Existential Therapists in 94114
Emily Fasten
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
Therapy makes life better. It does so in ways that are both clear and concrete and somewhat mysterious. Maybe you arrive with a set goal -- manage anxiety, find a better job, or get more from a stalled relationship. Or maybe you're experiencing a more generalized state of existential discomfort or depression -- grappling with how to find meaning in life, a sense of cosmic isolation, or fear of mortality. We'll work collaboratively with the internal and external forces that are causing suffering, building sufficient self-support to make real, lasting changes.
Therapy makes life better. It does so in ways that are both clear and concrete and somewhat mysterious. Maybe you arrive with a set goal -- manage anxiety, find a better job, or get more from a stalled relationship. Or maybe you're experiencing a more generalized state of existential discomfort or depression -- grappling with how to find meaning in life, a sense of cosmic isolation, or fear of mortality. We'll work collaboratively with the internal and external forces that are causing suffering, building sufficient self-support to make real, lasting changes.
As an integrative therapist, I draw from several therapeutic approaches, including Gestalt, existential, and psychodynamic, working to increase present-moment awareness while supporting clients in the process of integration and authentic connection with themselves, their histories, and their world.
I work with clients who are dealing with a variety of life challenges including anxiety, depression, shame, gender dysphoria, trauma, and low self-esteem. I have worked extensively with clients from the LGBTQ community, and I am particularly interested in working with transgender and gender non-conforming adults and adolescents and their families as well as individuals and partners involved in polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships. Therapy is a space for healing, but I believe that it is equally important that we center joy, growth, and resilience in this work as well.
As an integrative therapist, I draw from several therapeutic approaches, including Gestalt, existential, and psychodynamic, working to increase present-moment awareness while supporting clients in the process of integration and authentic connection with themselves, their histories, and their world.
I work with clients who are dealing with a variety of life challenges including anxiety, depression, shame, gender dysphoria, trauma, and low self-esteem. I have worked extensively with clients from the LGBTQ community, and I am particularly interested in working with transgender and gender non-conforming adults and adolescents and their families as well as individuals and partners involved in polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships. Therapy is a space for healing, but I believe that it is equally important that we center joy, growth, and resilience in this work as well.
Jessica L Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
I work with couples and individuals that feel ready to examine their inner world and outer relationships, often feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Clients who wish to explore issues around sense of self, relationships, identity, sexuality, spirituality, psychedelics, or existential questions often resonate with my style. I offer couples and individuals a warm environment that is supportive, collaborative, and direct - offering tools & insights. I am continually expanding my offerings and have additional certifications in the research-based Gottman Method for Couples and a Certified Integrative Sex Therapy for Couples.
I work with couples and individuals that feel ready to examine their inner world and outer relationships, often feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Clients who wish to explore issues around sense of self, relationships, identity, sexuality, spirituality, psychedelics, or existential questions often resonate with my style. I offer couples and individuals a warm environment that is supportive, collaborative, and direct - offering tools & insights. I am continually expanding my offerings and have additional certifications in the research-based Gottman Method for Couples and a Certified Integrative Sex Therapy for Couples.
CK Olivieri Blackmore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
CK has worked with a vast array of human experiences over the past 15 years - from polyamory and existential crises to severe psychosis and sexual trauma.
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
CK has worked with a vast array of human experiences over the past 15 years - from polyamory and existential crises to severe psychosis and sexual trauma.
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
My therapeutic approach is integrative with focuses on the psychodynamic, interpersonal, and existential models.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with extensive experience providing psychotherapy to adults of all ages. I also offer medication management to interested clients. I provide non-judgmental care for clients who want to improve their mental health and wellbeing. I am oriented towards the harm-reduction model and feel it is important to meet each client where they are in their individual mental health and wellness journey. My primary areas of interest are in trauma, substance abuse, and in working with the LGBTQ+ community. My other areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, & ADHD, among many other mental health concerns.
My therapeutic approach is integrative with focuses on the psychodynamic, interpersonal, and existential models.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with extensive experience providing psychotherapy to adults of all ages. I also offer medication management to interested clients. I provide non-judgmental care for clients who want to improve their mental health and wellbeing. I am oriented towards the harm-reduction model and feel it is important to meet each client where they are in their individual mental health and wellness journey. My primary areas of interest are in trauma, substance abuse, and in working with the LGBTQ+ community. My other areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, & ADHD, among many other mental health concerns.
Vesna Lubina Westbrook
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
My approach is Depth-oriented, transpersonal, relational, existential-humanistic.
