Relational Therapists in San Francisco, CA
My approach to therapy is to work in the here-and-now from a psychodynamic and relational perspective.
Whether you are facing transitional or deeply rooted challenges, psychotherapy is a powerful way to regain balance, and bring back meaning and a sense of purpose in your life. You might find yourself at a time when you feel stuck, struggling with various difficulties. It is my goal to support you in uncovering patterns that no longer serve you and in fostering new experiences to support your own growth.
My approach to therapy is to work in the here-and-now from a psychodynamic and relational perspective.
Whether you are facing transitional or deeply rooted challenges, psychotherapy is a powerful way to regain balance, and bring back meaning and a sense of purpose in your life. You might find yourself at a time when you feel stuck, struggling with various difficulties. It is my goal to support you in uncovering patterns that no longer serve you and in fostering new experiences to support your own growth.
I work primarily with individuals struggling with anxiety, processing of life transitions and relational concerns, and trauma.
Welcome! I view therapy as a means by which we can increase curiosity about ourselves and the world around us. We'll work together to identify patterns and stuck points that may be impacting your relationships, work, school, and other parts of your life. Taking steps towards healing and self-discovery can be daunting. As a therapist, I work to create a safe, supportive space in which you feel secure in exploring the parts of your life that may feel overwhelming. Whether you are coming to therapy for self-exploration or for a specific concern, I look forward to being part of your healing journey.
I work primarily with individuals struggling with anxiety, processing of life transitions and relational concerns, and trauma.
Welcome! I view therapy as a means by which we can increase curiosity about ourselves and the world around us. We'll work together to identify patterns and stuck points that may be impacting your relationships, work, school, and other parts of your life. Taking steps towards healing and self-discovery can be daunting. As a therapist, I work to create a safe, supportive space in which you feel secure in exploring the parts of your life that may feel overwhelming. Whether you are coming to therapy for self-exploration or for a specific concern, I look forward to being part of your healing journey.
Cassandra (Cassie) Najarian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
My approach to therapy is integrative, involving various techniques from psychodynamic, relational, feminist, CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and attachment-based theories.
As an LGBTQ-affirming therapist, I believe it is important to explore not only our sexual and gender identities but also the multiple identities that we hold as unique individuals. Therapy is a space where you can learn to understand, love, and express your authentic self, and as a therapist, my role is to support you in this journey. I believe that collaboration is essential and that by working together, we can find ways to enhance your growth, build your resilience, and promote your strengths. I also tend to bring humor and playfulness into the therapy space as appropriate – life is about many moods and expressions.
My approach to therapy is integrative, involving various techniques from psychodynamic, relational, feminist, CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and attachment-based theories.
As an LGBTQ-affirming therapist, I believe it is important to explore not only our sexual and gender identities but also the multiple identities that we hold as unique individuals. Therapy is a space where you can learn to understand, love, and express your authentic self, and as a therapist, my role is to support you in this journey. I believe that collaboration is essential and that by working together, we can find ways to enhance your growth, build your resilience, and promote your strengths. I also tend to bring humor and playfulness into the therapy space as appropriate – life is about many moods and expressions.
My treatment modality is psychodynamic psychotherapy and relational psychoanalysis —for those whose past trauma needs a more immersive approach to heal.
As a licensed psychoanalytic psychotherapist and relational psychoanalyst, I believe in the collaborative process of assisting clients in uncovering their emotional and personal truths. I attempt to create a safe place for the client to more fully understand and transform their challenging lived experiences, in order to identify and work through the obstacles that inhibit their growth. I see my therapeutic role as being a thought partner in helping clients create meaningful change and identify and strengthen one’s inherent resilience.
My treatment modality is psychodynamic psychotherapy and relational psychoanalysis —for those whose past trauma needs a more immersive approach to heal.
As a licensed psychoanalytic psychotherapist and relational psychoanalyst, I believe in the collaborative process of assisting clients in uncovering their emotional and personal truths. I attempt to create a safe place for the client to more fully understand and transform their challenging lived experiences, in order to identify and work through the obstacles that inhibit their growth. I see my therapeutic role as being a thought partner in helping clients create meaningful change and identify and strengthen one’s inherent resilience.
Pamela San Cristobal
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110 (Online Only)
I work with teens, adults, and couples as they navigate different mental health and relational issues. I also provide parenting support to help parents understand their children's behaviors and emotions, particularly for parents and children who have been through early experiences of trauma. I am also interested in supporting first and second generation Americans navigate different psychological and cultural conflicts, particularly as they move through high school and college.
