Psychobiological Approach Couple Therapy in San Francisco County, CA

Photo of Michael Griffith, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco County, CA
Michael Griffith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA, MS
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I use Stan Tatkin's PACT psychobiological couples therapy model, embellished with many other styles.
Successfully helping individuals and couples has always been a priority to me. First and foremost I want you to feel comfortable and safe when we work together and this is essential to fostering your growth. I will be open with you in my understanding of your situation and to share what I can about options you might use in your life situation. Your sessions will encourage you to learn how to make sense of yourself in relationship to others, in love and work. Our work will leave you both supported and also challenged to explore new options in your personal style. Heal dental anxiety and phobias.
I use Stan Tatkin's PACT psychobiological couples therapy model, embellished with many other styles.
Successfully helping individuals and couples has always been a priority to me. First and foremost I want you to feel comfortable and safe when we work together and this is essential to fostering your growth. I will be open with you in my understanding of your situation and to share what I can about options you might use in your life situation. Your sessions will encourage you to learn how to make sense of yourself in relationship to others, in love and work. Our work will leave you both supported and also challenged to explore new options in your personal style. Heal dental anxiety and phobias.
(628) 244-8524 View (628) 244-8524
Photo of Annette Barnett, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco County, CA
Annette Barnett
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Couples therapy lights me up! Not feeling heard, understood, valued or supported? Repetitive shaming & blaming? Withdrawing? Needing help? Utilizing evidence-based EFT & powerful tools from PACT, NVC & IFS,I help couples create a secure bond & safe haven with each other. You'll learn to trust, support, hear & "be there" for each other. Develop critical self-awareness, accountabiity & WE instead of just ME mentality. Turn towards each other instead of away with vulnerability, authenticity, compassion & attunement. Discover attachment styles, the brain & nervous system, survival parts & trauma that may be hurting your relationship.
Couples therapy lights me up! Not feeling heard, understood, valued or supported? Repetitive shaming & blaming? Withdrawing? Needing help? Utilizing evidence-based EFT & powerful tools from PACT, NVC & IFS,I help couples create a secure bond & safe haven with each other. You'll learn to trust, support, hear & "be there" for each other. Develop critical self-awareness, accountabiity & WE instead of just ME mentality. Turn towards each other instead of away with vulnerability, authenticity, compassion & attunement. Discover attachment styles, the brain & nervous system, survival parts & trauma that may be hurting your relationship.
(408) 684-5477 View (408) 684-5477
Photo of Jeff Shore, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco County, CA
Jeff Shore
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
Imagine what it would be like to have enough space inside to feel anything and be OK with it. To not get thrown around, to not feel like you are sinking or drowning, and to maintain your balance when things get tough. To be calm when you normally would get angry. To find moments of joy when it seems like everything is negative. While it may not feel like it right now, change is possible. You can do something about your feelings of anxiety or depression, drug or alcohol use, OCD, eating disorders, etc.
Imagine what it would be like to have enough space inside to feel anything and be OK with it. To not get thrown around, to not feel like you are sinking or drowning, and to maintain your balance when things get tough. To be calm when you normally would get angry. To find moments of joy when it seems like everything is negative. While it may not feel like it right now, change is possible. You can do something about your feelings of anxiety or depression, drug or alcohol use, OCD, eating disorders, etc.
(415) 594-4207 View (415) 594-4207
Photo of Jane Walter, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco County, CA
Jane Walter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Let's face it, talking about sex can be uncomfortable but sexual concerns are actually common. As a compassionate, competent sex therapist, I can help you with: Problems with sexual desire, Wanting to experience orgasm, Erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, Painful intercourse, Sexual behaviors that are troubling to you, Rekindling sex after pregnancy/childbirth, Overcoming relationship and sexual problems associated with infertility and its treatment, Processing trauma and thriving after negative sexual experiences, Working through affairs, Sexual desire discrepancy concerns, Support in polyamorous relationships
