Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Abbie Endres
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94131 (Online Only)
Two guiding intentions support this work: Develop tools, awareness, and self-compassion to transform pain and suffering.
You've begun a courageous search. Take heart, healing is possible. My work is rooted in the body/mind connection, nourished by the imagination, and anchored in the support of our therapy relationship. My style includes both directing and listening. I understand that your timing and willingness to explore your concerns are unique and must be navigated with respect. We work together to take stock, talk about your goals, and gather the tools needed - from your own strengths, the training I bring, and a community of resources - to help you continue your journey of wellbeing.
Two guiding intentions support this work: Develop tools, awareness, and self-compassion to transform pain and suffering.
You've begun a courageous search. Take heart, healing is possible. My work is rooted in the body/mind connection, nourished by the imagination, and anchored in the support of our therapy relationship. My style includes both directing and listening. I understand that your timing and willingness to explore your concerns are unique and must be navigated with respect. We work together to take stock, talk about your goals, and gather the tools needed - from your own strengths, the training I bring, and a community of resources - to help you continue your journey of wellbeing.
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.
Ilene Rich-Holtzberg Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104
My specialty areas are substance abuse, couples issues, eating disorders, life coaching, bariatric surgery issues, infertility/adoption, helping caregivers cope with dealing with a loved one's chronic illness.
My focus is to develop a relationship with the client. This is called the two person model which is different than the old fashion practice where the doctor is one up and the client is one down. Rather, the two person model attempts to understand the client through questions and mutual discussion. I am not a silent therapist. I give feedback and remain fully engaged with the patient. Together we build a rapport. I adhere to a humanistic approach.
My specialty areas are substance abuse, couples issues, eating disorders, life coaching, bariatric surgery issues, infertility/adoption, helping caregivers cope with dealing with a loved one's chronic illness.
My focus is to develop a relationship with the client. This is called the two person model which is different than the old fashion practice where the doctor is one up and the client is one down. Rather, the two person model attempts to understand the client through questions and mutual discussion. I am not a silent therapist. I give feedback and remain fully engaged with the patient. Together we build a rapport. I adhere to a humanistic approach.
Alina Liu
Psychologist, PsyD, MSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94122
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.
Brian King
Psychologist, PsyD, QME
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
, depression, anxiety, pain, self-destructive behaviors, substance use).
I seek to provide a thoughtful and reflective setting where clients develop greater understanding of their problems and limitations through honest exploration of themselves, and to bolster strengths/foster growth. I provide a friendly and open atmosphere to invite sharing of whatever thought or feeling that comes up so that they can be explored, analyzed and ultimately changed if you want. I work in a collaborative way and do not necessarily see my role as an advice giver, but as a thoughtful companion in helping you find your own solutions and understanding. I use a flexible blend of clinical techniques and theories.
, depression, anxiety, pain, self-destructive behaviors, substance use).
I seek to provide a thoughtful and reflective setting where clients develop greater understanding of their problems and limitations through honest exploration of themselves, and to bolster strengths/foster growth. I provide a friendly and open atmosphere to invite sharing of whatever thought or feeling that comes up so that they can be explored, analyzed and ultimately changed if you want. I work in a collaborative way and do not necessarily see my role as an advice giver, but as a thoughtful companion in helping you find your own solutions and understanding. I use a flexible blend of clinical techniques and theories.
Mindfulness Psychotherapy, Jim Mathis LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101 (Online Only)
I use the principles of Positive Psychology and Mindfulness to teach techniques that increase awareness and ability to control attention so that you can experience happiness and not be a slave to compulsive thinking. You will learn and experience living in a way that frees energy that is being spent on habitual regrets of the past and worries of the future. I can guide you through loneliness, isolation, emotional pain, grief, relationship distress and trauma.
I use the principles of Positive Psychology and Mindfulness to teach techniques that increase awareness and ability to control attention so that you can experience happiness and not be a slave to compulsive thinking. You will learn and experience living in a way that frees energy that is being spent on habitual regrets of the past and worries of the future. I can guide you through loneliness, isolation, emotional pain, grief, relationship distress and trauma.
