Gestalt Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Jules Peithman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105
I believe we all have the medicine we need to heal within us; I trust your own innate healing ability. I see my role as a therapist as accompanying you in finding your own inner healing ability. I hold my clients with love and passion for what I understand as sacred inner work. I approach my work with a wildly open heart. I help clients get in touch with their intuition and knowing. Every therapeutic relationship is unique to each client. As an integral therapist, I tailor my approach to your unique needs and draw upon a myriad of theories and techniques to work with you. My approach is heart-centered and intuition lead.
I believe we all have the medicine we need to heal within us; I trust your own innate healing ability. I see my role as a therapist as accompanying you in finding your own inner healing ability. I hold my clients with love and passion for what I understand as sacred inner work. I approach my work with a wildly open heart. I help clients get in touch with their intuition and knowing. Every therapeutic relationship is unique to each client. As an integral therapist, I tailor my approach to your unique needs and draw upon a myriad of theories and techniques to work with you. My approach is heart-centered and intuition lead.
Adam Kaufman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104 (Online Only)
Adam Kaufman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working remotely in California and New York. Adam is passionate about helping individuals and couples from the Millennial and Gen X age groups. Many of Adam’s clients feel overwhelmed when they’re trying to find a sense of well-being while juggling their careers, partners, children, and more. This might leave them in an existential crisis, or numb to their emotions through addictions or unhealthy behaviors. Turning to therapy, they seek a feeling of purpose and a way to live a healthier life.
Adam Kaufman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working remotely in California and New York. Adam is passionate about helping individuals and couples from the Millennial and Gen X age groups. Many of Adam’s clients feel overwhelmed when they’re trying to find a sense of well-being while juggling their careers, partners, children, and more. This might leave them in an existential crisis, or numb to their emotions through addictions or unhealthy behaviors. Turning to therapy, they seek a feeling of purpose and a way to live a healthier life.
Simon Chan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94101
Dealing with life’s challenges sometimes feels like being trapped in quicksand—the harder you fight to get out of it, the deeper you sink. Exhausting, right? When stress, hopelessness, painful incidents, or risky habits prevail, enjoying the present becomes quite difficult. Your past wounds and current hardship may take over, clouding the road to your future. You crave clarity, meaning, and validation. You want to get out of this rut to find fulfillment and happiness but are unsure how. The good news is: you can figure it out, understand yourself better, and reach your dream goals— and I’m here to guide you on that path.
Dealing with life’s challenges sometimes feels like being trapped in quicksand—the harder you fight to get out of it, the deeper you sink. Exhausting, right? When stress, hopelessness, painful incidents, or risky habits prevail, enjoying the present becomes quite difficult. Your past wounds and current hardship may take over, clouding the road to your future. You crave clarity, meaning, and validation. You want to get out of this rut to find fulfillment and happiness but are unsure how. The good news is: you can figure it out, understand yourself better, and reach your dream goals— and I’m here to guide you on that path.
Jess Odom
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123 (Online Only)
Do you long to feel greater self esteem and ease? My experience helping many people has shown me that effective and worthwhile therapy unfolds by sensitive attunement to each unique client or couple. Healing has many facets: emotional, somatic, cognitive, energetic, and relational are important elements. I work with you as your skilled guide within a healing professional therapeutic relationship. If you are seeking transpersonal (spiritually inclusive) therapy I could be a great fit for you. As a long time seeker and practitioner I know well the gifts that come from the spaces where psychology meets spirituality.
Do you long to feel greater self esteem and ease? My experience helping many people has shown me that effective and worthwhile therapy unfolds by sensitive attunement to each unique client or couple. Healing has many facets: emotional, somatic, cognitive, energetic, and relational are important elements. I work with you as your skilled guide within a healing professional therapeutic relationship. If you are seeking transpersonal (spiritually inclusive) therapy I could be a great fit for you. As a long time seeker and practitioner I know well the gifts that come from the spaces where psychology meets spirituality.
Ben Chris Shuts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103 (Online Only)
I offer a down-to-Earth, easy-to-access approach. Therapy can facilitate achievement of your life goals, help you move through transitions with ease, and peacefully nurture ongoing relationships. Offering a compassionate and collaborative environment, I can help you develop coping strategies that promote acceptance and healing.
