In this ongoing group, we step through the doorway into the creative process. As we work in imagery and make art together, we discover and develop links to feelings, patterns, beliefs and inner iconography. Within the safety of our group, difficulties can find their way into poetry, dramatic enactments, movement or works of art using collage, drawing, sandtray or painting. Our challenges will be explored as they are played out through the arts; insight and understanding will grow. Trusting in the creative process, we will strengthen our intuitive pathways and find healing, community and hope. No art experience necessary.
Hosted by Merideth Bowen Shamszad
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94602
In this ongoing group, we step through the doorway into the creative process. As we work in imagery and make art together, we discover and develop links to feelings, patterns, beliefs and inner iconography. Within the safety of our group, difficulties can find their way into poetry, dramatic enactments, movement or works of art using collage, drawing, sandtray or painting. Our challenges will be explored as they are played out through the arts; insight and understanding will grow. Trusting in the creative process, we will strengthen our intuitive pathways and find healing, community and hope. No art experience necessary.
An integrative support group for women and gender expansive folks to process the lived experience of being in a body with pain. Through psychotherapy, art therapy, yoga therapy and other valuable mind/body techniques, participants will learn valuable tools to utilize on their journey. This program is for those who live with persistent pain and seek a safe space for support, accountability, motivation and the opportunity to build self-efficacy through integrative techniques.
An integrative support group for women and gender expansive folks to process the lived experience of being in a body with pain. Through psychotherapy, art therapy, yoga therapy and other valuable mind/body techniques, participants will learn valuable tools to utilize on their journey. This program is for those who live with persistent pain and seek a safe space for support, accountability, motivation and the opportunity to build self-efficacy through integrative techniques.
The Teen Art Therapy group is for girls, genderqueer, non-binary, and trans teens between the ages of 14-18. This art therapy group integrates therapeutic art making, journaling, and talk therapy and focuses on self esteem, social skills, transitions, relationships, body image, identity, and managing stress and symptoms such as anxiety and depression. (For 18 year olds who are no longer in high school, we have a young adult group.) Sundays 5:30-7:00pm $80 / 90 min session. Facilitated by Lauren Chester, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT (she/they)
Hosted by East Bay Art Therapy
Art Therapist, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
Our Art Therapists each have a variety of specialties such as: anxiety, ADHD, Autism, depression/mood disorders, trauma, substance-abuse, grief, life transitions, self-harm, suicidal ideation and child/adolescent therapy.
The Teen Art Therapy group is for girls, genderqueer, non-binary, and trans teens between the ages of 14-18. This art therapy group integrates therapeutic art making, journaling, and talk therapy and focuses on self esteem, social skills, transitions, relationships, body image, identity, and managing stress and symptoms such as anxiety and depression. (For 18 year olds who are no longer in high school, we have a young adult group.) Sundays 5:30-7:00pm $80 / 90 min session. Facilitated by Lauren Chester, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT (she/they)
BIPOC Adult Open Studio Art Therapy Group is an opportunity to fellowship, nurture mindfulness, and explore self through creative expression in art practice. This group provides a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities can explore personal creative expression and establish an accessible wellness routine. Art-making can serve as a powerful tool for processing, navigating life transitions, and fostering resilience. You can expect creative exploration, cultural affirmation, and community connection. This group is for adults of all genders ages 21+.
I am an Art Therapist informed by CBT, DBT, ACT, and I take a strengths-based and person-centered approach.
BIPOC Adult Open Studio Art Therapy Group is an opportunity to fellowship, nurture mindfulness, and explore self through creative expression in art practice. This group provides a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities can explore personal creative expression and establish an accessible wellness routine. Art-making can serve as a powerful tool for processing, navigating life transitions, and fostering resilience. You can expect creative exploration, cultural affirmation, and community connection. This group is for adults of all genders ages 21+.