I work with teens, adults, and couples as they navigate different mental health and relational issues. I also provide parenting support to help parents understand their children's behaviors and emotions, particularly for parents and children who have been through early experiences of trauma. I am also interested in supporting first and second generation Americans navigate different psychological and cultural conflicts, particularly as they move through high school and college.
Deva Segal
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
Waitlist for new clients
I welcome all genders, sexual identities, and relational agreements in my practice.
Sex has become an problem, and it's causing issues in your life or partnership. You're either dealing with libido problems (too low or high), sexual discomfort, or difficulties with intimacy. Maybe you're pulled to explore more of your sexual identity or desires. Maybe there’s a history of sex trauma that impacts how safe you feel. At the same time, you keep thinking sex shouldn't be this complicated! You've probably tried some solutions - or even tried some therapy - but it hasn't gotten any better and you're out of ideas. You need an experienced, compassionate therapist who really gets it and can help you enjoy a better sex life.
I welcome all genders, sexual identities, and relational agreements in my practice.
Sex has become an problem, and it's causing issues in your life or partnership. You're either dealing with libido problems (too low or high), sexual discomfort, or difficulties with intimacy. Maybe you're pulled to explore more of your sexual identity or desires. Maybe there’s a history of sex trauma that impacts how safe you feel. At the same time, you keep thinking sex shouldn't be this complicated! You've probably tried some solutions - or even tried some therapy - but it hasn't gotten any better and you're out of ideas. You need an experienced, compassionate therapist who really gets it and can help you enjoy a better sex life.
I use a trauma-informed lens and attachment science to understand relational conflicts and personal patterns.
People come to see me for help with a wide range mental health and relational struggles. I view the difficulties people face not as simply disorders, but as learned behavior that serve important purposes.
I use a trauma-informed lens and attachment science to understand relational conflicts and personal patterns.
People come to see me for help with a wide range mental health and relational struggles. I view the difficulties people face not as simply disorders, but as learned behavior that serve important purposes.
I am an experienced integrative psychotherapist and Jungian psychoanalyst with over 20 years of clinical experience. I work with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, stress management, health issues, and job and life transitions. My approach is very relational and collaborative. My goal is to help you explore what gets in the way of moving forward – difficult feelings or thoughts, old patterns, childhood conditionings – and help you regain an authentic connection with yourself and life.
I am an experienced integrative psychotherapist and Jungian psychoanalyst with over 20 years of clinical experience. I work with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, stress management, health issues, and job and life transitions. My approach is very relational and collaborative. My goal is to help you explore what gets in the way of moving forward – difficult feelings or thoughts, old patterns, childhood conditionings – and help you regain an authentic connection with yourself and life.
I invite you to bring in your current day challenges and strengths, your openness to be with what emerges in the moment, a willingness to explore past relational influences, and your dreams, as we work together to create more satisfying, engaged experiences in your life and relationships.
I offer a compassionate, mindful, embodied therapeutic approach to meet you as you begin this journey of committing to yourself and your process through therapy, . My practice is a depth oriented psychotherapy with adults and couples, addressing relationship issues and life transitions. I enjoy incorporating mind and body approaches into a relationally oriented psychotherapy and believe this facilitates deep, lasting shifts.
I invite you to bring in your current day challenges and strengths, your openness to be with what emerges in the moment, a willingness to explore past relational influences, and your dreams, as we work together to create more satisfying, engaged experiences in your life and relationships.
I offer a compassionate, mindful, embodied therapeutic approach to meet you as you begin this journey of committing to yourself and your process through therapy, . My practice is a depth oriented psychotherapy with adults and couples, addressing relationship issues and life transitions. I enjoy incorporating mind and body approaches into a relationally oriented psychotherapy and believe this facilitates deep, lasting shifts.
I use my training in attachment-focused EMDR, AEDP, mindfulness, and a deeply relational approach to provide tailored support to partners and individuals.
Do you feel isolated, overwhelmed, or interested in making a life transition without knowing where to begin? Are you experiencing conflict in relationship or struggling with intimacy? I am passionate about helping individuals and couples forge new pathways for personal growth and nurture authentic connection. Through our work together, you can expect to feel a closer bond with your partner, experience greater sexual satisfaction, and develop more effective communication strategies. Whether seen as an individual client or as part of a couple, you will begin to live in closer alignment with your deepest values.
I use my training in attachment-focused EMDR, AEDP, mindfulness, and a deeply relational approach to provide tailored support to partners and individuals.
