Existential Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Welcome. Perhaps you are seeking out therapy to help manage a crisis or maybe you finally have enough stability in your life to work on deeper issues? As a psychotherapist, I meet my clients where they are and offer the support most suited for their needs. In my practice, I work with everything from artistic blocks, anxiety, depression and relationship issues to severe trauma, grief, addiction and existential unrest.
Welcome. Perhaps you are seeking out therapy to help manage a crisis or maybe you finally have enough stability in your life to work on deeper issues? As a psychotherapist, I meet my clients where they are and offer the support most suited for their needs. In my practice, I work with everything from artistic blocks, anxiety, depression and relationship issues to severe trauma, grief, addiction and existential unrest.
Robynne Herron
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I mostly commonly work with Existential, Client-Centered, and Emotion Focused approaches all with a trauma informed mindset.
Hello, I am Robynne (Robin üòâ) Herron. I am a Licensed Profession Clinical Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My approach is relaxed with a gratuitous use of humor. I favor existential and client-centered approaches. Typically, I work with clients that are focused on figuring out how to feel better; however, I have worked with many clients that weren't sure what feeling better would look like or that were stuck thinking it couldn't get better at all.
I mostly commonly work with Existential, Client-Centered, and Emotion Focused approaches all with a trauma informed mindset.
Hello, I am Robynne (Robin üòâ) Herron. I am a Licensed Profession Clinical Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My approach is relaxed with a gratuitous use of humor. I favor existential and client-centered approaches. Typically, I work with clients that are focused on figuring out how to feel better; however, I have worked with many clients that weren't sure what feeling better would look like or that were stuck thinking it couldn't get better at all.
Vesna Lubina Westbrook
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
My approach is Depth-oriented, transpersonal, relational, existential-humanistic.
I work with clients who are (highly) sensitive, empathic, or intuitive. Sensitive people have a finely attuned nervous system that is a huge gift when made conscious. They experience life deeply, yet don't always feel easily understood by others. Growing up, they often experienced not fitting in, and have adapted to a largely non-sensitive world in myriad ways that didn't always serve their best interest. I support sensitive people on their path to finding their voice, experiencing genuine relationships, purposeful work, and reclaiming their space in the world.
My approach is Depth-oriented, transpersonal, relational, existential-humanistic.
I work with clients who are (highly) sensitive, empathic, or intuitive. Sensitive people have a finely attuned nervous system that is a huge gift when made conscious. They experience life deeply, yet don't always feel easily understood by others. Growing up, they often experienced not fitting in, and have adapted to a largely non-sensitive world in myriad ways that didn't always serve their best interest. I support sensitive people on their path to finding their voice, experiencing genuine relationships, purposeful work, and reclaiming their space in the world.
Paul Beirne
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
I use a trauma-focused existential approach with clients and have worked in many settings across all levels of care (inpatient, outpatient, group homes, and residential treatment).
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.” ― Bessel A. van der Kolk. My approach to treatment helps people identify the core issues that have been avoided and pushed aside in an emotionally safe environment. Through the process of consciousness raising and self exploration, lasting changes in thought patterns are made, and overall life improvement occurs. I work with people of all ages and have a wealth of experience working with teens and young adults.
I use a trauma-focused existential approach with clients and have worked in many settings across all levels of care (inpatient, outpatient, group homes, and residential treatment).
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.” ― Bessel A. van der Kolk. My approach to treatment helps people identify the core issues that have been avoided and pushed aside in an emotionally safe environment. Through the process of consciousness raising and self exploration, lasting changes in thought patterns are made, and overall life improvement occurs. I work with people of all ages and have a wealth of experience working with teens and young adults.
This orientation to psychotherapy can be called existential or humanistic.
I enjoy working with individuals who are negotiating changes, difficulties, or losses in their lives and trying to understand their experience. I believe it is up to each of us to make sense of our lives, and psychotherapy is often a valuable place to explore this in an open and non-judgmental way. It is often turning points or changing phases of life that call us to question things, confront us with important decisions, and challenge us to decide what is meaningful. Symptoms of depression and anxiety, or events such as illness, trauma and loss can call into question our beliefs, values and goals in life.
This orientation to psychotherapy can be called existential or humanistic.
I enjoy working with individuals who are negotiating changes, difficulties, or losses in their lives and trying to understand their experience. I believe it is up to each of us to make sense of our lives, and psychotherapy is often a valuable place to explore this in an open and non-judgmental way. It is often turning points or changing phases of life that call us to question things, confront us with important decisions, and challenge us to decide what is meaningful. Symptoms of depression and anxiety, or events such as illness, trauma and loss can call into question our beliefs, values and goals in life.
