Photo of Bowra Faiez, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Bowra Faiez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105  (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck in your personal life or your relationship? Are your thoughts of constant worry, hopelessness, uncertainty overwhelming your day-to-day journey? Have you decided it's time that you approach these feelings and emotions head-on? Therapy is a brave and powerful first step towards exploring what might be contributing to these feelings. I help address these experiences by utilizing a goal-oriented and solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral approach (CBT). I work with clients to help support them in bringing their strength in the room and allowing them to be able to get in touch with their inner self.
Do you feel stuck in your personal life or your relationship? Are your thoughts of constant worry, hopelessness, uncertainty overwhelming your day-to-day journey? Have you decided it's time that you approach these feelings and emotions head-on? Therapy is a brave and powerful first step towards exploring what might be contributing to these feelings. I help address these experiences by utilizing a goal-oriented and solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral approach (CBT). I work with clients to help support them in bringing their strength in the room and allowing them to be able to get in touch with their inner self.
(408) 459-4158 View (408) 459-4158
Photo of Annu Sood, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Annu Sood
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
I strive to cultivate a relationship with you that is meaningful, respectful, honest and direct, yet gentle.
Hello! My name is Annu, and I am a therapist in San Francisco (and online). I work with immigrants and adult-children of immigrants....also known as Third Culture Kids (TCK) or First Generation Americans. I work with multi-cultural and multi-racial couples, many of whom are people of color. I work with successful, career-driven achievers. I belong to each of these demographics - my parents immigrated to the US in 1971, and I worked in the corporate world for nearly 2 decades, climbing the corporate ladder rapidly before pivoting my career by going back to school to study counseling psychology. I work virtually via Zoom or phone.
I strive to cultivate a relationship with you that is meaningful, respectful, honest and direct, yet gentle.
Hello! My name is Annu, and I am a therapist in San Francisco (and online). I work with immigrants and adult-children of immigrants....also known as Third Culture Kids (TCK) or First Generation Americans. I work with multi-cultural and multi-racial couples, many of whom are people of color. I work with successful, career-driven achievers. I belong to each of these demographics - my parents immigrated to the US in 1971, and I worked in the corporate world for nearly 2 decades, climbing the corporate ladder rapidly before pivoting my career by going back to school to study counseling psychology. I work virtually via Zoom or phone.
(415) 942-8008 View (415) 942-8008
Photo of Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94108  (Online Only)
Find your best therapist match with us! We are highly skilled, diverse, well-trained and inclusive therapists. We empower you to live the life you want and do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to care. Additional benefits include a concierge billing service for PPO insurance and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekday and weekend mornings, afternoons, and evenings. We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages as individuals, couples, and families.
Find your best therapist match with us! We are highly skilled, diverse, well-trained and inclusive therapists. We empower you to live the life you want and do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to care. Additional benefits include a concierge billing service for PPO insurance and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekday and weekend mornings, afternoons, and evenings. We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages as individuals, couples, and families.
(628) 299-7866 View (628) 299-7866
Photo of Anum Ghazipura, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Anum Ghazipura
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105
Isn't your life a story to be told? My aim is to help individuals and couples face their life narratives head on.
It's never too late to understand yourself. If you can synchronize your heart and mind, you can harmonize your life. The therapeutic space I create is to help you learn about who you are as an individual and see your blind spots. Regardless if you're coming on your own or as a couple, the therapeutic work that we will be done is not just about solving problems. It’s primarily to help you figure out what's behind these issues and increase your self-worth along the way. Therapy is challenging, but can be fulfilling. The goal is to facilitate you in witnessing your life in the healthiest of ways as you become closer to your true self.
Isn't your life a story to be told? My aim is to help individuals and couples face their life narratives head on.
It's never too late to understand yourself. If you can synchronize your heart and mind, you can harmonize your life. The therapeutic space I create is to help you learn about who you are as an individual and see your blind spots. Regardless if you're coming on your own or as a couple, the therapeutic work that we will be done is not just about solving problems. It’s primarily to help you figure out what's behind these issues and increase your self-worth along the way. Therapy is challenging, but can be fulfilling. The goal is to facilitate you in witnessing your life in the healthiest of ways as you become closer to your true self.
