Photo of Anna L Dow - Vast Love, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Vast Love
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I offer therapy in CA and coaching internationally through an online format. My primary focus is supporting people with issues related to non-monogamy through a trauma informed lens. My practice is kink, queer, trans, monogamy, poly, open relationship, RA, neurodivergent, and quirk friendly. I’m passionate about sharing tools that can help others experience secure relationships in whatever structures feel like the best fit for the unique values, desires, and ways of being of the individuals involved. My ideal clients are simply people who want to show up as their most authentic & actualized selves.
I offer therapy in CA and coaching internationally through an online format. My primary focus is supporting people with issues related to non-monogamy through a trauma informed lens. My practice is kink, queer, trans, monogamy, poly, open relationship, RA, neurodivergent, and quirk friendly. I’m passionate about sharing tools that can help others experience secure relationships in whatever structures feel like the best fit for the unique values, desires, and ways of being of the individuals involved. My ideal clients are simply people who want to show up as their most authentic & actualized selves.
(510) 880-4195 View (510) 880-4195
Photo of Shawn Rowland, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shawn Rowland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I believe change is possible. That is one of the main reasons that I became a therapist. My over 20 years of experience have been driven by my passion for supporting positive change, including empowerment-based psychotherapy, work in the criminal justice system, and community organizing, all through the filter of social change and social justice. The journey to changing your life takes courage, confidence, and the willingness to try new ways of looking at the world.
I believe change is possible. That is one of the main reasons that I became a therapist. My over 20 years of experience have been driven by my passion for supporting positive change, including empowerment-based psychotherapy, work in the criminal justice system, and community organizing, all through the filter of social change and social justice. The journey to changing your life takes courage, confidence, and the willingness to try new ways of looking at the world.
(415) 449-0314 View (415) 449-0314
Photo of Melisa Medalle, MA, AMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Melisa Medalle
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94607  (Online Only)
If you desire growth, change, and an improved quality of life - it would be my honor and pleasure to support you in that process. Perhaps it shows up for you as feelings of anxiety or depression. Maybe it's the frustration with the state of the world. You might be a high performance athlete or artist working through a creative block. Whatever it happens to be for you, you want something different for yourself and I am here to collaborate with you to bring about the change you desire.
If you desire growth, change, and an improved quality of life - it would be my honor and pleasure to support you in that process. Perhaps it shows up for you as feelings of anxiety or depression. Maybe it's the frustration with the state of the world. You might be a high performance athlete or artist working through a creative block. Whatever it happens to be for you, you want something different for yourself and I am here to collaborate with you to bring about the change you desire.
(415) 936-0753 View (415) 936-0753
Photo of Sonia Telle, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sonia Telle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94607
I strongly believe that the most healing aspect of therapy is directly related to the safe connection with the therapist. Trainings inform the therapy but only feeling safe and seen will provide the ground for deep exploration and emergence of the new... almost like a birthing process. Client based, my style is warm, compassionate, nonetheless, assertive. Experience and various trainings keep supporting the importance of breath, grounded presence and mindfulness in any therapeutic setting and healing/life process. Therefore, those are central to my work. My sessions combines several psychotherapy approaches together with various somatic practices such as bioenergetics, movement, mindfulness & trauma work.
I strongly believe that the most healing aspect of therapy is directly related to the safe connection with the therapist. Trainings inform the therapy but only feeling safe and seen will provide the ground for deep exploration and emergence of the new... almost like a birthing process. Client based, my style is warm, compassionate, nonetheless, assertive. Experience and various trainings keep supporting the importance of breath, grounded presence and mindfulness in any therapeutic setting and healing/life process. Therefore, those are central to my work. My sessions combines several psychotherapy approaches together with various somatic practices such as bioenergetics, movement, mindfulness & trauma work.
(510) 788-2703 View (510) 788-2703
Teresa Diane Fennelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94607
I am an experienced children's psychotherapist, with a private practice in Alameda and have provided therapeutic services for children, teens and families for 20+ years. I have been able to help families deal with a variety of issues including trauma, loss, family-conflict, children/teens with learning disabilities and a variety of behavioral issues, as well as familial substance use issues, post-divorce issues, severe anxiety and depression.