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.
Verónica Cervantes Wefers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I am a relational somatic therapist, which means that being real matters and the relationship that develops between us is important. Part of the process of therapy is buidling trust and cultivating an alliance. The work I will assist you with involves a sincere effort to go inside yourself and uncover what you're actually experiencing, and then communicate that. We can discuss your difficulties and identify how you can influence them.
I am a relational somatic therapist, which means that being real matters and the relationship that develops between us is important. Part of the process of therapy is buidling trust and cultivating an alliance. The work I will assist you with involves a sincere effort to go inside yourself and uncover what you're actually experiencing, and then communicate that. We can discuss your difficulties and identify how you can influence them.
Lauren Mizock
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
My goal is to create an empowering space to draw from your strengths in overcoming current challenges. I work collaboratively with clients to establish ongoing, flexible goals for therapy to make our sessions most effective. I individualize therapy to each person using a range of techniques and approaches. I am particularly interested in the stories we tell about our lives and the meaning we make of them. My clients describe me as warm, positive, and insightful.
My goal is to create an empowering space to draw from your strengths in overcoming current challenges. I work collaboratively with clients to establish ongoing, flexible goals for therapy to make our sessions most effective. I individualize therapy to each person using a range of techniques and approaches. I am particularly interested in the stories we tell about our lives and the meaning we make of them. My clients describe me as warm, positive, and insightful.
Claudio Zanet
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MBA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Are you making it through the day, looking to the rest of the world as if you're doing just fine, but deep down inside you feel stuck and uninspired? Do you wonder what is holding you back from thriving in the world? In our hectic world we often find ourselves afraid to take risks that could jeopardize the stable lives we've created for ourselves. We remain in jobs, relationships and old patterns that no longer work, while symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, anger and self-defeating patterns keep us from making real changes to our lives.
Are you making it through the day, looking to the rest of the world as if you're doing just fine, but deep down inside you feel stuck and uninspired? Do you wonder what is holding you back from thriving in the world? In our hectic world we often find ourselves afraid to take risks that could jeopardize the stable lives we've created for ourselves. We remain in jobs, relationships and old patterns that no longer work, while symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, anger and self-defeating patterns keep us from making real changes to our lives.
Sheena Craig
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I currently work with adult and adolescent individuals and couples. The issues I deal with include depression and dysthymia, panic attacks, stress, generalized anxiety disorder, gender identity disorder, obsessions and compulsions, childhood sexual trauma, childhood physical abuse, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, communication conflict, commitment, intimacy, sexual difficulties, insecurity, trust, infidelity and social phobia.
I currently work with adult and adolescent individuals and couples. The issues I deal with include depression and dysthymia, panic attacks, stress, generalized anxiety disorder, gender identity disorder, obsessions and compulsions, childhood sexual trauma, childhood physical abuse, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, communication conflict, commitment, intimacy, sexual difficulties, insecurity, trust, infidelity and social phobia.
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Thomas Marchevsky
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Welcome. Are you ready for the work necessary to make real, enduring change? Do you have a troubling personal issue or suffer from general dissatisfaction? My orientation is to focus on the unconscious, the elusive essence of the problem. A powerful process unfolds when change occurs at this level of the mind. This opens the space for authentic personal transformation.
Welcome. Are you ready for the work necessary to make real, enduring change? Do you have a troubling personal issue or suffer from general dissatisfaction? My orientation is to focus on the unconscious, the elusive essence of the problem. A powerful process unfolds when change occurs at this level of the mind. This opens the space for authentic personal transformation.
Nate Hinerman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Nate Hinerman, PhD, LMFT, is Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, where he is also a tenured Professor of Psychology, as well as the Chair of the Psychology Department. He is also on the faculty at the University of San Francisco, teaching in the Nursing School, and in the Religious Studies Department. He serves as Chair of the San Francisco End of Life Network, a community-based support and education group for hospice and palliative care professionals and patients, now in its 23rd year (www.sfeol.org).
