Therapists for college students near San Francisco, CA
Jessica C. Lief, MSW, LCSW, MLS Speciality: Eating Disorders, Body Image, Borderline Personality Disorder, Self-Harm, Substance Use LCSW and Psychotherapist Jessica C. Lief, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image, Borderline Personality Disorder, self-harm, and substance use. Jessica completed psychoanalytic training through the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychology in the Eating Disorders, Compulsions, and Addictions (EDCAS) Program. She also completed the advanced clinical supervision training program through Smith College School for Social Work. Her approach is primarily psychodynamic but combines aspects of self-psychology, feminist/womanist theories, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety, mindful self-compassion, and mindfulness. She is particularly interested in the treatment of eating disorders as a social justice issue, as they relate to people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. She is also adept at treating individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Her grief and loss work is broad but focuses on motherless daughters, maternal grief and wounding, and emotional abandonment. Jessica also works with individuals who have experienced miscarriage, fertility-related issues, post-partum depression, anxiety, and psychosis, as well as post-partum PTSD. She also works with individuals undergoing IVF and who have struggled with women’s health issues, such as Endometriosis and PCOS, as well as individuals who are pregnant and struggling with an eating disorder. Jessica’s favorite part of being a therapist is guiding each client in their transformation and witnessing each step as it is achieved. Jessica will work with the client to identify what is deeply meaningful and important in that person’s life. The client will develop concrete skills to get their needs met directly. Jessica will help the client to develop powerful, inner resources, including self-compassion, emotion regulation techniques, radical self-acceptance, and confidence. Jessica earned her undergraduate degree from Sarah Lawrence College with a concentration in literature, nonfiction writing, and French. She earned a master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Practice in Social Work from New York University. She also earned a Master of Studies in Law with a concentration in Health Law with high honors from UC Law San Francisco. Currently, she is enrolled in a doctorate in social work program through Simmons University. LCSW# 87286 “Jessica’s style has been described as nurturing, empathetic, and empowering. She is direct, authentic and will never blame you for your suffering. She enjoys using humor in psychotherapy.”
Welcome, I'm glad you made it. I am a psychotherapist specializing in individual work around emotional awareness, attachment, relationships, anxiety and depression. I work within a specific model of therapy called AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy), which is informed by the latest research on neuroscience, attachment, relationships, emotion, and how change happens in therapy, through the relationship and within the nervous system and the brain. I choose to receive weekly consultation from an expertly trained AEDP therapist who helps me to help you. I am constantly learning and expanding my knowledge and skill base as a therapist. My clients experience a deeper sense of safety, security and confidence in themselves, their relationships and the world. My clients often decrease their anxiety, depression, or unwanted worry by learning to recognize, and be with feelings in a way that feels tolerable and leads to positive feeling states of relief, calm, clarity, self-understanding, growth and compassion. If there is any part of you that has felt like you are too much or not enough, I think I can help. I look forward to connecting to you if it's feeling right.
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We are a group practice of cognitive behavioral therapists located in the Bay Area. We offer a number of empirically supported treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion-focused therapy (CFT), mindfulness-based therapies, and schema therapy. We apply behavioral principles while emphasizing an attachment and relational frame that considers the whole person.
As we move through life, we collect wounds that often never had the nourishment needed to heal properly. Our painful feelings hide deep inside, and we adapt in a variety of ways. Similar to how someone might go to a physical therapist for knee pain, only to find out that their knee pain exists because they hurt their hip years ago and compensated with misaligned posture, in life we experience psychological wounds that lead us to adapt our personality and behaviors in ways that are not aligned to who we actually are. In therapy, we listen to your thoughts and feelings and let them guide us toward the core parts of yourself that need healing. I provide a non-judgmental, grounded space where we can explore the ways you have adapted that are no longer working, welcome in the wounds that need healing, and allow you to become who you truly are.
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Do you ever feel as though life is even tougher than it should be, or that solutions always seem just out of reach? You're not alone, even though it can feel that way when stress builds up and you're not sure where to turn. Students today face a wide range of challenges on campus, such as demanding classes, financial pressures, and navigating new relationships with professors and peers, not to mention figuring out how you relate to your family, community, or even yourself as you enter adulthood. The uncertainty and decisions can be overwhelming. As a licensed psychologist with almost 8 years of private practice experience in San Francisco, I can help you think through overwhelming situations and develop strategies that will work for you. I am experienced in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, and many kinds of life transitions and stress. I believe therapy should provide a welcoming, supportive place to grow and practice relating to thoughts, feelings, and other people in healthier ways. A good therapy session should feel like a satisfying - if challenging, at times! - conversation with someone who really understands your needs and goals.
I specialize in men's mental health, trauma, moral injury, helping people live a life in accordance with their values, and individuals practicing consensual non-monogamy. The 7+ years I spent working in community mental health has allowed me to gain significant experience working with individuals from diverse sociocultural backgrounds. I am fully trained in EMDR and have received advanced training in Narrative Therapy from the Vancouver School of Narrative Therapy. I am non-binary (they/them/she/her), queer identified, and have relevant lived experience. I am directive but always collaborative, and enjoy taking an active role in your goals.
