Therapy is a process of self-discovery: a careful, supportive exploration of how you act, think, feel, and relate to others. This process focuses on how your present sense of self has been affected by your life experiences. It is also an opportunity to grow and develop new and more effective ways of interacting and communicating in your relationships. The result can be the ability to feel good about yourself, to enjoy yourself. Therapy often involves making a connection between the past and the present. If you're feeling stuck, or developing symptoms such as depression, anxiety or addictive behavior, we can look at whether some of the behaviors and styles of relating to others you developed when you were younger still make sense as an adult.

My therapy style is direct and interactive, focused on your relational style. I am also analytic in my approach, working with you to understand the long term, sometimes unconscious, issues that may be both helping and hindering your current life goals. Self-understanding and self-acceptance are the therapeutic concepts that guide my approach.

I also specialize in couples therapy. When couples come to therapy their communication has usually broken down. My work with couples recognizes that relationship dynamics are complex and that no one is to blame. Creating an environment of support makes it possible to address difficulties in many areas, including communication, sexuality, and parenting. Sometimes the source of a couple's conflict may not be obvious and may, in fact, be quite different from what partners fight about. A therapist can help identify these underlying issues and address them directly. It is important to find a therapist who can not only understand both people, but who can explain both sides of the conflict, including how you have been hurt by misunderstanding and miscommunication. A good therapist can facilitate a coming back together. You want a therapist who can understand both of you, and who can explain both sides of a conflict, including how you both have been hurt by misunderstandings and miscommunication. In this process I take an active role as both mediator and depth therapist.

I have over 30 years experience working with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, families and relationships. I am located in Hayes Valley, near the San Francisco Civic Center with easy public transportation and parking.

Please give me a call: 415 350-9480,
or email me: phernhunt@gmail.com

Phern Hunt, MFT

414 Gough Street, Suite 4

San Francisco, CA 94102