Let's face it, talking about sex can be uncomfortable but sexual concerns are actually common. As a compassionate, competent sex therapist, I can help you with: Problems with sexual desire, Wanting to experience orgasm, Erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, Painful intercourse, Sexual behaviors that are troubling to you, Rekindling sex after pregnancy/childbirth, Overcoming relationship and sexual problems associated with infertility and its treatment, Processing trauma and thriving after negative sexual experiences, Working through affairs, Sexual desire discrepancy concerns, Support in polyamorous relationships
(415) 813-5197 View (415) 813-5197
Photo of Sara K Levley, Psychologist in San Francisco County, CA
Sara K Levley
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
As a warm, supportive, and interactive therapist, I specialize in helping people who feel stuck and want to move forward. I work with individuals and couples struggling to figure out a specific issue, including simply wanting to feel better, as well as those who want help managing relationship concerns, loss, difficult childhood experiences, and struggles with perfectionism. Through my work at UCSF, I have had extensive training focused on improving relational dynamics within challenging situations and helping people heal from trauma and painful early childhood experiences.
As a warm, supportive, and interactive therapist, I specialize in helping people who feel stuck and want to move forward. I work with individuals and couples struggling to figure out a specific issue, including simply wanting to feel better, as well as those who want help managing relationship concerns, loss, difficult childhood experiences, and struggles with perfectionism. Through my work at UCSF, I have had extensive training focused on improving relational dynamics within challenging situations and helping people heal from trauma and painful early childhood experiences.
(206) 350-8283 View (206) 350-8283
Photo of Intrepid Therapy Collective, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco County, CA
Intrepid Therapy Collective
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94111
We are an innovative community of unconventional, yet comprehensively trained, psychotherapists providing practical, non-reductive, and in-depth support to help you overcome adversities, resolve outdated patterns, craft more fulfilling relationships, achieve your mental health goals—and address the traumas, stressors, burdens, and conflicts that hold you back from enjoying what your life and relationships have to offer. In general, we foster a holistic and integrative approach to mental health care that focuses on what works and is not limited to what has traditionally been practiced.
We are an innovative community of unconventional, yet comprehensively trained, psychotherapists providing practical, non-reductive, and in-depth support to help you overcome adversities, resolve outdated patterns, craft more fulfilling relationships, achieve your mental health goals—and address the traumas, stressors, burdens, and conflicts that hold you back from enjoying what your life and relationships have to offer. In general, we foster a holistic and integrative approach to mental health care that focuses on what works and is not limited to what has traditionally been practiced.
(628) 265-3125 View (628) 265-3125
Photo of Tessa Sugarbaker MD MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco County, CA
Tessa Sugarbaker MD MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94121  (Online Only)
I offer you an empathetic, direct, and practical presence in your journey towards healing. After becoming a physician (I am a licensed Obstetrician Gynecologist), I discovered another calling of mine is working with people and their emotions. As a therapist who is also a physician, I bring knowledge and wisdom of medicine, the body, and the mind-body connection. With this background, I offer you a unique, experienced, and well-rounded therapist. (For safety reasons, I am currently only offering online therapy sessions.)
I offer you an empathetic, direct, and practical presence in your journey towards healing. After becoming a physician (I am a licensed Obstetrician Gynecologist), I discovered another calling of mine is working with people and their emotions. As a therapist who is also a physician, I bring knowledge and wisdom of medicine, the body, and the mind-body connection. With this background, I offer you a unique, experienced, and well-rounded therapist. (For safety reasons, I am currently only offering online therapy sessions.)
(415) 326-7726 View (415) 326-7726
Photo of Katherine (Katie) Behm, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco County, CA
Katherine (Katie) Behm
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I work with individuals, children, and couples who are facing ongoing or sudden challenges in their lives. My adult clients might be feeling disconnected from themselves and others, uncertain about their life path, or just ready for a change. By implementing body-oriented and cognitive-behavioral practices, I will support you in healing old wounds, breaking free from unhelpful patterns, and creating the life that you want.
