Therapists in 94115
My approach to therapy is strongly integrative, including extensive training in modalities such as Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Somatic Awareness, Nonviolent Communication, Embodiment Practices including Tantra, Expressive Arts Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Therapy with me is casual and warm, while providing you a space for direct guidance and deep embodied meditation practices to help you on your journey. I specialize in relationships and intimacy and support to improve communication, work through anxiety, and create a fulfilling life. I have training in both holistic East-West Psychotherapy as well as relationship and embodiment-focused life coaching. I have offices San Francisco and the East Bay CA. This holistic, embodiment-oriented psychotherapy offers individuals and couples concrete skills to tackle anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges in a safe and inviting space.
My approach to therapy is strongly integrative, including extensive training in modalities such as Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Somatic Awareness, Nonviolent Communication, Embodiment Practices including Tantra, Expressive Arts Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Therapy with me is casual and warm, while providing you a space for direct guidance and deep embodied meditation practices to help you on your journey. I specialize in relationships and intimacy and support to improve communication, work through anxiety, and create a fulfilling life. I have training in both holistic East-West Psychotherapy as well as relationship and embodiment-focused life coaching. I have offices San Francisco and the East Bay CA. This holistic, embodiment-oriented psychotherapy offers individuals and couples concrete skills to tackle anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges in a safe and inviting space.
J. Delfina Piretti LMFT, REAT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, REAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I have expertise in using the expressive arts (non verbal modalities) for healing and wellness.
I generally work with high functioning people at important junctures in life where the suffering is great. Asking for help is often a powerful step of surrendering the ego's attempts to resist change. Symptoms are often a sign that something is trying to wake up inside of you. When you turn your attention inward and get intimate with your inner life you can start to find the energy to heal, to grow and to change. I specialize in somatic table work for treating developmental trauma. This work focuses on repairing developmental wounds, strengthening somatic resilience and increasing capacity for regulation in the nervous system.
I have expertise in using the expressive arts (non verbal modalities) for healing and wellness.
I generally work with high functioning people at important junctures in life where the suffering is great. Asking for help is often a powerful step of surrendering the ego's attempts to resist change. Symptoms are often a sign that something is trying to wake up inside of you. When you turn your attention inward and get intimate with your inner life you can start to find the energy to heal, to grow and to change. I specialize in somatic table work for treating developmental trauma. This work focuses on repairing developmental wounds, strengthening somatic resilience and increasing capacity for regulation in the nervous system.
Maria Lentzou
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, NTP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as a Licensed Psychologist from Greece, specialized in Authentic Movement and Expressive Arts Therapy.
I work with children, teens and adults, in individual sessions and groups. Adults and teens: I see you as creative, resourceful, and whole on your own. I am here to help you heal wounds that keep you stuck and don't let you believe in your own strengths and intuition. I can offer curious questions, valuable resources and tools to add to your own toolbelt, new perspectives, and challenges that honor your goals and what you need to live your best life. I also provide Authentic Movement groups and experiential creative workshops.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as a Licensed Psychologist from Greece, specialized in Authentic Movement and Expressive Arts Therapy.
I work with children, teens and adults, in individual sessions and groups. Adults and teens: I see you as creative, resourceful, and whole on your own. I am here to help you heal wounds that keep you stuck and don't let you believe in your own strengths and intuition. I can offer curious questions, valuable resources and tools to add to your own toolbelt, new perspectives, and challenges that honor your goals and what you need to live your best life. I also provide Authentic Movement groups and experiential creative workshops.
Batya Ross
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
There isn't one formula that works for everyone, and so I have been trained in a range of modalities including: relational psychodynamic therapy, expressive arts therapy, mindfulness, DBT, transpersonal psychology, and family systems.
Most of us lug around a suitcase full of our thoughts, feelings, family history and past experiences and have no idea what's in there. Our current responses to and experience of life come from the contents of that suitcase. Together in therapy we gently unpack it. We will see what is working for you, what needs more support and what has served it's purpose but no longer works. I work collaboratively and am curious about all the things that make you who you are. I am particularly interested in working with people who feel misunderstood or unimportant.
There isn't one formula that works for everyone, and so I have been trained in a range of modalities including: relational psychodynamic therapy, expressive arts therapy, mindfulness, DBT, transpersonal psychology, and family systems.
