Compassion Focused Therapists in San Francisco, CA

Photo of Yotam Heineberg, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Yotam Heineberg
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
I offer online video sessions as well as in-person psychotherapy sessions. I offer heart and science-based psychotherapy to growth-oriented individuals interested in deepening their capacity for resilience, coping with life’s challenges, care, connection, and meaning. Sessions are offered in person, or online via video chat. Counseling and coaching services are all informed by evidence-based psychotherapy perspectives, emphasizing primarily Compassion-Focused Therapy and related perspectives. Furthermore, I also offer psychotherapy in Hebrew.
I offer online video sessions as well as in-person psychotherapy sessions. I offer heart and science-based psychotherapy to growth-oriented individuals interested in deepening their capacity for resilience, coping with life’s challenges, care, connection, and meaning. Sessions are offered in person, or online via video chat. Counseling and coaching services are all informed by evidence-based psychotherapy perspectives, emphasizing primarily Compassion-Focused Therapy and related perspectives. Furthermore, I also offer psychotherapy in Hebrew.
(415) 901-5764 View (415) 901-5764
Photo of Eliot M. Lev, Associate Clinical Social Worker in San Francisco, CA
Eliot M. Lev
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
In the journey towards healing and self-discovery, finding a therapist who truly understands the intersectionality of your experiences is key. As a therapist and part of the trans, queer, ethnic minority, multicultural, immigrant, trauma survivor, and (dis)ability communities, I'm dedicated to honoring all that makes you - you. The uniqueness of your journey, recognition of your experiences, and collaboration will be at the core of our work.
In the journey towards healing and self-discovery, finding a therapist who truly understands the intersectionality of your experiences is key. As a therapist and part of the trans, queer, ethnic minority, multicultural, immigrant, trauma survivor, and (dis)ability communities, I'm dedicated to honoring all that makes you - you. The uniqueness of your journey, recognition of your experiences, and collaboration will be at the core of our work.
(415) 498-1860 View (415) 498-1860
Photo of Natalie M. Mills, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Natalie M. Mills
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I work with individuals and couples who want to shift relational problem patterns by healing from trauma, deepening their self-awareness, and strengthening their connections with others. I offer tools to help people gain insight into their behavior, learn how to effectively manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and ameliorate destructive cycles. Collaboratively, my clients and I improve their self-concepts. I use a relational, attachment-based framework and draw on EMDR therapy when indicated.
I work with individuals and couples who want to shift relational problem patterns by healing from trauma, deepening their self-awareness, and strengthening their connections with others. I offer tools to help people gain insight into their behavior, learn how to effectively manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and ameliorate destructive cycles. Collaboratively, my clients and I improve their self-concepts. I use a relational, attachment-based framework and draw on EMDR therapy when indicated.
(415) 301-7713 View (415) 301-7713
Photo of Riley Jana Morgan | Autism Focused | Neurodivergent Affirming, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Riley Jana Morgan | Autism Focused | Neurodivergent Affirming
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
If you are an Autistic adult seeking autism-focused and neurodivergent affirming therapy, I will help you feel safe, supported, and heard with compassion. I am Autistic myself, which often enhances the therapy experience for my clients. Autism-focused therapy is informed by the neurodiversity affirming model to address your unique concerns by reducing autistic burnout, anxiety, depression, masking, the distress of meltdowns and shutdowns, low self-esteem, and difficulties with work or school performance, among many other concerns. I also welcome your authentic self and support my LGBTQIA+, transgender, non-binary, and BIPOC clients.
If you are an Autistic adult seeking autism-focused and neurodivergent affirming therapy, I will help you feel safe, supported, and heard with compassion. I am Autistic myself, which often enhances the therapy experience for my clients. Autism-focused therapy is informed by the neurodiversity affirming model to address your unique concerns by reducing autistic burnout, anxiety, depression, masking, the distress of meltdowns and shutdowns, low self-esteem, and difficulties with work or school performance, among many other concerns. I also welcome your authentic self and support my LGBTQIA+, transgender, non-binary, and BIPOC clients.
(415) 358-6700 View (415) 358-6700
Photo of choicetherapy psychological services, inc., Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
choicetherapy psychological services, inc.
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94127
Mazza is passionate about providing evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy, to teens and adults struggling with OCD or Anxiety.
Marisa T. Mazza, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist. She enjoys helping people learn new ways of interacting with thoughts and feelings so they can live meaningful lives. Her approach allows individuals to face their fears in a gradual and gentle way.
Mazza is passionate about providing evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy, to teens and adults struggling with OCD or Anxiety.
Marisa T. Mazza, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist. She enjoys helping people learn new ways of interacting with thoughts and feelings so they can live meaningful lives. Her approach allows individuals to face their fears in a gradual and gentle way.
(415) 729-3949 View (415) 729-3949
Photo of Sarah Dunn, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Sarah Dunn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104