I work with clients who are (highly) sensitive, empathic, or intuitive. Sensitive people have a finely attuned nervous system that is a huge gift when made conscious. They experience life deeply, yet don't always feel easily understood by others. Growing up, they often experienced not fitting in, and have adapted to a largely non-sensitive world in myriad ways that didn't always serve their best interest. I support sensitive people on their path to finding their voice, experiencing genuine relationships, purposeful work, and reclaiming their space in the world.
My approach is Depth-oriented, transpersonal, relational, existential-humanistic.
I work with clients who are (highly) sensitive, empathic, or intuitive. Sensitive people have a finely attuned nervous system that is a huge gift when made conscious. They experience life deeply, yet don't always feel easily understood by others. Growing up, they often experienced not fitting in, and have adapted to a largely non-sensitive world in myriad ways that didn't always serve their best interest. I support sensitive people on their path to finding their voice, experiencing genuine relationships, purposeful work, and reclaiming their space in the world.
Hello, my name is Crystal Harris and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California, (license 101995). I received my Master's in Social Work from Denver University and have spent most of my career in the medical field working with the chronically ill, dying, and grieving. My work provides me the opportunity to utilize mindfulness for stress reduction, cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive psychotherapy, life review, and grief and trauma support. My assessment includes physical, emotional, and existential health.
Hello, my name is Crystal Harris and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California, (license 101995). I received my Master's in Social Work from Denver University and have spent most of my career in the medical field working with the chronically ill, dying, and grieving. My work provides me the opportunity to utilize mindfulness for stress reduction, cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive psychotherapy, life review, and grief and trauma support. My assessment includes physical, emotional, and existential health.
My process includes existential discovery, problem identification via the irrational "pathetic" passions, & recovery skills via the development of rational virtues.
My clients typically fall into three categories: 1) individuals with existential angst, questioning their trajectory in relationships, careers, and/or life; 2) individuals suffering from a myriad of compulsive behaviors/addictions; and 3) couples experiencing communication difficulties, misaligned values, discordant desires, or desiring archetypal reconstructions. My work emphasizes identifying & isolating troubling emotions that lead to negative thinking and behaving, and learning to think & act according to reason. I am offering in-person sessions and teletherapy.
My process includes existential discovery, problem identification via the irrational "pathetic" passions, & recovery skills via the development of rational virtues.
My clients typically fall into three categories: 1) individuals with existential angst, questioning their trajectory in relationships, careers, and/or life; 2) individuals suffering from a myriad of compulsive behaviors/addictions; and 3) couples experiencing communication difficulties, misaligned values, discordant desires, or desiring archetypal reconstructions. My work emphasizes identifying & isolating troubling emotions that lead to negative thinking and behaving, and learning to think & act according to reason. I am offering in-person sessions and teletherapy.
This orientation to psychotherapy can be called existential or humanistic.
I enjoy working with individuals who are negotiating changes, difficulties, or losses in their lives and trying to understand their experience. I believe it is up to each of us to make sense of our lives, and psychotherapy is often a valuable place to explore this in an open and non-judgmental way. It is often turning points or changing phases of life that call us to question things, confront us with important decisions, and challenge us to decide what is meaningful. Symptoms of depression and anxiety, or events such as illness, trauma and loss can call into question our beliefs, values and goals in life.
This orientation to psychotherapy can be called existential or humanistic.
I enjoy working with individuals who are negotiating changes, difficulties, or losses in their lives and trying to understand their experience. I believe it is up to each of us to make sense of our lives, and psychotherapy is often a valuable place to explore this in an open and non-judgmental way. It is often turning points or changing phases of life that call us to question things, confront us with important decisions, and challenge us to decide what is meaningful. Symptoms of depression and anxiety, or events such as illness, trauma and loss can call into question our beliefs, values and goals in life.
Manuel Cruz Dominguez Jr.
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD-c, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
Are you currently searching for a sense of meaning and purpose in your life? Do you find yourself in an existential/spiritual emergency? Are you exploring your personal identity, expression, or sexuality? I help people of all ages increase self-awareness and decrease symptomology by bringing unconscious material into conscious awareness. Mental health concerns eventually arise because deep in our mind/body/soul we yearn for authenticity/individuation. Together we can explore which aspects of ourselves that no longer serve us to let go, in order to make space for something new to enter.
Are you currently searching for a sense of meaning and purpose in your life? Do you find yourself in an existential/spiritual emergency? Are you exploring your personal identity, expression, or sexuality? I help people of all ages increase self-awareness and decrease symptomology by bringing unconscious material into conscious awareness. Mental health concerns eventually arise because deep in our mind/body/soul we yearn for authenticity/individuation. Together we can explore which aspects of ourselves that no longer serve us to let go, in order to make space for something new to enter.
