Photo of Brian Holton Henderson, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94123, CA
Brian Holton Henderson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
We already contain the wisdom to build a better relationship with the world around us.
There comes a moment for each of us where we struggle to make sense of where to go next. Some part of us knows that life should be different. We long for something else and we don’t know how to get it. It could be more peace with or within our bodies. Maybe it’s resolution with our families or deeper relationship with our partners. Or we’re trying to figure out how to be less alone with our grief and pain.
We already contain the wisdom to build a better relationship with the world around us.
There comes a moment for each of us where we struggle to make sense of where to go next. Some part of us knows that life should be different. We long for something else and we don’t know how to get it. It could be more peace with or within our bodies. Maybe it’s resolution with our families or deeper relationship with our partners. Or we’re trying to figure out how to be less alone with our grief and pain.
(415) 358-6802 View (415) 358-6802
Photo of Scott Christenson, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94123, CA
Scott Christenson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, JD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
Are you in the middle of a life transition such as a loss, career change, relationship breakup, or spiritual crisis? Are you noticing that you lack motivation? Are you afraid of feelings that seem to appear out of nowhere? I offer a safe, compassionate space to explore all of these questions and to support you in your difficult times. We will also explore ways to be resilient in the face of your struggles.
Are you in the middle of a life transition such as a loss, career change, relationship breakup, or spiritual crisis? Are you noticing that you lack motivation? Are you afraid of feelings that seem to appear out of nowhere? I offer a safe, compassionate space to explore all of these questions and to support you in your difficult times. We will also explore ways to be resilient in the face of your struggles.
(415) 980-1384 View (415) 980-1384
Photo of Claire Greenwood, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Claire Greenwood
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I provide contemporary psychoanalytic psychotherapy, focusing on individuals grappling with anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, and with an emphasis on queer, trans and non-binary experiences. My approach integrates a keen understanding of queer and gender issues, recognizing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in these contexts. I believe that our psychological symptoms are deeply connected to our early experiences, family histories, and the broader societal systems we inhabit, including those related to race and gender identity, class, and sexual orientation. I also offer EMDR for trauma and phobias.
I provide contemporary psychoanalytic psychotherapy, focusing on individuals grappling with anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, and with an emphasis on queer, trans and non-binary experiences. My approach integrates a keen understanding of queer and gender issues, recognizing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in these contexts. I believe that our psychological symptoms are deeply connected to our early experiences, family histories, and the broader societal systems we inhabit, including those related to race and gender identity, class, and sexual orientation. I also offer EMDR for trauma and phobias.
(415) 341-9809 View (415) 341-9809
Photo of Sandra M Amat, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Sandra M Amat
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I specialize in Conscious Relationship and the work required for that.
I specialize in Conscious Relationship. I help people learn how to show up as an adult for a conscious relationship with themselves and other people. We look at, excavate and rework personal and interpersonal dynamics, heal attachment wounding and past hurts and patterns that get in the way of healthy relating, developing the Emotional Intelligence necessary to show up. Please feel free to reach out or check out my website to learn more.
I specialize in Conscious Relationship and the work required for that.
I specialize in Conscious Relationship. I help people learn how to show up as an adult for a conscious relationship with themselves and other people. We look at, excavate and rework personal and interpersonal dynamics, heal attachment wounding and past hurts and patterns that get in the way of healthy relating, developing the Emotional Intelligence necessary to show up. Please feel free to reach out or check out my website to learn more.
(650) 385-8967 View (650) 385-8967
Photo of Trudy McMahon, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Trudy McMahon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I Work with individuals/ couples. My background is in substance misuse counseling. I work with trauma, anxiety, depression, body image/ disordered eating. I work in a relational way, that invites the client into the therapeutic process, setting goals, assigning homework if appropriate, coming up with ways to better resource in times of stress/ emotional overwhelm. I enjoy working with people who view themselves as sensitive beings, intuitive /empaths. I am somatically trained, which means I invite the body into the therapy, offering interventions such as mindfulness. I offer EMDR and somatic touch work: Relational Somatic Healing.