Most of us lug around a suitcase full of our thoughts, feelings, family history and past experiences and have no idea what's in there. Our current responses to and experience of life come from the contents of that suitcase. Together in therapy we gently unpack it. We will see what is working for you, what needs more support and what has served it's purpose but no longer works. I work collaboratively and am curious about all the things that make you who you are. I am particularly interested in working with people who feel misunderstood or unimportant.
Kathleen Russ
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Waitlist for new clients
My background is in the arts, so I welcome the creative process into therapy when appropriate, inviting expressive arts, dreams, sand play, and even bringing photographs in therapy, or PhotoTherapy.
Are you struggling to make meaning of your life? Have you lost connection to your true nature? Perhaps you are no longer experiencing a sense of belonging? Therapy is a bridge that leads you to understand more about yourself and realize that you have choices and untapped resources within you. It can be difficult to call a therapist, however, I encourage you to take the first step to cross over that bridge. What waits on the other side is enhanced awareness of your relationships, insight into the roots of your problems, and ultimately a feeling of inner peace and harmony.
My background is in the arts, so I welcome the creative process into therapy when appropriate, inviting expressive arts, dreams, sand play, and even bringing photographs in therapy, or PhotoTherapy.
Are you struggling to make meaning of your life? Have you lost connection to your true nature? Perhaps you are no longer experiencing a sense of belonging? Therapy is a bridge that leads you to understand more about yourself and realize that you have choices and untapped resources within you. It can be difficult to call a therapist, however, I encourage you to take the first step to cross over that bridge. What waits on the other side is enhanced awareness of your relationships, insight into the roots of your problems, and ultimately a feeling of inner peace and harmony.
My skilled use of dreams, sand play therapy, and expressive arts makes my practice unique.
If you are reading this now, you may be struggling with feelings or experiences that have become hard to bear and even understand. You may feel alone and as though no one seems to really get what you are going through. It may be some immediate situation or transition in life that feels extra hard to navigate, or some long-standing grief or pattern in relationships that seems to have a hold on you. You may have symptoms such as anxiety or depression, perhaps with less than optimal means of coping. Psychotherapy can help you understand and change.
My skilled use of dreams, sand play therapy, and expressive arts makes my practice unique.
If you are reading this now, you may be struggling with feelings or experiences that have become hard to bear and even understand. You may feel alone and as though no one seems to really get what you are going through. It may be some immediate situation or transition in life that feels extra hard to navigate, or some long-standing grief or pattern in relationships that seems to have a hold on you. You may have symptoms such as anxiety or depression, perhaps with less than optimal means of coping. Psychotherapy can help you understand and change.
Nicolette Sweeney Willard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
My approach is direct and playful, drawing on mindfulness, DBT, EFT, expressive arts, and skill-building for effective communication.
Are you here because you're having a "dark night of the soul" and feeling hopeless? Or do you want to change a relationship pattern that keeps repeating no matter how much you try? Perhaps you want to transform your low self-esteem and FINALLY believe in yourself...You know that something has to change, but what and how? You have most likely thought yourself in circles around the problem, but you cannot think your way out of this one. Does all that thinking send you spiraling out and anxious, your inner-critic having a field day?
My approach is direct and playful, drawing on mindfulness, DBT, EFT, expressive arts, and skill-building for effective communication.
Are you here because you're having a "dark night of the soul" and feeling hopeless? Or do you want to change a relationship pattern that keeps repeating no matter how much you try? Perhaps you want to transform your low self-esteem and FINALLY believe in yourself...You know that something has to change, but what and how? You have most likely thought yourself in circles around the problem, but you cannot think your way out of this one. Does all that thinking send you spiraling out and anxious, your inner-critic having a field day?
Melissa Louise Craven
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
You may benefit from the skills of Dialectical Behavior Therapy to address overwhelming moods and relationships, Expressive Arts Therapy to understand issues at a deeper level, and positive psychology to build happiness through researched practices.
Are overwhelming emotions and self-criticism holding you back from being the parent, partner, or friend you want to be? Do you lay awake at night thinking about mistakes? Just below the surface is a part of you that is exquisite, courageous, and wise. You may need a mental health tune-up, deep work to process an injury, or ongoing support. I'd like to help you see beyond this difficult moment- I'd love to help you enjoy your life more. I'm Melissa Craven, licensed MFT (52019) with an emphasis in Expressive Arts Therapy and over fourteen years at UCSF helping clients like you build skills of creativity and self-compassion.
