Photo of Albert Wong, Psychologist in San Rafael, CA
Albert Wong
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
To others, it seems like you have it all. But underneath lives a different story. Despite your outward success, you feel haunted sometimes by feelings of failure, conflict, self-doubt. At certain moments, a gnawing sense overcomes you, telling you: Something is not right. You've made changes but somehow still end up in the same unsatisfying patterns, repeating the same unhelpful behaviors -- feeling more and more alone. You want to understand your patterns and your past so you can create a different future. You want to learn to feel differently about yourself and how you relate with others. You want to find a different way.
To others, it seems like you have it all. But underneath lives a different story. Despite your outward success, you feel haunted sometimes by feelings of failure, conflict, self-doubt. At certain moments, a gnawing sense overcomes you, telling you: Something is not right. You've made changes but somehow still end up in the same unsatisfying patterns, repeating the same unhelpful behaviors -- feeling more and more alone. You want to understand your patterns and your past so you can create a different future. You want to learn to feel differently about yourself and how you relate with others. You want to find a different way.
(415) 991-0289 View (415) 991-0289
Photo of Kelsey Meredith Wunderle, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Kelsey Meredith Wunderle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901
I offer a space where all parts of you are welcomed and deeply listened to. In a complex and challenging world, I have the tools to support you in compassionately engaging your inner work and cultivating more well being. If you are struggling with anxiety, the impacts of trauma, or seeking change and growth in your relationships and life, I can help you resource yourself in meeting difficulties. Together we can discover the sources of imbalance and address their root causes while building new skills and tools.
I offer a space where all parts of you are welcomed and deeply listened to. In a complex and challenging world, I have the tools to support you in compassionately engaging your inner work and cultivating more well being. If you are struggling with anxiety, the impacts of trauma, or seeking change and growth in your relationships and life, I can help you resource yourself in meeting difficulties. Together we can discover the sources of imbalance and address their root causes while building new skills and tools.
(415) 449-8159 View (415) 449-8159

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Jo Sopko, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Jo Sopko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RDT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Anselmo, CA 94960
I am an expressive art & drama therapist, dedicated to the inquiry and exploration of the client's life as we travel together along the therapeutic path.
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
I am an expressive art & drama therapist, dedicated to the inquiry and exploration of the client's life as we travel together along the therapeutic path.
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
(415) 799-4143 View (415) 799-4143
Photo of Ryja (Rylan Jay) Testa, Psychologist in San Rafael, CA
Ryja (Rylan Jay) Testa
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Geronimo, CA 94963
I personalize treatment for you, using a combination of insight oriented work, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, guided meditation, dream work, forest therapy, hypnotherapy, art, movement, and music therapies.
Serving Oregon & California. Are you contemplating or working through a major change, transition, or transformation? This could mean a shift in work, relationship, gender or sexual identity, spiritual perspective, health status, or a recent loss. When we are thrust into the unknown, finding a new way forward can feel confusing, overwhelming, scary, or uncertain. You might be unsure of what to do next, worry you have lost your way, or find it hard to trust you will land on your feet again. I specialize in working with people navigating major change. I walk alongside you in the mystery until you find your way to the other shore
I personalize treatment for you, using a combination of insight oriented work, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, guided meditation, dream work, forest therapy, hypnotherapy, art, movement, and music therapies.
Serving Oregon & California. Are you contemplating or working through a major change, transition, or transformation? This could mean a shift in work, relationship, gender or sexual identity, spiritual perspective, health status, or a recent loss. When we are thrust into the unknown, finding a new way forward can feel confusing, overwhelming, scary, or uncertain. You might be unsure of what to do next, worry you have lost your way, or find it hard to trust you will land on your feet again. I specialize in working with people navigating major change. I walk alongside you in the mystery until you find your way to the other shore
(707) 243-3293 View (707) 243-3293
Photo of Michael J. Mesmer, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Michael J. Mesmer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Larkspur, CA 94939
Alternatives increase our choices in life. Alternative psychotherapy considers all aspects of living, including work, lifestyle and spiritual practice, as well as thoughts and feelings, in healing our mind, body and spirit.
