psychotherapy

Psychotherapy with Dr. Denkhaus is a space for you to learn more about yourself, clarify your thoughts and feelings, and articulate what you want and need from yourself and others.

The psychotherapy I provide is based in a deep understanding of the connection between early attachment experiences and neurobiological differences that are often present in highly sensitive, anxious and creative people. I use a holistic combination of “psychodynamic” and somatic (body-based) approaches that get to the core of issues present for the individuals and couples I work with. In a therapy session, we may spend time talking about present-day problems, thinking about the future you would like to create, or looking to the past to understand how you developed certain ways of being and thinking. We may also incorporate tools such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and the SSP (Safe and Sound Protocol) in order to process difficult feelings and memories and restore a sense of safety in the body. While my approach to psychotherapy is depth-oriented, I also incorporate coaching, strategies and tools when needed so that my patients have concrete ways to work towards growth and change.

My training as a PACT therapist (Psycholobiological Approach to Couple Therapy) is at the heart of my work with couples. PACT is unique from other couples work in that it helps us get underneath the problems by focusing on the moment-to-moment dynamics in your relationship—how you communicate, how you respond under stress, and how you protect yourselves when things get hard. Instead of analyzing problems from a distance, we work in the present to shift patterns in real time.

This approach is especially helpful for couples who feel stuck in cycles they can’t explain—and want to feel more connected, understood, and supported in their relationship.

Some areas I can help with:

  • Anxiety

  • Imposter syndrome

  • Chronic perfectionism

  • Inner-criticism and low self-esteem

  • Burnout due to people pleasing and high empathy

  • Navigating the world as a highly sensitive person (HSP), empath or neurodivergent

  • Creative blocks and other struggles related to being a creative

  • Transitions (engagement, marriage, pregnancy, new parenthood)

  • Indecision

  • Relationship difficulties

  • Complicated mother-daughter dynamics

  • Spiritual and existential concerns

  • Fear and ambivalence about becoming a mother

Couples:

  • Communication difficulties

  • Intimacy issues

  • Conflict and fighting

  • Fertility struggles

  • Adjustment to parenthood

  • Premarital counseling

  • Navigating the decision to have children

  • Parenting differences

  • Issues related to neurodiversity (ADHD, autism, High Sensitivity) in one or both partners

 FAQs

  • My practice is based in San Francisco, and is currently 100% virtual. Our meetings take place online via the confidential and HIPAA-compliant doxy.me platform. Telehealth allows us to enjoy a comfortable and commute-free experience of working together from the location of your choosing. Although I work out of the Bay Area, I am able to provide psychotherapy to any resident of California.

  • I find that people receive the most benefit and can see the most momentum in their lives from weekly or twice weekly therapy meetings.

  • Individual therapy sessions are $245 for a 50-minute “hour.” Couples sessions are $295 and meet for a full 60-minute hour. I also offer extended sessions and intensives for deeper work with individuals and couples.

  • I am considered an “out-of-network” provider. This means you may be able to use your health insurance to cover some of the costs of therapy. I provide all of the paperwork necessary for you to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

  • Psychotherapy is a short-term investment that can lead to long-term results. I strive to make payment as easy as possible, offering several options including Health Spending Accounts (HSAs), checks and all major credit cards including Amex. Clients enjoy earning airline miles and using cash-back or 0% interest introductory credit cards to earn additional benefits while paying for psychotherapy services.

    All credit cards are processed through a HIPAA-compliant platform. Credit card service fees are already built in to my fee. I do not work with Zelle or Venmo as these are not confidential payment platforms.

    Using Insurance: Many insurance companies also offer “Out-of-Network” psychotherapy benefits in which part of your payment for services can be reimbursed. I provide you with all of the paperwork you need to submit documentation of services to your insurance provider. Additionally, I am partnered with Thrizer.com a company that helps psychotherapy clients to use their out-of-network insurance benefits.

  • Whether you have been in therapy before, or you are contemplating giving it a try for the first time, beginning the process can sometimes feel overwhelming or intimidating. I strive to make getting started as simple and straightforward as possible. Setting up a free introduction call where we can get to know each other a bit is the first step. If we decide to move forward, we will schedule our first online appointment and I’ll send you some electronic paperwork that takes 15-20 minutes to complete. That’s it!

You don’t need to figure it all out on your own.

Schedule a free, zero-pressure consultation call today. I would love to hear from you to see how we might be able to work together.

Send me a message using the contact form below or email at dr.cindydenkhaus@gmail.com.

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