Relational Therapists in 94102

Photo of Connor Dearing, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94102, CA
Connor Dearing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
My approach to therapy is depth-oriented, relational, and active; with a healthy dose of humor when appropriate.
I support individuals and couples in navigating issues of shame and trauma to find a deeper home within themselves. Just even coming onto this site is an act of courageous self-inquiry; it shows a desire to improve yourself and your relationship to others. Maybe you've just had a major loss, life transition, or a new level of stress and are finding it impossible to cope. Maybe you're struggling to find fulfillment in your relationships, or dealing with an uneasy feeling that can't yet be named. I want to get to know you. Together we can learn what your desires, conflicts, and needs are.
My approach to therapy is depth-oriented, relational, and active; with a healthy dose of humor when appropriate.
I support individuals and couples in navigating issues of shame and trauma to find a deeper home within themselves. Just even coming onto this site is an act of courageous self-inquiry; it shows a desire to improve yourself and your relationship to others. Maybe you've just had a major loss, life transition, or a new level of stress and are finding it impossible to cope. Maybe you're struggling to find fulfillment in your relationships, or dealing with an uneasy feeling that can't yet be named. I want to get to know you. Together we can learn what your desires, conflicts, and needs are.
(415) 319-7364 View (415) 319-7364
Photo of Stephanie Corinna Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Stephanie Corinna Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Utilizing attachment-focused EMDR, parts work, mindfulness techniques, breath work, and relational tools, I provide tailored support to both couples and individuals.
I am committed to helping clients alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve communication skills, enhance intimacy, and break free from negative relational patterns. The aim of the work goes beyond mere insight, clients will begin to undergo an emotional shift that positively impacts all aspects of life. Through our work together, partners can expect to feel a closer bond, experience greater sexual satisfaction, and develop more effective communication strategies. Individuals will have the opportunity to forge new pathways for personal growth and cultivate greater connection to themselves and others.
Utilizing attachment-focused EMDR, parts work, mindfulness techniques, breath work, and relational tools, I provide tailored support to both couples and individuals.
I am committed to helping clients alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve communication skills, enhance intimacy, and break free from negative relational patterns. The aim of the work goes beyond mere insight, clients will begin to undergo an emotional shift that positively impacts all aspects of life. Through our work together, partners can expect to feel a closer bond, experience greater sexual satisfaction, and develop more effective communication strategies. Individuals will have the opportunity to forge new pathways for personal growth and cultivate greater connection to themselves and others.
(415) 449-3906 View (415) 449-3906
Photo of Ilona Hrebennikova, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Ilona Hrebennikova
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MEd, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a certified RLT therapist (Relational Life Therapy).
Are you struggling with relationships? Are you having the same fight with your partner over and over? Have you lost the emotional connection you used to have? Intimate relationships touch our deepest relational wounds. That's why we can be overwhelmed with the pain they bring and often, at points, feel like giving up. We can heal those wounds and help each other in that process. The kind of couples therapy/marriage counseling and individual therapy that I provide combines deep experiential work with teaching, coaching and practicing many specific relational skills that will set you up for success in all your relationships.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a certified RLT therapist (Relational Life Therapy).
Are you struggling with relationships? Are you having the same fight with your partner over and over? Have you lost the emotional connection you used to have? Intimate relationships touch our deepest relational wounds. That's why we can be overwhelmed with the pain they bring and often, at points, feel like giving up. We can heal those wounds and help each other in that process. The kind of couples therapy/marriage counseling and individual therapy that I provide combines deep experiential work with teaching, coaching and practicing many specific relational skills that will set you up for success in all your relationships.
(415) 212-9993 View (415) 212-9993
Photo of Amy Griswold Singer, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Amy Griswold Singer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I specialize in working with you in times of change whether wanted or unwanted; un-coupling or committing; wits-end or letting go or starting again. By looking at habits, patterns, defense structures, and super powers, we build awareness of their purpose and see how you can repurpose them, let them go or build new ones through deepening and allowing, owning disavowed parts, crafting new narratives. We help you find compassion and respect for self and others, growing your self esteem and relational wisdom.
I specialize in working with you in times of change whether wanted or unwanted; un-coupling or committing; wits-end or letting go or starting again. By looking at habits, patterns, defense structures, and super powers, we build awareness of their purpose and see how you can repurpose them, let them go or build new ones through deepening and allowing, owning disavowed parts, crafting new narratives. We help you find compassion and respect for self and others, growing your self esteem and relational wisdom.
