Photo of Cheryl Feldman, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94611, CA
Cheryl Feldman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Art can access thoughts and feelings we are not aware of, through open expression and not about "being the perfect artist".
Children and teens are more aware of their own internal states and the world around them than ever before, while the family unit takes on more stress. This combination can create anxiety, depression, acting out behaviors, confusion, and educational struggles for many. Through a strength-based perspective I focus on communication, relationships, boundaries, and self-care. I work with youth (and families) to explore their patterns of interactions with others and encourage self-awareness and growth in these areas. Developing a relationship with a child or teen takes time and care, both of which I have done for nearly twenty years.
Art can access thoughts and feelings we are not aware of, through open expression and not about "being the perfect artist".
Children and teens are more aware of their own internal states and the world around them than ever before, while the family unit takes on more stress. This combination can create anxiety, depression, acting out behaviors, confusion, and educational struggles for many. Through a strength-based perspective I focus on communication, relationships, boundaries, and self-care. I work with youth (and families) to explore their patterns of interactions with others and encourage self-awareness and growth in these areas. Developing a relationship with a child or teen takes time and care, both of which I have done for nearly twenty years.
(510) 256-7864 View (510) 256-7864
Photo of Chris Stach, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94611, CA
Chris Stach
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PPS, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
(I also incorporate art and play therapy for my younger clients).
The challenges of growing up in today's rapidly changing society are enormous. Children and adolescents need to be equipped with skills for survival and growth that were never before imagined. Some of the more common issues I help my young clients with include anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide ideation, perfectionism, self confidence, challenging peer relationships, social anxiety and difficult family dynamics. I also work with parents offering them guidance and support.
(I also incorporate art and play therapy for my younger clients).
The challenges of growing up in today's rapidly changing society are enormous. Children and adolescents need to be equipped with skills for survival and growth that were never before imagined. Some of the more common issues I help my young clients with include anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide ideation, perfectionism, self confidence, challenging peer relationships, social anxiety and difficult family dynamics. I also work with parents offering them guidance and support.
(510) 345-1726 View (510) 345-1726
Photo of Laura (Lo) Wesely, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94611, CA
Laura (Lo) Wesely
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Whether sitting with individuals or partners, I am here to remind you of what you already know but might have forgotten: you are enough. Many clients find their way to me because they want to work through challenges related to their identity, acculturation, sexuality, gender expression, relationship formation, and early traumas. My identities as a queer, non-monogamous, sex- and kink-positive, immigrant woman tend to attract potential clients who share some of these positionalities.
Whether sitting with individuals or partners, I am here to remind you of what you already know but might have forgotten: you are enough. Many clients find their way to me because they want to work through challenges related to their identity, acculturation, sexuality, gender expression, relationship formation, and early traumas. My identities as a queer, non-monogamous, sex- and kink-positive, immigrant woman tend to attract potential clients who share some of these positionalities.
(510) 462-3503 View (510) 462-3503
Photo of Alfredo Laris, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94611, CA
Alfredo Laris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Piedmont, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I believe that the power of vulnerability is one of our greatest strengths and ultimately can provide us with a deeper sense of self, security, comfort, and more compassionate towards one another. Coming from a strength-based form of doing therapy and providing support to others, I work to provide my clients with a sense of validation and comfort. As a cis male that identifies as Latinx and as a proud member of the LGBTQIA community, I am able to hold the experience of living in many diverse, cross-cultural emotional experiences that we sometimes may not even know how to begin to understand.
I believe that the power of vulnerability is one of our greatest strengths and ultimately can provide us with a deeper sense of self, security, comfort, and more compassionate towards one another. Coming from a strength-based form of doing therapy and providing support to others, I work to provide my clients with a sense of validation and comfort. As a cis male that identifies as Latinx and as a proud member of the LGBTQIA community, I am able to hold the experience of living in many diverse, cross-cultural emotional experiences that we sometimes may not even know how to begin to understand.
(510) 953-4265 View (510) 953-4265
Photo of Austin Heafey, Psychologist in 94611, CA
Austin Heafey
Psychologist, MFT, Psy D
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Everyone deserves support– life can be overwhelming. Our sessions provide a safe, encouraging space for you to slow down and focus on what’s important. As an advocate for you, your family, or your child, we create solutions that help you find healing.
Everyone deserves support– life can be overwhelming. Our sessions provide a safe, encouraging space for you to slow down and focus on what’s important. As an advocate for you, your family, or your child, we create solutions that help you find healing.