Vera Fleischer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
27 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
I work best with people who have experienced some kind of Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN). Childhood Emotional Neglect happens when your parents fail to adequately respond to your emotional needs as they arise in you. If you grew up in this way, you are inevitably suppressing or walling off your emotions as an adult because you were taught that your emotions aren’t important or valid. CEN is largely invisible, and therein lies its power. It is a type of trauma but, unlike abuse, it is characterized not by an event or a presence but by a non-event or an absence.
I work best with people who have experienced some kind of Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN). Childhood Emotional Neglect happens when your parents fail to adequately respond to your emotional needs as they arise in you. If you grew up in this way, you are inevitably suppressing or walling off your emotions as an adult because you were taught that your emotions aren’t important or valid. CEN is largely invisible, and therein lies its power. It is a type of trauma but, unlike abuse, it is characterized not by an event or a presence but by a non-event or an absence.
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Experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma can be hard to navigate on one’s own. Through the use of integrative modalities, my goal is to help you find your way so that you can manage symptoms, feel your best, discover who you truly are, and move forward in the direction of your dreams whereby your past no longer holds you back. Using warmth and compassion, I also aim to provide trauma-informed care to discuss your struggles without judgment and safely process unresolved trauma and feelings.
Experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma can be hard to navigate on one’s own. Through the use of integrative modalities, my goal is to help you find your way so that you can manage symptoms, feel your best, discover who you truly are, and move forward in the direction of your dreams whereby your past no longer holds you back. Using warmth and compassion, I also aim to provide trauma-informed care to discuss your struggles without judgment and safely process unresolved trauma and feelings.
Dr. Liz A Caine
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
Life can feel overwhelming; we can feel stuck and unsure how to move forward. Working together, I will help you slow down and pay attention to what is happening inside with gentleness and curiosity to help you find answers from your inner wisdom. Doing so will help you access your most profound sense of empowerment and make choices to have a more meaningful, spacious, and joyful life.
Life can feel overwhelming; we can feel stuck and unsure how to move forward. Working together, I will help you slow down and pay attention to what is happening inside with gentleness and curiosity to help you find answers from your inner wisdom. Doing so will help you access your most profound sense of empowerment and make choices to have a more meaningful, spacious, and joyful life.
Frank William Ehrenfried
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, MBA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I imagine what brought you here was a deep knowing inside that something in your life isn't right. Perhaps you feel depressed or a lack of meaning and purpose, but don't know what to do to make yourself feel better. I believe that building a meaningful relationship in therapy has the power to heal and transform us from the inside out. I want to support you in resolving your issues quickly and clearly. I offer in-person and virtual sessions via Zoom, telephone and other platforms for clients who are currently needing at distance support.
I imagine what brought you here was a deep knowing inside that something in your life isn't right. Perhaps you feel depressed or a lack of meaning and purpose, but don't know what to do to make yourself feel better. I believe that building a meaningful relationship in therapy has the power to heal and transform us from the inside out. I want to support you in resolving your issues quickly and clearly. I offer in-person and virtual sessions via Zoom, telephone and other platforms for clients who are currently needing at distance support.
Licensed in CA (in person/virtual) and VA (virtual). Transitions bring us face to face with the joys, anxieties, grief, and triumphs of change, and offer an opportunity for us to see where we might be stuck, lost, confused, or needing clarity or compassion. The way transitions manifest in your life can be informed by trauma, attachment styles, and the unique way your brain and temperament process the world around you. These can appear as depression, anxiety, obsessive thinking, dissociation, or other symptoms. But you’re more than a list of symptoms and diagnoses, and I can help you find relief and make meaning from your experience.
Licensed in CA (in person/virtual) and VA (virtual). Transitions bring us face to face with the joys, anxieties, grief, and triumphs of change, and offer an opportunity for us to see where we might be stuck, lost, confused, or needing clarity or compassion. The way transitions manifest in your life can be informed by trauma, attachment styles, and the unique way your brain and temperament process the world around you. These can appear as depression, anxiety, obsessive thinking, dissociation, or other symptoms. But you’re more than a list of symptoms and diagnoses, and I can help you find relief and make meaning from your experience.
Roxy Shooshani
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
Are you finally ready to open up but you're unsure how? Or have you been seeing therapists for years and want someone a little different? I can hold both the type of warmth and openness for people just starting their mental health journey. I also bring a refreshing approach for people wanting to continue therapy with someone new. I treat a variety of mental health difficulties including depression, anxiety, identity exploration, chronic pain, life transitions, insomnia, and more. I enjoy working with clients at different stages of life and supporting the unique challenges within them - from teenage years to older adults.
