Therapists in 94611
Gwen J Sanders
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
In addition to being a clinician, a LMFT, and a PhD in Art Therapy, I am an Assistant Professor at a local graduate program where I am the Practicum Director.
My clients are most often dealing with communication concerns, issues of intimacy and complications related to life changes. When traumatic events impact their daily lives, they may seek assistance.
Occasionally couples and families experiencing stress in their relationships may need an objective listener and guide to help them figure out how to reestablish balance. With the many demands of life and work, we work together to find pleasure in their families and for parents to reinstate parental authority within the family structure.
In addition to being a clinician, a LMFT, and a PhD in Art Therapy, I am an Assistant Professor at a local graduate program where I am the Practicum Director.
My clients are most often dealing with communication concerns, issues of intimacy and complications related to life changes. When traumatic events impact their daily lives, they may seek assistance.
Occasionally couples and families experiencing stress in their relationships may need an objective listener and guide to help them figure out how to reestablish balance. With the many demands of life and work, we work together to find pleasure in their families and for parents to reinstate parental authority within the family structure.
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.
We all want the same things. To be understood, recognized, treated with kindness and respect. To feel like we belong. We share the same path to growth through self-effort in overcoming challenges in our life’s journey. Are you mastering the game of life? You are more powerful than your past or stories. Truth be told, “life is simply what you create it to mean.” Imagine yourself as the eagle that soars up into the sky with Wisdom as a compass. I can help you with self-esteem, family, career, trauma, grief, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, womens’ empowerment, life transitions, relationships, death/dying, and pet loss.
We all want the same things. To be understood, recognized, treated with kindness and respect. To feel like we belong. We share the same path to growth through self-effort in overcoming challenges in our life’s journey. Are you mastering the game of life? You are more powerful than your past or stories. Truth be told, “life is simply what you create it to mean.” Imagine yourself as the eagle that soars up into the sky with Wisdom as a compass. I can help you with self-esteem, family, career, trauma, grief, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, womens’ empowerment, life transitions, relationships, death/dying, and pet loss.
Lawanda Jackson With Light Heart Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Understanding yourself makes it possible to say “yes”, “no”, or “maybe so” to things, so you st art to feel more choice and agency in your life.
You feel like you’re being swept up and away by life like a leaf in the wind, or like life is simply happening to you. You feel overwhelmed by family or work challenges and like you have no control over the direction of your life. Or, you keep finding yourself in the same type of relationships and life circumstances over and over again and aren’t sure how to put an end to these painful patterns. I am a holistic, body oriented therapist and I specialize in helping people tap into their own agency, resilience, and strength to feel empowered in their lives.
Understanding yourself makes it possible to say “yes”, “no”, or “maybe so” to things, so you st art to feel more choice and agency in your life.
You feel like you’re being swept up and away by life like a leaf in the wind, or like life is simply happening to you. You feel overwhelmed by family or work challenges and like you have no control over the direction of your life. Or, you keep finding yourself in the same type of relationships and life circumstances over and over again and aren’t sure how to put an end to these painful patterns. I am a holistic, body oriented therapist and I specialize in helping people tap into their own agency, resilience, and strength to feel empowered in their lives.
See more therapy options for 94611
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.