As someone who identifies as bi/multiracial, bi/multicultural, or in some other way that doesn't quite fit these boxes, this group is an opportunity to come together with other multi-heritage folks to share experiences, be seen and heard, "take up space", and explore personal and collective identity using expressive arts therapy. The group meets online for 8 weeks. This is a safe and supportive space to unpack and explore the identity, community, isolation, and the complexity of mixed experience. Next group begins June 2024. Find more info at www.expressiveartstherapist.com/groups
Hosted by Jennie Powe Runde
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, REAT
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
I use expressive arts therapy, meaning we'll use visual art (drawing, collage), writing, and the body to explore your experience beyond just talk therapy.
As someone who identifies as bi/multiracial, bi/multicultural, or in some other way that doesn't quite fit these boxes, this group is an opportunity to come together with other multi-heritage folks to share experiences, be seen and heard, "take up space", and explore personal and collective identity using expressive arts therapy. The group meets online for 8 weeks. This is a safe and supportive space to unpack and explore the identity, community, isolation, and the complexity of mixed experience. Next group begins June 2024. Find more info at www.expressiveartstherapist.com/groups
Play therapy is a widely researched therapeutic modality used to support children’s growth and development while addressing a number of emotional and behavioral concerns. Group play therapy offers opportunities to work on social skills and boundaries with peers while in a therapeutic setting. Group play therapy allows the play therapist to support more children with the powers of play therapy. Group therapy for young children presents opportunities to learn that they can get their needs met directly and cooperatively rather than indirectly (acting out behavior) and through competition.
Hosted by Emily Ruha Keller
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, LPCC, RPT-S, NCC, RYT
Group meets in Livermore, CA 94551
Consistent in our approach is a fundamental belief that each client will bring into their play, art, sand tray, and discussion what they need to bring up to heal and grow.
Play therapy is a widely researched therapeutic modality used to support children’s growth and development while addressing a number of emotional and behavioral concerns. Group play therapy offers opportunities to work on social skills and boundaries with peers while in a therapeutic setting. Group play therapy allows the play therapist to support more children with the powers of play therapy. Group therapy for young children presents opportunities to learn that they can get their needs met directly and cooperatively rather than indirectly (acting out behavior) and through competition.
BIPOC Adult Open Studio Art Therapy Group is an opportunity to fellowship, nurture mindfulness, and explore self through creative expression in art practice. This group provides a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities can explore personal creative expression and establish an accessible wellness routine. You can expect creative exploration, cultural affirmation, and community connection. This group is for adults of all genders ages 21+. Facilitated by Danielle Swan, MA (she/her)
Hosted by East Bay Art Therapy
Art Therapist, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
Our Art Therapists each have a variety of specialties such as: anxiety, ADHD, Autism, depression/mood disorders, trauma, substance-abuse, grief, life transitions, self-harm, suicidal ideation and child/adolescent therapy.
BIPOC Adult Open Studio Art Therapy Group is an opportunity to fellowship, nurture mindfulness, and explore self through creative expression in art practice. This group provides a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities can explore personal creative expression and establish an accessible wellness routine. You can expect creative exploration, cultural affirmation, and community connection. This group is for adults of all genders ages 21+. Facilitated by Danielle Swan, MA (she/her)
Play therapy is a widely researched therapeutic modality used to support children’s growth and development while addressing a number of emotional and behavioral concerns. Group play therapy offers opportunities to work on social skills and boundaries with peers while in a therapeutic setting. Group play therapy allows the play therapist to support more children with the powers of play therapy. Group therapy for young children presents opportunities to learn that they can get their needs met directly and cooperatively rather than indirectly (acting out behavior) and through competition.
Hosted by Emily Ruha Keller
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, LPCC, RPT-S, NCC, RYT
Group meets in Livermore, CA 94551
Consistent in our approach is a fundamental belief that each client will bring into their play, art, sand tray, and discussion what they need to bring up to heal and grow.
Play therapy is a widely researched therapeutic modality used to support children’s growth and development while addressing a number of emotional and behavioral concerns. Group play therapy offers opportunities to work on social skills and boundaries with peers while in a therapeutic setting. Group play therapy allows the play therapist to support more children with the powers of play therapy. Group therapy for young children presents opportunities to learn that they can get their needs met directly and cooperatively rather than indirectly (acting out behavior) and through competition.
