Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Kimia Mansoor
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
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.
Natasha Smolkin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
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.
Shallyn Wells
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, JD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
This can look like grappling with your relationship (or society’s relationship) to: trauma, queerness/gender identity, burnout, growing up, messiness, chronic pain/illness, anxiety/depression, attachment patterns, and relationship models/transitions.
Welcome! I’m Shallyn, a queer, non-binary somatic therapist. I work with adults, teens, and relationships. I believe that healing happens "at the speed of trust," in relationship, and beyond the binaries of good/bad, broken/healed. I believe that the healing container we make together will be a space where you can start where you are (as the world’s expert of your own lived and felt experience); where you can notice and honor what your body is already doing to heal and protect itself; and where you can exist beyond stifling binaries and norms in unfolding relationship to your body, yourself, your people, and your world.
This can look like grappling with your relationship (or society’s relationship) to: trauma, queerness/gender identity, burnout, growing up, messiness, chronic pain/illness, anxiety/depression, attachment patterns, and relationship models/transitions.
Welcome! I’m Shallyn, a queer, non-binary somatic therapist. I work with adults, teens, and relationships. I believe that healing happens "at the speed of trust," in relationship, and beyond the binaries of good/bad, broken/healed. I believe that the healing container we make together will be a space where you can start where you are (as the world’s expert of your own lived and felt experience); where you can notice and honor what your body is already doing to heal and protect itself; and where you can exist beyond stifling binaries and norms in unfolding relationship to your body, yourself, your people, and your world.
Pauline Wakeham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94127
I help people to heal that pain.
Are you having trouble getting over a past shock or trauma?
Are you frequently in overwhelm/collapse?
Are you constantly bracing against danger, ready to fight or run away?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, I can help.
I specialize in working with people who have experienced being overwhelmed by events and experiences that have shaken their very foundations.
I take time to assess your personal stress/trauma history and provide guidance and support to assist you in your recovery.
I also help couples create sustained improvement in their relationship, creating more effective communication and fulfilling relationships.
I help people to heal that pain.
Are you having trouble getting over a past shock or trauma?
Are you frequently in overwhelm/collapse?
Are you constantly bracing against danger, ready to fight or run away?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, I can help.
I specialize in working with people who have experienced being overwhelmed by events and experiences that have shaken their very foundations.
I take time to assess your personal stress/trauma history and provide guidance and support to assist you in your recovery.
I also help couples create sustained improvement in their relationship, creating more effective communication and fulfilling relationships.
Shannon Hagan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
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.
Sarah Hammill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I have extensive experience treating individuals with chronic and terminal illness, chronic pain, Borderline Personality Disorder, and addiction.
Have you survived a trauma but can't shake the effects of it? Do you want help reclaiming your thoughts, feelings and relationships? I specialize in treating people who have experienced traumatic events such as sexual assault, sudden loss, childhood abuse or divorce. I work with my clients to treat common trauma symptoms such as depression, anxiety, issues with sexuality, and chronic pain. Because trauma affects the body, I combine traditional psychotherapy with a somatic focus to bring relief to the whole self. Ultimately, we work together to alleviate distress and create a life you love.
I have extensive experience treating individuals with chronic and terminal illness, chronic pain, Borderline Personality Disorder, and addiction.
Have you survived a trauma but can't shake the effects of it? Do you want help reclaiming your thoughts, feelings and relationships? I specialize in treating people who have experienced traumatic events such as sexual assault, sudden loss, childhood abuse or divorce. I work with my clients to treat common trauma symptoms such as depression, anxiety, issues with sexuality, and chronic pain. Because trauma affects the body, I combine traditional psychotherapy with a somatic focus to bring relief to the whole self. Ultimately, we work together to alleviate distress and create a life you love.
Erin Liana Johnson
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94124
If you have been living with chronic pain or illness your relationship to your physicality may currently feel jarred, broken, or thrown off course. You may be grieving the life you thought you would have, or feeling weighed down by addressing day to day challenges. If you are seeking to repair your relationship between yourself and your body, gain new coping skills, and challenge current paradigms, I would be a great fit for you!
If you have been living with chronic pain or illness your relationship to your physicality may currently feel jarred, broken, or thrown off course. You may be grieving the life you thought you would have, or feeling weighed down by addressing day to day challenges. If you are seeking to repair your relationship between yourself and your body, gain new coping skills, and challenge current paradigms, I would be a great fit for you!