Do you feel isolated, overwhelmed, or interested in making a life transition without knowing where to begin? Are you experiencing conflict in relationship or struggling with intimacy? I am passionate about helping individuals and couples forge new pathways for personal growth and nurture authentic connection. Through our work together, you can expect to feel a closer bond with your partner, experience greater sexual satisfaction, and develop more effective communication strategies. Whether seen as an individual client or as part of a couple, you will begin to live in closer alignment with your deepest values.
Marcia Romero
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP, NMP, SSP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94141 (Online Only)
In sessions I work with my relational presence as a core resource in the exploration and processing of attachment wounding, knowing that it's never too late to repair the heartbreak of relationships that failed to attune to you.
I have 20 years of public and private experience as a trauma informed, somatic psychotherapist. I guide exploratory inquiry to support embodied insight making positive change possible. This depth process inspires a new connection to self and a movement towards desired shifts in health, relationships and vocation, decreasing the suffering of negative internal states, destructive patterns and distorted beliefs caused by early environmental & attachment wounding . I invite safe passage on a mindful journey of healing, awakening presence, trust, the expansion of agency and life affirming realizations that promote post traumatic growth.
In sessions I work with my relational presence as a core resource in the exploration and processing of attachment wounding, knowing that it's never too late to repair the heartbreak of relationships that failed to attune to you.
I have 20 years of public and private experience as a trauma informed, somatic psychotherapist. I guide exploratory inquiry to support embodied insight making positive change possible. This depth process inspires a new connection to self and a movement towards desired shifts in health, relationships and vocation, decreasing the suffering of negative internal states, destructive patterns and distorted beliefs caused by early environmental & attachment wounding . I invite safe passage on a mindful journey of healing, awakening presence, trust, the expansion of agency and life affirming realizations that promote post traumatic growth.
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Eula Lys Dunkin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94172 (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Eula Lys (“oi-lah leese”). I'm a trans non-binary therapist and provide somatic, relational therapy that celebrates queer, expansive, non-conforming and neurodivergent folx. I get how exhausting it can be to find supportive spaces where you have the freedom to let your identity expand and evolve. I hold a space that's supportive, affirming, and empowering. I help folx navigate gender transitions and affirming care, tap into gender euphoria, and better understand how to meet to their bodies' responses with understanding and care. I keep it real, and hold space where we can name and acknowledge systems of oppression.
Hi, I’m Eula Lys (“oi-lah leese”). I'm a trans non-binary therapist and provide somatic, relational therapy that celebrates queer, expansive, non-conforming and neurodivergent folx. I get how exhausting it can be to find supportive spaces where you have the freedom to let your identity expand and evolve. I hold a space that's supportive, affirming, and empowering. I help folx navigate gender transitions and affirming care, tap into gender euphoria, and better understand how to meet to their bodies' responses with understanding and care. I keep it real, and hold space where we can name and acknowledge systems of oppression.
June Lin-Arlow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
My approach uses relational psychodynamic therapy, which focuses on understanding how your past relationships and experiences shape your current emotions and behaviors.
I work with individuals, couples, and families facing anxiety, depression, and relationship issues, with a special focus on Asian and other POC immigrant and cross-cultural families who have experienced complex trauma. I believe our symptoms make sense when viewed through the lens of our early experiences, family histories, and the systems we live in. We often develop resilience and survival strategies in difficult situations that may no longer serve us well. Therapy is most effective when it addresses the root causes of these issues, not just the symptoms you're experiencing now.
My approach uses relational psychodynamic therapy, which focuses on understanding how your past relationships and experiences shape your current emotions and behaviors.
I work with individuals, couples, and families facing anxiety, depression, and relationship issues, with a special focus on Asian and other POC immigrant and cross-cultural families who have experienced complex trauma. I believe our symptoms make sense when viewed through the lens of our early experiences, family histories, and the systems we live in. We often develop resilience and survival strategies in difficult situations that may no longer serve us well. Therapy is most effective when it addresses the root causes of these issues, not just the symptoms you're experiencing now.
Victoria Eilish Chau
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102 (Online Only)
Through an authentic therapeutic relationship with humor and honesty, you can heal from trauma and gain insight into your true self. I approach therapy through a relational psychodynamic lens, meaning I view well-being as deeply connected to our relationships, past experiences, and cultural identities. As a Mixed-Race, Asian-American woman, I view identity as complex, and beyond what anyone can see on the surface. My goal is to collaborate with you to create a path towards not only a better understanding of yourself but also greater self-compassion.
Through an authentic therapeutic relationship with humor and honesty, you can heal from trauma and gain insight into your true self. I approach therapy through a relational psychodynamic lens, meaning I view well-being as deeply connected to our relationships, past experiences, and cultural identities. As a Mixed-Race, Asian-American woman, I view identity as complex, and beyond what anyone can see on the surface. My goal is to collaborate with you to create a path towards not only a better understanding of yourself but also greater self-compassion.