I work with couples, adult individuals, families, and transitional age youth (age 18-25). I come from a humanistic and existential therapeutic framework, placing a high value on human capacities, including ones own free will, self determination, and search for meaning. Whether you are seeking therapy to approach or work through a despair within yourself and/or your relationship, have difficulty navigating through life transitions, managing a psychological condition such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, the choice to engage in therapy is a brave and invaluable one
I work with couples, adult individuals, families, and transitional age youth (age 18-25). I come from a humanistic and existential therapeutic framework, placing a high value on human capacities, including ones own free will, self determination, and search for meaning. Whether you are seeking therapy to approach or work through a despair within yourself and/or your relationship, have difficulty navigating through life transitions, managing a psychological condition such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, the choice to engage in therapy is a brave and invaluable one
Vanessa Wolter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Taking new clients. I specialize in holistically and compassionately treating anxiety, social anxiety, low self esteem, depression, grief, and existential issues such as finding purpose and meaning. My mission is to help clients transform pain into an opportunity for self-discovery, healing and empowerment, so that they can also reclaim their voice, purpose, and self-worth. I compassionately welcome individuals who feel silenced, disconnected from loved ones, overwhelmed, lost, or that they "don't belong," as well as people who have experienced bullying, abuse, or struggle with negative body image or a harsh inner critic.
Taking new clients. I specialize in holistically and compassionately treating anxiety, social anxiety, low self esteem, depression, grief, and existential issues such as finding purpose and meaning. My mission is to help clients transform pain into an opportunity for self-discovery, healing and empowerment, so that they can also reclaim their voice, purpose, and self-worth. I compassionately welcome individuals who feel silenced, disconnected from loved ones, overwhelmed, lost, or that they "don't belong," as well as people who have experienced bullying, abuse, or struggle with negative body image or a harsh inner critic.
Chandra Shanmugavel
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94103 (Online Only)
Dependent on the needs of my client, I use a mix of narrative, internal family systems parts work, acceptance and commitment, existential, somatic, and eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) interventions.
Hello and welcome. My name is Chandra and I co-create healing spaces with women and non-binary identifying adults who are seeking to integrate past traumas and life experiences, in order to have more self acceptance. Whether you’re new to therapy or looking to establish ongoing care, I am here to support you on your journey home to yourself. The human experience comes with inadvertent messaging of what parts of us are acceptable and what parts are not. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate these complexities in order to unearth their most authentic self, leading to a more fulfilling and connected life.
Dependent on the needs of my client, I use a mix of narrative, internal family systems parts work, acceptance and commitment, existential, somatic, and eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) interventions.
Hello and welcome. My name is Chandra and I co-create healing spaces with women and non-binary identifying adults who are seeking to integrate past traumas and life experiences, in order to have more self acceptance. Whether you’re new to therapy or looking to establish ongoing care, I am here to support you on your journey home to yourself. The human experience comes with inadvertent messaging of what parts of us are acceptable and what parts are not. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate these complexities in order to unearth their most authentic self, leading to a more fulfilling and connected life.
Niamh O’Sullivan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I have additional training in Gestalt therapy, Existential therapy, Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Sand Tray therapy.
You may be dealing with personal challenges or struggling with relationships in your life or life may have thrown you a curve ball. Asking for help can be tough and humbling and yet many of my clients tell me they wish they had done it sooner. Having a safe, compassionate and supportive space can be significant to healing and working through the trickier stages of our lives. My training combines the wisdom of Western and Eastern psychologies, embracing each person's uniqueness. I work compassionately supporting greater awareness, insight, choice and fulfillment.
I have additional training in Gestalt therapy, Existential therapy, Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Sand Tray therapy.
You may be dealing with personal challenges or struggling with relationships in your life or life may have thrown you a curve ball. Asking for help can be tough and humbling and yet many of my clients tell me they wish they had done it sooner. Having a safe, compassionate and supportive space can be significant to healing and working through the trickier stages of our lives. My training combines the wisdom of Western and Eastern psychologies, embracing each person's uniqueness. I work compassionately supporting greater awareness, insight, choice and fulfillment.
Melanie R. Cleary
Psychologist, MS, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
Therapy is a confidential space to explore areas where you are feeling stuck, experiencing difficulty, or contemplating change, with the goal of feeling more confident and whole as a person. I work with adult individuals who seek a deeper understanding of, and relief from, their suffering: depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship problems, spiritual/existential questions, and various forms of addiction. Many times, addiction is accompanied by interactions with the legal system and therapy can be a safe space to process thoughts and feelings about legal problems or incarceration.