Play therapy is a widely researched therapeutic modality used to support children’s growth and development while addressing a number of emotional and behavioral concerns. Group play therapy offers opportunities to work on social skills and boundaries with peers while in a therapeutic setting. Group play therapy allows the play therapist to support more children with the powers of play therapy. Group therapy for young children presents opportunities to learn that they can get their needs met directly and cooperatively rather than indirectly (acting out behavior) and through competition.
Hosted by Emily Ruha Keller
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, LPCC, RPT-S, NCC, RYT
Group meets in Livermore, CA 94551
Consistent in our approach is a fundamental belief that each client will bring into their play, art, sand tray, and discussion what they need to bring up to heal and grow.
Play therapy is a widely researched therapeutic modality used to support children’s growth and development while addressing a number of emotional and behavioral concerns. Group play therapy offers opportunities to work on social skills and boundaries with peers while in a therapeutic setting. Group play therapy allows the play therapist to support more children with the powers of play therapy. Group therapy for young children presents opportunities to learn that they can get their needs met directly and cooperatively rather than indirectly (acting out behavior) and through competition.
The Middle School Art Therapy Group is for individuals ages 11-14 currently in middle school. This group is for girls, genderqueer, non-binary, and trans youth. This art therapy group integrates therapeutic art making, journaling and talk therapy and focuses on emotion expression, coping skills, self esteem, social relationships, body image, identity, neurodivergence, gender & sexuality, transitions, and managing stress and symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Facilitated by Lauren Chester, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT (she/they) This group is in-person at our office in Oakland, CA. $800 for 10 weeks (split into two payments of $400)
Hosted by East Bay Art Therapy
Art Therapist, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
Our Art Therapists each have a variety of specialties such as: anxiety, ADHD, Autism, depression/mood disorders, trauma, substance-abuse, grief, life transitions, self-harm, suicidal ideation and child/adolescent therapy.
The Middle School Art Therapy Group is for individuals ages 11-14 currently in middle school. This group is for girls, genderqueer, non-binary, and trans youth. This art therapy group integrates therapeutic art making, journaling and talk therapy and focuses on emotion expression, coping skills, self esteem, social relationships, body image, identity, neurodivergence, gender & sexuality, transitions, and managing stress and symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Facilitated by Lauren Chester, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT (she/they) This group is in-person at our office in Oakland, CA. $800 for 10 weeks (split into two payments of $400)
A therapeutic group for women who feel distress around ecological loss, the climate crisis and the polycrisis. I weave tools from somatic therapy, art therapy, and eco therapy - such as mindfulness, movement, storytelling, grief ritual, etc.- to support women to move through despair and find renewed energy for action. The group runs for 3 months and includes 2 in-person meetings in the Bay Area on weekend days plus 7 meetings on Zoom on Thurs evenings. Accepting new members now for the 2025 cohort!
A therapeutic group for women who feel distress around ecological loss, the climate crisis and the polycrisis. I weave tools from somatic therapy, art therapy, and eco therapy - such as mindfulness, movement, storytelling, grief ritual, etc.- to support women to move through despair and find renewed energy for action. The group runs for 3 months and includes 2 in-person meetings in the Bay Area on weekend days plus 7 meetings on Zoom on Thurs evenings. Accepting new members now for the 2025 cohort!
In this small online expressive arts group (4-5 couples), you and your partner will: *Explore your hopes and concerns about the future *Find playful and creative ways to speak deeply on serious topics *Increase communication *Learn ways to maintain calm and to help each other stay calm. You will reflect on your own future individually, as well as imagining your futures together in a curious and playful way. You will also learn to notice your own nervous system responses. These four sessions include guided meditations, mindfulness, designing, drawing and constructing projects.
In this small online expressive arts group (4-5 couples), you and your partner will: *Explore your hopes and concerns about the future *Find playful and creative ways to speak deeply on serious topics *Increase communication *Learn ways to maintain calm and to help each other stay calm. You will reflect on your own future individually, as well as imagining your futures together in a curious and playful way. You will also learn to notice your own nervous system responses. These four sessions include guided meditations, mindfulness, designing, drawing and constructing projects.
