Photo of Christina Cowger, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Christina Cowger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
As the Clinical Director of a program focused on healthy boundaries, trauma, couples communication, and neurobiological/mind-body interventions paired with years of private practice experience, I have had the honor of supporting hundreds of individuals and couples in creating dynamic and lasting life changes.
Recognizing patterns and applying actionable techniques for change is the cornerstone of our work together. I customize an emotional insight approach, cognitive-behavior structure, and mind-body tools for each client. We can safely explore how trauma and family patterns may have seeded beliefs and feelings that no longer serve the life you are striving to live. My neurobehavioral training informs how I partner with you to shift thinking, feeling, and reactivity, positively impacting self-esteem and relationships. Between sessions, tools are offered for ongoing continuity.
As the Clinical Director of a program focused on healthy boundaries, trauma, couples communication, and neurobiological/mind-body interventions paired with years of private practice experience, I have had the honor of supporting hundreds of individuals and couples in creating dynamic and lasting life changes.
Recognizing patterns and applying actionable techniques for change is the cornerstone of our work together. I customize an emotional insight approach, cognitive-behavior structure, and mind-body tools for each client. We can safely explore how trauma and family patterns may have seeded beliefs and feelings that no longer serve the life you are striving to live. My neurobehavioral training informs how I partner with you to shift thinking, feeling, and reactivity, positively impacting self-esteem and relationships. Between sessions, tools are offered for ongoing continuity.
(415) 594-4976 View (415) 594-4976
Photo of Beth Pierce, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Beth Pierce
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
In my life, I have had my own challenges with relationship dynamics, self esteem, finding meaning in my career, managing stress, and striking work-life balance.
Do you feel stuck or disillusioned with the path that you’re on? Have you found success in your career, but the other pieces aren’t lining up like you imagined? Do you seem to “have it all” but find yourself struggling to find happiness & fulfillment? I specialize in working with people navigating those tumultuous 20s and 30s where so many of life’s biggest decisions, like relationships and career, are still playing out. Together we can address and overcome the things causing you to feel stuck, overwhelmed, and anxious. I will support you as you discover your most authentic self, your inner strength, and your greatest dreams.
In my life, I have had my own challenges with relationship dynamics, self esteem, finding meaning in my career, managing stress, and striking work-life balance.
Do you feel stuck or disillusioned with the path that you’re on? Have you found success in your career, but the other pieces aren’t lining up like you imagined? Do you seem to “have it all” but find yourself struggling to find happiness & fulfillment? I specialize in working with people navigating those tumultuous 20s and 30s where so many of life’s biggest decisions, like relationships and career, are still playing out. Together we can address and overcome the things causing you to feel stuck, overwhelmed, and anxious. I will support you as you discover your most authentic self, your inner strength, and your greatest dreams.
(415) 943-5965 View (415) 943-5965
Photo of Gwendolyn E Nelson-Terry, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Gwendolyn E Nelson-Terry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
26 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I specialize in working with couples and women struggling in relationships.
You just want to feel happy, to wake up and to actually feel excited about your day. You can't remember the last time you didn't feel stressed or rushed. You miss the old you, the you that used to smile, play with the kids, have fun with your partner. Imagine what it would feel like to slow down just a bit, to feel less stressed. Imagine what it would be like to feel calm, happy, and confident as you went through you day. Imagine what could change if you were able to start feeling good again.
I specialize in working with couples and women struggling in relationships.
You just want to feel happy, to wake up and to actually feel excited about your day. You can't remember the last time you didn't feel stressed or rushed. You miss the old you, the you that used to smile, play with the kids, have fun with your partner. Imagine what it would feel like to slow down just a bit, to feel less stressed. Imagine what it would be like to feel calm, happy, and confident as you went through you day. Imagine what could change if you were able to start feeling good again.
(619) 375-1038 View (619) 375-1038
Photo of Jeff Shore, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Jeff Shore
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
Imagine what it would be like to have enough space inside to feel anything and be OK with it. To not get thrown around, to not feel like you are sinking or drowning, and to maintain your balance when things get tough. To be calm when you normally would get angry. To find moments of joy when it seems like everything is negative. While it may not feel like it right now, change is possible. You can do something about your feelings of anxiety or depression, drug or alcohol use, OCD, eating disorders, etc.
Imagine what it would be like to have enough space inside to feel anything and be OK with it. To not get thrown around, to not feel like you are sinking or drowning, and to maintain your balance when things get tough. To be calm when you normally would get angry. To find moments of joy when it seems like everything is negative. While it may not feel like it right now, change is possible. You can do something about your feelings of anxiety or depression, drug or alcohol use, OCD, eating disorders, etc.
(415) 594-4207 View (415) 594-4207
Couples Counseling Therapists

Does couples counseling work?

Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.

When should a couple seek counseling?

Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.

How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?

The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.

How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?

The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.