Dr. Nina Eisenberg
Dr. Nina Eisenberg, PhD
Clinical Supervisor
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
#CA PSY28692
Adult Therapy
Adolescent Therapy (16+)
Group Therapy
Clinical Supervision
San Francisco Office
Virtual
Adjustment to and Management of Medical Conditions (e.g., chronic pain management)
Anxiety + Depression
Stress Management
Disordered Eating
Grief + Bereavement
Health Behavior Change / Healthy Habit Formation
Infertility + Sexual Health
Panic Attacks
Substance Misuse
Perinatal Depression and Anxiety
Pre-surgical evaluations (e.g., Bariatric Surgery, Gender Affirmation Surgery)
Relationship Issues
LGBTQI- Affirmative Care
Parenting
Personal Growth and Life Transitions
Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology, Brown University
Masters in Educational Psychology, New York University
PhD in Clinical Psychology with Health Emphasis, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University
Perinatal Mental Health Certified Therapist
Pre-Doctoral Clinical Internship, VA Long Beach Healthcare System
Post-Doctoral Fellowship, VA Northern California Healthcare System
American Psychological Association
Northern California Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Network
San Francisco Psychological Association
WHO I WORK WITH
I recognize that participating in therapy takes courage. Many clients tell me they’ve thought about therapy for some time before “making the call,” but hesitated because they felt uncomfortable sharing their suffering or perceived shortcomings with another person, or didn’t know how therapy could help.
I work with adolescents and adults who have often identified something(s) in their lives that is causing distress or interfering with their goals. These may be uncomfortable thoughts or feelings, or stressful life circumstances both past or present. Or, they may have a more general discomfort, a sense that something just isn’t “right” and feeling “stuck.” Major life transitions, relationship changes, and illness may be catalysts for psychological distress. Regardless, there is usually a desire to understand themselves better, to change, and to grow.
My clients can expect me to be an active, collaborative, and empowering participant in their therapy journey. My clients also typically want a time and space to explore and share their inner experiences in a supportive, nonjudgmental, but nevertheless challenging environment. A readiness and openness to reflect and try out new strategies between sessions will augment the experience.
I have a special interest in individuals seeking non-medication/behavioral strategies for treating or supporting optimal management of medical conditions, such as insomnia, diabetes, weight management/bariatric surgery, perinatal health, chronic pain, irritable bowel conditions, HIV/AIDS, asthma, cancer care, and substance misuse. I am committed to providing and have experience with trans-affirmative healthcare.
MY APPROACH
I make only two assumptions when I meet a client for the first time; first, that you are the expert on you, and two, there is something in your life that you want and have the capacity to change. I believe that much of my role is to allow you to access and trust that inner expert and expand your ways of thinking about, responding to, and relating to your inner and outer worlds. I believe that a relationship based on empathy and non-judgment between a therapist and client is essential for healing and growth; my style is warm, authentic, dynamic, and collaborative.
I subscribe to a whole-person notion of health, one that considers biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. My approach to therapy integrates concepts and methods from evidence-based therapies including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, meaning-centered therapy, humanism/person-centered, and problem-solving therapy. In a collaborative and compassionate space, we will identify and consider alternatives to patterns of thinking and behavior that no longer serve you. I will support you to develop greater insight and make new meaning of your experiences so that you may integrate them into your identity. While we will certainly learn from your past experiences, we will spend most of our time applying that knowledge to your present and future goals.
Some clients wonder, how long will it take for me to feel better? Will I have to be in therapy forever? The answers to these questions depend on the client’s needs and goals. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Together, we will tailor a treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns, goals, and desires, and revisit this plan periodically to make sure we’re on track. I am skilled in both brief and longer-term therapy models.
MY BACKGROUND
I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Brown University and my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in health psychology at Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University. After living my entire life on the East Coast, I moved to California and completed my predoctoral clinical internship at the VA Long Beach Healthcare System and my post-doctoral fellowship at the VA Northern California where my training focused on behavioral medicine, integrated primary care, and rehabilitation psychology.
For the past 10 years, I have worked in a variety of inpatient and outpatient medical and mental health settings. I have worn several hats as a psychologist including individual therapist, group facilitator, consultant, clinical supervisor, and researcher. My graduate research and clinical training focused on clinical health psychology, which highlights the intersections of medical conditions and mental health. Since most health issues are influenced by and affect our behavior, psychologists have unique tools to optimize health and wellness. I am also a Perinatal Mental Health Certified Therapist and find it meaningful to work with folks during the transformative journey of pregnancy and postpartum.
WHY I LOVE THIS WORK
Since I was very young I have had a bubbling curiosity about the human condition, and in particular, the mind-body connection. I am also a lover of stories, and therapy is both about listening to stories and writing (and re-writing!) them. I feel deeply privileged to have clients that allow me to witness and support them in their suffering, resilience, and growth.
Given my background in clinical health psychology, I also enjoy developing lifestyle plans that support a client’s whole health – mind, body, and spirit – and can’t imagine doing that without the incredible interdisciplinary team of health practitioners at Wellspace SF!
A BIT MORE ABOUT ME...
I was born, raised, and educated on the East Coast, but am proud to now call the Bay Area home. I love the balance of urban living, access to nature, and engagement with diverse cultures that this part of the country affords me. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me spending time with my family and friends being active outdoors, cooking, practicing yoga, curling up to read, or listening to an eclectic music playlist. I value community, curiosity, creativity, balance, and silliness in my self and relationships. I can’t start my day without coffee and graham crackers.
WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY
“I feel so lucky to have found Wellspace and Nina. Nina immediately made me feel so comfortable and at ease to share with her from day one. I have begun to very much look forward to my weekly sessions with Nina!”
“Nina is super attentive and very knowledgeable. I feel comfortable and safe talking to her about my problems and I can count on her to give good feedback & a different outlook on my situations. This is my first time doing therapy and I am so glad I found Nina.”
“Nina is wise, insightful, kind, and a great listener - exactly what I was looking for when I realized I was ready for therapy. She helps me make connections between different challenges/relationships I'm going through and offers ideas for me to move forward but never pushes.”
“I really enjoyed being able to have a virtual consultation with Nina before going into a formal intake session. She is an incredible listener, demonstrated empathy and understanding and I really liked hearing about her approach to therapy.”
“Definitely made me feel comfortable and open to sharing pretty quickly - I don't feel judged and I feel that Nina has constructive and actionable ways of working through things with me which is what I was looking for!”