploring this internal terrain in therapy can be both enlightening and transformative.
Just as the words of a poem can open our eyes, minds and hearts in ways language otherwise might not be able to, I believe that psychotherapy is a creative process that utilizes language to access psychic terrain that's often inaccessible in our everyday lives. Accessing and exploring this internal terrain in therapy can be both enlightening and transformative.
(415) 481-4383 View (415) 481-4383
Photo of Liz Diamond - Brown Therapy Center, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Liz Diamond - Brown Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Waitlist for new clients
Choosing a therapist can be a daunting process. I am inspired by anyone who is willing to reach out to a complete stranger, in order to challenge and heal themselves. I believe safety and non-judgment are among the most important aspects of the therapeutic relationship. I am committed to supporting you as we explore your thoughts and feelings, looking closely at barriers that until now have limited your insights and clarity. Your power to feel better comes from looking inward, instead of out, and I want to help you do the work to get to that healing place.
Choosing a therapist can be a daunting process. I am inspired by anyone who is willing to reach out to a complete stranger, in order to challenge and heal themselves. I believe safety and non-judgment are among the most important aspects of the therapeutic relationship. I am committed to supporting you as we explore your thoughts and feelings, looking closely at barriers that until now have limited your insights and clarity. Your power to feel better comes from looking inward, instead of out, and I want to help you do the work to get to that healing place.
(415) 324-6323 View (415) 324-6323
Photo of Jessica Claire Lief, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jessica Claire Lief
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
My name is Jessica Lief. I have been practicing social work and working as a psychotherapist since 2014. I support individuals who are recovering from eating disorders, body image issues, substance use issues, trauma, self harm, prenatal and postpartum issues, miscarriage and fertility issues. I work with adults of all ages. My style has been described as nurturing, empathic, and empowering. I am direct and authentic; I will never blame you for your suffering. My approach is primarily psychodynamic but combines aspects of self-psychology, mindful self-compassion, dialectical behavior therapy, Seeking Safety, and mindfulness.
My name is Jessica Lief. I have been practicing social work and working as a psychotherapist since 2014. I support individuals who are recovering from eating disorders, body image issues, substance use issues, trauma, self harm, prenatal and postpartum issues, miscarriage and fertility issues. I work with adults of all ages. My style has been described as nurturing, empathic, and empowering. I am direct and authentic; I will never blame you for your suffering. My approach is primarily psychodynamic but combines aspects of self-psychology, mindful self-compassion, dialectical behavior therapy, Seeking Safety, and mindfulness.
(628) 265-8809 View (628) 265-8809
Photo of Audrey Martin, Psychotherapist, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Audrey Martin, Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117
I am an experienced psychotherapist with offices in both San Francisco and Berkeley. I provide therapy for adults and adolescents as my primary focus. I meet with individuals, couples, and families to help them overcome areas of emotional and relational difficulties. I have an active, open way of working and am curious, engaged, honest, and direct. I take people's need for change very seriously, and am an advocate for finding ways to help people live with greater depth, satisfaction, and choice. While this can involve diligence, resilience, and perseverance, play and creativity are also integral in the process.
I am an experienced psychotherapist with offices in both San Francisco and Berkeley. I provide therapy for adults and adolescents as my primary focus. I meet with individuals, couples, and families to help them overcome areas of emotional and relational difficulties. I have an active, open way of working and am curious, engaged, honest, and direct. I take people's need for change very seriously, and am an advocate for finding ways to help people live with greater depth, satisfaction, and choice. While this can involve diligence, resilience, and perseverance, play and creativity are also integral in the process.
(415) 360-6323 View (415) 360-6323
Photo of Katalin Szabo, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Katalin Szabo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
As a licensed clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience practicing as a therapist, I have had the privilege of serving diverse populations both in the Bay Area and within my home country. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help uncover their emotional and personal truth. I help my clients in working through family relationship issues, identity challenges, and mitigate mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or eating disorders.
As a licensed clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience practicing as a therapist, I have had the privilege of serving diverse populations both in the Bay Area and within my home country. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help uncover their emotional and personal truth. I help my clients in working through family relationship issues, identity challenges, and mitigate mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or eating disorders.
(415) 997-0941 View (415) 997-0941
Photo of The Connective (formerly Wellspace SF), Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
The Connective (formerly Wellspace SF)
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Tired of calling around? We have immediate openings! The Connective is an integrative practice of psychotherapists, certified coaches, and holistic health practitioners dedicated to a common goal: guiding, inspiring, and empowering individuals to live more authentic, fulfulling and healthy lives. From navigating personal and professional roadblocks, to achieving optimal health and wellness, our mission is to provide compassionate and strengths-based support centered on the whole person.
Tired of calling around? We have immediate openings! The Connective is an integrative practice of psychotherapists, certified coaches, and holistic health practitioners dedicated to a common goal: guiding, inspiring, and empowering individuals to live more authentic, fulfulling and healthy lives. From navigating personal and professional roadblocks, to achieving optimal health and wellness, our mission is to provide compassionate and strengths-based support centered on the whole person.
(415) 335-7793 View (415) 335-7793
Photo of Amber Garman, Pre-Licensed Professional in San Francisco, CA
Amber Garman
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
Amber Garman is passionate about facilitating therapeutic work with children (10+), teens, adults, families, couples, and groups, especially those interested in moving inward toward transformation and healing. Growing up a local resident in Morro Bay CA, Amber attended California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo where she earned a Master of Science in Psychology with Distinction. Currently as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Amber is experienced in the domains of trauma informed care, sexual assault and intimate partner violence, death/ grief/ dying, and living with disabilities.
Amber Garman is passionate about facilitating therapeutic work with children (10+), teens, adults, families, couples, and groups, especially those interested in moving inward toward transformation and healing. Growing up a local resident in Morro Bay CA, Amber attended California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo where she earned a Master of Science in Psychology with Distinction. Currently as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Amber is experienced in the domains of trauma informed care, sexual assault and intimate partner violence, death/ grief/ dying, and living with disabilities.
(415) 324-6152 View (415) 324-6152
Photo of Batya Ross, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Batya Ross
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Most of us lug around a suitcase full of our thoughts, feelings, family history and past experiences and have no idea what's in there. Our current responses to and experience of life come from the contents of that suitcase. Together in therapy we gently unpack it. We will see what is working for you, what needs more support and what has served it's purpose but no longer works. I work collaboratively and am curious about all the things that make you who you are. I am particularly interested in working with people who feel misunderstood or unimportant.
Most of us lug around a suitcase full of our thoughts, feelings, family history and past experiences and have no idea what's in there. Our current responses to and experience of life come from the contents of that suitcase. Together in therapy we gently unpack it. We will see what is working for you, what needs more support and what has served it's purpose but no longer works. I work collaboratively and am curious about all the things that make you who you are. I am particularly interested in working with people who feel misunderstood or unimportant.
(415) 275-6820 View (415) 275-6820

See more therapy options for San Francisco

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.