Nate Hinerman, PhD, LMFT, is Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, where he is also a tenured Professor of Psychology, as well as the Chair of the Psychology Department. He is also on the faculty at the University of San Francisco, teaching in the Nursing School, and in the Religious Studies Department. He serves as Chair of the San Francisco End of Life Network, a community-based support and education group for hospice and palliative care professionals and patients, now in its 23rd year (www.sfeol.org).
Sarah Sherertz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
I specialize in working with trauma, attachment and relationship issues, dating, anxiety, body symptoms, divorce, grief and couples. Trauma can be overcome, relationships can dramatically improve, and physical symptoms can be effectively addressed. This is true even if you have been abused, neglected, traumatized, don't understand why you feel this way, have been living like this for years.
I specialize in working with trauma, attachment and relationship issues, dating, anxiety, body symptoms, divorce, grief and couples. Trauma can be overcome, relationships can dramatically improve, and physical symptoms can be effectively addressed. This is true even if you have been abused, neglected, traumatized, don't understand why you feel this way, have been living like this for years.
W. Craig McDermit, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117
I'm a "seasoned" psychologist in practice for 40 years. I enjoy working with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and have always preferred having a "general practice" which allows addressing a wide range of personal concerns. While each individual requires a unique approach; the transformative power of therapy is rooted in the trusting relationship that evolves between you & I. It's the alliance between us which helps you become the person you aspire to be. The work is serious but also allows for having a bit of fun while seeking the most gratifying life to foster a sense of fulfilling purpose for yourself.
I'm a "seasoned" psychologist in practice for 40 years. I enjoy working with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and have always preferred having a "general practice" which allows addressing a wide range of personal concerns. While each individual requires a unique approach; the transformative power of therapy is rooted in the trusting relationship that evolves between you & I. It's the alliance between us which helps you become the person you aspire to be. The work is serious but also allows for having a bit of fun while seeking the most gratifying life to foster a sense of fulfilling purpose for yourself.
Harmony Rousseau
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103 (Online Only)
I am a strength-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist—one who believes we each have the inner resources we need to be successful and happy in our lives. During our life journeys, many of us may need assistance with finding and/or highlighting our inner strengths so we can breakthrough our struggles, whether they be past traumas, family patterns/dynamics, relationship/attachment issues or a simple and current need for change. My hope is to help my clients build on their strengths, pinpoint their patterns, rewrite their stories, and find their way back to the positive aspects of life they deserve to experience.
I am a strength-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist—one who believes we each have the inner resources we need to be successful and happy in our lives. During our life journeys, many of us may need assistance with finding and/or highlighting our inner strengths so we can breakthrough our struggles, whether they be past traumas, family patterns/dynamics, relationship/attachment issues or a simple and current need for change. My hope is to help my clients build on their strengths, pinpoint their patterns, rewrite their stories, and find their way back to the positive aspects of life they deserve to experience.
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.
Robert Schene
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CGP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Stepping into therapy with someone is an inherently risky process. You are courageously opening up to someone that you don't really know, in hopes of changing, of finding something new, of building a relationship that can create positive change. I respect those who take the leap and I get the importance that you find the right therapist so that you can be understood at a deep level and begin looking more closely at the places in your life that you would like to see change.
Stepping into therapy with someone is an inherently risky process. You are courageously opening up to someone that you don't really know, in hopes of changing, of finding something new, of building a relationship that can create positive change. I respect those who take the leap and I get the importance that you find the right therapist so that you can be understood at a deep level and begin looking more closely at the places in your life that you would like to see change.
CK Olivieri Blackmore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
David Jay Goldman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
'Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?' - Mary Oliver. Choosing a therapist can be an intimidating process and reaching out for help can be uncomfortable, but we all need support in order to thrive. Within a warm, open and compassionate environment, my practice helps clients make sense of the challenges they face and use this understanding to navigate their lives with increased resilience and grace.
'Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?' - Mary Oliver. Choosing a therapist can be an intimidating process and reaching out for help can be uncomfortable, but we all need support in order to thrive. Within a warm, open and compassionate environment, my practice helps clients make sense of the challenges they face and use this understanding to navigate their lives with increased resilience and grace.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
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.