Are you finally ready to open up but you're unsure how? Or have you been seeing therapists for years and want someone a little different? I can hold both the type of warmth and openness for people just starting their mental health journey. I also bring a refreshing approach for people wanting to continue therapy with someone new. I treat a variety of mental health difficulties including depression, anxiety, identity exploration, chronic pain, life transitions, insomnia, and more. I enjoy working with clients at different stages of life and supporting the unique challenges within them - from teenage years to older adults.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, feeling unmotivated, burnt-out, or struggling with your intimate relationships? I work with clients wanting to change habitual and painful patterns such as self-criticism, guilt or shame, poor boundaries, difficulties in romantic relationships, issues with communication, or struggle to maintain a healthy work/life balance. I help you to see your personal challenges with greater clarity and compassion.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, feeling unmotivated, burnt-out, or struggling with your intimate relationships? I work with clients wanting to change habitual and painful patterns such as self-criticism, guilt or shame, poor boundaries, difficulties in romantic relationships, issues with communication, or struggle to maintain a healthy work/life balance. I help you to see your personal challenges with greater clarity and compassion.
Alison Newvine
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck in your relationships? Are you longing for deeper connection? Are you tired of feeling misunderstood? Relationships are central to our sense of self and well-being. Our earliest wounding happened in connection, or in the absence of connection that was needed. Intimate relationships become the site of rewounding, disappointment and resentment due to each partner's previous wounding, trauma and coping mechanism. Actually, this is normal! And it isn't the end of your story. We can work together one on one to focus on your healing or I can work with you and your partner, sibling or friend in relationship therapy.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationships? Are you longing for deeper connection? Are you tired of feeling misunderstood? Relationships are central to our sense of self and well-being. Our earliest wounding happened in connection, or in the absence of connection that was needed. Intimate relationships become the site of rewounding, disappointment and resentment due to each partner's previous wounding, trauma and coping mechanism. Actually, this is normal! And it isn't the end of your story. We can work together one on one to focus on your healing or I can work with you and your partner, sibling or friend in relationship therapy.
Brittney Green
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR, IFS
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
Life can feel impossible to avoid struggling and we often don't feel we have the skills to cope successfully through. Unfortunately, sometimes we don't have all the resources we need for a given situation. Parts of us take on desperate roles trying to help us to survive. This might look like anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and relationship/family issues. I aim to help you process unresolved issues and feelings and find solutions.
Life can feel impossible to avoid struggling and we often don't feel we have the skills to cope successfully through. Unfortunately, sometimes we don't have all the resources we need for a given situation. Parts of us take on desperate roles trying to help us to survive. This might look like anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and relationship/family issues. I aim to help you process unresolved issues and feelings and find solutions.
Whether you're seeking therapy to address a specific concern or simply to engage in a personal exploration, the therapeutic process can help increase insight, decrease anxiety and painful emotions, identify healthier coping strategies, and deepen relationships. Since finding the right therapist can be a challenging process, I encourage you to check out my website for additional information to help determine how I may be a good fit for your needs. Together, we will work to identify and nurture your personal strengths, equipping you with coping resources that empower you to navigate the challenges of daily life and relationships.
Whether you're seeking therapy to address a specific concern or simply to engage in a personal exploration, the therapeutic process can help increase insight, decrease anxiety and painful emotions, identify healthier coping strategies, and deepen relationships. Since finding the right therapist can be a challenging process, I encourage you to check out my website for additional information to help determine how I may be a good fit for your needs. Together, we will work to identify and nurture your personal strengths, equipping you with coping resources that empower you to navigate the challenges of daily life and relationships.
See more therapy options for 94114
Existential Therapists
How does existential therapy work?
Existential therapy focuses on a patient’s inner experiences. The therapist tries to help the individual comprehend and alleviate symptoms by exploring their interior life. By confronting negative disquiet and emotions, the individual will hopefully become more open to finding meaning and purpose. This therapy can be administered to individuals or groups.
Is existential therapy evidence-based?
Existential therapy is an evidence-based practice. Research has determined that existential therapy can lead to significant improvement in the mental health of patients, and for some people it can be just as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy. The benefits of existential therapy are enduring, even long after treatment has ended.
How long does existential therapy last?
The goal of existential therapy is to understand a person’s internal experiences, which may sound like a lengthy process, but it does not have to be so in-depth. However, sessions are not short-term, and therapy can continue for months or up to a year. And because patients learn the theory behind existential therapy during treatment, they can also practice its tenets throughout life after therapy sessions have been completed.
Is existential therapy effective?
According to research, many patients find success with existential therapy. Researchers note that the therapy is particularly useful in improving feelings of isolation, feelings of purposelessness, as well as conditions such as anxiety and depression. Improvements in problem areas can persist even after the end of existential therapy, as individuals can continue working on themselves by using the tools they’ve developed during treatment.