(415) 691-2653 View (415) 691-2653
Photo of Kelsey Harrington, Psychologist in 94102, CA
Kelsey Harrington
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
My style of practice is relational, attachment-based, trauma-informed, and interactive.
People can feel stuck in their lives for many reasons. You may have vague feelings of dissatisfaction, or have an idea of what isn’t working but struggle to find a way forward. Perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed by familiar feelings from earlier difficulties or trauma that are being stirred up by current situations. My aim is to help you uncover the meanings and underlying causes of patterns of thinking, feeling, and interacting that may be holding you back. These can emerge in addressing day-to-day challenges, or while untangling old narratives formed by deeply rooted experiences.
My style of practice is relational, attachment-based, trauma-informed, and interactive.
People can feel stuck in their lives for many reasons. You may have vague feelings of dissatisfaction, or have an idea of what isn’t working but struggle to find a way forward. Perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed by familiar feelings from earlier difficulties or trauma that are being stirred up by current situations. My aim is to help you uncover the meanings and underlying causes of patterns of thinking, feeling, and interacting that may be holding you back. These can emerge in addressing day-to-day challenges, or while untangling old narratives formed by deeply rooted experiences.
(415) 598-5002 View (415) 598-5002
Photo of June Lin-Arlow, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
June Lin-Arlow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Waitlist for new clients
With couples and families, I work from a relational and family systems perspective which focuses on helping family members understand each other and practice new ways of relating.
I provide contemporary psychoanalytic psychotherapy for people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues, especially in immigrant and cross-cultural families with a history of complex trauma. I believe that our symptoms make sense in the context of our early experiences, family histories, and systems we live in. We learn resilience and survival strategies in difficult situations that may not be sustainable for us now. Therapy has lasting results when it starts with an exploration of who you are as a whole person, not just the symptoms you are experiencing right now. ​
With couples and families, I work from a relational and family systems perspective which focuses on helping family members understand each other and practice new ways of relating.
I provide contemporary psychoanalytic psychotherapy for people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues, especially in immigrant and cross-cultural families with a history of complex trauma. I believe that our symptoms make sense in the context of our early experiences, family histories, and systems we live in. We learn resilience and survival strategies in difficult situations that may not be sustainable for us now. Therapy has lasting results when it starts with an exploration of who you are as a whole person, not just the symptoms you are experiencing right now. ​
(415) 300-1842 View (415) 300-1842
Photo of Ryan Moore, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Ryan Moore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
My goal is to create a safe and open space for you to explore your story and deepen your self understanding, putting you on a path to healing. I work with you to identify areas of frustration and concern, as well as areas of strength. My approach is based in relational psychotherapy and also incorporates Emotionally Focused Therapy, family systems and Existential perspectives.
My goal is to create a safe and open space for you to explore your story and deepen your self understanding, putting you on a path to healing. I work with you to identify areas of frustration and concern, as well as areas of strength. My approach is based in relational psychotherapy and also incorporates Emotionally Focused Therapy, family systems and Existential perspectives.
(415) 761-2815 View (415) 761-2815
Photo of Nika Ayat, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Nika Ayat
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I work with passionate people who deeply want to feel connected and loved, but find themselves hurting in relationships. My clients come from backgrounds where they weren’t taught healthy relationship skills, and they realize they're stuck in patterns they want to change, such as self-judgment or blame, self-sabotage, avoidance, relational anxiety, codependency, or abuse. My mindset is everyone is doing the best they can with what they know. With a curious mind and multicultural lens, I help make meaning of your experiences, shed light on what exists outside your awareness, and help you learn new ways of feeling connected and loved.
I work with passionate people who deeply want to feel connected and loved, but find themselves hurting in relationships. My clients come from backgrounds where they weren’t taught healthy relationship skills, and they realize they're stuck in patterns they want to change, such as self-judgment or blame, self-sabotage, avoidance, relational anxiety, codependency, or abuse. My mindset is everyone is doing the best they can with what they know. With a curious mind and multicultural lens, I help make meaning of your experiences, shed light on what exists outside your awareness, and help you learn new ways of feeling connected and loved.
(415) 914-9238 View (415) 914-9238
Photo of Dr. Cecilia Winfield, Pre-Licensed Professional in 94102, CA
Dr. Cecilia Winfield
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