I offer a down-to-Earth, easy-to-access approach. Therapy can facilitate achievement of your life goals, help you move through transitions with ease, and peacefully nurture ongoing relationships. Offering a compassionate and collaborative environment, I can help you develop coping strategies that promote acceptance and healing.
Graham Leggett
Pre-Licensed Professional, MBA, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
Working with couples is fascinating and heartfelt for me. Connection is in our nature, and couples are connected in a way that awakens our deepest dreams and fears. Caring and sharing is the foundation of happiness and thriving. You probably already tried some things to improve your relationship or get clarity and it has not worked so well. Therapy can help you reduce fighting, understand your strengths and differences, and clarify your path forward. From a foundation of respect and communication, we can do a lot to increase passion, connection, and confidence.
Working with couples is fascinating and heartfelt for me. Connection is in our nature, and couples are connected in a way that awakens our deepest dreams and fears. Caring and sharing is the foundation of happiness and thriving. You probably already tried some things to improve your relationship or get clarity and it has not worked so well. Therapy can help you reduce fighting, understand your strengths and differences, and clarify your path forward. From a foundation of respect and communication, we can do a lot to increase passion, connection, and confidence.
Rivka Geoghegan, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117
I have been working with clients for over 20 years, helping them make significant changes in their lives. I work with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, self-judgement, family and relationship issues, marriage and sexuality, past trauma and spirituality. There are many things in life that can be difficult, and I help people see and understand the meaning and purpose in their experiences. I believe that change comes from awareness. If you cant see what is causing you suffering, you cannot tend to it. I help you know yourself and your circumstances so that you can feel empowered as opposed to victimized by life.
I have been working with clients for over 20 years, helping them make significant changes in their lives. I work with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, self-judgement, family and relationship issues, marriage and sexuality, past trauma and spirituality. There are many things in life that can be difficult, and I help people see and understand the meaning and purpose in their experiences. I believe that change comes from awareness. If you cant see what is causing you suffering, you cannot tend to it. I help you know yourself and your circumstances so that you can feel empowered as opposed to victimized by life.
Dorothy Fitzer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, GCFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122
I am a body-centered psychotherapist and shaman specializing in working with people with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. I especially love to work with people that wish to embark on the deep, transformational journey of core healing and living authentically. I have nearly 3 decades of body-centered experience including Chi Gung, Tai Chi, Taoist Breathing and Meditation, the Feldenkrais Method, and Somatic Experiencing. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in San Francisco. I work with clients via skype and the phone as well as in-person.
I am a body-centered psychotherapist and shaman specializing in working with people with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. I especially love to work with people that wish to embark on the deep, transformational journey of core healing and living authentically. I have nearly 3 decades of body-centered experience including Chi Gung, Tai Chi, Taoist Breathing and Meditation, the Feldenkrais Method, and Somatic Experiencing. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in San Francisco. I work with clients via skype and the phone as well as in-person.
Jzeela Gheisar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123 (Online Only)
Whether you find what you're looking for on my page, or another's, I am so proud of you for getting to this step. There can be great benefits to expressing and exploring thoughts, feelings, inner conflicts, emotional wounds in a safe space. Like many clinicians, I employ a wide range of modalities and interventions. I use a strength based approach, one that's honest, non-judgmental, but direct and explorative. You deserve happiness, a fulfilling life, and I'd be honored to walk alongside your journey to discovery and change. Although we are shaped by our experiences, you are so much more than what has happened to you.
Whether you find what you're looking for on my page, or another's, I am so proud of you for getting to this step. There can be great benefits to expressing and exploring thoughts, feelings, inner conflicts, emotional wounds in a safe space. Like many clinicians, I employ a wide range of modalities and interventions. I use a strength based approach, one that's honest, non-judgmental, but direct and explorative. You deserve happiness, a fulfilling life, and I'd be honored to walk alongside your journey to discovery and change. Although we are shaped by our experiences, you are so much more than what has happened to you.
Archelena McDonald
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94132
My name is Archelena McDonald (the preferred name is Dee Dee), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, California, and serving clients statewide via telehealth. I currently work with adults and specialize in providing treatment for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, psychosis, grief and loss, PTSD, and couples/family counseling. Therapy is never a "one size fits all," so I try to partner with my client to help identify desired areas of growth.