Alternatives increase our choices in life. Alternative psychotherapy considers all aspects of living, including work, lifestyle and spiritual practice, as well as thoughts and feelings, in healing our mind, body and spirit.
(458) 231-8560 View (458) 231-8560
Photo of J. Delfina Piretti LMFT, REAT, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
J. Delfina Piretti LMFT, REAT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, REAT
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I generally work with high functioning people at important junctures in life where the suffering is great. Asking for help is often a powerful step of surrendering the ego's attempts to resist change. Symptoms are often a sign that something is trying to wake up inside of you. When you turn your attention inward and get intimate with your inner life you can start to find the energy to heal, to grow and to change. I specialize in somatic table work for treating developmental trauma. This work focuses on repairing developmental wounds, strengthening somatic resilience and increasing capacity for regulation in the nervous system.
I generally work with high functioning people at important junctures in life where the suffering is great. Asking for help is often a powerful step of surrendering the ego's attempts to resist change. Symptoms are often a sign that something is trying to wake up inside of you. When you turn your attention inward and get intimate with your inner life you can start to find the energy to heal, to grow and to change. I specialize in somatic table work for treating developmental trauma. This work focuses on repairing developmental wounds, strengthening somatic resilience and increasing capacity for regulation in the nervous system.
(415) 598-2307 View (415) 598-2307

Online Therapists

Photo of Joan Bechtel, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Joan Bechtel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
How do we break the spell of trauma? Shame, internalized gaslighting, trust issues, addictions and all the rest. How do we break free? The funny answer is not by fighting them as enemies. But by befriending them. Once we befriend them, they lose their power over us. But how do we befriend an enemy that lives in our Unconscious? Dreams, art, play, and imagination are all natives of this realm. so they are perfect guides through our underworld of rich personal symbolism to befriend shadow elements and integrate repressed capacities, replenishing vitality. Fun breaks the spell.
How do we break the spell of trauma? Shame, internalized gaslighting, trust issues, addictions and all the rest. How do we break free? The funny answer is not by fighting them as enemies. But by befriending them. Once we befriend them, they lose their power over us. But how do we befriend an enemy that lives in our Unconscious? Dreams, art, play, and imagination are all natives of this realm. so they are perfect guides through our underworld of rich personal symbolism to befriend shadow elements and integrate repressed capacities, replenishing vitality. Fun breaks the spell.
(925) 705-4006 View (925) 705-4006
Photo of Jeffrey W Danese, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Rafael, CA
Jeffrey W Danese
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, MA, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My general approach to counseling is short-term and solution-focused with special attention to the working alliance, emotional dynamics, articulating values and constructing meaning, I am also trained in gestalt techniques, clinical hypno-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, art therapy, psychodrama, motivational interviewing, CBT, and ACT.
I graduated from a M.S. mental health counseling program at Eastern Washington University in 1995, got certified and ran a private practice in Seattle from 1995 through 2003. I worked in an outpatient community clinic, an inpatient psychiatric hospital, at retreat centers, and at a college counseling center until starting work on a PhD in Religious Studies and Psychology. I worked, studied, and lived in Europe, East Asia, and Africa before teaching 10 years at San Jose State University, so I am comfortable and confident working with very different sorts of people and I want everyone and anyone to feel welcome and at ease in my care.
My general approach to counseling is short-term and solution-focused with special attention to the working alliance, emotional dynamics, articulating values and constructing meaning, I am also trained in gestalt techniques, clinical hypno-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, art therapy, psychodrama, motivational interviewing, CBT, and ACT.
