Athena S. Panzar, Psy. D.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist providing compassionate psychotherapy to adults in the San Francisco Bay Area. Many of the people I work with struggle with people pleasing, perfectionism, overfunctioning, and difficulty setting boundaries. These patterns often contribute to anxiety, depression, chronic stress, relationship difficulties, and challenges navigating life transitions. Therapy offers an opportunity to better understand these patterns, where they came from, and how they continue to shape your relationships, work, and sense of self. Together, we work toward greater self awareness, emotional resilience, healthier boundaries, and a more balanced way of living. My approach is collaborative and integrative, drawing from psychodynamic principles, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness based strategies, and interpersonal therapy. I tailor treatment to each individual, helping you address both immediate concerns and the deeper patterns that keep you feeling stuck. WHO I WORK WITH You may find yourself saying yes when you want to say no, feeling responsible for other people's emotions, or believing your worth depends on how much you accomplish or how well you care for others. Perhaps you've become so accustomed to meeting everyone else's needs that you're no longer sure what you need yourself. Although these patterns may have helped you succeed or feel connected to others, they often become exhausting over time. If this sounds familiar, therapy can help you develop healthier boundaries, reconnect with your own values and needs, and create more satisfying relationships. MY APPROACH My approach is collaborative, thoughtful, and tailored to your individual needs. I integrate psychodynamic therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness based approaches, and interpersonal therapy. Together, we explore both the underlying patterns that contribute to your struggles and practical strategies that support meaningful, lasting change. COMMON AREAS OF FOCUS -People pleasing -Perfectionism and self criticism -Difficulty setting boundaries -Overfunctioning in relationships or at work -Anxiety and chronic stress -Emotional exhaustion and burnout -Depression -Relationship difficulties -Life transitions -Self esteem and self worth Reaching out for therapy is an important first step. Whether you're facing a recent challenge or have been struggling with these patterns for years, therapy can help you better understand yourself, strengthen your relationships, and create lasting change. I would be honored to support you in that process. ----------------------------------------------------------- License I am a clinical psychologist licensed to practice in California (Psy 26381). Graduate Education: Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist, PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium - Palo Alto, CA Internship: American Psychological Association Accredited Internship: Sharp HealthCare - San Diego, CA Postdoctoral Fellowships: Kaiser Permanente, Chronic Pain Management Department - San Francisco, CA -----------------------------------------------------------