There are many things that draw us to therapy. Some arrive struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or career uncertainty. Others have difficulty managing  the roller coaster of emotions inherent in the journey of becoming a parent, while some experience a more general or vague sense of distress. Whatever your goals and challenges, I welcome the opportunity to see whether I may be a good fit for your journey.
There are many things that draw us to therapy. Some arrive struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or career uncertainty. Others have difficulty managing  the roller coaster of emotions inherent in the journey of becoming a parent, while some experience a more general or vague sense of distress. Whatever your goals and challenges, I welcome the opportunity to see whether I may be a good fit for your journey.
(628) 200-3716 View (628) 200-3716
Photo of Lourens Crous - Anxiety Specialist, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Lourens Crous - Anxiety Specialist
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Over 2 decades of experience helping people like you with anxiety, panic, fears, difficult life transitions, shame, guilt, and everyday stress, My therapy style is friendly, warm, and collaborative. I use evidence-based treatment modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), and Mindfulness training to guide you through your journey to a richer and fuller life. All sessions are via Video therapy and available to CA residents only. To request an intake session, visit www.anxietytherapysf.com and complete the appointment request form.
Over 2 decades of experience helping people like you with anxiety, panic, fears, difficult life transitions, shame, guilt, and everyday stress, My therapy style is friendly, warm, and collaborative. I use evidence-based treatment modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), and Mindfulness training to guide you through your journey to a richer and fuller life. All sessions are via Video therapy and available to CA residents only. To request an intake session, visit www.anxietytherapysf.com and complete the appointment request form.
(415) 322-7842 View (415) 322-7842
Photo of Jenna Vivaldi, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Jenna Vivaldi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
Do you feel you have a lot of dreams, plans, and goals but struggle to actualize them? Does thinking about the big picture leave you feeling stuck, anxious, and overwhelmed? Do you feel hyper-sensitive to the world around you? It sounds like your nervous system needs a break and a reset. Through working together to gently unravel the tangled mental and emotional knots, we will carve a path forward for you to feel joyful and healthy. I will help you develop ease in accessing your internal pharmacy of resources so that you feel confident in knowing how to help yourself navigate big feelings.
Do you feel you have a lot of dreams, plans, and goals but struggle to actualize them? Does thinking about the big picture leave you feeling stuck, anxious, and overwhelmed? Do you feel hyper-sensitive to the world around you? It sounds like your nervous system needs a break and a reset. Through working together to gently unravel the tangled mental and emotional knots, we will carve a path forward for you to feel joyful and healthy. I will help you develop ease in accessing your internal pharmacy of resources so that you feel confident in knowing how to help yourself navigate big feelings.
(415) 319-9490 View (415) 319-9490
Photo of Stephanie Owen, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Stephanie Owen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117  (Online Only)
Currently accepting new clients. Are you feeling anxious, lost, find yourself overthinking past or future events? Are you struggling with self-love, dating, or a recent loss? Have you tried to suppress the worries and thoughts, but still find yourself looping on the same ones? If so, you've come to a place where together we can explore ways to gain clarity, insight and healing.
Currently accepting new clients. Are you feeling anxious, lost, find yourself overthinking past or future events? Are you struggling with self-love, dating, or a recent loss? Have you tried to suppress the worries and thoughts, but still find yourself looping on the same ones? If so, you've come to a place where together we can explore ways to gain clarity, insight and healing.
(415) 649-4129 View (415) 649-4129
Photo of Grechell Siy, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Grechell Siy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
My name is Grechell Siy, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California via telehealth. I primarily focused on working with individual adults struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, other relational trauma, grief, and chronic pain using a client-centered approach. I love working with individual adults who are ready to enrich their relationship with themselves due to the impact of relational or childhood trauma.
My name is Grechell Siy, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California via telehealth. I primarily focused on working with individual adults struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, other relational trauma, grief, and chronic pain using a client-centered approach. I love working with individual adults who are ready to enrich their relationship with themselves due to the impact of relational or childhood trauma.
(805) 749-2095 View (805) 749-2095
Photo of Nicole Poell, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Nicole Poell
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
Right now, you are doing something very courageous! You are taking the first step toward a more meaningful and rich life. You might sense that your thoughts and feelings are holding you back from truly living your life. You might have had traumatic life experience(s) that shaped your life in a way that is unfulfilling and terrifying. You might feel plagued by depression and/or anxiety, feel uncomfortable in your own skin or as if you are not performing to your best abilities. I want to commend you for taking this step and I would feel honored to be on this journey with you, helping you live a more satisfying, engaged and full life.
Right now, you are doing something very courageous! You are taking the first step toward a more meaningful and rich life. You might sense that your thoughts and feelings are holding you back from truly living your life. You might have had traumatic life experience(s) that shaped your life in a way that is unfulfilling and terrifying. You might feel plagued by depression and/or anxiety, feel uncomfortable in your own skin or as if you are not performing to your best abilities. I want to commend you for taking this step and I would feel honored to be on this journey with you, helping you live a more satisfying, engaged and full life.
