01
Emotion-focused couples therapy
Work with partners to slow down recurring conflicts and reach the emotions underneath them.
Licensed clinical psychologist · San Francisco, California
Therapy that makes
room for the whole
of your experience
I'm Dr. Barbara Maresca. In my private practice I offer individual and couples therapy through virtual sessions to California residents, drawing on many therapeutic modalities because treatment is not one size fits all.
Request a ConsultationWorking with Dr. Maresca
Sessions are held online for clients located in California.
Individual & couples therapy, virtually
On change
“Change is about interrupting the habits and patterns that no longer serve us.”— Edith Eger
Who I am
Welcome. I'm Dr. Barbara Maresca.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist based in San Francisco. In my private practice, I offer individual and couples therapy through virtual sessions to California residents.
I obtained my master's degree at St. Michael's College in Vermont and my doctorate degree at Argosy University in California. My education was focused on applying psychological theory into clinical practice. I utilize techniques drawn from multiple therapeutic modalities, as each individual is unique and treatment is not one size fits all.
I reopened my practice after taking time away to be the primary caretaker for my kids during their early years, battling the realities of being a cancer survivor, and recalibrating after the pandemic upended all our lives. While I certainly faced many unplanned challenges, they made me more able to share in the humanity of life's pains and more aware of what conditions are needed to find our truest inner strength.
- Doctorate, Argosy University, California
- Master's degree earned at St. Michael's College in Vermont, with an education focused on applying psychological theory to clinical practice.
- Private practice based in San Francisco
- Individual and couples therapy offered through virtual sessions to residents of California.
What I do
Treatment shaped around the person in front of me
Because each individual is unique, I draw techniques from multiple therapeutic modalities rather than applying one method to everyone who walks through the door.
01
A trauma-informed lens
I use a trauma-informed lens and attachment science to understand relational conflicts and personal patterns.
02
A mind/body approach
I tap into my understanding of human development and psychological processes and offer a compassionate mind/body approach to healing.
03
Collaborative and inclusive
I am devoted to working collaboratively and am LGBTQ affirmative and culturally inclusive.
My services
The modalities I work with
Our work may draw on one of these approaches or several, depending on what you bring and what helps.
02
Attachment therapy
Attachment science as a way to understand how you connect, protect yourself, and repair.
03
Psychodynamic talk therapy / depth psychology
Exploring the history and inner life that shape present-day patterns and choices.
04
Trauma work using somatic therapy and mindfulness
A mind/body approach that includes what the body carries, not only what can be spoken.
05
Parenting consultation
Support for the practical and emotional realities of raising children.
06
Eye movement desensitization therapy (EMDR)
A structured approach to processing distressing memories and their lingering charge.
07
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Working with the different parts of you that hold protection, pain, and possibility.
08
Narrative therapy
Examining the stories told about you and by you, and what can be authored differently.
09
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Practical work with the thoughts and behaviors that keep difficult cycles in motion.
How I can help
What people bring to our first conversation
People typically come to see me for help with a wide range of struggles. If something here sounds familiar, it is worth a conversation.
- 01Interpersonal and relationship challenges
- 02Worrisome depression or anxiety
- 03Trauma and dissociation
- 04Grief and loss
- 05Identity exploration
- 06Parenting struggles and dissatisfaction
- 07The full range of childhood difficulties
- 08Feelings of overwhelm, shame, and/or low self worth
- 09Addictive behaviors, self harm, and habitual numbing
- 10Body image issues and eating disorders
- 11Betrayal, lack of intimacy, infidelity
- 12Affect regulation such as anger and aggression
What clients say
“We came in stuck in the same argument we had been having for years. Emotion-focused couples work with Dr. Maresca helped us hear what was underneath it, and we finally started repairing instead of repeating.”
“The somatic and mindfulness work gave me a way to notice what my body was doing before the panic took over. It was the first time trauma therapy felt survivable to me.”
“Parenting consultation with Dr. Maresca helped me understand my own attachment patterns and stop passing them on. Our house is calmer, and so am I.”
Sample testimonial for redesign presentation — client approval required.
Questions
Good to know before we begin
I see individuals and couples who are residents of California. Because sessions are held virtually, you can be located anywhere in the state.
Request a consultation
Let's find out whether we are a good fit
Reaching out is often the hardest part. Tell me a little about what brings you here and how you would prefer to be contacted, and I will follow up with you directly to arrange a first conversation.
- Practice location
- Private practice based in San Francisco, California
- Service area
- Virtual individual and couples therapy for California residents