You may benefit from the skills of Dialectical Behavior Therapy to address overwhelming moods and relationships, Expressive Arts Therapy to understand issues at a deeper level, and positive psychology to build happiness through researched practices.
Are overwhelming emotions and self-criticism holding you back from being the parent, partner, or friend you want to be? Do you lay awake at night thinking about mistakes? Just below the surface is a part of you that is exquisite, courageous, and wise. You may need a mental health tune-up, deep work to process an injury, or ongoing support. I'd like to help you see beyond this difficult moment- I'd love to help you enjoy your life more. I'm Melissa Craven, licensed MFT (52019) with an emphasis in Expressive Arts Therapy and over fourteen years at UCSF helping clients like you build skills of creativity and self-compassion.
Yu-Shan Huang
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I'm a San Francisco based therapist licensed in California. My bi-cultural background helped me expand my awareness and develop skills around the intersection of cross-cultural issues and relational trauma. I work well with adults who grew up from emotionally unavailable caregivers, couples who struggles with communication/ connection/ intimacy and cross-cultural conflicts. I support clients in connecting with their feelings and authentic selves to build a more balanced and healthier relationship with others and oneself. Together we will aim to transfer your therapeutic progress into any aspect of your life.
I'm a San Francisco based therapist licensed in California. My bi-cultural background helped me expand my awareness and develop skills around the intersection of cross-cultural issues and relational trauma. I work well with adults who grew up from emotionally unavailable caregivers, couples who struggles with communication/ connection/ intimacy and cross-cultural conflicts. I support clients in connecting with their feelings and authentic selves to build a more balanced and healthier relationship with others and oneself. Together we will aim to transfer your therapeutic progress into any aspect of your life.
Most people come to see me because they are experiencing some sort of distress that they want help with. What they come to discover is that therapy can be about so much more than relieving pain. I facilitate a process of reflection and self-discovery that can help you connect to your inner creativity and capacity to grow. I focus on helping you expand your relationships, your ability to love and receive love. And together we search for your sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life.
Most people come to see me because they are experiencing some sort of distress that they want help with. What they come to discover is that therapy can be about so much more than relieving pain. I facilitate a process of reflection and self-discovery that can help you connect to your inner creativity and capacity to grow. I focus on helping you expand your relationships, your ability to love and receive love. And together we search for your sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life.
Dr. Amy Waldron
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Do you find yourself in a constant state of ‘doing’ in order to stay regulated and out of your head? Are you trying to care less about what others think? I work best with individuals who refer to themselves as “over-thinkers” and are looking for new ways to manage the stress of day-to-day life. Contact me for a free consultation if you struggle with the nagging feeling of being disconnected from others, or if you wonder what it would feel like if you could break free from your inner critic and the feeling that you’re lacking despite a mountain of accomplishments. I offer Art Therapy if you'd like to tap into your creative wisdom.
Do you find yourself in a constant state of ‘doing’ in order to stay regulated and out of your head? Are you trying to care less about what others think? I work best with individuals who refer to themselves as “over-thinkers” and are looking for new ways to manage the stress of day-to-day life. Contact me for a free consultation if you struggle with the nagging feeling of being disconnected from others, or if you wonder what it would feel like if you could break free from your inner critic and the feeling that you’re lacking despite a mountain of accomplishments. I offer Art Therapy if you'd like to tap into your creative wisdom.
15 Second Videos
Karen Wolfe
Melissa Louise Craven
Cindy T. Denkhaus
Lena Nicodemus
Saori Miyazaki
Joanna Lay
Sarah Weller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I am a licensed psychotherapist serving individuals and couples in breathtaking San Francisco. I specialize in working with those impacted by trauma and navigating life transitions. Through a blend of evidence-based techniques, warmth and humor, I strive to create a safe space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. When you work with me, we will work together to explore and uncover meaning to your whole human experience so that we can move past stuck narratives and find meaningful, lasting change.