I work with individuals, children, and couples who are facing ongoing or sudden challenges in their lives. My adult clients might be feeling disconnected from themselves and others, uncertain about their life path, or just ready for a change. By implementing body-oriented and cognitive-behavioral practices, I will support you in healing old wounds, breaking free from unhelpful patterns, and creating the life that you want.
(415) 366-9014 View (415) 366-9014
Photo of Frances Verrinder, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco County, CA
Frances Verrinder
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94146  (Online Only)
Feeling anxious, depressed, stuck in your life? I offer individual therapy to help you identify your strengths, work through your unresolved issues and find greater pleasure and success in everyday life. If you are struggling with romantic relationships, I can assist you in developing romantic intelligence skills. Dealing with communication problems and conflict in your relationship? I offer Psycho-biological Attachment Couples Therapy to expand your loving connection and build trust and safety.
Feeling anxious, depressed, stuck in your life? I offer individual therapy to help you identify your strengths, work through your unresolved issues and find greater pleasure and success in everyday life. If you are struggling with romantic relationships, I can assist you in developing romantic intelligence skills. Dealing with communication problems and conflict in your relationship? I offer Psycho-biological Attachment Couples Therapy to expand your loving connection and build trust and safety.
(415) 689-9150 View (415) 689-9150
Photo of Christina Cowger, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco County, CA
Christina Cowger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
Recognizing patterns and applying actionable techniques for change is the cornerstone of our work together. I customize an emotional insight approach, cognitive-behavior structure, and mind-body tools for each client. We can safely explore how trauma and family patterns may have seeded beliefs and feelings that no longer serve the life you are striving to live. My neurobehavioral training informs how I partner with you to shift thinking, feeling, and reactivity, positively impacting self-esteem and relationships. Between sessions, tools are offered for ongoing continuity.
Recognizing patterns and applying actionable techniques for change is the cornerstone of our work together. I customize an emotional insight approach, cognitive-behavior structure, and mind-body tools for each client. We can safely explore how trauma and family patterns may have seeded beliefs and feelings that no longer serve the life you are striving to live. My neurobehavioral training informs how I partner with you to shift thinking, feeling, and reactivity, positively impacting self-esteem and relationships. Between sessions, tools are offered for ongoing continuity.
(415) 594-4976 View (415) 594-4976
Photo of Beth Pierce, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco County, CA
Beth Pierce
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck or disillusioned with the path that you’re on? Have you found success in your career, but the other pieces aren’t lining up like you imagined? Do you seem to “have it all” but find yourself struggling to find happiness & fulfillment? I specialize in working with people navigating those tumultuous 20s and 30s where so many of life’s biggest decisions, like relationships and career, are still playing out. Together we can address and overcome the things causing you to feel stuck, overwhelmed, and anxious. I will support you as you discover your most authentic self, your inner strength, and your greatest dreams.
Do you feel stuck or disillusioned with the path that you’re on? Have you found success in your career, but the other pieces aren’t lining up like you imagined? Do you seem to “have it all” but find yourself struggling to find happiness & fulfillment? I specialize in working with people navigating those tumultuous 20s and 30s where so many of life’s biggest decisions, like relationships and career, are still playing out. Together we can address and overcome the things causing you to feel stuck, overwhelmed, and anxious. I will support you as you discover your most authentic self, your inner strength, and your greatest dreams.
(415) 943-5965 View (415) 943-5965
Photo of Crystal Barrera, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco County, CA
Crystal Barrera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical social worker who has a passion for helping clients develop a better understanding of themselves and their lives. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and provide a culturally sensitive environment.
I am a licensed clinical social worker who has a passion for helping clients develop a better understanding of themselves and their lives. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and provide a culturally sensitive environment.
(415) 903-9997 View (415) 903-9997
Photo of Sharon Christopher, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco County, CA
Sharon Christopher
