
Tel: 415-577-0907
ABOUT

Hello! My name is Melissa Foster and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Art Therapist. For the past ten years, I have been working in private practice to help clients create healthier patterns in life, deal more effectively with stress, and improve relationships.
I was drawn to the field of psychology by a curiosity of human behavior and neuroscience. My desire to help others led to a career as a psychotherapist in an effort to support people on their path to growth and healing. My sensitive and compassionate nature enables me to attune to others and create a safe relationship for exploration and expression. I believe that the power of being heard and understood can lead to transformation.
My therapeutic style is warm, accepting and collaborative. I draw from a variety of theoretical orientations including psychodynamic, humanistic/existential, attachment theory, and interpersonal neurobiology. I also utilize cognitive behavioral techniques and trauma focused interventions. I am trained in EMDR and my work with couples is informed by Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) .
Melissa Foster,
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
MFC43302
Education:
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Masters, Art Therapy and Marriage and Family Therapy
Notre Dame de Namur University, 2002
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Bachelors, Psychology and Studio Art
University of Vermont, 1995
Experience and Affiliations:
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Therapist, Private Practice, 2008- Present, San Francisco, CA
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Therapist, 2002-2008, Stand! Against Domestic Violence, Concord, CA
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MFT Trainee, 2001-2002, Center for Domestic Violence Prevention, San Mateo, CA
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Research Assistant, 1994-1996, Substance Abuse Treatment Center, University of Vermont, Department of Psychiatry
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California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT)
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San Francisco California Association of Marriage Family Therapists (SFCAMFT)
Areas of expertise include:
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Trauma
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Past or current abuse
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Divorce
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Grief and Loss
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Family conflict
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Parenting Support
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Self-esteem
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Personal Growth