We often come to therapy because something in our life has emerged in a way we find challenging to navigate on our own. I approach our work together with this in mind, and as an honored participant in your journey toward growth and deepened insight. My therapeutic style is rooted in relational psychodynamic, IFS, and ACT interventions and centered in values of patience, humility, empathy, and humor. I strive to see you through the lens of your unique life experiences and to work collaboratively so we can effectively address your concerns. My hope is that, together, we can help you live a life that feels authentic and empowered.
We often come to therapy because something in our life has emerged in a way we find challenging to navigate on our own. I approach our work together with this in mind, and as an honored participant in your journey toward growth and deepened insight. My therapeutic style is rooted in relational psychodynamic, IFS, and ACT interventions and centered in values of patience, humility, empathy, and humor. I strive to see you through the lens of your unique life experiences and to work collaboratively so we can effectively address your concerns. My hope is that, together, we can help you live a life that feels authentic and empowered.
(415) 980-6482 View (415) 980-6482
Photo of Phern Hunt, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Phern Hunt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Waitlist for new clients
Psychotherapy with me will be a guided, supportive exploration of how you think, feel, act and relate to others. I am a relational therapist: an approach to therapy which combines self-understanding and self-acceptance in relationship to your significant others, both past and present. We all need to be understood. This is my primary job with you: to understand how you think and feel. Once you feel understood, together we can figure out what is getting in the way of living a happier, fulfilling life. I am an expressive therapist, and you will never go away from a session wondering what I think.
Psychotherapy with me will be a guided, supportive exploration of how you think, feel, act and relate to others. I am a relational therapist: an approach to therapy which combines self-understanding and self-acceptance in relationship to your significant others, both past and present. We all need to be understood. This is my primary job with you: to understand how you think and feel. Once you feel understood, together we can figure out what is getting in the way of living a happier, fulfilling life. I am an expressive therapist, and you will never go away from a session wondering what I think.
(415) 350-9480 View (415) 350-9480
Photo of Brianda DeCastro, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Brianda DeCastro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
No matter who we are or what our background in life, much of our behavior is influenced by our unconscious mind, and I have learned that facing these unconscious motives in a relational therapy setting can lead to psychological healing, especially when combined with the physical body and somatic experiences. I enjoy engaging with clients in exploration, analysis, and reflective interpretation, and through this, developing a path of healing and growth.
No matter who we are or what our background in life, much of our behavior is influenced by our unconscious mind, and I have learned that facing these unconscious motives in a relational therapy setting can lead to psychological healing, especially when combined with the physical body and somatic experiences. I enjoy engaging with clients in exploration, analysis, and reflective interpretation, and through this, developing a path of healing and growth.
(628) 277-5615 View (628) 277-5615
Photo of Jessica Daniel, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94102, CA
Jessica Daniel
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
I integrate therapy approaches to suit each client's needs and goals by attuning to and utilizing relational dynamics, trauma-informed practices, and mindfulness.
I work well with individuals and couples who are finding themselves at times of change. Change has the potential for transformation - whether that change is motivated by a desire to grow and seek greater fulfillment or one that is an unexpected cause of suffering. I love working with people one-on-one or in the context of a relationship to find their paths toward acceptance, connection, and wholeness.
I integrate therapy approaches to suit each client's needs and goals by attuning to and utilizing relational dynamics, trauma-informed practices, and mindfulness.
I work well with individuals and couples who are finding themselves at times of change. Change has the potential for transformation - whether that change is motivated by a desire to grow and seek greater fulfillment or one that is an unexpected cause of suffering. I love working with people one-on-one or in the context of a relationship to find their paths toward acceptance, connection, and wholeness.
(628) 209-6320 View (628) 209-6320
Photo of Natalie Yates, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Natalie Yates
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
My style is warm, relational, and collaborative to meet you where you are.
I am a psychotherapist providing services for individuals, teens, and young adults who often come to me with experiences of sadness, anxiety, grief, anger, depression, low self-esteem or self-harming behaviors. Others seek support in navigating relationship challenges, including their relationship with themselves, traumatic experiences, or a longing to understand themselves more fully. The human experience can be painful, taking various forms that impact how we navigate the world, relate to others, and relate to ourselves. Together, we embark on a journey to understand your pain and discover pathways through it.
My style is warm, relational, and collaborative to meet you where you are.