I Work with individuals/ couples. My background is in substance misuse counseling. I work with trauma, anxiety, depression, body image/ disordered eating. I work in a relational way, that invites the client into the therapeutic process, setting goals, assigning homework if appropriate, coming up with ways to better resource in times of stress/ emotional overwhelm. I enjoy working with people who view themselves as sensitive beings, intuitive /empaths. I am somatically trained, which means I invite the body into the therapy, offering interventions such as mindfulness. I offer EMDR and somatic touch work: Relational Somatic Healing.
(415) 594-4409 View (415) 594-4409
Photo of Maeve Odile Jackson-Dufault, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94123, CA
Maeve Odile Jackson-Dufault
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I am particularly passionate about working with couples from a sex positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, attachment based, and psychodynamic lens.
My approach to therapy is integral; I work from an attachment and trauma informed lens with a deep grounding in relational psychoanalytic theory. I have experience with treating depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, questions of gender and sexuality, complex family dynamics, relationship issues, chronic pain, and grief work. My wish it to foster a therapeutic space that feels both challenging as well as safe so that we can work together to meet your treatment goals. In our work together I may bring in mindfulness techniques, parts work, attachment theory, dream work, movement, and myth.
I am particularly passionate about working with couples from a sex positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, attachment based, and psychodynamic lens.
My approach to therapy is integral; I work from an attachment and trauma informed lens with a deep grounding in relational psychoanalytic theory. I have experience with treating depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, questions of gender and sexuality, complex family dynamics, relationship issues, chronic pain, and grief work. My wish it to foster a therapeutic space that feels both challenging as well as safe so that we can work together to meet your treatment goals. In our work together I may bring in mindfulness techniques, parts work, attachment theory, dream work, movement, and myth.
(510) 513-4604 View (510) 513-4604
Photo of Jeff Wright, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Jeff Wright
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
FREE 15min phone consultation. Over 20 years experience offering short-term solution focused therapy to individuals and couples. Real Help for Real People Living Real Lives. I offer tools you can use to improve the quality of your life and relationships. People who come to me want to be empowered to make real changes in their life. They’re looking for an engaged ally and a trusted guide and tangible results. Life is short. Time is passing. You’re not here in this life to suffer or waste time struggling with madness, fear and regret - confused, alone, anxious, depressed, defeated, unhappy and upset. You want a better life!
FREE 15min phone consultation. Over 20 years experience offering short-term solution focused therapy to individuals and couples. Real Help for Real People Living Real Lives. I offer tools you can use to improve the quality of your life and relationships. People who come to me want to be empowered to make real changes in their life. They’re looking for an engaged ally and a trusted guide and tangible results. Life is short. Time is passing. You’re not here in this life to suffer or waste time struggling with madness, fear and regret - confused, alone, anxious, depressed, defeated, unhappy and upset. You want a better life!
(415) 936-8250 x203 View (415) 936-8250 x203
Photo of Shira Appell, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
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.
(628) 229-2098 View (628) 229-2098
Photo of Marina Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Marina Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
Couples counseling helps couples resolve conflicts and improve their relationships.
At times we all need help sorting out life's complexities. At the Marina Counseling Center we offer professional, skilled, affordable, psychotherapy to address the challanges that life can bring. The Marina Counseling Center is a non-profit community counseling center and training institute in the heart of San Francisco's Marina district. We provide counseling to adults, couples, and families on fees adjusted to client needs. These fees range from $35 and up, based on ability to pay.
Couples counseling helps couples resolve conflicts and improve their relationships.
At times we all need help sorting out life's complexities. At the Marina Counseling Center we offer professional, skilled, affordable, psychotherapy to address the challanges that life can bring. The Marina Counseling Center is a non-profit community counseling center and training institute in the heart of San Francisco's Marina district. We provide counseling to adults, couples, and families on fees adjusted to client needs. These fees range from $35 and up, based on ability to pay.
(415) 969-2090 View (415) 969-2090
Photo of Marlena Kushner, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Marlena Kushner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
Each therapy relationship is unique utilizing the resources that come out of the relationship that develops.
With over 30 years experience, my approach is holistic integrating the connection between mind, body, heart and spirit. Certified in EMDR therapy by the EMDR International Association, I find EMDR to be a powerful tool that I use along with other treatment modalities to facilitate healing. I specialize in working with trauma, eating disorders, addiction recovery, grief, depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I especially work with clients who have trust and abandonment issues due to childhood trauma, neglect or abusive parents. Early dysfunctional family patterns and lack of nurturing can affect self-esteem, intimate relationships and work performance.