Prioritizing Self-care through Creativity: "Wild women are the love we seek" A 9-Month weekly group in which we work in the flow of movement, writing, painting (drawing), sounding, poetry, clay, natural elements, touch, and storytelling to embody the stories of our souls we want to live rather than our conditioned selves. We will explore old stories that hold you back and write new ones that align with your soul. We will connect with our bodies to de-shame and empower our sensuality and reclaim our connection to the earth in the safety of women coming together.
Prioritizing Self-care through Creativity: "Wild women are the love we seek" A 9-Month weekly group in which we work in the flow of movement, writing, painting (drawing), sounding, poetry, clay, natural elements, touch, and storytelling to embody the stories of our souls we want to live rather than our conditioned selves. We will explore old stories that hold you back and write new ones that align with your soul. We will connect with our bodies to de-shame and empower our sensuality and reclaim our connection to the earth in the safety of women coming together.
In this 8 week expressive arts therapy group for women, we will be utilizing movement, drama, painting, writing, and collage to explore the archetype of the Wild Woman as a doorway to personal power, intuitive knowing and creative energy. This group is wonderful for women who: have an active inner critic; struggle with self-esteem; feel like life has become too much work and too little play; want connection and nourishment in a community of women; desire more creative exploration and expression in their lives. Group begins: TBD.
Saturday mornings. Intake meeting is required to join group.
In this 8 week expressive arts therapy group for women, we will be utilizing movement, drama, painting, writing, and collage to explore the archetype of the Wild Woman as a doorway to personal power, intuitive knowing and creative energy. This group is wonderful for women who: have an active inner critic; struggle with self-esteem; feel like life has become too much work and too little play; want connection and nourishment in a community of women; desire more creative exploration and expression in their lives. Group begins: TBD.
Saturday mornings. Intake meeting is required to join group.
We meet weekly in my home studio space in Berkeley for 90 minutes. We begin with a listening/talking stick circle and then transition to stitching and mending members' own projects in the company of our small group. Members can also work on a communal sewing project together. Members bring their own supplies, snacks and beverages. We end with a closing listening/talking stick circle.
We meet weekly in my home studio space in Berkeley for 90 minutes. We begin with a listening/talking stick circle and then transition to stitching and mending members' own projects in the company of our small group. Members can also work on a communal sewing project together. Members bring their own supplies, snacks and beverages. We end with a closing listening/talking stick circle.
A monthly consultation group for therapists who would like to learn about or deepen their understanding and integrate expressive arts, somatic inquiry,/practices, and ecotherapy into their practice. We will prioritize self-care practices to resource ourselves as practitioners and consult about our work with clients through talk, expressive arts (movement, drama, music, visual arts, images, poetry and storytelling). We will engage in processing our own triggers, vicarious trauma, and grief. Other themes will naturally emerge, and include any business-related issues. 6 spots per group. 20 min Free Consultation to see if the group is a match for you.
A monthly consultation group for therapists who would like to learn about or deepen their understanding and integrate expressive arts, somatic inquiry,/practices, and ecotherapy into their practice. We will prioritize self-care practices to resource ourselves as practitioners and consult about our work with clients through talk, expressive arts (movement, drama, music, visual arts, images, poetry and storytelling). We will engage in processing our own triggers, vicarious trauma, and grief. Other themes will naturally emerge, and include any business-related issues. 6 spots per group. 20 min Free Consultation to see if the group is a match for you.
Practice self-care and cultivate self-compassion and understanding through Art Journaling. Through the use of mixed media (collage, paint, pens, pencils, graphite, ephemera, etc) create art magic that blooms, sizzles, sparkles, glows, and grows your Self-Love Garden! Art Journaling is a fun form of creative self-care and a powerful way to connect with your inner-child. Group meets weekly for 8 weeks. You will develop your knowledge and skills with different art medium and you will explore your inner landscape through image, color, texture, words, symbols and mark making.