(510) 849-6755 View (510) 849-6755
Photo of Annjudel (“Ann”) Enriquez, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Annjudel (“Ann”) Enriquez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
I focus on helping clients heal from painful experiences, big or small. I use EMDR, a powerful approach for trauma/PTSD to fast track treatment, making significant relief possible quickly while minimizing "re-living" the pain. I address clients' specific experiences and relationships, or explore the patterns that keep them from moving forward. I help clients better understand their situation and find their way out of confusion or overwhelming feelings. In addition to skill-building, I address origins or attachment "wounds" that contribute to these issues.
I focus on helping clients heal from painful experiences, big or small. I use EMDR, a powerful approach for trauma/PTSD to fast track treatment, making significant relief possible quickly while minimizing "re-living" the pain. I address clients' specific experiences and relationships, or explore the patterns that keep them from moving forward. I help clients better understand their situation and find their way out of confusion or overwhelming feelings. In addition to skill-building, I address origins or attachment "wounds" that contribute to these issues.
(909) 413-4844 View (909) 413-4844
Photo of Anna Alper, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Anna Alper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94158  (Online Only)
I use a strength based, compassion focused approach with my clients.
I once heard this metaphor about the lotus flower: "The lotus flower grows deep in muddy waters, far away from the sun. In time the Lotus reaches the light and transforms into a beautiful flower." You may be faced with many challenges right now: stress, anxiety, a terminal diagnosis, or perhaps you are experiencing loss of a loved one. Like the lotus flower, it may seem that everything around you is dark and the light seems very distant. It is my passion to help get you through that muddy water and help you bloom into the beautiful lotus that I know you are.
I use a strength based, compassion focused approach with my clients.
I once heard this metaphor about the lotus flower: "The lotus flower grows deep in muddy waters, far away from the sun. In time the Lotus reaches the light and transforms into a beautiful flower." You may be faced with many challenges right now: stress, anxiety, a terminal diagnosis, or perhaps you are experiencing loss of a loved one. Like the lotus flower, it may seem that everything around you is dark and the light seems very distant. It is my passion to help get you through that muddy water and help you bloom into the beautiful lotus that I know you are.
(650) 590-8869 View (650) 590-8869
Photo of Eva Healy, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Eva Healy
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117  (Online Only)
Welcome! By landing here, you’ve taken a momentous first step towards loving and trusting yourself more fully. Whether you want to deepen your intimate relationships, express yourself more authentically, cultivate inner peace, heal from abuse or trauma, explore polyamory, address issues specific to your sexuality or gender identity, or so much more, I am here to help. With my collaborative approach, we will unlock your potential to set healthy boundaries, shift limiting beliefs, make peace with your body, navigate uncertainty, embrace paradox, transcend polarities, embrace “good enough,” and learn to dance in the rain so to speak.
Welcome! By landing here, you’ve taken a momentous first step towards loving and trusting yourself more fully. Whether you want to deepen your intimate relationships, express yourself more authentically, cultivate inner peace, heal from abuse or trauma, explore polyamory, address issues specific to your sexuality or gender identity, or so much more, I am here to help. With my collaborative approach, we will unlock your potential to set healthy boundaries, shift limiting beliefs, make peace with your body, navigate uncertainty, embrace paradox, transcend polarities, embrace “good enough,” and learn to dance in the rain so to speak.
(415) 993-8135 View (415) 993-8135
Photo of Michelle Bialon-Choy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Michelle Bialon-Choy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
Life throws a lot at us and finding a therapist that you really connect with can make all the difference. Therapy doesn't have to be daunting. It can be incredibly calming, liberating, & rejuvenating. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Therapist with more than 15 years of experience. My approach is warm, direct, compassionate and down-to-earth. Building genuine relationships with my clients enables us to work collaboratively and focus on deeply personalized treatment. I received my Masters in Social Work from UCLA in 2003 and specialize in couples counseling, parenting, teen issues, anxiety, depression & relationship skills.
Life throws a lot at us and finding a therapist that you really connect with can make all the difference. Therapy doesn't have to be daunting. It can be incredibly calming, liberating, & rejuvenating. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Therapist with more than 15 years of experience. My approach is warm, direct, compassionate and down-to-earth. Building genuine relationships with my clients enables us to work collaboratively and focus on deeply personalized treatment. I received my Masters in Social Work from UCLA in 2003 and specialize in couples counseling, parenting, teen issues, anxiety, depression & relationship skills.
(650) 505-5729 View (650) 505-5729
Photo of Heather J Caldwell, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Heather J Caldwell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94132  (Online Only)
I combine Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic, Solution Focused, Inner Child Therapy, and CBT.