(415) 286-9618 View (415) 286-9618
Photo of Thomas Marchevsky, Licensed Psychoanalyst in San Francisco, CA
Thomas Marchevsky
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I work with individuals, couples, and families, and offer services both in Spanish and English.
Welcome. Are you ready for the work necessary to make real, enduring change? Do you have a troubling personal issue or suffer from general dissatisfaction? My orientation is to focus on the unconscious, the elusive essence of the problem. A powerful process unfolds when change occurs at this level of the mind. This opens the space for authentic personal transformation.
I work with individuals, couples, and families, and offer services both in Spanish and English.
Welcome. Are you ready for the work necessary to make real, enduring change? Do you have a troubling personal issue or suffer from general dissatisfaction? My orientation is to focus on the unconscious, the elusive essence of the problem. A powerful process unfolds when change occurs at this level of the mind. This opens the space for authentic personal transformation.
(628) 225-3616 View (628) 225-3616
Photo of Yasmin Akbari, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Yasmin Akbari
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
My specialty areas include relationship challenges, identity development and esteem, sleep issues, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist dedicated to providing culturally-sensitive and evidence-based therapy for adults 18 and older. I take an empathic, client-centered approach to meet each of my clients where they are at. Based on your identity, background, and needs, I prefer a collaborative, "tough love" approach to support you in your journey to create meaningful change and become the best version of yourself.
My specialty areas include relationship challenges, identity development and esteem, sleep issues, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist dedicated to providing culturally-sensitive and evidence-based therapy for adults 18 and older. I take an empathic, client-centered approach to meet each of my clients where they are at. Based on your identity, background, and needs, I prefer a collaborative, "tough love" approach to support you in your journey to create meaningful change and become the best version of yourself.
(925) 966-3298 View (925) 966-3298
Photo of Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
This highlights my connection to relationship, words, land, embodiment, and even Winter Solstice.
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
This highlights my connection to relationship, words, land, embodiment, and even Winter Solstice.
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
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Photo of Zabreen Shaikh, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Zabreen Shaikh
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
Hello! My clientele typically consists of BIPOC individuals, couples, and families holding multicultural identities (first gen, bilingual, spiritual, etc.). My areas of focus include supporting my diverse clients through life transitions (break ups, marriage, moving cross country, career changes), depression and anxiety, relationship and attachment issues, burnout, grief/loss, and more. Regardless of the circumstances bringing you to therapy, I ensure culturally informed counseling honoring the relationship between your mental health concerns and cultural background.
Hello! My clientele typically consists of BIPOC individuals, couples, and families holding multicultural identities (first gen, bilingual, spiritual, etc.). My areas of focus include supporting my diverse clients through life transitions (break ups, marriage, moving cross country, career changes), depression and anxiety, relationship and attachment issues, burnout, grief/loss, and more. Regardless of the circumstances bringing you to therapy, I ensure culturally informed counseling honoring the relationship between your mental health concerns and cultural background.
(858) 786-0659 View (858) 786-0659
Photo of Dr. Nafisseh Soroudi in San Francisco, CA
Dr. Nafisseh Soroudi
PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
Scopes of practice: Digestive issues, energy level, sleep, relationship with food, optimal physical & mental health including depression, anxiety, chronic illness (heart-disease, cancer, diabetes, dementia and other forms of cognitive decline, autoimmune disease), timeless aging, relationships and transitions such as death, uncoupling, coupling, immigration.
I provide compassionate and empowering therapy tailored to each client's health journey. My approach is trauma-informed and holistic, focusing on self-discovery and self-love. Clients learn to tap into the wisdom within and re-create a sense of self-agency. Taking responsibility for ways in which we contribute to our wellbeing and our circumstances, leads to transformations that ripple to unimaginable changes within and around us. You hold within the wisdom for your wellbeing, and I serve as a clear mirror and an informed guide on your journey.
Scopes of practice: Digestive issues, energy level, sleep, relationship with food, optimal physical & mental health including depression, anxiety, chronic illness (heart-disease, cancer, diabetes, dementia and other forms of cognitive decline, autoimmune disease), timeless aging, relationships and transitions such as death, uncoupling, coupling, immigration.