Jill E Hartman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
I use a relational and collaborative approach to working with clients–rooted in my belief that the therapeutic relationship is co-created by client and therapist.
When life feels overwhelming, finding meaning and connection can feel elusive. Layer on the struggles inherent in our current world—family dynamics, life transitions, climate anxiety—you name it, and it’s no wonder it can feel impossible. In my work, I help people navigate life’s murky waters, and the feelings of inertia that can come with the territory. Helping people connect with, and stay true to, their authentic selves is what makes my work meaningful. I work particularly well with clients who struggle in relationships (including with adult family members), as well as adults with ADHD or those who suspect they might have ADHD.
I use a relational and collaborative approach to working with clients–rooted in my belief that the therapeutic relationship is co-created by client and therapist.
When life feels overwhelming, finding meaning and connection can feel elusive. Layer on the struggles inherent in our current world—family dynamics, life transitions, climate anxiety—you name it, and it’s no wonder it can feel impossible. In my work, I help people navigate life’s murky waters, and the feelings of inertia that can come with the territory. Helping people connect with, and stay true to, their authentic selves is what makes my work meaningful. I work particularly well with clients who struggle in relationships (including with adult family members), as well as adults with ADHD or those who suspect they might have ADHD.
Resolving Relationship Problems: In therapy, we will work together to help find solutions to sudden relational crisis points as well as ongoing and chronic relational issues. I use interactive, supportive, and result driven counseling to change painful patterns that make it hard to establish loving connections. Psychotherapy also helps solve communication breakdowns in current relationships.
Resolving Relationship Problems: In therapy, we will work together to help find solutions to sudden relational crisis points as well as ongoing and chronic relational issues. I use interactive, supportive, and result driven counseling to change painful patterns that make it hard to establish loving connections. Psychotherapy also helps solve communication breakdowns in current relationships.
Maureen Gregg Kroll
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
We humans are relational. We all need support, and this is a meaningful step -- choosing to enter therapy and accept that support. As an LMFT, my emphasis is on relationship. That could be relationships to anyone and ultimately it is relationship to oneself. I work with empathy, partnering with you in your growth, with the aim of expanding your love of self and life. I ask that you join me in being curious about you and to treat our work as a lab for learning which you can take outside of our sessions and apply to your life. We are all naturally striving toward greater health and aliveness -- it is the thrust of life.
We humans are relational. We all need support, and this is a meaningful step -- choosing to enter therapy and accept that support. As an LMFT, my emphasis is on relationship. That could be relationships to anyone and ultimately it is relationship to oneself. I work with empathy, partnering with you in your growth, with the aim of expanding your love of self and life. I ask that you join me in being curious about you and to treat our work as a lab for learning which you can take outside of our sessions and apply to your life. We are all naturally striving toward greater health and aliveness -- it is the thrust of life.
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.
Robert Jackson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with men approaching or in mid-life who need help with work, relational and personal challenges. Adapting to a transition or preparing to make one, can lead to feeling stuck, anxious, depressed or full of anger. Perhaps you’re in a relationship that is more characterized by conflict rather than love and satisfying sex. Maybe you’re facing loss, feeling disconnected or overwhelmed by your feelings. These experiences can lead to addiction, isolation and compulsive behaviors. I’ve worked with these issues and I can help you.
I specialize in working with men approaching or in mid-life who need help with work, relational and personal challenges. Adapting to a transition or preparing to make one, can lead to feeling stuck, anxious, depressed or full of anger. Perhaps you’re in a relationship that is more characterized by conflict rather than love and satisfying sex. Maybe you’re facing loss, feeling disconnected or overwhelmed by your feelings. These experiences can lead to addiction, isolation and compulsive behaviors. I’ve worked with these issues and I can help you.
Rouse Relational Wellness
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
At Rouse Relational Wellness, we help you become nicer to yourself and others.
Are you tired of feeling betrayed by your body? Do you want to feel less shame and anxiety about your sex and dating life? I focus on helping people build confidence and understanding about their sex and relationship life. I focus on helping you improve your insight and awareness on how you relate to yourself and your life in order to help reach the goals you desire.
At Rouse Relational Wellness, we help you become nicer to yourself and others.
Are you tired of feeling betrayed by your body? Do you want to feel less shame and anxiety about your sex and dating life? I focus on helping people build confidence and understanding about their sex and relationship life. I focus on helping you improve your insight and awareness on how you relate to yourself and your life in order to help reach the goals you desire.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Relational Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
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.