I am a psychotherapist providing services for individuals, teens, and young adults who often come to me with experiences of sadness, anxiety, grief, anger, depression, low self-esteem or self-harming behaviors. Others seek support in navigating relationship challenges, including their relationship with themselves, traumatic experiences, or a longing to understand themselves more fully. The human experience can be painful, taking various forms that impact how we navigate the world, relate to others, and relate to ourselves. Together, we embark on a journey to understand your pain and discover pathways through it.
(415) 862-3643 View (415) 862-3643
Photo of Alice Knutson, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Alice Knutson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I work with individuals and couples in a variety of different areas, some of them include loss, anxiety, depression, and trauma. People often come in to work on a specific issue while others come in because something feels wrong, or because they want to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. My work with couples involves helping them work through areas in their relationship where they are struggling or feeling at a loss and we work together to help them gain new and lasting relational skills, often with a focus on communication.
I work with individuals and couples in a variety of different areas, some of them include loss, anxiety, depression, and trauma. People often come in to work on a specific issue while others come in because something feels wrong, or because they want to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. My work with couples involves helping them work through areas in their relationship where they are struggling or feeling at a loss and we work together to help them gain new and lasting relational skills, often with a focus on communication.
(415) 775-4995 View (415) 775-4995
Photo of Jasmine (Wai Ling) Khor, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Jasmine (Wai Ling) Khor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
I practice within a psychodynamic, relational framework, with a focus on issues of trauma, neglect, depression, anxiety and isolation. My clinical experience have been in hospital and hospice settings that surround anticipated grief and bereavement; community mental health outpatient settings and research institutes. Reaching out for help can be a daunting and vulnerable step, and understanding what it is you are entering into can help soften feelings of confusion and apprehension.
I practice within a psychodynamic, relational framework, with a focus on issues of trauma, neglect, depression, anxiety and isolation. My clinical experience have been in hospital and hospice settings that surround anticipated grief and bereavement; community mental health outpatient settings and research institutes. Reaching out for help can be a daunting and vulnerable step, and understanding what it is you are entering into can help soften feelings of confusion and apprehension.
(415) 969-4607 View (415) 969-4607
Photo of Xanthe Asher/EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Xanthe Asher/EMDR
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
My ideal client is a person with a growth mindset who wants to work on their internal narrative. I want to be a witness and facilitate transformation. I am trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Attachment-focused- EMDR. Eye Movement, Desensitization, Reprocessing. Attachment-focused- EMDR is an effective relational modality to reprocess old negative memories/trauma and come to embody a positive more functional internal narrative. I work with people on addiction issues like alcohol, drugs, food, and self-destructive behavior that is getting in the way of a more stable existence.
My ideal client is a person with a growth mindset who wants to work on their internal narrative. I want to be a witness and facilitate transformation. I am trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Attachment-focused- EMDR. Eye Movement, Desensitization, Reprocessing. Attachment-focused- EMDR is an effective relational modality to reprocess old negative memories/trauma and come to embody a positive more functional internal narrative. I work with people on addiction issues like alcohol, drugs, food, and self-destructive behavior that is getting in the way of a more stable existence.
(415) 968-1633 View (415) 968-1633
Photo of Kimberly Mascaro, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Kimberly Mascaro
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
Welcome! Are you on a path for living a life of purpose and meaning? Allow me to support you. Come see me in my virtual therapy office! I'm known for my warm, relational approach and holistic, eclectic style, integrating talk therapy with mindfulness, expressive art, hypnotherapy, dreamwork, and more. I provide individualized care, personally tailored to your specific needs and desires. Currently, I'm serving a diverse adult population (primarily the 20s through the 50s) focusing on a variety of issues (creativity, spirituality, past trauma, adult ADHD, anxiety, postpartum, life transitions, grief/loss, as well as recovery).
Welcome! Are you on a path for living a life of purpose and meaning? Allow me to support you. Come see me in my virtual therapy office! I'm known for my warm, relational approach and holistic, eclectic style, integrating talk therapy with mindfulness, expressive art, hypnotherapy, dreamwork, and more. I provide individualized care, personally tailored to your specific needs and desires. Currently, I'm serving a diverse adult population (primarily the 20s through the 50s) focusing on a variety of issues (creativity, spirituality, past trauma, adult ADHD, anxiety, postpartum, life transitions, grief/loss, as well as recovery).
(530) 203-5874 View (530) 203-5874
Photo of Jake Sims, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94102, CA
Jake Sims
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