I provide compassionate and empowering therapy tailored to each client's health journey. My approach is trauma-informed and holistic, focusing on self-discovery and self-love. Clients learn to tap into the wisdom within and re-create a sense of self-agency. Taking responsibility for ways in which we contribute to our wellbeing and our circumstances, leads to transformations that ripple to unimaginable changes within and around us. You hold within the wisdom for your wellbeing, and I serve as a clear mirror and an informed guide on your journey.
(808) 650-5795 View (808) 650-5795
Photo of Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center, Pre-Licensed Professional in San Francisco, CA
Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
If you are seeking help for yourself, your relationship or your child or family, consider calling Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center for more information.
Therapy provides such a rich opportunity for growth and learning, helping persons to recover from the aftermaths of trauma, abuse and loss, meet the hardships of their lives and thrive. In times like this, with so much anxiety about our collective welfare, it can be an invaluable lifeline. In response to the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we are now offering teletherapy (therapy by phone and online by video) for all our clients, whether new or established. Also called telehealth or telebehavioral health, teletherapy can provide vital care and support to individuals, couples and families.
If you are seeking help for yourself, your relationship or your child or family, consider calling Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center for more information.
Therapy provides such a rich opportunity for growth and learning, helping persons to recover from the aftermaths of trauma, abuse and loss, meet the hardships of their lives and thrive. In times like this, with so much anxiety about our collective welfare, it can be an invaluable lifeline. In response to the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we are now offering teletherapy (therapy by phone and online by video) for all our clients, whether new or established. Also called telehealth or telebehavioral health, teletherapy can provide vital care and support to individuals, couples and families.
(510) 858-0916 View (510) 858-0916
Photo of Flatirons Counseling Center , Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Flatirons Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MSMFT, CSAT, MDiv, IITAP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94131  (Online Only)
I am, first and foremost, a highly trained Christian Therapist. I love to work with couples, individuals and families helping to put an anchor back into their lives. For 3 decades I have sat front row and center in thousands of peoples lives. I have found that this is a most privileged position. My goal is to give my clients proven tools to learn to have healthy intimate relationships with those individuals who are most important to them.
I am, first and foremost, a highly trained Christian Therapist. I love to work with couples, individuals and families helping to put an anchor back into their lives. For 3 decades I have sat front row and center in thousands of peoples lives. I have found that this is a most privileged position. My goal is to give my clients proven tools to learn to have healthy intimate relationships with those individuals who are most important to them.
(562) 573-8944 View (562) 573-8944
Photo of Halima Eid, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Francisco, CA
Halima Eid
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
Hello, My name is Halima Eid LPCC 13443. I have over 4+ years of experience working with various issues including relationship/marriage conflicts, eating disorders, transgenerational trauma, racial trauma, homelessness, familial conflicts, being a first-generation college student, religious and cultural barriers, etc. I work with individuals from a holistic approach, taking into account all aspects of the individual's life (social, relational, emotional, mental, physical, cultural, and environmental) that may impact their overall wellness.
Hello, My name is Halima Eid LPCC 13443. I have over 4+ years of experience working with various issues including relationship/marriage conflicts, eating disorders, transgenerational trauma, racial trauma, homelessness, familial conflicts, being a first-generation college student, religious and cultural barriers, etc. I work with individuals from a holistic approach, taking into account all aspects of the individual's life (social, relational, emotional, mental, physical, cultural, and environmental) that may impact their overall wellness.
(559) 550-2599 View (559) 550-2599
Photo of Meera Baya'a, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Meera Baya'a
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
I work with children, adolescents and adults in individual, couples and family counseling. I also have experience in running therapy groups, including process groups, anger management, parenting classes, and domestic violence intervention programs.
I work with children, adolescents and adults in individual, couples and family counseling. I also have experience in running therapy groups, including process groups, anger management, parenting classes, and domestic violence intervention programs.
(714) 735-0692 View (714) 735-0692
Photo of Tanya Gill, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Tanya Gill
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94103
I help bicultural individuals, couples, & families sort through current and past struggles to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Therapy is successful when you have a therapist who understands you AND knows how to help you. I work with men and women navigating relationships, anxiety/depression, major life transitions, and family conflicts, all while trying to integrate two very different cultures – the one we’re born into and the one we’re living in. As a South Asian woman and a therapist for over 7 years, I understand how culture plays a huge role in our unique challenges and expectations.