I am a licensed psychotherapist serving individuals and couples in breathtaking San Francisco. I specialize in working with those impacted by trauma and navigating life transitions. Through a blend of evidence-based techniques, warmth and humor, I strive to create a safe space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. When you work with me, we will work together to explore and uncover meaning to your whole human experience so that we can move past stuck narratives and find meaningful, lasting change.
Caroline Lewis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MIM
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
You may be feeling unsettled and perhaps are desiring healthier and more connected relationships. Deep down there is another part of you that longs for fulfillment, less anxiety, and inner confidence. I can help you. I successfully support my clients in developing new inner resources to have greater relationship success with holistic tools to not just survive but instead to thrive. My expertise includes working with highly sensitive adults, couples, and families.
You may be feeling unsettled and perhaps are desiring healthier and more connected relationships. Deep down there is another part of you that longs for fulfillment, less anxiety, and inner confidence. I can help you. I successfully support my clients in developing new inner resources to have greater relationship success with holistic tools to not just survive but instead to thrive. My expertise includes working with highly sensitive adults, couples, and families.
Tenei Nakahara (杨天婴）
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
No matter what is happening in your life and what you are going through, you can expect me to hold a dedicated relational container to meet you with compassion, empathy, warmth, and curiosity. I believe these qualities of mine are what make a therapeutic relationship successful to accompany your healing and transformative journey. I don’t take your trust lightly, and I believe trust and safety are earned in an on-going process.
No matter what is happening in your life and what you are going through, you can expect me to hold a dedicated relational container to meet you with compassion, empathy, warmth, and curiosity. I believe these qualities of mine are what make a therapeutic relationship successful to accompany your healing and transformative journey. I don’t take your trust lightly, and I believe trust and safety are earned in an on-going process.
Alison McKleroy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Tools, tools, tools. I love teaching powerful, effective methods, especially if you struggle with anxiety spirals, stress, self-criticism and people-pleasing habits. It's possible to create more ease, joy, confidence, and peace in your life - right away. I'm a therapist of almost twenty years and watching people completely transform their lives with the right tools really lights me up. With personally tailored-methods from mindfulness-based CBT, somatic therapy, and communication tools, you can shift your sense of confidence and ease and live a life in alignment with what lights you up.
Tools, tools, tools. I love teaching powerful, effective methods, especially if you struggle with anxiety spirals, stress, self-criticism and people-pleasing habits. It's possible to create more ease, joy, confidence, and peace in your life - right away. I'm a therapist of almost twenty years and watching people completely transform their lives with the right tools really lights me up. With personally tailored-methods from mindfulness-based CBT, somatic therapy, and communication tools, you can shift your sense of confidence and ease and live a life in alignment with what lights you up.
Alecia Singer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Do you believe that happiness is not possible unless you obtain a certain body size, relationship or job and are on a constant quest for perfectionism? You may find yourself turning to addiction, chaotic relationships, disordered eating, your inner critic and negative body image to find relief from anxiety, stress or trauma. This is understandable, but there is another way... Imagine creating a compassionate relationship with yourself based on accepting your body as a source of wisdom, connecting you to your feelings, authenticity, creativity and life force.
Do you believe that happiness is not possible unless you obtain a certain body size, relationship or job and are on a constant quest for perfectionism? You may find yourself turning to addiction, chaotic relationships, disordered eating, your inner critic and negative body image to find relief from anxiety, stress or trauma. This is understandable, but there is another way... Imagine creating a compassionate relationship with yourself based on accepting your body as a source of wisdom, connecting you to your feelings, authenticity, creativity and life force.
Whether you are experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship issues, coping with trauma, wondering if the world has gone mad, seeking answers to spiritual or existential questions, or pursuing personal growth, I will work hard to empower you. Together, we will explore, clarify, and address issues at the root of your concerns, clearing a path towards inner peace.
Whether you are experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship issues, coping with trauma, wondering if the world has gone mad, seeking answers to spiritual or existential questions, or pursuing personal growth, I will work hard to empower you. Together, we will explore, clarify, and address issues at the root of your concerns, clearing a path towards inner peace.
Dr. Cindy T. Denkhaus
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
You may have always leaned a little anxious, but now it seems like the feelings are intensifying. Maybe you are going through a huge life transition, like getting engaged, changing careers, or thinking about becoming a parent. Maybe you are a new mom and things are different than you thought they would be. Or maybe life has presented an unexpected change and you aren't sure if you can handle it. When there is so much uncertainty and so many things to consider, it can leave you feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, confused and alone. It makes sense that you would want to feel more grounded, more sure of yourself, and less afraid.