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Do you and your partner find yourselves having the same argument over and over again without making progress in finding solutions? Do you miss your partner feeling like your best friend? If conflict and communication problems are damaging your relationship, it might be best to seek couple therapy. I recognize the courage it takes to reach out for support and I provide a judgment-free space for couples who want to improve their relationship.
Do you and your partner find yourselves having the same argument over and over again without making progress in finding solutions? Do you miss your partner feeling like your best friend? If conflict and communication problems are damaging your relationship, it might be best to seek couple therapy. I recognize the courage it takes to reach out for support and I provide a judgment-free space for couples who want to improve their relationship.
(628) 200-4132 View (628) 200-4132
Photo of Laura Rose, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco County, CA
Laura Rose
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I work with individuals and couples who are seeking to transform their inner and relational conflicts into opportunities for growth and life change. I have seen deep transformation take place in clients when they begin to learn compassion for themselves and begin to address the source of their symptoms so that true and lasting change can occur. Clients I work with most are those suffering from mood disorders, complex trauma, PTSD, midlife transitions, and relationship issues. I also offer support to family members of individuals with mood disorders, PTSD and ADD/ADHD. I also offer clinical supervision to associates.
I work with individuals and couples who are seeking to transform their inner and relational conflicts into opportunities for growth and life change. I have seen deep transformation take place in clients when they begin to learn compassion for themselves and begin to address the source of their symptoms so that true and lasting change can occur. Clients I work with most are those suffering from mood disorders, complex trauma, PTSD, midlife transitions, and relationship issues. I also offer support to family members of individuals with mood disorders, PTSD and ADD/ADHD. I also offer clinical supervision to associates.
(415) 335-4199 View (415) 335-4199
Photo of Clarisse V Lula, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco County, CA
Clarisse V Lula
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Life can present us with challenges we're not prepared for. Underlying issues can make it difficult to cope resulting in difficult moods -- anger or irritability, overwhelm, depression or anxiety, sadness, grief. Other reasons for therapy include relationship troubles (e.g., romantic, family, friends), unresolved trauma, demanding life transitions, stubborn self-defeating patterns, and low self-esteem undermining your life. Psychotherapy can help you move proactively through these challenges with better outcomes and more confidence.
Life can present us with challenges we're not prepared for. Underlying issues can make it difficult to cope resulting in difficult moods -- anger or irritability, overwhelm, depression or anxiety, sadness, grief. Other reasons for therapy include relationship troubles (e.g., romantic, family, friends), unresolved trauma, demanding life transitions, stubborn self-defeating patterns, and low self-esteem undermining your life. Psychotherapy can help you move proactively through these challenges with better outcomes and more confidence.
(415) 446-1953 View (415) 446-1953
Photo of Kristina Holloway, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco County, CA
Kristina Holloway
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
We all experience challenges in life. At times, these can seem beyond our ability to handle. I would like to offer you my support. I welcome individuals and couples of all ages, backgrounds, and orientations into the therapeutic journey.
We all experience challenges in life. At times, these can seem beyond our ability to handle. I would like to offer you my support. I welcome individuals and couples of all ages, backgrounds, and orientations into the therapeutic journey.
(925) 492-7266 View (925) 492-7266
Photo of Sophia Shu Wang in San Francisco County, CA
Sophia Shu Wang
MA, MT-BC, ADHD-CC, CCTP-I, CCBT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
Through my 10 years of experience working with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds from NYC to SF, I developed a very collaborative approach, which includes but not limited to humanistic, psychodynamic, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral. I integrate creative modality with practical CBT, ACT, Trauma Informed Therapy, and Coaching to reach the best outcome for each individual. I help my clients connect with purpose, passion, and community to go from managing difficult times to thriving and living life fully.
Through my 10 years of experience working with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds from NYC to SF, I developed a very collaborative approach, which includes but not limited to humanistic, psychodynamic, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral. I integrate creative modality with practical CBT, ACT, Trauma Informed Therapy, and Coaching to reach the best outcome for each individual. I help my clients connect with purpose, passion, and community to go from managing difficult times to thriving and living life fully.