Therapy is a confidential space to explore areas where you are feeling stuck, experiencing difficulty, or contemplating change, with the goal of feeling more confident and whole as a person. I work with adult individuals who seek a deeper understanding of, and relief from, their suffering: depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship problems, spiritual/existential questions, and various forms of addiction. Many times, addiction is accompanied by interactions with the legal system and therapy can be a safe space to process thoughts and feelings about legal problems or incarceration.
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.
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Hello, my name is Thasja Hoffmann, I am an LMFT & LPCC trauma-focused therapist. I have had over 20 years of experience, and I still feel very passionate about what I do. My main approach to therapy is to slow your experience down and help you notice what you are experiencing through Meta-awareness modalities and Mindfulness. I also find Somatic and EMDR approaches very helpful in processing information. My foundation in how I work comes from Humanistic/ Existential Psychology.
Hello, my name is Thasja Hoffmann, I am an LMFT & LPCC trauma-focused therapist. I have had over 20 years of experience, and I still feel very passionate about what I do. My main approach to therapy is to slow your experience down and help you notice what you are experiencing through Meta-awareness modalities and Mindfulness. I also find Somatic and EMDR approaches very helpful in processing information. My foundation in how I work comes from Humanistic/ Existential Psychology.
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.
Jessica L Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
I work with couples and individuals that feel ready to examine their inner world and outer relationships, often feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Clients who wish to explore issues around sense of self, relationships, identity, sexuality, spirituality, psychedelics, or existential questions often resonate with my style. I offer couples and individuals a warm environment that is supportive, collaborative, and direct - offering tools & insights. I am continually expanding my offerings and have additional certifications in the research-based Gottman Method for Couples and a Certified Integrative Sex Therapy for Couples.
I work with couples and individuals that feel ready to examine their inner world and outer relationships, often feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Clients who wish to explore issues around sense of self, relationships, identity, sexuality, spirituality, psychedelics, or existential questions often resonate with my style. I offer couples and individuals a warm environment that is supportive, collaborative, and direct - offering tools & insights. I am continually expanding my offerings and have additional certifications in the research-based Gottman Method for Couples and a Certified Integrative Sex Therapy for Couples.
Emily Fasten
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
Therapy makes life better. It does so in ways that are both clear and concrete and somewhat mysterious. Maybe you arrive with a set goal -- manage anxiety, find a better job, or get more from a stalled relationship. Or maybe you're experiencing a more generalized state of existential discomfort or depression -- grappling with how to find meaning in life, a sense of cosmic isolation, or fear of mortality. We'll work collaboratively with the internal and external forces that are causing suffering, building sufficient self-support to make real, lasting changes.
Therapy makes life better. It does so in ways that are both clear and concrete and somewhat mysterious. Maybe you arrive with a set goal -- manage anxiety, find a better job, or get more from a stalled relationship. Or maybe you're experiencing a more generalized state of existential discomfort or depression -- grappling with how to find meaning in life, a sense of cosmic isolation, or fear of mortality. We'll work collaboratively with the internal and external forces that are causing suffering, building sufficient self-support to make real, lasting changes.
Roxanne Shooshani
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
Are you struggling to cope with getting through the day? Feeling burnt out, anxious, depressed, and isolated? If you are experiencing emotional difficulties, you do not have to go through it alone. I can support you through life's many challenges - Whether it's the mental health impacts from chronic pain, medical illnesses, social isolation, questioning your gender and/or sexuality, trauma, difficulties in relationships, existential issues, grief, or the hardships that come along with being in different stages of life - from teenagehood to older age.
Are you struggling to cope with getting through the day? Feeling burnt out, anxious, depressed, and isolated? If you are experiencing emotional difficulties, you do not have to go through it alone. I can support you through life's many challenges - Whether it's the mental health impacts from chronic pain, medical illnesses, social isolation, questioning your gender and/or sexuality, trauma, difficulties in relationships, existential issues, grief, or the hardships that come along with being in different stages of life - from teenagehood to older age.
Michael Guy Thompson
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I am among the few psychoanalysts who integrate their work with the existential perspective, rooted in my training with R.
One of the things that haunts me about our all too human condition is how much pain we have to suffer in the ordinary conduct of our lives. Who do we turn to when we are in such despair that we don’t know where to turn? I believe all of us suffer from occasional feelings of fear, alienation, depression, confusion. Some suffer from these symptoms more than others, but we are all otherwise more or less the same. I try to connect with your deepest existential issues and help you get to know yourself intimately, in order to bring the passion and happiness than has been missing back into your life . . . or perhaps, for the first time?
I am among the few psychoanalysts who integrate their work with the existential perspective, rooted in my training with R.
One of the things that haunts me about our all too human condition is how much pain we have to suffer in the ordinary conduct of our lives. Who do we turn to when we are in such despair that we don’t know where to turn? I believe all of us suffer from occasional feelings of fear, alienation, depression, confusion. Some suffer from these symptoms more than others, but we are all otherwise more or less the same. I try to connect with your deepest existential issues and help you get to know yourself intimately, in order to bring the passion and happiness than has been missing back into your life . . . or perhaps, for the first time?