My name is Archelena McDonald (the preferred name is Dee Dee), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, California, and serving clients statewide via telehealth. I currently work with adults and specialize in providing treatment for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, psychosis, grief and loss, PTSD, and couples/family counseling. Therapy is never a "one size fits all," so I try to partner with my client to help identify desired areas of growth.
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Molly Paris
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
Sharing our inner experiences with someone can often feel frightening, which is exactly why I place such an importance on connection and acceptance in the therapeutic process. I aim to create a safe environment that will invite my clients to delve deeper into their personal narrative, as I truly believe we are not built to process emotions alone. As humans, we all have a propensity to grow and become our true selves, unfortunately we aren’t always gifted with the circumstances to allow it. I am passionate about creating a space for not only self-discovery and self-acceptance, but to allow clients to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Sharing our inner experiences with someone can often feel frightening, which is exactly why I place such an importance on connection and acceptance in the therapeutic process. I aim to create a safe environment that will invite my clients to delve deeper into their personal narrative, as I truly believe we are not built to process emotions alone. As humans, we all have a propensity to grow and become our true selves, unfortunately we aren’t always gifted with the circumstances to allow it. I am passionate about creating a space for not only self-discovery and self-acceptance, but to allow clients to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Jane Lori Peal
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
My work is with individuals and couples who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get down to the task of making transformative shifts in their lives. Often people come to therapy believing that our history makes us who we are. Using the therapy relationship as a secure base from which to explore, clearing away the clutter and loosening a few knots, we often find that our history has obscured who we really are. In some way, most of us are longing for a sense of well-being that is not wholly dependent on external circumstances.
My work is with individuals and couples who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get down to the task of making transformative shifts in their lives. Often people come to therapy believing that our history makes us who we are. Using the therapy relationship as a secure base from which to explore, clearing away the clutter and loosening a few knots, we often find that our history has obscured who we really are. In some way, most of us are longing for a sense of well-being that is not wholly dependent on external circumstances.
Yvonne Guertin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RMBP, SEP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109
My integral psychology background and ongoing training draws from several talk and process-oriented, experiential, somatic modalities including Gestalt, the Hakomi Method (hakomica.
Coming from a holistic, mind-body, humanistic, compassionate perspective, I work with clients who desire to improve the quality of their lives, reducing stress and emotional pain. Clients may suffer from loneliness, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety or loss. They may need help with communication awareness, grounding methods, self-care, sexual fulfillment or life purpose. These conditions are more normal than abnormal, while sometimes feeling overwhelming. I invite clients to listen to and trust their innate wisdom, guiding them to identify and move through the obstacles preventing them from living their life to the fullest.
My integral psychology background and ongoing training draws from several talk and process-oriented, experiential, somatic modalities including Gestalt, the Hakomi Method (hakomica.
Coming from a holistic, mind-body, humanistic, compassionate perspective, I work with clients who desire to improve the quality of their lives, reducing stress and emotional pain. Clients may suffer from loneliness, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety or loss. They may need help with communication awareness, grounding methods, self-care, sexual fulfillment or life purpose. These conditions are more normal than abnormal, while sometimes feeling overwhelming. I invite clients to listen to and trust their innate wisdom, guiding them to identify and move through the obstacles preventing them from living their life to the fullest.
Heather Buchheim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
How you feel towards yourself can profoundly impact your relationships, work, school, and more. And a lot can make it hard to feel your best. You might be: Exhausted by a relentless self-critical voice...Considering your next steps to feel authentically aligned with your gender and sexuality...Struggling with boundaries and people-pleasing... Stressed and stuck in your closest relationships...Curious about non-monogamy but unsure where to start...Looking for nonjudgmental guidance navigating dynamics within polyamory and kink — not to mention managing all of this under capitalism. No wonder you'd like support!
How you feel towards yourself can profoundly impact your relationships, work, school, and more. And a lot can make it hard to feel your best. You might be: Exhausted by a relentless self-critical voice...Considering your next steps to feel authentically aligned with your gender and sexuality...Struggling with boundaries and people-pleasing... Stressed and stuck in your closest relationships...Curious about non-monogamy but unsure where to start...Looking for nonjudgmental guidance navigating dynamics within polyamory and kink — not to mention managing all of this under capitalism. No wonder you'd like support!
