I offer limited hours for sessions in-person at an office suite in the lower Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco (Post & Scott St). The majority of my appointments are virtual, with sessions conducted via secure HIPAA-compliant videoconference software. This allows me to work with clients who live anywhere in California without the need for clients to travel to a specific office location.
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
My specialty is working with adults in the field of health psychology. Broadly speaking, this encompasses the interplay between one’s physical health and emotional health, such as experiencing mood or relationship difficulties due to the effects of chronic pain or other chronic conditions. The skills and techniques involved are widely flexible, and encompass approaches that are both emotionally supportive (which tends to be most helpful for goals such as improving depression, trauma, or grief) as well as more directive (which tends to be most helpful for goals such as managing anxiety or ADHD symptoms). Such work can also often include building skills for positive behavior change, such as increasing exercise, losing weight, improving sleep, or reducing substance use. I pride myself on working from an integrative perspective that allows me to tailor treatment plans to the individual needs of my clients. My primary modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing. These techniques are evidence-based and are widely considered first-line treatments for issues such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety/Panic
- Chronic pain/chronic illness
- Trauma/PTSD
- ADHD
- OCD
- Insomnia
- Substance abuse or other addiction recovery
- Positive behavior change (e.g. quitting smoking, losing weight, etc.)
Please note that, though I specialize in health psychology, I am NOT a medical doctor or psychiatrist, which means that I am unable to prescribe any medications. However, I have a great deal of experience collaborating with medical providers, and if you take or are considering taking prescription psychiatric medication I will gladly consult with your prescribing physician to maximize the benefits you receive from both therapy and medical treatment.
RELATIONSHIP/COUPLES’ THERAPY
I work with couples (and polycules) using primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy techniques. I specialize in facilitating adjustment to the relational effects of one or more partners managing a chronic illness, though as with individual health psychology, the skills and techniques involved are widely flexible to specific circumstances. Common benefits of such work include:
- Improved open communication
- Conflict resolution
- Developing attachment and facilitating compromise between partners
- Recovery/repair following infidelity or other relationship stressor
- Developing shared values and future goals
EXECUTIVE/LEADERSHIP COACHING
I offer a flexible approach that combines deep psychological insights with actionable strategies, with the goal of understanding and improving your individual strengths, along with how to use them most effectively in pursuit of your professional goals. If you’re aiming to enhance your leadership skills, improve team dynamics, or navigate complex organizational challenges, my tailored coaching sessions provide personalized support to help you gain clarity, build resilience, and develop a leadership style that aligns with your values and goals.
David J. Velleman, PsyD 