Compassionate & culturally-affirming therapy for adults and couples in the San Francisco Bay Area

“You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather.”

Pema Chödrön

Looking for a social justice-oriented therapist who is a part of the Asian American community, has expertise in perinatal and relationship concerns, and/or knows how to support you in your high stress career?

A woman smiling outdoors with pink flowers and green foliage in the background.

We could be a great match!

Hi, I’m Dr. Alexandra Thurston, a licensed clinical psychologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area providing therapy to adults and couples across California. With 15 years of clinical experience, I specialize in working with anxiety, imposter fears, self-criticism, perfectionism, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and relationship concerns.

Many of my clients are members of the Asian American/AAPI and BIPOC communities, children of immigrants, pregnant & postpartum people and parents, couples, and professionals in high stress fields such as tech, law and healthcare.

In addition to my graduate training at the PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, I have worked at UC Berkeley and UCSF for the past decade. I am a certified perinatal mental health provider, and have been intensively trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (a gold-standard therapy approach) for couples.

Together, let’s help you move from surviving to thriving.

You're used to doing everything and being everything for everyone. Lately though, it feels like you’ve lost yourself. You often spiral with guilt and self-doubt - that you should have done more, didn’t soak up the moment enough, or shouldn’t have made that mistake. You weren’t expecting that your sense of self would be so impacted, or that you would feel so alone and disconnected from the people you care about most. You might feel like you’re barely holding it all together - it feels like you do all you can just to survive each day.

Imagine feeling less anxious, stuck, and overwhelmed, and more balanced, connected, and empowered.

Imagine feeling like you are enough.

Woman sitting on a wicker chair drinking coffee in front of large windows with curtains.

I am so glad you are taking the time to prioritize yourself. I believe deeply that we are all deserving of empathy and support, and capable of creating meaningful change in our lives. Therapy can offer the support, insight, and skills to help you thrive.

My approach is compassionate and genuine, evidence-based, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. Social justice values are at the heart of my work, and I strive to provide culturally affirming and inclusive care for people from all backgrounds and identities.

Endorsements

  • "Dr. Thurston skillfully blends a deep emotional connection with her clients with amazing evidence-based skills: heart + expertise. She is my first go to for referring clients. I can't recommend her more."

    Dr. Lindsey Brooks, Counseling Psychologist, Adjunct Professor at University of San Francisco

  • “I've known Dr. Thurston for over 15 years and she is one of the warmest, most skilled providers I've ever encountered. I refer as many people as I can to her because I know they will get great care!“

    Dr. Katherine Taylor, Clinical Psychologist

  • "Dr. Thurston is my go-to for couple referrals. She is a compassionate, warm, and down-to-earth therapist and human being! She is highly attuned to her clients and will skillfully journey with you wherever you may be."

    Dr. Jennifer Chen, Clinical Psychologist, Adjunct Professor at University of San Francisco

  • "I've worked along side Dr. Thurston in various settings and have always been in awe of her commitment to cross-cultural competence and nuance, her warmth, and her skill at helping her clients thrive. She will meet you where you're at. Highly recommend!"

    Dr. Samuel Tourek, Clinical Psychologist & Senior Staff at UC Berkeley Counseling and Psychological Services

  • "I highly recommend Dr. Alexandra Thurston to individuals and couples interested in transformative change. She is warm and demonstrates empathy across all aspects of her work with clients. Her clinical approach is collaborative, authentic, deeply attuned and culturally responsive."

    Diane Hayashino, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist and former Training Director, California State University, Long Beach Counseling and Psychological Services

  • "Dr. Alexandra Thurston continuously offers an empathic approach that is both grounding and deeply supportive. She strives to center her clients and their experiences first, which allows for long-lasting relationship-building and healing with her clients."

    Dr. D’Anne Duncan, UCSF Assistant Dean for Diversity and Learner Success, Adjunct Assistant Professor

  • "Dr. Thurston is a compassionate and social justice-oriented clinician who provides culturally affirming therapy to diverse communities. Clients seek out Dr. Thurston because of how skillful she is in being able to co-create with them welcoming, warm, safe, and transformative healing spaces."

    Dr. Liliana Campos Ramales, Counseling Psychologist, UCSF Student Mental Health & Wellbeing

  • "Dr. Thurston is compassionate, kind, and lends a sense of groundedness one can feel when sitting with her. She is thoughtful, insightful, able to pick up on details, and make valuable connections. Dr. Thurston is a skilled clinician and an excellent communicator. She is highly and warmly regarded by her clients."

    Cynthia T. Diwan, LMFT, UCSF Student Mental Health & Wellbeing

  • "Dr. Thurston is a highly skilled, kind, and deeply compassionate clinician. She provides culturally sensitive and affirming care for wherever you may be on your mental health journey."

    Rumpa Yeasin, Manager, UCSF Cope Well-being Program

Services

Let’s Connect

If you are interested in working together, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine if we are a good match. Please contact me by completing the submission form on this page. I look forward to hearing from you!

Please note: Contacting me via the form or phone does not constitute a professional or therapeutic relationship. If you are having a mental health emergency, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, text the National Crisis Text Line at 741741, or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not use the form in this case.