Photo of Gwen J Sanders, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94611, CA
Gwen J Sanders
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
As a PhD in Art Therapy and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), I infuse art therapy into my work with my clients only if it appears they would benefit.
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.
As a PhD in Art Therapy and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), I infuse art therapy into my work with my clients only if it appears they would benefit.
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.
(510) 403-8093 View (510) 403-8093
Photo of Melanie Ferrari, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94611, CA
Melanie Ferrari
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I consider myself to be a neurospicy therapist, who is authentic and direct. My style is anchored in cognitive science, attachment theory, mindfulness, social justice, parts work, and somatic psychology. I value science equally with the domain of intuition and art, and I consider myself an especially huge nerd with evolutionary psychology. I'm queer and LGBTQIA+ aligned, and I'm fluent in polyamory and kink relationship dynamics.
I consider myself to be a neurospicy therapist, who is authentic and direct. My style is anchored in cognitive science, attachment theory, mindfulness, social justice, parts work, and somatic psychology. I value science equally with the domain of intuition and art, and I consider myself an especially huge nerd with evolutionary psychology. I'm queer and LGBTQIA+ aligned, and I'm fluent in polyamory and kink relationship dynamics.
(510) 826-5168 View (510) 826-5168
Photo of Anna Darvin Hirsch, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94611, CA
Anna Darvin Hirsch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
What I stand for: Relationships are a collaborative art and practice.
What I believe: Relationships are unique and come in countless shapes and sizes over time. Right now, relationships are already happening and changing in your life every day. Love is available in ourselves when we choose it, and choosing love in ourselves brings more love into our relationships. Yes, all relationships shift and change, and at the same time, love can regenerate again and again in the most mysterious moments and forms if we stay open and curious.
What I stand for: Relationships are a collaborative art and practice.
What I believe: Relationships are unique and come in countless shapes and sizes over time. Right now, relationships are already happening and changing in your life every day. Love is available in ourselves when we choose it, and choosing love in ourselves brings more love into our relationships. Yes, all relationships shift and change, and at the same time, love can regenerate again and again in the most mysterious moments and forms if we stay open and curious.
(510) 756-4122 View (510) 756-4122
Photo of Savannah Wilson, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94611, CA
Savannah Wilson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or stuck? Feel unseen or undervalued? Going through a big transition or feel like you need something to change? Let's unpack this together. We'll delve into what's holding you back, challenge societal expectations, and rewrite your story authentically. In sessions, I offer autonomy and acceptance, creating a safe space for deep exploration. My aim is to walk beside you as you discover yourself, heal, and flourish. It's time to find balance and joy in your life.
Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or stuck? Feel unseen or undervalued? Going through a big transition or feel like you need something to change? Let's unpack this together. We'll delve into what's holding you back, challenge societal expectations, and rewrite your story authentically. In sessions, I offer autonomy and acceptance, creating a safe space for deep exploration. My aim is to walk beside you as you discover yourself, heal, and flourish. It's time to find balance and joy in your life.
(510) 907-4251 View (510) 907-4251
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 Wisdom of Mind and Body, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94611, CA
Wisdom of Mind and Body
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
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.
(925) 255-7552 View (925) 255-7552
Photo of Sophia Green Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94611, CA
Sophia Green Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Piedmont, CA 94611  (Online Only)
You deserve support navigating life's challenges. You may be feeling overwhelm, worry, stuckness, perfectionism, self-doubt, difficult relationships, or any number of challenges many of us face. Together, we will work on what matters to you.
You deserve support navigating life's challenges. You may be feeling overwhelm, worry, stuckness, perfectionism, self-doubt, difficult relationships, or any number of challenges many of us face. Together, we will work on what matters to you.
(510) 340-7287 View (510) 340-7287
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.