Whatever difficulty is bringing you into therapy, ultimately it's an opportunity to learn about who you are, and how your personal and intergenerational history is affecting your experience of yourself and how you perceive the world. I work best with people who are hungry for this understanding, so they can untangle themselves from whatever is holding them back from living their best life. The truth can bring immense relief, but it is also often painful. I take seriously the need to create a relationship that is deeply compassionate and supportive, one that feels safe enough that you can confront whatever truth needs to be faced. We are embedded in cultures and political institutions that shape our experience. It is essential to consider larger social forces to fully make sense of our lives, and including these factors in the therapeutic process can help empower you by relating your personal difficulties to systems of power and oppression. Reaching out can be hard. I invite any skepticism or questions you have about me or how I work. I expect to earn your trust and respect, and I won't take it for granted.
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I have worked with students and young adults for many years both in my private practice and in non profit organizations. I enjoy helping clients create a life path that resonates with their passions and while at the same time also helping them forge emotional , professional ,and financially independence. I work exclusively virtually and offer adjusted fees as needed for students and young adults. I have years of experience working with stress, ,anxiety , depression, ADHD, eating issues, 12 step programs , and use methods that are individually suited to what each person needs. I offer many different approaches , CBT, insight, meditation, family of origin work and other tools to help clients learn about what they need to do to enjoy their lives, take good care of themselves and reduce symptoms that are holding them back.
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I am a licensed clinical mindfulness psychologist with over 20 years of experience. Using a creative synthesis of Western science and Eastern philosophy, I can help you develop a set of tools that enable you to better your life, and truly embrace it. I am also an EMDRIA Certified therapist in Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).
Welcome to my Psychotherapy Practice. Currently, I am only seeing clients via video conferencing. Primarily, I work with people suffering from anxiety, addictive behaviors and couples in distress. When people seek counseling, they may report anxiety, depression and insecurity. One consistent theme is how often people make decisions that run counter to their desires and well being. Therapy can help us separate from, or gain perspective about, outdated attitudes and behaviors. One profound outcome is that we learn to accept our humanness. For many this has been inconceivable. Acceptance frees up energy to pursue interests. But self-acceptance has little to do with approval by others. Through these conversations, people often discover how current and past relationships influence mood, self-esteem and motivation. Psychotherapy helps us to recognize and detach from emotional reactions that interfere with growth. Psychotherapy, regardless of emphasis, includes an educational element. We learn to self-reflect (gain insight) in the presence of another person. Most of us need help in discovering why we do what we do. Self-reflection gives us a glimpse into our fears and desires. My style of work is active and exploratory. I tend to shy away from being directive though may suggest a focus during the session. I often employ humor or may share personal experience to bring home a point.
Dr. Victoria Meraz is a trauma informed psychologist passionate about supporting BIPOC, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ clients. She uses evidence-based approaches tailored to each client's unique needs and goals, creating a safe, inclusive space for healing and growth. Her work is grounded in cultural humility, empowerment, and personalized care.
Wellspace SF is an integrative practice of psychotherapists, certified coaches, and holistic health practitioners dedicated to a common goal: guiding, inspiring, and empowering individuals to live more authentic, happy and healthy lives. From navigating personal and professional roadblocks, to achieving optimal health and wellness, our mission is to provide individualized and innovative support centered on the whole person. Therapist specializations include: Gen Z and Millennials, "quarterlife crises" and life transitions, trauma, self-esteem, anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, depression, imposter syndrome, gender, racial and sexual identity, dating + relationships, career indecision, disordered eating, body image, children of emotionally immature parents, sleep disorders, and more. Our integrative services also include health and nutrition coaching, life and relationship coaching, and career coaching. We offer complementary consultations with all of our clinicians, in-person + virtual appointments, and a convenient downtown SF location for our local clients.
Like any new endeavor, beginning therapy can bring both anxiety and hope. Whether you're seeking therapy to address specific concerns or to engage in personal exploration, I bring many years of experience working with a broad range of issues and people. I see therapy as a unique opportunity to help my clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves, develop greater awareness and insight, and make meaningful changes that lead to greater fulfillment in their lives, relationships, and careers. As a generalist I enjoy working with a diverse range of people, ages, and issues. I also bring specialized training and experience in working with young professionals, men's issues, high functioning autism / Asperger's Syndrome, depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, substance abuse, relationship challenges, personal discovery, integration of spiritual/psychedelic experiences, and mindfulness meditation. Through open and honest exploration and dialogue, I will help you identify the most pressing issues and make meaningful changes in your life. I'm good at providing practical solutions while also diving beneath the surface to discover underlying causes in order to affect deeper and longer lasting change.
Even baddies get saddies — and anxiety, right? I get it as I’ve been there and it’s no fun trying to figure things out yourself. Therapy with me isn't about finding a band-aid to make your feelings go away. We’ll take time to understand why you feel, experience, and express emotions the way you do. Don't worry, we’ll go at a pace you feel comfortable with, if/when you're ready to go there. Finding ways to deal with the worries, sadness, stress, burnout, and self-doubts is another important part of therapy and isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’ll take time to unpack everything and tailor things to what your needs are. There are probably things, like old memories and experiences, that have stuck with you for some time. They might impact your self-esteem, your relationships, and how you move about in your life on a daily basis. We’ll work through any obstacles to help you move forward by taming that self-judgy voice of yours and so much more. If any of this sounds relatable at all, let’s schedule a brief phone or video call to see if we'd vibe together. You could tell me more about what you’ve been dealing with and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. I'll share with you how we could work towards your goals together.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.