(415) 594-4159 View (415) 594-4159
Photo of Pierre Vilanoba, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94611, CA
Pierre Vilanoba
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Life is full of unexpected events and struggles, which are sometimes overwhelming. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where children, adolescents, and adults feel comfortable to explore ways to achieve their goals. Having a person who listens with no judgment, who cares, and who can help you gain some perspective and insight is extremely valuable. Together we will create a plan that will allow you to regain a sense of empowerment, purpose, and happiness in your life.
Life is full of unexpected events and struggles, which are sometimes overwhelming. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where children, adolescents, and adults feel comfortable to explore ways to achieve their goals. Having a person who listens with no judgment, who cares, and who can help you gain some perspective and insight is extremely valuable. Together we will create a plan that will allow you to regain a sense of empowerment, purpose, and happiness in your life.
(925) 239-4402 View (925) 239-4402
Photo of Aditi Uttarwar - Little Seedlings Therapy Center, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in 94611, CA
Aditi Uttarwar - Little Seedlings Therapy Center
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, R-DMT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and a registered dance movement therapist. My expertise encompasses postpartum, pregnancy, parenting, as well as support for infants, children, and families. My therapeutic approach is rooted in harnessing the body's wisdom, allowing us to explore and effect change through the body. I guide you in understanding body signals and collaboratively develop strategies to facilitate the desired transformations. I believe in the power of nonverbal communication and self-expression to foster emotional growth and strengthen connections within these vital relationships.
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and a registered dance movement therapist. My expertise encompasses postpartum, pregnancy, parenting, as well as support for infants, children, and families. My therapeutic approach is rooted in harnessing the body's wisdom, allowing us to explore and effect change through the body. I guide you in understanding body signals and collaboratively develop strategies to facilitate the desired transformations. I believe in the power of nonverbal communication and self-expression to foster emotional growth and strengthen connections within these vital relationships.
(510) 390-9581 View (510) 390-9581
Photo of Adriana N Taranta, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94611, CA
Adriana N Taranta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Are you concerned about your child’s behavior? Are you struggling to understand what is happening for your child? Are you finding parenting overwhelming? I work with children and parents to help them make meaning of life’s challenges and work with children and parents, both individually and together. I bring more than twenty years of experience providing therapy, consultation, and assessments with children and their families to my clinical practice. I have experience working with children and families around many issues including, loss, attachment, adoption, anxiety, depression, atypical development, learning differences and trauma.
Are you concerned about your child’s behavior? Are you struggling to understand what is happening for your child? Are you finding parenting overwhelming? I work with children and parents to help them make meaning of life’s challenges and work with children and parents, both individually and together. I bring more than twenty years of experience providing therapy, consultation, and assessments with children and their families to my clinical practice. I have experience working with children and families around many issues including, loss, attachment, adoption, anxiety, depression, atypical development, learning differences and trauma.
(510) 661-3529 View (510) 661-3529
Photo of Sally Walstrom, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94611, CA
Sally Walstrom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
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
Photo of Liz M Fitzgerald, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94611, CA
Liz M Fitzgerald
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Not accepting new clients
I create a trusting and safe space for your child to express their thoughts and feelings, without judgment, and I will normalize their experiences and help you have a deeper understanding of what your child is going through. We will work together collaboratively. You as parents are the expert on your child and family. I am there as a support and facilitator- making the first step in asking for help is the most crucial step in the journey of repairing.
I create a trusting and safe space for your child to express their thoughts and feelings, without judgment, and I will normalize their experiences and help you have a deeper understanding of what your child is going through. We will work together collaboratively. You as parents are the expert on your child and family. I am there as a support and facilitator- making the first step in asking for help is the most crucial step in the journey of repairing.
(510) 930-1771 View (510) 930-1771
Photo of Victoria Bravo, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94611, CA
Victoria Bravo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Not accepting new clients
We all go through difficult times at some point in our lives. How we adjust, cope, and learn from these experiences will help us regain the sense of empowerment, inspiration and resilience to endure the many stages in life. Todos pasamos por momentos dificiles en nuestras vidas, pero el como nos ajustamos y lo que aprendemos de esas experiencias, es lo que nos ayudara a volver a sentir la capacidad, inspiracion y fortaleza para sobrellevar las diferentes etapas de nuestra vida.
We all go through difficult times at some point in our lives. How we adjust, cope, and learn from these experiences will help us regain the sense of empowerment, inspiration and resilience to endure the many stages in life. Todos pasamos por momentos dificiles en nuestras vidas, pero el como nos ajustamos y lo que aprendemos de esas experiencias, es lo que nos ayudara a volver a sentir la capacidad, inspiracion y fortaleza para sobrellevar las diferentes etapas de nuestra vida.
(510) 746-8137 View (510) 746-8137

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.