Rebecca Stein Mind Body Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
Do you consistently experience BURNOUT and/or chronic PAIN? Do you feel like there is a constant pressure to do things and “do them right?” Do you struggle to FOCUS and wonder if you have ADHD? I provide thorough diagnostic evaluations, executive function coaching, and customized individual and COUPLES therapy. You will learn coping strategies, reconnect in AWE with yourself, your relationships, and life. I have had the privilege of helping clients at UCLA Medicine, The Pain Psychology Center, and Edward Hallowell ADHD Center. Certified ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), IFS, ISTDP, CBT, DBT
Do you consistently experience BURNOUT and/or chronic PAIN? Do you feel like there is a constant pressure to do things and “do them right?” Do you struggle to FOCUS and wonder if you have ADHD? I provide thorough diagnostic evaluations, executive function coaching, and customized individual and COUPLES therapy. You will learn coping strategies, reconnect in AWE with yourself, your relationships, and life. I have had the privilege of helping clients at UCLA Medicine, The Pain Psychology Center, and Edward Hallowell ADHD Center. Certified ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), IFS, ISTDP, CBT, DBT
Gillian Nathan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114 (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.
Dr. Helge Osterhold
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
I'm an integrative psychotherapist working with individuals and couples. My approach is engaged and caring, providing a safe and supportive environment, where you can reflect and develop new ways of handling challenges you are facing. The focus of my practice is twofold: relationship issues and life transitions (e.g. themes like change in relationship, career changes, relocation, pregnancy, child birth and parenting, facing illness, trauma and loss as well as seeking more meaning and fulfillment in life). I have a particular expertise in working with people who immigrated to the US or have diverse cultural backgrounds.
I'm an integrative psychotherapist working with individuals and couples. My approach is engaged and caring, providing a safe and supportive environment, where you can reflect and develop new ways of handling challenges you are facing. The focus of my practice is twofold: relationship issues and life transitions (e.g. themes like change in relationship, career changes, relocation, pregnancy, child birth and parenting, facing illness, trauma and loss as well as seeking more meaning and fulfillment in life). I have a particular expertise in working with people who immigrated to the US or have diverse cultural backgrounds.
Renee Razzano
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
This can be especially useful when dealing with trauma, grief, life transitions, and pain and illness.
I provide therapy as a space for people to become more genuinely themselves. Through a process of curiosity and discovery, I help individuals and couples address sources of anxiety and stress and compulsive or unwanted behaviors. I provide support during crises and life changes, and facilitate progress toward long-term awareness, transformation, choice and growth. For couples, I provide a balanced space to work toward clarity, mutual recognition, empathy, and improved relatedness.
This can be especially useful when dealing with trauma, grief, life transitions, and pain and illness.
I provide therapy as a space for people to become more genuinely themselves. Through a process of curiosity and discovery, I help individuals and couples address sources of anxiety and stress and compulsive or unwanted behaviors. I provide support during crises and life changes, and facilitate progress toward long-term awareness, transformation, choice and growth. For couples, I provide a balanced space to work toward clarity, mutual recognition, empathy, and improved relatedness.
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Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
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.
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.
Rylan Jay Testa
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
As a health psychologist, my approach bridges mental and physical well-being, allowing you to reclaim your life from chronic health issues, such as chronic disease (ex. diabetes, chronic fatigue, IBS, CIRS etc.), weight and eating difficulties, stress-related illness, insomnia, pain, addiction, depression, and anxiety. I combine my expertise in multiple state of the art evidence-based treatment methods, with a nuanced understanding of who you are as a person, to create a tailored treatment approach specific to your aims. I also offer opportunities to incorporate mindfulness, music, art, movement, and nature therapy practices, to maximize your therapeutic success.
As a health psychologist, my approach bridges mental and physical well-being, allowing you to reclaim your life from chronic health issues, such as chronic disease (ex. diabetes, chronic fatigue, IBS, CIRS etc.), weight and eating difficulties, stress-related illness, insomnia, pain, addiction, depression, and anxiety. I combine my expertise in multiple state of the art evidence-based treatment methods, with a nuanced understanding of who you are as a person, to create a tailored treatment approach specific to your aims. I also offer opportunities to incorporate mindfulness, music, art, movement, and nature therapy practices, to maximize your therapeutic success.
