Susan Allen, Psychotherapist in San Francisco, 94115

Susan Allen, MA

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy, Marriage & Family Therapy
License Status:
I'm an intern under supervision
Primary License:
Marriage & Family Therapist Registered Intern - IMF58307

My Approach to Helping

I am committed to helping people work through and heal from the challenges in their lives. Psychotherapy can provide a safe place to facilitate a deeper understanding of ourselves. The work can be challenging at times but ultimately, it is transforming.

My clinical style is engaged, compassionate and collaborative. Together we will explore patterns that may be affecting your life or relationships so you can see beyond limitations and restore a sense of connection and balance. I believe that self-expression is a tremendous resource for healing. It is my hope that our work together will support you in reducing anxiety or depressive symptoms, and leave you feeling optimistic about what you can bring to your life.

Many of my clients are professionals who are feeling unfulfilled in their careers or relationships, and those experiencing life transitions, such as relationship beginnings/endings, grief and loss, relocating, new parenthood and fertility/reproductive health challenges. I also work with adolescents who need support processing family changes.

Areas of focus include adjusting to change, understanding and reducing anxiety, general unhappiness or feeling a sense of emptiness or lack of meaning, difficulties choosing or committing to a satisfying relationship or career path, body image/relationship with food, communication, individuation, mindfulness, relationships and trauma recovery.

I believe strongly in the inner wisdom within each of us, and I find this work to be deeply meaningful and inspiring. I welcome adults, couples and adolescents to my practice. I am happy to speak with you to see if you would be interested in working together. Please contact me for a phone consultation or to make an appointment.

More Info About My Practice

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Registered Intern, IMF 58307, providing therapy under the supervision of Liz Kughn, LMFT, MFC 36942.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I have a particular interest in women’s issues, including the decision to become a parent, infertility/assisted reproductive technologies, pregnancy, perinatal/postpartum mood concerns and anxiety, pregnancy loss, career burnout, relationship adjustments and parenting.

How Psychotherapy Can Help

Psychotherapy can help deepen one’s understanding of how we relate to ourselves and others. The trusting environment of the therapeutic relationship encourages us to explore who we authentically are and what we genuinely want in our lives and our relationships. In my work, I honor the unique experiences of each individual, providing a safe, calming space to explore one's inner world and ultimately develop greater self-awareness to live more fully in the present.

Theoretical Influences that Guide My Work

I approach my work with kindness, curiosity and a strong desire to understand your experience. My clinical style is influenced by existential/humanistic psychology, interpersonal neurobiology, psychodynamic and mindfulness-based cognitive approaches. I will work with you in the particular modality that best fits your needs to help you embrace your strengths and experience the changes you wish for your life.