Jayeon Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Hello. I'm Jayeon Kim. I help people overcome unwanted emotional, relational, or behavioral patterns. I expertise in depression, anxiety, perfectionism, multicultural or interpersonal issues—with family of origin or an intimate partner—and complex developmental trauma (CPTSD). CPTSD means that you have experienced prolonged difficulties especially in your childhood or adolescence, such as emotionally neglectful parents or a culture that didn’t accept or foster who you really were. I integrate psychodynamics (depth work), existential, humanistic, client-centered, gestalt, somatic experiencing, and internal family system (parts work).
Hello. I'm Jayeon Kim. I help people overcome unwanted emotional, relational, or behavioral patterns. I expertise in depression, anxiety, perfectionism, multicultural or interpersonal issues—with family of origin or an intimate partner—and complex developmental trauma (CPTSD). CPTSD means that you have experienced prolonged difficulties especially in your childhood or adolescence, such as emotionally neglectful parents or a culture that didn’t accept or foster who you really were. I integrate psychodynamics (depth work), existential, humanistic, client-centered, gestalt, somatic experiencing, and internal family system (parts work).
Ken Stamper
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
My therapeutic style is approachable, warm, curious, and, when necessary, challenging. I draw from my training in the lineage of Gestalt Therapy, working in the 'here and now' to find out how we can create growth and change. I also use tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when appropriate to help develop awareness for effective change. We will work collaboratively to see how you can learn respond to your environment with greater freedom and choice, where you can see possibilities and turn them into actualities. I'm here to support you in becoming your best self.
My therapeutic style is approachable, warm, curious, and, when necessary, challenging. I draw from my training in the lineage of Gestalt Therapy, working in the 'here and now' to find out how we can create growth and change. I also use tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when appropriate to help develop awareness for effective change. We will work collaboratively to see how you can learn respond to your environment with greater freedom and choice, where you can see possibilities and turn them into actualities. I'm here to support you in becoming your best self.
Inessa Freya Lieberman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94143 (Online Only)
My approach is psychodynamic, internal family systems, guided meditation, inner child work, CBT, Gestalt, guided imagery, Inner Bonding and the Release Technique.
There's a saying, "Healing is the application of love to the places inside that hurt." I'm here to fully support you in tending to those places. Together we will journey into understanding the major themes and patterns in your life and what they are trying to teach you. This increased level of awareness can help you access your strength and intuition, eliminate negative self talk and choose a more fulfilling relationship with yourself, others and life. I offer a 15 minute meet and greet to ensure we are a good fit.
My approach is psychodynamic, internal family systems, guided meditation, inner child work, CBT, Gestalt, guided imagery, Inner Bonding and the Release Technique.
There's a saying, "Healing is the application of love to the places inside that hurt." I'm here to fully support you in tending to those places. Together we will journey into understanding the major themes and patterns in your life and what they are trying to teach you. This increased level of awareness can help you access your strength and intuition, eliminate negative self talk and choose a more fulfilling relationship with yourself, others and life. I offer a 15 minute meet and greet to ensure we are a good fit.
Eyizah Acquaye
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who would love to join you to explore ways to make life better. I can assist you in gaining insight into the patterns that may be contributing to your challenges and walk with you on a path to healing.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who would love to join you to explore ways to make life better. I can assist you in gaining insight into the patterns that may be contributing to your challenges and walk with you on a path to healing.
Don Ross
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
In the therapy session, I work to create a safe place to be our true, human selves—where both our worst and best qualities will in time be revealed. I work in the here-and-now: exploring your present concerns and goals more than your past history. I know that empathy promotes healing and ask for feedback to be sure my clients feel understood. I provide resources, tools and skills clients can use between sessions. I also work to help people learn self-compassion (see www.self-compassion.org), since that ability is necessary to heal and grow.
In the therapy session, I work to create a safe place to be our true, human selves—where both our worst and best qualities will in time be revealed. I work in the here-and-now: exploring your present concerns and goals more than your past history. I know that empathy promotes healing and ask for feedback to be sure my clients feel understood. I provide resources, tools and skills clients can use between sessions. I also work to help people learn self-compassion (see www.self-compassion.org), since that ability is necessary to heal and grow.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Gestalt Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
Gestalt Therapists
What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.
How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.
How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.
Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.