Sara Alexander, Marriage Counselor in San Francisco, 94118

Sara Alexander MFT

Profession(s):
Marriage & Family Therapy
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
Marriage and Family Therapist - MFT22719

My Approach to Helping

I have noticed that many, maybe most, of us did not grow up with all the information that we need to live peaceful emotional lives and to thrive in work, social and intimate relationships. Even for those who did grow up in the rare "functional" family, there are always times when an outside perspective can help us better navigate something life brings. While many psychotherapy models treat patients as "broken and needing to be fixed", I think therapy is most effective when it is approached as an opportunity to learn about oneself and about life.

I have been providing psychotherapy for almost three decades during which time I have studied many theoretical models. I do not subscribe to one particular model. I help my clients listen to and become comfortable with the complex thoughts and feelings that they experience and that create the lens through which they view the world. I also help them pay attention to the interpersonal and social contexts of their lives. My goal is to provide a useful conversation that helps you create the change that is possible, and identify and accept what cannot be changed.

"My Actions are my Only True Belongings" Thich Nhat Hanh

"The world breaks us all, and many are strong at the broken places" (E. Hemingway)

More Info About My Practice

My full fee is $150 for a 50 minute session (individuals) and a 55 minute session for couples. I encourage you to negotiate the fee with me if it is outside of your ability to pay, as I sometimes adjust my rate. The fee is usually determined (on the phone, if you wish, or at the first face to face meeting) by a short conversation about your financial circumstances. Longer sessions are possible if planned in advance, and are pro-rated. Longer sessions are recommended, especially for couple's therapy, if time and money permit. When necessary, I am happy to help you connect to low-fee counseling.

While I do not accept direct payment from insurance, if you have a PPO or any insurance that does not require that you use a provider in their network, you may be able to get reimbursed. I provide you with a statement at the end of each month that you can submit to your insurance carrier. If you have a pre-tax HSA (Health Savings Account) you can typically use those dollars to pay for psychotherapy. Please contact your insurance company directly for details about your coverage.

Services I Provide

Individual Therapy & Counseling
Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling
Family Therapy
Group Therapy
Mediation
Clinical Supervision
Online Counseling / Phone Therapy

Ages I Work With

Teens
Adults
Elders

Languages I Speak

English
French

Groups I Work With

My specialty is couples therapy and relationship counseling for individuals. I work with cross cultural couples, and couples which have experienced infidelty. I speak French and have lived in France (5 years) and Italy (1 year). I help people overcome Compulsive Eating without dieting (using the Think Thin approach; learning to become a normal eater).