I help bicultural individuals, couples, & families sort through current and past struggles to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Therapy is successful when you have a therapist who understands you AND knows how to help you. I work with men and women navigating relationships, anxiety/depression, major life transitions, and family conflicts, all while trying to integrate two very different cultures – the one we’re born into and the one we’re living in. As a South Asian woman and a therapist for over 7 years, I understand how culture plays a huge role in our unique challenges and expectations.
(424) 304-0684 View (424) 304-0684
Photo of Azadeh H Weber, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Azadeh H Weber
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
I’m Dr. Azadeh Weber, a licensed Clinical Psychologist.​ My professional background includes mental health services for individuals, couples, families, and groups. I have worked in community mental health, as a counselor in K-12 education, as a milieu counselor for families in a hospital setting, and as a therapist and forensic assistant in Workers' Compensation. I built a therapeutic farm in Spokane, WA and won multiple grant awards to provide heritage art workshops to women to enhance resiliency. I care about my clients’ well-being and strive to deliver counseling and psychological services catered to their needs.
I’m Dr. Azadeh Weber, a licensed Clinical Psychologist.​ My professional background includes mental health services for individuals, couples, families, and groups. I have worked in community mental health, as a counselor in K-12 education, as a milieu counselor for families in a hospital setting, and as a therapist and forensic assistant in Workers' Compensation. I built a therapeutic farm in Spokane, WA and won multiple grant awards to provide heritage art workshops to women to enhance resiliency. I care about my clients’ well-being and strive to deliver counseling and psychological services catered to their needs.
(650) 663-5581 View (650) 663-5581
Photo of Be Mindful and Well, PhD in San Francisco, CA
Be Mindful and Well, PhD
PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
3- Grief and loss 4-Terminal illness 5- Family/Couples conflict and relationship issues 6- transition from school to college and adaptation to college.
We provide a holistic mental health coaching/counseling committed to personal, social and professional growth. Our professionals are expert professors, PhD, MA, BS in the field of health and counseling, and serving clients of all ages, and organizations for more than 20yrs.The center provides: 1- life coaching to women for varied health concerns: Nutritional counseling/ concerns for women, children, students, chronic diseases; Adaptation to pregnancy; Postpartum; menopause; Dealing with aging process; health concerns, and chronic diseases, parenting issues, adolescence challenges, body image, and skin problems and concerns.
3- Grief and loss 4-Terminal illness 5- Family/Couples conflict and relationship issues 6- transition from school to college and adaptation to college.
We provide a holistic mental health coaching/counseling committed to personal, social and professional growth. Our professionals are expert professors, PhD, MA, BS in the field of health and counseling, and serving clients of all ages, and organizations for more than 20yrs.The center provides: 1- life coaching to women for varied health concerns: Nutritional counseling/ concerns for women, children, students, chronic diseases; Adaptation to pregnancy; Postpartum; menopause; Dealing with aging process; health concerns, and chronic diseases, parenting issues, adolescence challenges, body image, and skin problems and concerns.
(617) 744-7497 View (617) 744-7497
Photo of Sobia Saleem Psychotherapist, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Sobia Saleem Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients! Are you a trans, non-binary, or poly person looking for a therapist who understands and reflects your identity? Are you a newly diagnosed neurodivergent or neuroqueer adult? Are you chronically ill and tired of educating your therapists about your medical conditions? If so, you're in the right place! I want to give you the care you deserve. I want to work with you on the unique challenges you might be facing, like navigating your transitioning experience, exploring sexual dynamics with partner(s), dealing with a new diagnosis, and needing an HRT or surgery letter. Therapy should cater to you and your needs.
Accepting New Clients! Are you a trans, non-binary, or poly person looking for a therapist who understands and reflects your identity? Are you a newly diagnosed neurodivergent or neuroqueer adult? Are you chronically ill and tired of educating your therapists about your medical conditions? If so, you're in the right place! I want to give you the care you deserve. I want to work with you on the unique challenges you might be facing, like navigating your transitioning experience, exploring sexual dynamics with partner(s), dealing with a new diagnosis, and needing an HRT or surgery letter. Therapy should cater to you and your needs.