I have 13 years of experience counseling adults and teens by helping them apply practical coping skills to manage their moods. My clients often deal with feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, being overly sensitive, low self-esteem, multiple stressors, burnout, & ADHD. They want to increase task completion and move toward their full potential. I can help you update your mindset to be less critical of yourself, help you maintain a healthy schedule, process stressors & trauma, and grow self-confidence. Sessions are for you & your care!
I combine Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic, Solution Focused, Inner Child Therapy, and CBT.
I have 13 years of experience counseling adults and teens by helping them apply practical coping skills to manage their moods. My clients often deal with feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, being overly sensitive, low self-esteem, multiple stressors, burnout, & ADHD. They want to increase task completion and move toward their full potential. I can help you update your mindset to be less critical of yourself, help you maintain a healthy schedule, process stressors & trauma, and grow self-confidence. Sessions are for you & your care!
(323) 370-4793 View (323) 370-4793
Photo of Christie Pfalzgraf, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Christie Pfalzgraf
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
My name is Christie Pfalzgraf and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in North Carolina, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and adolescents and specialize in trauma, coping skills, life transitions, loss and grief, relationship difficulties, and personal growth, using Mindfulness Based Psychotherapy, EMDR, The Flash Technique, Focusing, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
My name is Christie Pfalzgraf and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in North Carolina, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and adolescents and specialize in trauma, coping skills, life transitions, loss and grief, relationship difficulties, and personal growth, using Mindfulness Based Psychotherapy, EMDR, The Flash Technique, Focusing, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
(415) 562-0199 View (415) 562-0199
Photo of Valesia Ho, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Valesia Ho
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
Dr. Valesia Ho is a licensed clinical psychologist with a focus in evidence-based treatments, behavioral medicine and working with individuals and couples coping with sleep disorders and concerns related to sexual health. Her clinical focus is in behavioral medicine working with individuals and couples coping with sleep disorders and concerns related to sexual health. Her approach values and affirms the inherent uniqueness of each person and couple by taking into account biological, psychological and cultural factors that impact emotional and physical health.
Dr. Valesia Ho is a licensed clinical psychologist with a focus in evidence-based treatments, behavioral medicine and working with individuals and couples coping with sleep disorders and concerns related to sexual health. Her clinical focus is in behavioral medicine working with individuals and couples coping with sleep disorders and concerns related to sexual health. Her approach values and affirms the inherent uniqueness of each person and couple by taking into account biological, psychological and cultural factors that impact emotional and physical health.
(415) 413-1089 View (415) 413-1089
Photo of The Fluent Mind, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
The Fluent Mind
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
As parents and clinicians, we know it is hard to have a unique brain in a typical world. We know you need different navigational tools in these turbulent waters. So, we designed a program based on well-researched therapies for all ages that will strengthen core brain functions - attention, memory, processing speed and problem-solving - and increase social skills. For parents, we work together to find the right community supports and develop the skills you need as a parent to support a calm and thriving family life.
As parents and clinicians, we know it is hard to have a unique brain in a typical world. We know you need different navigational tools in these turbulent waters. So, we designed a program based on well-researched therapies for all ages that will strengthen core brain functions - attention, memory, processing speed and problem-solving - and increase social skills. For parents, we work together to find the right community supports and develop the skills you need as a parent to support a calm and thriving family life.
(415) 944-5813 View (415) 944-5813
Photo of Michelle Mehrabian, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Michelle Mehrabian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94121  (Online Only)
In our sessions, I will provide a comfortable environment where we can explore what may be weighing you down. Are you having a hard time feeling good about who you are, your relationships, or difficult life events? I can provide you a safe setting to speak from your heart, figure out what things in your life you need to shift, and learn how to get the life you deserve. I can help to empower you and help you manage uncomfortable feelings. I offer an empathetic and strength-based approach through exploring past experiences and giving suggestions to help you move toward the life you want.
In our sessions, I will provide a comfortable environment where we can explore what may be weighing you down. Are you having a hard time feeling good about who you are, your relationships, or difficult life events? I can provide you a safe setting to speak from your heart, figure out what things in your life you need to shift, and learn how to get the life you deserve. I can help to empower you and help you manage uncomfortable feelings. I offer an empathetic and strength-based approach through exploring past experiences and giving suggestions to help you move toward the life you want.
(628) 266-4821 View (628) 266-4821

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Compassion Focused Therapists

How does compassion-focused therapy work?

Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.

Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?

Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.

Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?

Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.

What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?

Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.