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Business Details
38 Years
experience
Experienced Psychotherapy for Adults in San Francisco
Since 1988, I have dedicated my practice to providing compassionate psychotherapy for adults and couples. My approach emphasizes building trust through active listening and collaborative exploration of life's challenges, including grief, anxiety, chronic illness, and relational issues. With extensive experience in diverse clinical settings, I integrate existential-humanist principles and EMDR certification to address individual needs. My practice combines 30+ years of direct service with pro-bono work for underserved populations, including foster care systems and bereavement support. I maintain strict confidentiality while utilizing evidence-based methodologies tailored to each client's unique circumstances.

As a licensed MFT and clinical supervisor, I prioritize professional development through ongoing psychoanalytic training and peer consultation. My commitment to accessibility includes telehealth options and sliding-scale availability for qualifying clients. The therapeutic relationship forms the foundation for identifying harmful patterns and fostering personal growth. I specialize in helping clients navigate life transitions, creative blocks, and the psychological impacts of chronic health conditions. My practice philosophy centers on creating a safe space for vulnerability and transformation through empathetic, nonjudgmental support.
Services
Grief Counseling Anxiety Management Chronic Illness Support Depression Treatment Couples Therapy Trauma Recovery Career Transition Coaching Creative Block Resolution Teletherapy Sessions Bereavement Support
Details
  • Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
  • We offer 30+ years of clinical experience in diverse therapeutic settings
  • Our practice integrates EMDR certification and existential-humanist training
  • We maintain strict confidentiality with evidence-based treatment approaches
  • Telehealth options available for greater accessibility
  • Pro-bono services provided for underserved populations
Associations and certifications
  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
What people say
Remarkable patience Positive attitude Genuine caring Professionalism unquestioned Improved communication
Services
Grief Counseling
Specialized therapy for individuals navigating loss and bereavement. Our approach combines compassionate listening with evidence-based techniques to help clients process grief constructively. We address both recent losses and unresolved past bereavements, supporting clients in developing healthy coping mechanisms while honoring their unique mourning processes.
Anxiety Management
Targeted treatment for generalized anxiety and specific stress-related conditions. Through collaborative exploration of triggers and cognitive patterns, we develop personalized strategies to reduce anxiety symptoms. Techniques include mindfulness practices, cognitive restructuring, and somatic awareness to help clients regain emotional regulation and daily functioning.
Chronic Illness Support
Therapeutic support for individuals living with chronic health conditions. We address emotional challenges related to diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle adjustments. Our approach helps clients maintain quality of life while navigating medical journeys, including support for family members coping with loved ones' health crises.
Couples Therapy
Collaborative therapy for couples facing relational challenges. We focus on improving communication patterns, resolving conflicts, and rebuilding trust. Our approach addresses both immediate concerns and long-term relationship dynamics, helping partners develop deeper understanding and more effective connection strategies.
Trauma Recovery
Specialized trauma treatment utilizing EMDR certification and evidence-based modalities. We help clients process traumatic experiences through structured therapeutic frameworks, reducing emotional distress while developing coping resources. This service addresses both single-incident trauma and complex PTSD from ongoing adverse experiences.
People
Gloria Saltzman
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
With over 30 years of clinical experience, Gloria Saltzman specializes in adult psychotherapy for grief, anxiety, and chronic illness. She holds an MFT license and dual master's degrees in Psychology and Creative Writing, integrating humanistic approaches with evidence-based practices. Her career includes clinical supervision roles and pro-bono work for underserved populations.
Questions
What types of therapy services do you offer?
I provide individual and couples therapy for grief counseling, anxiety management, chronic illness support, depression treatment, and trauma recovery. Specialized services include EMDR therapy and creative block resolution for artists.
How does the first therapy session work?
The initial session focuses on building rapport and understanding your background. We'll discuss your concerns, treatment goals, and logistical details like scheduling and fees. This session helps determine if we're a good fit for working together.
Do you offer teletherapy options?
Yes, I offer telehealth sessions via secure video conferencing and phone appointments for clients who prefer remote therapy options or have mobility challenges.
What is your approach to treating chronic illness patients?
I help clients develop coping strategies for managing chronic conditions through emotional support and practical problem-solving. Therapy focuses on maintaining quality of life while addressing psychological impacts of health challenges.
How do you handle insurance and payments?
I accept direct payment and provide insurance reimbursement invoices. Payment arrangements and sliding-scale options are discussed during the initial consultation based on individual circumstances.
What qualifications do you have?
I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT License #MQ022460) with master's degrees in Psychology and Creative Writing. I have 30+ years of clinical experience and specialized training in EMDR and existential-humanist therapy.
Reviews (3)
Troy S.
Jan 18, 2018 Report
Gloria is an experienced and highly-skilled psychotherapist. I've had the privilege of working with her in a number of contexts, including two ongoing consultation groups, as well as our mutual involvement in the Existential-Humanistic Institute, a learning community in the Bay Area dedicated to providing individualized training in E-H therapy for clinicians.

Gloria has tremendous respect for what is unique about each of her clients. As a colleague, I am frequently impressed by her clinical acumen and dedication to helping her clients discover deeper layers of meaning in their lives.
Sharif O.
Apr 10, 2013 Report
Gloria and I were fellow group members for a number of years through an organization called A Home Within, which provides pro-bono therapy to individuals in the foster care system. During our time together, I came to know Gloria as a patient, thoughtful, and respectful clinician who was fully dedicated to the well being of her clients. Her contributions to the group were insightful, creative, and welcomed as a way to expand the dialogue about clients.
P. B.
Feb 21, 2010 Report
Gloria Saltzman is a gifted clinican. Her patience and positive attitude are remarkable. She consistently provides clarity when I see chaos. My communication style is often incoherent and she manages to pinpoint the real concerns and keep me from digressing. She doesn't allow my obstinacy to affect her attitude or our work. When it becomes particularly difficult for me, her warmth and genuine caring make it easier to share the intimate aspects of my life. Her professionalism is unquestioned. She maintains strict confidentiality and skillfully utilizes outside resources when circumstances