I graduated from a M.S. mental health counseling program at Eastern Washington University in 1995, got certified and ran a private practice in Seattle from 1995 through 2003. I worked in an outpatient community clinic, an inpatient psychiatric hospital, at retreat centers, and at a college counseling center until starting work on a PhD in Religious Studies and Psychology. I worked, studied, and lived in Europe, East Asia, and Africa before teaching 10 years at San Jose State University, so I am comfortable and confident working with very different sorts of people and I want everyone and anyone to feel welcome and at ease in my care.
(916) 354-6244 View (916) 354-6244
Photo of Ami E. Hartley, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Ami E. Hartley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CAS, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117
I can integrate art therapy and hypnotherapy into our sessions or use them exclusively as primary treatments.
People come to therapy when they feel ready. Often they have gained some insight and are consciously seeking a happier, more balanced life. Many people are aware of a need for healing narcissistic abuse from family, partners or in the work environment. The motivation it takes to make that first phone call is a major step towards positive change. My style is interpersonal, supportive, open and communicative. Most people appreciate guidance, direction and practical feedback. I encourage exploration of unconscious repetitive patterns in relationships and making changes wherever possible.
I can integrate art therapy and hypnotherapy into our sessions or use them exclusively as primary treatments.
People come to therapy when they feel ready. Often they have gained some insight and are consciously seeking a happier, more balanced life. Many people are aware of a need for healing narcissistic abuse from family, partners or in the work environment. The motivation it takes to make that first phone call is a major step towards positive change. My style is interpersonal, supportive, open and communicative. Most people appreciate guidance, direction and practical feedback. I encourage exploration of unconscious repetitive patterns in relationships and making changes wherever possible.
(415) 319-9740 View (415) 319-9740
Photo of Christine A. Volker, Psychologist in San Rafael, CA
Christine A. Volker
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roseville, CA 95661
I see children, 3-12 using art therapy & play therapy.
Dr. Volker has over 25 years of clinical experience and will provide a safe, warm and healing environment for you and your loved ones. I believe in collaborating with you to select treatment goals that bring health, happiness and success to your life. Therapy can help when you are feeling sad, empty or hopeless; experiencing anxiety; feeling irritable and annoyed; experiencing conflict in a relationship; experiencing intrusive or upsetting memories; grieving the loss of a loved one; repeating familiar unsuccessful patterns; or adjusting to a transition in your life.
I see children, 3-12 using art therapy & play therapy.
Dr. Volker has over 25 years of clinical experience and will provide a safe, warm and healing environment for you and your loved ones. I believe in collaborating with you to select treatment goals that bring health, happiness and success to your life. Therapy can help when you are feeling sad, empty or hopeless; experiencing anxiety; feeling irritable and annoyed; experiencing conflict in a relationship; experiencing intrusive or upsetting memories; grieving the loss of a loved one; repeating familiar unsuccessful patterns; or adjusting to a transition in your life.
(916) 546-1178 View (916) 546-1178
Photo of Michael Thaden, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Michael Thaden
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, ATR-BC, CHT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95821
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist, a Certified EMDR Therapist, an IFS Therapist, and a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist.
I believe we come to our most difficult passages in life at opportune times in order to grow toward our true capacity and purpose. I respect that my clients possess the seeds of awareness and expertise to find answers and solutions to their own problems. My role is to facilitate a compassionate perspective to assist in working through difficult emotions, reactive defenses, or protective habits, and open attention back to fruitful areas. I am an advocate for personal development, collaborating in finding useful vantage points for expanding visibility, encouraging resolution, and resumption of the innate growth process.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist, a Certified EMDR Therapist, an IFS Therapist, and a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist.
I believe we come to our most difficult passages in life at opportune times in order to grow toward our true capacity and purpose. I respect that my clients possess the seeds of awareness and expertise to find answers and solutions to their own problems. My role is to facilitate a compassionate perspective to assist in working through difficult emotions, reactive defenses, or protective habits, and open attention back to fruitful areas. I am an advocate for personal development, collaborating in finding useful vantage points for expanding visibility, encouraging resolution, and resumption of the innate growth process.