My practice is relational and psychodynamic, although I draw from contemplative traditions when appropriate as well.
Depression. Anxiety. Relationship struggles. Low self-esteem. These are common issues that people face when it comes to mental health challenges, which are enough to make life difficult. Chances are your relationships, and most importantly your relationship with yourself, have been greatly impacted by these factors. There's this sense that something has to change, but you might not know where to begin. Together we embark on this journey of uncovering just how you got here and discovering where you want to go.
My practice is relational and psychodynamic, although I draw from contemplative traditions when appropriate as well.
Depression. Anxiety. Relationship struggles. Low self-esteem. These are common issues that people face when it comes to mental health challenges, which are enough to make life difficult. Chances are your relationships, and most importantly your relationship with yourself, have been greatly impacted by these factors. There's this sense that something has to change, but you might not know where to begin. Together we embark on this journey of uncovering just how you got here and discovering where you want to go.
(415) 903-2585 View (415) 903-2585
Photo of Emily Means @ The Connective, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Emily Means @ The Connective
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
At core, I’m client centered and relational—which means I’ll bring an approach to counseling that is specific to you and the season you find yourself in.
I’m thrilled to work with anyone feeling called towards expanding what’s already working, identifying and addressing what’s not, and increasing their capacity for compassion with self and others along the way. I'm a particularly good match for clients who bring a willingness to think and act creatively, are process oriented, and have a sense of humor and a desire to play.
At core, I’m client centered and relational—which means I’ll bring an approach to counseling that is specific to you and the season you find yourself in.
I’m thrilled to work with anyone feeling called towards expanding what’s already working, identifying and addressing what’s not, and increasing their capacity for compassion with self and others along the way. I'm a particularly good match for clients who bring a willingness to think and act creatively, are process oriented, and have a sense of humor and a desire to play.
(628) 257-7722 View (628) 257-7722
Photo of Leonicia A Castro, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Leonicia A Castro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
I am an integrative therapist, using a holistic model and techniques from somatic, relational, inter-subjective, and transpersonal psychology, as well as techniques from my own long-standing spiritual practices, such as drumming, chanting and Vipassana Buddhist meditation practice. I got my masters in Psychology with a Somatic Concentration from JFK, Orinda, CA in 1997. As LGBTQIA identified and a Pacific Islander, I know that both trauma and healing can come from our individual and cultural histories. I welcome anyone seeking growth or healing and I'm committed to healing within marginalized communities. My areas of specialty include people with histories of trauma and/or addiction, people looking to integrate spiritual experiences, people of color and members of the LGBTQ community.
I am an integrative therapist, using a holistic model and techniques from somatic, relational, inter-subjective, and transpersonal psychology, as well as techniques from my own long-standing spiritual practices, such as drumming, chanting and Vipassana Buddhist meditation practice. I got my masters in Psychology with a Somatic Concentration from JFK, Orinda, CA in 1997. As LGBTQIA identified and a Pacific Islander, I know that both trauma and healing can come from our individual and cultural histories. I welcome anyone seeking growth or healing and I'm committed to healing within marginalized communities. My areas of specialty include people with histories of trauma and/or addiction, people looking to integrate spiritual experiences, people of color and members of the LGBTQ community.
(510) 662-6163 View (510) 662-6163
Relational Therapists

How does relational therapy work?

Relational therapy was developed by psychologist Jean Miller, whose ideas stressed that having strong connections with others encourages better health and well-being when compared with a lonely existence. Conversely, poor interpersonal relationships do not foster growth and learning. Relational therapy also encourages trust in others and patience with others, along with better communication and less conflict.

Is relational therapy evidence-based?

Relational therapy is not well-studied, and it may not be as effective in treating certain mental health conditions when compared with evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral or acceptance and commitment therapy. However, relational therapy uses techniques found in cognitive behavioral therapy as well as psychodynamic therapy, which are both well-studied with empirical research.

How long are people typically in relational therapy?

Clients may see improvement after a few weeks or months of therapy. Like cognitive behavioral therapy, relational therapy can reduce symptoms within 10 to 20 weeks, at 45 to 50 minutes once a week. But like any type of therapy, improvement depends on the person and the severity of the problem.

Does relational therapy work?

While no therapy type will work for everyone, some evidence suggests that this therapy can be effective. Relational therapy can help a person manage problematic relationships as well as the mental health conditions that accompany difficult relationships like depression or anxiety. This therapy type may offer benefits that are hard to measure but can be just as valuable—including feelings of higher self-worth or healthier connections with others.