I am an experienced children's psychotherapist, with a private practice in Alameda and have provided therapeutic services for children, teens and families for 20+ years. I have been able to help families deal with a variety of issues including trauma, loss, family-conflict, children/teens with learning disabilities and a variety of behavioral issues, as well as familial substance use issues, post-divorce issues, severe anxiety and depression.
(510) 292-4106 View (510) 292-4106
Photo of Mari Clemson-Hines, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mari Clemson-Hines
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94607
Please note: I am currently living abroad and have suspended my in person practice, but I am continuing to provide on-line therapy. You are unique so your therapy path should be too. If working on-line sounds like it would fit with your lifestyle and schedule please contact me and we can discuss if this is a good fit for you.
Please note: I am currently living abroad and have suspended my in person practice, but I am continuing to provide on-line therapy. You are unique so your therapy path should be too. If working on-line sounds like it would fit with your lifestyle and schedule please contact me and we can discuss if this is a good fit for you.
(415) 702-5649 View (415) 702-5649
Photo of Shelby Lazarow, PsyD, Psychologist
Shelby Lazarow
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607  (Online Only)
Welcome! I hope that I can give you a sense of myself and style and how I may be a good fit in supporting you in the process of therapy. In my private practice (drshelbylazarow.com), I specialize in working with individual adults and couples. I practice from a psychodynamic and relational modality in which I am mindful of where you come from and the ways in which you have learned to adapt to each environment and relationship around you, including the relationship that we form. Mindfulness is a lens through which I practice as well.
Welcome! I hope that I can give you a sense of myself and style and how I may be a good fit in supporting you in the process of therapy. In my private practice (drshelbylazarow.com), I specialize in working with individual adults and couples. I practice from a psychodynamic and relational modality in which I am mindful of where you come from and the ways in which you have learned to adapt to each environment and relationship around you, including the relationship that we form. Mindfulness is a lens through which I practice as well.
(415) 322-7764 View (415) 322-7764
Photo of Andina Aste-Nieto, LPCC
Andina Aste-Nieto
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94607  (Online Only)
Hi, my name is Andina and I congratulate you on seeking therapy! I am passionate about supporting clients that are feeling isolated, depressed, anxious, lost, confused, rudderless, numb and/or hopeless. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, Complex PTSD, panic attacks, substance use, Bipolar Disorder, and "Personality Disorders" (although I don't use the term "disorder"). I have extensive experience working with clients that are indigenous and/or are struggling with stress due to living in oppressive social systems. I support clients in cultivating agency, empowerment, creativity, connection, and love!
Hi, my name is Andina and I congratulate you on seeking therapy! I am passionate about supporting clients that are feeling isolated, depressed, anxious, lost, confused, rudderless, numb and/or hopeless. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, Complex PTSD, panic attacks, substance use, Bipolar Disorder, and "Personality Disorders" (although I don't use the term "disorder"). I have extensive experience working with clients that are indigenous and/or are struggling with stress due to living in oppressive social systems. I support clients in cultivating agency, empowerment, creativity, connection, and love!
(619) 566-2027 View (619) 566-2027
Photo of Sally Walstrom, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sally Walstrom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
You feel like something is off. You’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, disconnected, stuck. You want to understand your own reactions, build healthy and sustaining relationships, feel grounded and present in your day to day life. I can help! With over a decade of experience, I provide LGBTQIA-affirming and trauma-responsive therapy for youth, adults, and families. Using evidence-based techniques like expressive arts, somatics, and dialectical behavioral skills, I support people finding meaning and connection after trauma and chronic stress.
You feel like something is off. You’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, disconnected, stuck. You want to understand your own reactions, build healthy and sustaining relationships, feel grounded and present in your day to day life. I can help! With over a decade of experience, I provide LGBTQIA-affirming and trauma-responsive therapy for youth, adults, and families. Using evidence-based techniques like expressive arts, somatics, and dialectical behavioral skills, I support people finding meaning and connection after trauma and chronic stress.
(510) 764-3070 View (510) 764-3070
Art Therapy

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.