Practice self-care and cultivate self-compassion and understanding through Art Journaling. Through the use of mixed media (collage, paint, pens, pencils, graphite, ephemera, etc) create art magic that blooms, sizzles, sparkles, glows, and grows your Self-Love Garden! Art Journaling is a fun form of creative self-care and a powerful way to connect with your inner-child. Group meets weekly for 8 weeks. You will develop your knowledge and skills with different art medium and you will explore your inner landscape through image, color, texture, words, symbols and mark making.
This relationship-focused group will invite you to discover more about yourself in relation to others through expressive arts activities, experiential exercises, and mutual sharing and relating to other group members. We will be exploring group and 1-1 connection through improv games, movement activities, visual arts and collective creativity to help deepen the exploration process. You will be invited to self-reflect, to practice empathic listening skills, and to develop your capacity to share & relate on a deeper level. You do not need to have any experience with the arts in order to participate.
This relationship-focused group will invite you to discover more about yourself in relation to others through expressive arts activities, experiential exercises, and mutual sharing and relating to other group members. We will be exploring group and 1-1 connection through improv games, movement activities, visual arts and collective creativity to help deepen the exploration process. You will be invited to self-reflect, to practice empathic listening skills, and to develop your capacity to share & relate on a deeper level. You do not need to have any experience with the arts in order to participate.
As the founder and owner of my private practice, I provide individual therapy to adults and seasoned adults. I also employ two seasoned and talented associates, who provide therapy to a diverse array of people. Collectively, we work with teens, young adults, adults and older adults in both individual and couples therapy. For more information about our specialities and approaches, you can read more about our work at: www.suzannemadamsphd.com
As the founder and owner of my private practice, I provide individual therapy to adults and seasoned adults. I also employ two seasoned and talented associates, who provide therapy to a diverse array of people. Collectively, we work with teens, young adults, adults and older adults in both individual and couples therapy. For more information about our specialities and approaches, you can read more about our work at: www.suzannemadamsphd.com
Are you someone who remembers their dreams every night or maybe someone who has never/rarely remembered their dreams? I invite you to attend this weekly dream circle where we will use tools to collectively explore imagery/experiences within the dream world. Based on teachings by former dream expert and social justice activist, Jeremy Taylor, and in the lineage of indigenous practices over millennia, this space is for us to wander into the collective unconscious and decipher messages together. Meetings will be every Wednesday over Zoom. This group is drop in, open to the public and sliding scale $25-$75.
Are you someone who remembers their dreams every night or maybe someone who has never/rarely remembered their dreams? I invite you to attend this weekly dream circle where we will use tools to collectively explore imagery/experiences within the dream world. Based on teachings by former dream expert and social justice activist, Jeremy Taylor, and in the lineage of indigenous practices over millennia, this space is for us to wander into the collective unconscious and decipher messages together. Meetings will be every Wednesday over Zoom. This group is drop in, open to the public and sliding scale $25-$75.
See more therapy options for Alameda County
Art Therapy Support Groups
How does art therapy work?
The process of making art allows people to express themselves. Art-making can take many forms, such as painting, collage, or sculpting. The therapist asks questions that the work elicits, such as how the person felt while creating their piece, or if any memories surfaced that they can discuss. The therapist will then work with the patient to process their experience, understand themselves better, and work toward change.
Does art therapy help with trauma?
Art therapy can be a valuable treatment option for those suffering from trauma. Traumatic experiences such as combat, rape, or childhood abuse can be so painful that articulating them can be too scary or painful; creating art allows people to express themselves without words, and tell their story in a different way. The physical nature of creating art can also help people feel rooted in the body, which may benefit those who feel disconnected from their body in the aftermath of trauma.
How long does art therapy last?
The duration of art therapy varies, but a common length for treatment is 10 to 15 weekly sessions. Some people may see improvement in just a few weeks, while others may choose to remain in therapy longer term. Patients should periodically discuss their goals with their therapist to make sure the two are aligned on process and progress.
What are the limitations of art therapy?
Art therapy is helpful for many people, but a limitation is that it doesn’t have as robust an evidence base as other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy. The evidence on art therapy is mixed; some research demonstrates its benefits, while other research suggests that it has little impact on patients.