(341) 766-0668 View (341) 766-0668
Photo of Jacqueline Lumer, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco County, CA
Jacqueline Lumer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104
We all face challenges in our lives that can benefit from the guidance of therapy. These times can be an opportunity to expand our thinking and heal our past. I welcome you to begin a better way to connect with yourself and interact in the world.
We all face challenges in our lives that can benefit from the guidance of therapy. These times can be an opportunity to expand our thinking and heal our past. I welcome you to begin a better way to connect with yourself and interact in the world.
(415) 508-5018 View (415) 508-5018
Photo of Qin Fan, Psychologist in San Francisco County, CA
Qin Fan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104
Video/phone consults available for all California residents. Whether you are a young adult launching yourself or a well-seasoned adult taking stock of your life, our work together should help you discover more joy & purpose in the realm of work and love. I offer individual & couples therapy including consults for entrepreneurs & cofounders & have helped with a wide range of issues including relationships, career, sexual concerns, work/life harmony, women's health, depression, anxiety & the process of coming to terms with the past. I practice active and engaged forms of therapy and offer an open, trusting, and collaborative process.
Video/phone consults available for all California residents. Whether you are a young adult launching yourself or a well-seasoned adult taking stock of your life, our work together should help you discover more joy & purpose in the realm of work and love. I offer individual & couples therapy including consults for entrepreneurs & cofounders & have helped with a wide range of issues including relationships, career, sexual concerns, work/life harmony, women's health, depression, anxiety & the process of coming to terms with the past. I practice active and engaged forms of therapy and offer an open, trusting, and collaborative process.
(415) 524-0386 View (415) 524-0386
Photo of Joshua Cross, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco County, CA
Joshua Cross
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
Do you know what you want? Do you want to be free? Happy? Relaxed in your body? Content? Passionate and sexy? Courageous in the face of fear? More connected to your partner or to the Divine? How do you get in the way of living the life you want? Do you constantly judge yourself? Noticing all the ways you "fail" to live up to way you "should" be. Or do you tend to direct that criticism outwards? Blaming others, feeling envy, or always waiting for external circumstances to line up just right so you can finally live how you want.
Do you know what you want? Do you want to be free? Happy? Relaxed in your body? Content? Passionate and sexy? Courageous in the face of fear? More connected to your partner or to the Divine? How do you get in the way of living the life you want? Do you constantly judge yourself? Noticing all the ways you "fail" to live up to way you "should" be. Or do you tend to direct that criticism outwards? Blaming others, feeling envy, or always waiting for external circumstances to line up just right so you can finally live how you want.
(415) 968-5393 View (415) 968-5393

See more therapy options for San Francisco County


Psychobiological Approach Couple Therapy

How does the psychobiological approach to couples therapy work?

The psychobiological approach to couples therapy combines research in three domains—attachment theory, developmental neuroscience, and arousal regulation—to address relationship challenges. Couples learn about their underlying emotional and physiological responses to different situations so as to identify these responses and then shift them with the help of practice exercises in sessions.

Is the psychobiological approach to couples therapy evidence-based?

While some research has been conducted by its creator, there is little peer-reviewed research to support the efficacy of the psychobiological approach to couples therapy. It’s not as evidence-based as other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, or acceptance and commitment therapy.

How long does the psychobiological approach to couples therapy last?

The psychobiological approach to couples therapy is a relatively short-term therapy, typically less than 12 sessions. However, individual sessions can be much longer. A typical couples therapy session lasts 45 minutes, while these sessions often last for two to three hours, and sometimes three to six hours. Some couples may opt to attend two or three sessions per week.

What are the limitations of the psychobiological approach to couples therapy?

A limitation of the psychobiological approach to couples therapy is that the evidence is much more limited than it is for other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or acceptance and commitment therapy. Additionally, the psychobiological approach to couples therapy only applies to couples in relationships, so keep in mind that it cannot treat mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.