Each therapy relationship is unique utilizing the resources that come out of the relationship that develops.
With over 30 years experience, my approach is holistic integrating the connection between mind, body, heart and spirit. Certified in EMDR therapy by the EMDR International Association, I find EMDR to be a powerful tool that I use along with other treatment modalities to facilitate healing. I specialize in working with trauma, eating disorders, addiction recovery, grief, depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I especially work with clients who have trust and abandonment issues due to childhood trauma, neglect or abusive parents. Early dysfunctional family patterns and lack of nurturing can affect self-esteem, intimate relationships and work performance.
(415) 767-1933 View (415) 767-1933
Brown Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
We work with a diverse population of adult individuals, couples, and special interest groups who may be struggling with any number of mental health challenges related to anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship issues, and substance abuse, among others. We are committed to providing culturally competent care across the spectrum of age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and background.
We work with a diverse population of adult individuals, couples, and special interest groups who may be struggling with any number of mental health challenges related to anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship issues, and substance abuse, among others. We are committed to providing culturally competent care across the spectrum of age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and background.
(415) 849-7242 View (415) 849-7242
Photo of Jess Odom, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Jess Odom
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
Do you long to feel greater self esteem and ease? My experience helping many people has shown me that effective and worthwhile therapy unfolds by sensitive attunement to each unique client or couple. Healing has many facets: emotional, somatic, cognitive, energetic, and relational are important elements. I work with you as your skilled guide within a healing professional therapeutic relationship. If you are seeking transpersonal (spiritually inclusive) therapy I could be a great fit for you. As a long time seeker and practitioner I know well the gifts that come from the spaces where psychology meets spirituality.
Do you long to feel greater self esteem and ease? My experience helping many people has shown me that effective and worthwhile therapy unfolds by sensitive attunement to each unique client or couple. Healing has many facets: emotional, somatic, cognitive, energetic, and relational are important elements. I work with you as your skilled guide within a healing professional therapeutic relationship. If you are seeking transpersonal (spiritually inclusive) therapy I could be a great fit for you. As a long time seeker and practitioner I know well the gifts that come from the spaces where psychology meets spirituality.
(707) 271-7017 View (707) 271-7017
Photo of David J Kest, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
David J Kest
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
Waitlist for new clients
A certified Imago Relationship Therapist in SF and Marin Teaching couples the "Art of Dialogue" .
I offer an "Integrated Approach to Psychotherapy" for adults, couples and families. We may first seek to reduce negative symptoms and increase stability in our life, but eventually I support and challenge my clients to graduate from "surviving to truly "thriving" in all major aspects of their life. Relationships have shaped and influenced who we are and many clients appreciate help with essential relationship skills. I am one of the few therapists in Marin and SF actually certified as an Imago Relationship Therapist and have had the honor to assist the cofounders many times with their weekend workshops. on the West Coast.
A certified Imago Relationship Therapist in SF and Marin Teaching couples the "Art of Dialogue" .
I offer an "Integrated Approach to Psychotherapy" for adults, couples and families. We may first seek to reduce negative symptoms and increase stability in our life, but eventually I support and challenge my clients to graduate from "surviving to truly "thriving" in all major aspects of their life. Relationships have shaped and influenced who we are and many clients appreciate help with essential relationship skills. I am one of the few therapists in Marin and SF actually certified as an Imago Relationship Therapist and have had the honor to assist the cofounders many times with their weekend workshops. on the West Coast.
(650) 924-9677 View (650) 924-9677
Photo of Graham Best, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Graham Best
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
Right now I am offering therapy remotely, using video sessions. It actually works very well. The technology is easy, involving only a link to click at our appointment time. The connection is steady, secure, and HIPAA-compliant. I have been conducting video sessions as an effective part of my practice for many years. I welcome inquiries for working with adults, couples, families, and teens.
Right now I am offering therapy remotely, using video sessions. It actually works very well. The technology is easy, involving only a link to click at our appointment time. The connection is steady, secure, and HIPAA-compliant. I have been conducting video sessions as an effective part of my practice for many years. I welcome inquiries for working with adults, couples, families, and teens.
