Therapy with depth, experience, and compassion.
Relational Psychotherapy for Adults and Couples in San Francisco and Berkeley, California
Individual Therapy
$175| 50-minute session
Feel more at peace with yourself and in relationships with others.
-
I work with adults of all ages and backgrounds who want to understand the obstacles to feeling more at peace with themselves and in relationships with others.
In our work together, we will slow down and explore what is leaving you feeling overwhelmed, stuck and disconnected from yourself and others. We will make space for all parts of you— the parts you are familiar with, those that are hidden and, even, aspects of yourself which you've yet to discover.
My approach is depth-oriented and psychodynamic. When appropriate, I find somatic processes which focus on regulation of the nervous system to be very helpful.
Common areas of focus:
Depression
Anxiety
Existential Concerns
Grief & Loss
Trauma
Life Transitions
Complex Family Dynamics - such as being a parentified child, or having a narcissistic parent
Couples Therapy
$200| 50-minute session
Explore your relationship patterns to build a stronger, healthier partnership.
-
I work with couples who are motivated to improve their partnership by looking closely at the patterns that undermine the relationship, as well as couples who may be taking a more information-gathering approach, exploring whether their relationship can grow and endure over time.
Together, we’ll define your goals for your relationship and create a structured space where each partner can both listen carefully and express themselves in ways that their partner can receive. The work is collaborative and supportive, focused on fostering understanding, connection, and growth within the relationship.
Common areas of focus:
Breaches of trust
Intimacy challenges
Navigating major relationship transitions (such as pregnancy, parenthood, illness, or aging together)
Deciding whether to stay together
Welcome!
Jennifer Atkins, AMFT, JD
I came to this work later in life, after many different chapters and transitions — joyful, painful, and everything in between. I understand how change may leave us feeling insecure, abandoned, or alone in the world, and I bring that awareness to help clients find steadiness and meaning as they navigate their own transitions. Many find it comforting to share their story with someone who has travelled through similar, though not identical, terrain.
In my work, I draw from psychodynamic, depth-oriented approaches which, I believe, support real and lasting change. With compassion and curiosity, I seek to understand the circumstances that bring you to therapy. Together, we’ll explore the ways your current feelings and thoughts are influenced by important early relationships and experiences. At the same time, we’ll stay focused on what’s happening in your life right now — the patterns, challenges, and possibilities that are most alive for you.
I work with adults of all ages and couples. Areas of focus include depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, existential concerns, infidelity and transitions. When we can get at the root of your distress, it becomes possible to live a more creative, fulfilling and connected life.
Professional Affiliations
Community Member of the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California (PINC)
Member of the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP)
Member of the Northern California Society of Psychoanalytic Psychology (NCSPP)
Member of APA Division 39: Society for Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychology (SPPP)
Member of the The Psychotherapy Institute (TPI)
Member of the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
My Approach
My work is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a steady presence.
I see us walking on a path together, sometimes in the shadows. My job is to guide us along the path, holding a lantern and making sure we stay on the trail. Where the trail leads is unknown; instead, the focus is on the journey of self-exploration in the context of a supportive and collaborative relationship.
From this foundation, you will gradually transform difficult relationship patterns or emotions so that you can experience more balance and meaning in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The first session is a chance for us to get to know one another and talk about what brought you to therapy. You’ll have the opportunity to share what changes or insights you are hoping for and any life circumstances – past or present – that feel defining to you.
If we decide to work together, we’ll also cover practical details like fees, confidentiality, and scheduling. Most importantly, this first session will give you a sense of what it feels like to work with me. A good fit between client and therapist is essential for meaningful work together.
-
Yes, I conduct psychotherapy in person in San Francisco and Berkeley, CA and online via fully secure and HIPAA-compliant Zoom. I can work with anyone who resides in California.
All telehealth sessions are conducted from a private home office. I encourage you to attend our sessions from a private and quiet location. -
Sessions for individual therapy are 50 minutes. Couples therapy sessions are 75 minutes. In each case, we will meet weekly or more, if desired. Meeting weekly helps maintain momentum and allows the work to deepen.
-
Our first three sessions are a chance for us to get to know one another.
If we decide to work together, we’ll schedule regular weekly appointments. If, at any time, either of us feels that you would be better served by another mental health professional, I will provide you with the names of other clinicians who may be a better fit for your needs.
-
No, I do not take insurance. If you have a PPO insurance policy, it may be possible for you to be reimbursed by your insurance provider as I am an out-of-network therapist. I can provide a superbill, a receipt for services, that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement
-
My fee is $175 for a 50-minute individual session and $200 for a 50-minute couples session.
I hold a number of spaces for sliding scale clients. Please contact me to discuss sliding scale availability. -
I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your session, please let me know by email or phone more than 24 hours before your session. You will be charged for the session if you do not attend or if you notify me less than 24 hours in advance. If I am able to fill your spot, you will not be charged. It may be possible to reschedule a session based on schedule availability.
-
There is no simple answer to this question. I am skilled in providing both short and long term therapy, depending on your needs and goals.
I believe that, in general, psychodynamic, depth-oriented work is the path to the type of lasting change that most people are seeking in therapy. How long that will take depends on your unique experience and challenges. We will consistently check-in with one another to assess whether it feels that progress is being made.
Bring your whole self—
the parts you know, and those yet to be discovered—
and together we’ll find a path forward.
Book a Consultation.
Please fill out the form below to request a complimentary 20-minute consultation.
Bring your questions, unique needs, and we can explore whether we’ll be a good fit to work together.