Shira Appell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
So much of our pain occurs in relationship to others, and I believe it can be helpful to find healing in relationship as well.
Do you feel like you aren't good enough? Do you struggle with issues of self esteem or self worth? Do you want to explore mind-body connection & the way stress or emotional pain lives in our bodies? If these are themes for you or in your relationships, then perhaps we might work well together. I center my work around self compassion. Only from a place of self kindness can we feel grounded within ourselves to develop a compassionate relationship with others around us. I use mindfulness and somatic body oriented work in order to help us connect deeper with our self, our inner knowing and to be able to cultivate trust with ourselves.
So much of our pain occurs in relationship to others, and I believe it can be helpful to find healing in relationship as well.
Do you feel like you aren't good enough? Do you struggle with issues of self esteem or self worth? Do you want to explore mind-body connection & the way stress or emotional pain lives in our bodies? If these are themes for you or in your relationships, then perhaps we might work well together. I center my work around self compassion. Only from a place of self kindness can we feel grounded within ourselves to develop a compassionate relationship with others around us. I use mindfulness and somatic body oriented work in order to help us connect deeper with our self, our inner knowing and to be able to cultivate trust with ourselves.
Brooke Ferragamo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
In our work together, we can explore deeper unconscious patterns that are causing you unnecessary pain.
I offer a grounded, warm, and personalized approach to help adolescents and adults cope with life transitions, chronic distress, trauma, and other mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. I am passionate about serving adolescents who are struggling to find their place in our rapidly changing world, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and any folks who feel as though they have difficulty fitting into society's prescribed norms. Some folks reach out with a specific goal in mind, while just as many enter therapy with more of a feeling that something is not quite right. In either case, you are welcome here.
In our work together, we can explore deeper unconscious patterns that are causing you unnecessary pain.
I offer a grounded, warm, and personalized approach to help adolescents and adults cope with life transitions, chronic distress, trauma, and other mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. I am passionate about serving adolescents who are struggling to find their place in our rapidly changing world, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and any folks who feel as though they have difficulty fitting into society's prescribed norms. Some folks reach out with a specific goal in mind, while just as many enter therapy with more of a feeling that something is not quite right. In either case, you are welcome here.
Roxanne Shooshani
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome to your psychotherapy journey. I am here to join you as you weather life's storms. Whether it's trauma, family tensions, illness, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loneliness, work stress, or just plain existential dread - I can support you on your healing path. I bring a breadth of experience to my sessions, including a history of therapeutic work with teens, families, the LGBTQIA community, folks with chronic pain and illnesses, college students, and elderly adults.
Hello and welcome to your psychotherapy journey. I am here to join you as you weather life's storms. Whether it's trauma, family tensions, illness, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loneliness, work stress, or just plain existential dread - I can support you on your healing path. I bring a breadth of experience to my sessions, including a history of therapeutic work with teens, families, the LGBTQIA community, folks with chronic pain and illnesses, college students, and elderly adults.
Lisa Bialy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
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.
Sandrah Susan Henry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I have extensive experience working chronic and life-threatening illness and will do home based psychotherapy if possible.
I have over 40 years of experience helping people face challenges in their lives including loss, adoption related issues, addiction, relationships/couples, life threatening illness, chronic pain, anxiety, mood and bipolar disorder, PTSD, complex trauma, divorce, and other life transitions. I am a warm and caring therapist who is also able to be direct when needed. From the moment you enter my office I do all I can to provide a safe and comfortable environment for us to work collaboratively with whatever issues you are facing in your life today. You will always be treated with respect and compassion throughout our work together.
I have extensive experience working chronic and life-threatening illness and will do home based psychotherapy if possible.
I have over 40 years of experience helping people face challenges in their lives including loss, adoption related issues, addiction, relationships/couples, life threatening illness, chronic pain, anxiety, mood and bipolar disorder, PTSD, complex trauma, divorce, and other life transitions. I am a warm and caring therapist who is also able to be direct when needed. From the moment you enter my office I do all I can to provide a safe and comfortable environment for us to work collaboratively with whatever issues you are facing in your life today. You will always be treated with respect and compassion throughout our work together.
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
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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.