(415) 592-6483 View (415) 592-6483
Photo of Mark Edwards, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Mark Edwards
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
Are you experiencing a period of depression or anxiety? Are you struggling with raising a child or teenager? Are you wrestling with a work issue or close personal relationship?
Are you experiencing a period of depression or anxiety? Are you struggling with raising a child or teenager? Are you wrestling with a work issue or close personal relationship?
(415) 574-0938 View (415) 574-0938
Photo of Zena Tucker, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Zena Tucker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
As your individual therapist or your couples’ counselor, I try to help you discover the possibility of a more fulfilling life.
I invite you to walk through a door ready to change, because all you know and all you have tried may not be working for you. I have the training, the confidence, the sensitivity and the sense of humor, when needed, to be the person to help you to find your way. My style is down-to-earth and interactive focusing on change in the present through engagement and connection. Sometimes it's difficult to trust that anyone can truly help you. I encourage you to try. WEBSITE: zenatucker.com
As your individual therapist or your couples’ counselor, I try to help you discover the possibility of a more fulfilling life.
I invite you to walk through a door ready to change, because all you know and all you have tried may not be working for you. I have the training, the confidence, the sensitivity and the sense of humor, when needed, to be the person to help you to find your way. My style is down-to-earth and interactive focusing on change in the present through engagement and connection. Sometimes it's difficult to trust that anyone can truly help you. I encourage you to try. WEBSITE: zenatucker.com
(415) 226-6705 View (415) 226-6705
Photo of Jo Sopko, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Jo Sopko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RDT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
In every client relationship I am committed to creating a non-judgmental, safe environment that lends itself to a journey of discovery and curiosity.
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
In every client relationship I am committed to creating a non-judgmental, safe environment that lends itself to a journey of discovery and curiosity.
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
(415) 799-4143 View (415) 799-4143
Photo of Paul E Norris, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Paul E Norris
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
I have worked with couples (both gay and heterosexual), therapists and therapists in training, gay men, Asian men and women, and men and women struggling with relationship issues.
Seeing you leave my office feeling better and more comfortable in your skin makes my day. Hearing that your life has changed for the better makes my year. I pledge that when you come to me you will find my heart open to you no matter how you have suffered, no matter what you look like, no matter where you come from and no matter how you live your life. My goal is to look at those things you give me permission to look at and to work with you to meet your wants and needs. .
I have worked with couples (both gay and heterosexual), therapists and therapists in training, gay men, Asian men and women, and men and women struggling with relationship issues.
Seeing you leave my office feeling better and more comfortable in your skin makes my day. Hearing that your life has changed for the better makes my year. I pledge that when you come to me you will find my heart open to you no matter how you have suffered, no matter what you look like, no matter where you come from and no matter how you live your life. My goal is to look at those things you give me permission to look at and to work with you to meet your wants and needs. .
(510) 240-8390 View (510) 240-8390
Photo of Virginia Blue, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Virginia Blue
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, FAE
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families going through major life changes, such as birth and death, and confronting challenges related to anxiety, trauma, grief, and addiction of all kinds. 
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families going through major life changes, such as birth and death, and confronting challenges related to anxiety, trauma, grief, and addiction of all kinds. 
(415) 202-5546 View (415) 202-5546
Photo of Stacey Kolsrud, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94123, CA
Stacey Kolsrud
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
Planning a wedding is stressful, and can cause issues to arise in our relationship which are best addressed before the wedding.
My approach to therapy uses humor, openness and honesty to dive beneath the surface of emotions, and address the root of the discomfort. Whatever it is that drives you into therapy - dissatisfaction with your job, relationship or just life in general - is explored in an environment of curiosity and compassion. We often cause our own suffering by being our own worst critic & through the made up stories we tell ourselves. Through our work together, we can uncover and address areas in which growth is wanting to occur, so you can become your best self.
Planning a wedding is stressful, and can cause issues to arise in our relationship which are best addressed before the wedding.
My approach to therapy uses humor, openness and honesty to dive beneath the surface of emotions, and address the root of the discomfort. Whatever it is that drives you into therapy - dissatisfaction with your job, relationship or just life in general - is explored in an environment of curiosity and compassion. We often cause our own suffering by being our own worst critic & through the made up stories we tell ourselves. Through our work together, we can uncover and address areas in which growth is wanting to occur, so you can become your best self.
(628) 288-7948 View (628) 288-7948
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.