tim
cordell
LMFT

Home

To dare to be aware of the facts of the universe in which we are existing calls for courage. - Wilfred Bion

Chances are you feel some dissatisfaction with the things or people in your life. Maybe you feel overwhelmed and stuck, but if you've made it here to my website, you additionally have some idea and determination that things can be different. Are you often worried? Are there struggles in your relationship with a partner, friend or family member? Do you keep silent, finding it hard to say "no" to people or situations even though you don't have the desire, time or energy? Do you have career stress or creativity challenges that leave you questioning where you belong or are capable of in your work?

People start therapy for different reasons, but it is common for people to have some worry or reluctance in starting the process. In a culture where independence is sometimes conflated with strength, you may wonder how talking to another person about the things you are struggling with could possibly help. You may have some concern with opening up to an unknown person to speak about important and deeply personable issues. We can start with creating a space to think about that and discuss your concerns about starting this process.

One of my main objectives is to help you to think through, reflect on and speak about those parts of your experience that may not be fully known or understood, but nevertheless influence the way you think, feel, relate and act in your life. Another of my main goals would be to help you locate your (healthy) aggression in order to feel more confidence and freedom to say the things that need to be said; to help you speak your thoughts, feelings and needs in order for you to foster a more authentic life and mutually satisfying relationships. I can help you make the necessary contact with the parts of yourself that influence the way you think, feel and act. In our sessions I will help you discover in a more full way what might be holding you back from having the life you want. We will explore your thoughts and feelings together in the moment, which can lead to profound healing and change.

In our sessions, I will listen to you in an active and deep way. I’m curious and warm but also practical and direct, helping create a safe and open space for you to explore your concerns and goals free of judgment. My interest in understanding your inner experience can you help foster more curiosity and compassion towards yourself that can lead to more flexibility, change and growth. There will be an opportunity for you to "discover" your voice; perhaps for the first time or maybe the opportunity to reclaim it. I want to help you get to the root of your struggles, so over time, I focus on your core conflicts not just the symptoms you’re struggling with. These symptoms are often alerting us to powerful forces and conflicts just below the surface that are repeating in some attempt to be worked through and understood.

SERVICES

Wait in the unknown and further transformation will occur. - Michael Eigen

I offer individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy, couple’s therapy, dyadic work and psychoanalytic consultation for other therapists.

About

The past influences everything and dictates nothing. - Adam Phillips

I'm a San Francisco-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #87233, working in private practice. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health field and have worked with a diverse range of individuals, adolescents, couples and families. In my training as a psychotherapist, I have worked in both community mental health and private practice. My initial training was at San Francisco State University in the Psychology Clinic working with undergraduate and graduate students. At the same time, I completed training at National Head Start Association, working with preschool-aged children. Additionally, I completed three years of training at Family Service Agency of Marin where I worked with children, adults, couples and families. During my training at Family Service Agency, I also co-facilitated several groups including a harm-reduction-based substance abuse recovery group, a group for recent immigrants helping their family system navigate the intergenerational cultural dissonance that is so common, and served as a clinical interviewer for the Teen Screen program within the Tamalpais Union High School District. Prior to starting in private practice, I trained and worked at the San Francisco Counseling Center with adults, couples and families, and co-taught a psychology-based summer camp, San Francisco Clinical Camp, for high school students at San Francisco State University.

Get Started

It is a joy to be hidden, and disaster not to be found. - D.W. Winnicott

Finding a therapist who is a good fit is the first step. I invite you to contact me for a free 20 minute consultation during which, we can initiate a conversation about you and your needs and I'll help you determine if my approach feels helpful to you.