We all need tools to help us navigate the difficulties of life. I am lucky to be in a position to help people gain these tools. I love working with my clients; I am always learning from them.
I have a down-to-earth, accessible and active approach to my work. I draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques.
I am sensitive to the interplay between social, economic, racial, emotional, and neurological factors. I continue to work in community and non-profit settings. In the Spring of 2016, I earned an Advanced Certificate from the Existential Humanistic Institute.
We all need tools to help us navigate the difficulties of life. I am lucky to be in a position to help people gain these tools. I love working with my clients; I am always learning from them.
I have a down-to-earth, accessible and active approach to my work. I draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques.
I am sensitive to the interplay between social, economic, racial, emotional, and neurological factors. I continue to work in community and non-profit settings. In the Spring of 2016, I earned an Advanced Certificate from the Existential Humanistic Institute.
My approach to therapy comprises Cognitive-Behavioral, Humanistic and Existential paradigms.
I treat clients whose daily functioning, self image and way of relating to others has been negatively impacted by anxiety, depression, and various external or situational stressors. Compassion and collaboration are crucial in facilitating healing and creating a functional therapeutic rapport that allows for increasingly greater presence of mind. Education and 15 years of clinical experience underscore my belief that people can feel better as they practice more adaptive thinking and behavior in the present.
My approach to therapy comprises Cognitive-Behavioral, Humanistic and Existential paradigms.
I treat clients whose daily functioning, self image and way of relating to others has been negatively impacted by anxiety, depression, and various external or situational stressors. Compassion and collaboration are crucial in facilitating healing and creating a functional therapeutic rapport that allows for increasingly greater presence of mind. Education and 15 years of clinical experience underscore my belief that people can feel better as they practice more adaptive thinking and behavior in the present.
Becca F. Barnett
Psychologist, MS, MDiv, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in treating people experiencing the effects of depression, anxiety, trauma (including adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect), addictions and codependency, grief and loss, relationship issues, life transitions, existential concerns, spiritual and religious issues, self-actualization and beyond to selfless-actualization.
As a licensed psychologist skilled in providing psychotherapy that addresses the full spectrum of human experience, I collaborate with you to attain healing and resolution of your problems, advance in your growth and transformation, and increasingly realize your potential. I facilitate the integration of your sense of identity, purpose, and values with the way you live your life to endow it with greater authenticity and meaning. As an Episcopal priest and Buddhist practitioner, I foster your spiritual development and worldly integration. In these ways, I assist you in the creation of a more peaceful, happy, and fulfilling life.
I specialize in treating people experiencing the effects of depression, anxiety, trauma (including adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect), addictions and codependency, grief and loss, relationship issues, life transitions, existential concerns, spiritual and religious issues, self-actualization and beyond to selfless-actualization.
As a licensed psychologist skilled in providing psychotherapy that addresses the full spectrum of human experience, I collaborate with you to attain healing and resolution of your problems, advance in your growth and transformation, and increasingly realize your potential. I facilitate the integration of your sense of identity, purpose, and values with the way you live your life to endow it with greater authenticity and meaning. As an Episcopal priest and Buddhist practitioner, I foster your spiritual development and worldly integration. In these ways, I assist you in the creation of a more peaceful, happy, and fulfilling life.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Existential Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
Existential Therapists
How does existential therapy work?
Existential therapy focuses on a patient’s inner experiences. The therapist tries to help the individual comprehend and alleviate symptoms by exploring their interior life. By confronting negative disquiet and emotions, the individual will hopefully become more open to finding meaning and purpose. This therapy can be administered to individuals or groups.
Is existential therapy evidence-based?
Existential therapy is an evidence-based practice. Research has determined that existential therapy can lead to significant improvement in the mental health of patients, and for some people it can be just as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy. The benefits of existential therapy are enduring, even long after treatment has ended.
How long does existential therapy last?
The goal of existential therapy is to understand a person’s internal experiences, which may sound like a lengthy process, but it does not have to be so in-depth. However, sessions are not short-term, and therapy can continue for months or up to a year. And because patients learn the theory behind existential therapy during treatment, they can also practice its tenets throughout life after therapy sessions have been completed.
Is existential therapy effective?
According to research, many patients find success with existential therapy. Researchers note that the therapy is particularly useful in improving feelings of isolation, feelings of purposelessness, as well as conditions such as anxiety and depression. Improvements in problem areas can persist even after the end of existential therapy, as individuals can continue working on themselves by using the tools they’ve developed during treatment.