(657) 286-7337 View (657) 286-7337
Photo of Aimen Bukhari, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Aimen Bukhari
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
As a first-generation Pakistani American Muslim therapist, I have four-plus years of experience serving families, children, couples, and individuals dealing with family relational issues, anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, attention deficit, TBI, SUD, ASD, cultural differences, etc.
Do you ever feel disconnected from yourself or others? Although our country has made progress in raising mental health awareness, a great deal of stigma remains. In many communities, these issues are often shrouded by silence and shame, fostering mental health minimization. I have experience working with individuals and family relationships. I work with problems that arise in blended families, work, health, and career, trying to create better relationships and less conflict. Through role-plays, Gestalt techniques, and mindfulness, you can gain the power to reflect on your feelings, understand yourself and feel better.
As a first-generation Pakistani American Muslim therapist, I have four-plus years of experience serving families, children, couples, and individuals dealing with family relational issues, anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, attention deficit, TBI, SUD, ASD, cultural differences, etc.
Do you ever feel disconnected from yourself or others? Although our country has made progress in raising mental health awareness, a great deal of stigma remains. In many communities, these issues are often shrouded by silence and shame, fostering mental health minimization. I have experience working with individuals and family relationships. I work with problems that arise in blended families, work, health, and career, trying to create better relationships and less conflict. Through role-plays, Gestalt techniques, and mindfulness, you can gain the power to reflect on your feelings, understand yourself and feel better.
(510) 216-1517 View (510) 216-1517
Photo of Nahid Fattahi Lmft 129036, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Nahid Fattahi Lmft 129036
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94129  (Online Only)
I specialize in healing emotional wounds, resolving relationship issues, and equipping you with strategies to cope with life stressors.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of personal growth and emotional well-being? I'm here to be your guide and support you every step of the way. I'm a compassionate psychotherapist fluent in both English and Farsi, and I can converse in Hindi and Urdu as well. My mission is to create a collaborative partnership with each client, empowering you to take charge of your life and develop the skills needed to overcome challenges. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, navigating life's transitions, or seeking to improve your relationships, I'm here to help.
I specialize in healing emotional wounds, resolving relationship issues, and equipping you with strategies to cope with life stressors.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of personal growth and emotional well-being? I'm here to be your guide and support you every step of the way. I'm a compassionate psychotherapist fluent in both English and Farsi, and I can converse in Hindi and Urdu as well. My mission is to create a collaborative partnership with each client, empowering you to take charge of your life and develop the skills needed to overcome challenges. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, navigating life's transitions, or seeking to improve your relationships, I'm here to help.
(510) 529-2083 View (510) 529-2083
Photo of Dr. Aimen Khouraki, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Dr. Aimen Khouraki
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
Aimen's approach to couples therapy focuses on helping couples reconnect, improving relationship safety and trust, and expressing needs.
Dr. Aimen Khouraki is a licensed clinical psychologist. His graduate and clinical training have focused on providing multiculturally-sensitive and competent mental health support to individuals from a variety of intersecting backgrounds. His therapeutic style is centered around building authentic connections with his clients in a compassionate and safe environment. While Dr. Aimen’s therapeutic approach often depends on the client and the kind of work they want to accomplish, his treatment always incorporates a strengths-based approach that encourages client engagement and collaboration for therapy to be meaningful.
Aimen's approach to couples therapy focuses on helping couples reconnect, improving relationship safety and trust, and expressing needs.
Dr. Aimen Khouraki is a licensed clinical psychologist. His graduate and clinical training have focused on providing multiculturally-sensitive and competent mental health support to individuals from a variety of intersecting backgrounds. His therapeutic style is centered around building authentic connections with his clients in a compassionate and safe environment. While Dr. Aimen’s therapeutic approach often depends on the client and the kind of work they want to accomplish, his treatment always incorporates a strengths-based approach that encourages client engagement and collaboration for therapy to be meaningful.
(562) 561-2073 View (562) 561-2073

See more therapy options for San Francisco

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.