John Friel, Ph.D.

Couples--Marriage--Sexuality--Men's Therapy Groups---2-12 Hour Couple Intensives--I approach my work from an ecological-systemic perspective. Within that framework, I do family systems and family-of-origin work, object relations therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy,narrative therapy, and reality therapy, among others. I believe that every human being has shortages and limitations from their families of origin, and that the neural templates that were formed in childhood can be changed through reparative experiences in the therapeutic relationship.

My fee is $175 per 50-minute session, and $70 per 2-hour group session I have not handled insurance claims nor have I been on any insurance panels since the mid-1980s. Many of my clients do get insurance coverage if their policy covers out-of-network psychologists.

I work extremely well with couples who are "stuck," especially if they are stuck in their sexual relationship, because they are not able to harness conflict for good and for growth rather than for causing harm. Conflict is a normal part of all relationships. In stagnated relationships, conflict is either excessively avoided or excessively intense. I also work extremely well with men, both in my men's therapy groups and in my one-to-one work with them. My goal with them is to become more comfortable with their own feelings while supporting their role as men in the world, without being bullies or perpetrators.

I have been in continuous alcoholism recovery for 29 years, and grew up in a "typical San Francisco Irish alcoholic family." I had to go through one young marriage and then a 6-year process of being single, doing a lot of therapy, being in a men's group in the mid-1970s, and AA, before I could put together the enormously rewarding marriage and blended family of 30 years that I now have. I know that every human being has a story, and I am honored to be able to help each person unravel the mysteries of his or her story. I train a lot of therapists in the U.S. and U.K., and I make it very clear that I love what I do, that I never find it boring, because each person's life story is unique, and each person's struggles are of the utmost interest and importance to them and their loved ones.