You may have always leaned a little anxious, but now it seems like the feelings are intensifying. Maybe you are going through a huge life transition, like getting engaged, changing careers, or thinking about becoming a parent. Maybe you are a new mom and things are different than you thought they would be. Or maybe life has presented an unexpected change and you aren't sure if you can handle it. When there is so much uncertainty and so many things to consider, it can leave you feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, confused and alone. It makes sense that you would want to feel more grounded, more sure of yourself, and less afraid.
Are you working through trauma or a difficult life transition? Are you in relationship with a toxic or narcissistic person? Are you facing painful loss? Do you want to use principles of spirituality to strengthen you and answer life's deepest questions? Do you suffer from DID or dissociative disorder? For 30 years, I have guided people toward authentic ways of living and relating. Through many types of treatment, I help people to understand how traumatic life events change us and how to transform thoughts, feelings, and relationships. We focus on real actions you can take to find the power to reverse the effects of pain and trauma.
Are you working through trauma or a difficult life transition? Are you in relationship with a toxic or narcissistic person? Are you facing painful loss? Do you want to use principles of spirituality to strengthen you and answer life's deepest questions? Do you suffer from DID or dissociative disorder? For 30 years, I have guided people toward authentic ways of living and relating. Through many types of treatment, I help people to understand how traumatic life events change us and how to transform thoughts, feelings, and relationships. We focus on real actions you can take to find the power to reverse the effects of pain and trauma.
Lena Nicodemus
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Do you feel trapped by your anxious rumination, obsessive-compulsive patterns, and people-pleasing behaviors? Have you seen therapists in the past who you feel like listened and validated you but didn't help you figure out what to actually do about your anxiety? Maybe you feel like your previous trauma makes it hard for you to feel like you can connect with loved ones in relationship now? I help highly motivated clients like you learn how to manage your anxiety and get your needs met in your relationships. There is hope for you to live a life that feels worth living.
Do you feel trapped by your anxious rumination, obsessive-compulsive patterns, and people-pleasing behaviors? Have you seen therapists in the past who you feel like listened and validated you but didn't help you figure out what to actually do about your anxiety? Maybe you feel like your previous trauma makes it hard for you to feel like you can connect with loved ones in relationship now? I help highly motivated clients like you learn how to manage your anxiety and get your needs met in your relationships. There is hope for you to live a life that feels worth living.
See more therapy options for 94115
Expressive Arts Therapists
What happens in expressive arts therapy?
In an expressive arts therapy session, the therapist will provide the space and materials necessary to encourage the client to express themselves creatively. These can include art supplies, musical instruments, a journal, a camera, and more. The therapist offers careful guidance throughout the creative process, often noticing and talking about psychological issues as they arise. Many clients also benefit from the mind-body connection—the physical act of making art can help them feel more grounded and present.
How long does expressive arts therapy take?
An expressive arts therapy session will typically last between 50 minutes and an hour. Group sessions may run longer. Sometimes, a client might only need one or two sessions of expressive arts therapy in conjunction with talk therapy to resolve a psychological issue. Others might find a fixed number of sessions over the course of either weeks or months to be beneficial. The duration depends on the client and their individual needs and goals for therapy.
How does expressive arts therapy help children?
Creativity is an important part of normal child development. Expressive arts therapy proves a safe outlet for child clients to learn to identify their emotions and express them in healthy ways. In expressive arts therapy, children can build their self-esteem, discover more about their personality and strengths, and feel a sense of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic world. This therapeutic approach can be particularly helpful for children with developmental disabilities, autism, ADHD, speech impairments, and other conditions.
What are the limitations of expressive arts therapy?
Sometimes individuals have physical limitations that can affect their ability to express themselves artistically in certain mediums. For example, someone with hearing problems might find it difficult to make music. Sickness and mobility issues can make some types of art physically inaccessible (e.g., sculpting, dancing, etc.). Sometimes, clients are overly skeptical and have trouble letting go and engaging with the creative process. Individuals who require a higher level of care may be better served with other types of therapy.