What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“After a long time doing the whole self health thing and falling behind, it is nice to have someone to listen to you, where your plans can take you to and understanding where you are currently.
Michael D”
Michael D.August 8, 2023Video visit
“Dr.Fanshen was amazing to speak with. I have gone through therapy before and was excited to speak to someone again. She had a calming and comforting aura to her, enough that I felt seen and understood. It’s people like her that make someone who is anxious or unsure to go into therapy, want to be there. I wish she could be my therapist and hopefully will be able to see her soon. ”
Wendy V.January 31, 2023Video visit
About Fanshen Thompson
Focus areas
Couples Therapy
Marriage Counseling
Relationship Counseling
Family Therapy/ Marriage Therapy
Pre-Move In Couples Counseling
Relationship Struggles
Marriage Conflict Resolution
Premarital Counseling
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Emotionally Focused
Relational
Gottman Method
Somatic
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Strength-Based
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Fanshen Thompson
When you’re struggling in your relationship, it can feel like you’re living the same fight on repeat. Maybe it starts small — a look, a tone of voice, a forgotten task — but before you know it, you’re back in the same painful cycle: defensiveness, shutting down, walking away, or exploding. Over time, these moments leave you feeling distant, discouraged, and sometimes even completely alone in the relationship.
Many of the couples who find me are searching for relationship therapy, couples counseling, marriage counseling, or couples therapy for relationship problems. They come because they’ve tried to “fix it” on their own, but the same patterns keep pulling them back. They’re afraid the distance is growing too wide, that separation might be the only option, or that they’ll never feel truly understood by their partner again.
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. I want you to know there is hope. In our work together, you’ll have a safe and supportive space where both of you can finally feel heard and understood. My role is not to take sides or declare who’s right or wrong. Instead, I gently guide you into new ways of connecting — ways that bring relief, clarity, and a path forward. I believe in your capacity to change, even when you can’t see the path yet. And I know from experience that even small shifts in the way you relate can transform everything.
What should a new client know about working with you?
The couples I work with often say that sitting with me feels different. It feels calm, grounding, and safe — like finally having a space where nothing is off-limits. You don’t need to filter yourself here. You don’t have to worry about being judged or having me side with your partner. This is a space where both of you can bring the full truth of your experience and know it will be held with care.
And if your partner isn’t ready to come yet — don’t worry. So much transformation can happen when just one person begins the work. Often, when one partner starts showing up with more awareness, calm, and clarity, the entire dynamic of the relationship begins to shift. Many individuals are surprised by how much positive change is possible, even before their partner joins in.
What’s most important for new clients to know is that our work together is about more than just “talking about your problems.” I’ll help you slow things down so we can see what’s really happening underneath the arguments and disconnection. Together, we’ll uncover why you feel unseen, unheard, or misunderstood — and we’ll explore how old wounds, stress, and your nervous system responses shape the way you show up with each other.
Clients often tell me that the relief is almost immediate: arguments feel less charged, the heaviness begins to lift, and they notice moments of connection returning. You may not resolve every issue overnight, but you will feel a difference, even in the first session. That sense of hope — of “maybe we can really do this” — is one of the most powerful parts of beginning this work.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Our process together begins with clarity. In our first sessions, I’ll invite each of you to share your perspective: what feels hardest right now, and what you’re longing for instead. We will revisit how you found one another--the foundation the relationship was built upon. From there, I create a path tailored to your relationship. We meet weekly (or sometimes more intensively if you prefer a coaching-style pace), and each session is designed to move you from conflict, or distance to peace and connection in ways that build over time.
I bring both intuition and evidence-based tools to the work. This means we’ll focus on the present moment — how you speak, listen, and react with each other right now — while also recognizing the deeper patterns and old hurts that may be showing up in your relationship. I draw from the Gottman Method, Emotion Focused Therapy, Polyvagal Theory (nervous system focussed), and Internal Family Systems, blending practical skills with a deep respect for the healing your relationship needs.
Over the course of our work together, you can expect to:
Break out of the cycle of recurring fights
Learn how to regulate your emotions and respond instead of react
Rebuild trust, intimacy, and a sense of safety with each other
Communicate in ways that leave you feeling heard and understood
Experience a renewed sense of closeness and partnership
Every couple’s journey is unique, but one thing remains consistent: when you show up with openness and willingness, transformation is possible. Even the most stuck, disconnected couples can learn to soften, reconnect, and rediscover the joy of being together.
The longer you wait, the harder the distance can feel — but even one session can begin to shift things. Don’t put it off. Connect with me today and take the first step back toward each other.
Fanshen Thompson, LCSW is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $300 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $230-260 for 50 minutes
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
More information on payments and coverage
I am currently an out-of-network provider and do not directly accept insurance. However, if you have a PPO, I have partnered with Mentaya to help my clients save money on therapy.
If you qualify, Mentaya will handle your out-of-network claims and ensure insurance reimbursement so there is nothing you need to do.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- San Francisco State University, Master's in Social Work
- Mills College at Northeastern University (Bachelor's)
NPI number
1275737793
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
9 reviews
Most relevant
Fanshen is very kind, compassionate, and easy to talk to -- I would highly recommend her as a therapist!
More than 1 year agoAH
After a long time doing the whole self health thing and falling behind, it is nice to have someone to listen to you, where your plans can take you to and understanding where you are currently.
Michael D
August 8, 2023Michael D.Verified patientVideo visit
Dr.Fanshen was amazing to speak with. I have gone through therapy before and was excited to speak to someone again. She had a calming and comforting aura to her, enough that I felt seen and understood. It’s people like her that make someone who is anxious or unsure to go into therapy, want to be there. I wish she could be my therapist and hopefully will be able to see her soon.
January 31, 2023Wendy V.Verified patientVideo visit
Highly recommended.
October 7, 2022Julie K.Verified patientVideo visit
Fanshen is very compassionate and empathetic to my feelings. I see her as one of the most trustworthy people that I can share all my thoughts safely. She always listens and never judges. Her professional skills and life experiences combined together helped me a lot.
More than 1 year agoCL
Fanshen is an excellent therapist and has helped me achieve measurable improvement with my own mental health. Therapy has been traditionally very tough for me, but Fanshen's empathy and professionalism have been huge contributors to my success over the past year.
More than 1 year agoJD
Could not ask for a better Therepist. Passionate about helping people but knowing that every person is different and needs something differnt.
More than 1 year agoEW
She is incredible! Helps me slow my fast-paced life down and super appreciate all of her tips and advice. I appreciate her support and guidance so much
More than 1 year agoKC
Fanshen is an awesome therapist. She is very professional but kind and easy to talk to. She has helped me a lot in a short period of time and I love her approach and warmth.
More than 1 year agoTZ
How soon can I make an appointment with Fanshen Thompson?
Generally, Fanshen Thompson has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Fanshen Thompson's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Fanshen Thompson accepting new patients?
Fanshen Thompson generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Fanshen Thompson's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Fanshen Thompson accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Fanshen Thompson is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Fanshen Thompson online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Fanshen Thompson using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Fanshen Thompson work with?
Fanshen Thompson works with Fanshen Thompson, LCSW.
What are common reasons for patients to see Fanshen Thompson?
Fanshen Thompson frequently sees patients for Anxiety, Couples Therapy, Depression, Psychotherapy, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Fanshen Thompson on their profile.
What languages does Fanshen Thompson speak?
Fanshen Thompson speaks English.
How do patients rate Fanshen Thompson in reviews?
9 patients have reviewed Fanshen Thompson. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.