(916) 259-3990 View (916) 259-3990
Photo of Lauren Chester, Art Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Lauren Chester
Art Therapist, ATR-BC, LCAT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Lauren Chester (she/they) is a registered and board-certified art therapist (ATR-BC) who is passionate about cultivating environments where people can practice sharing their whole selves. Lauren believes in the process of art as a conduit for communication and expression and is passionate about the use of art to encourage meaningful conversations. Lauren’s practice of Art Therapy has been heavily influenced by the Disability Justice and Healing Justice movements and is non-hierarchical, co-creative, and gender-affirming.
Lauren Chester (she/they) is a registered and board-certified art therapist (ATR-BC) who is passionate about cultivating environments where people can practice sharing their whole selves. Lauren believes in the process of art as a conduit for communication and expression and is passionate about the use of art to encourage meaningful conversations. Lauren’s practice of Art Therapy has been heavily influenced by the Disability Justice and Healing Justice movements and is non-hierarchical, co-creative, and gender-affirming.
(510) 369-4820 View (510) 369-4820
Photo of Sandi Rene Gundersen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Sandi Rene Gundersen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Vallejo, CA 94590
Using Creative Therapies ( CBT, DBT, MI, Internal Family Systems, art, Mindfulness) we will explore these various modalities to bring awareness and support the healing process.
Are you looking for fulfillment? Want to end your pain? Are you sick and tired and feeling sick and tired? I am here to help. I have been providing psychotherapy since 2004. I have helped individuals, couples, and families feel restored, empowered, and able to make positive changes that last. When I offer help and guidance I like to quote the Bible in this metaphor of bringing beauty from ashes.
Using Creative Therapies ( CBT, DBT, MI, Internal Family Systems, art, Mindfulness) we will explore these various modalities to bring awareness and support the healing process.
Are you looking for fulfillment? Want to end your pain? Are you sick and tired and feeling sick and tired? I am here to help. I have been providing psychotherapy since 2004. I have helped individuals, couples, and families feel restored, empowered, and able to make positive changes that last. When I offer help and guidance I like to quote the Bible in this metaphor of bringing beauty from ashes.
(707) 562-0496 View (707) 562-0496
Photo of Dawn Wade, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Dawn Wade
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR, CHT, EMDR
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Rocklin, CA 95677
You’ll have access to a variety of approaches, such as mindfulness, visualizations, Art therapy, writing, EMDR, & CBT.
Do you long for encouragement to grow, someone who reinforces your strengths, can help you heal emotional & mental wounds, & change the dysfunctional patterns hindering your life? I work with adults- chronic trauma & high sensitivity. I can help you with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, grief & loss, self-esteem, relationship health, & more. Feeling stuck, misunderstood, or lost... wanting your hurt, concerns, & needs authentically heard & explored? My approach is tailored to your unique needs; we’ll develop a plan for healing, getting unstuck, letting go, & re-connection. Feeling hope & the relief you long for are possible.
You’ll have access to a variety of approaches, such as mindfulness, visualizations, Art therapy, writing, EMDR, & CBT.
Do you long for encouragement to grow, someone who reinforces your strengths, can help you heal emotional & mental wounds, & change the dysfunctional patterns hindering your life? I work with adults- chronic trauma & high sensitivity. I can help you with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, grief & loss, self-esteem, relationship health, & more. Feeling stuck, misunderstood, or lost... wanting your hurt, concerns, & needs authentically heard & explored? My approach is tailored to your unique needs; we’ll develop a plan for healing, getting unstuck, letting go, & re-connection. Feeling hope & the relief you long for are possible.
(916) 905-4278 View (916) 905-4278
Photo of Jordana del Feld, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Jordana del Feld
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFA, AMFT, APCC, CMT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
Are you ready to create a new life? ———Overwhelm. Anxiety. Loneliness. Sometimes we can all feel stuck in a never-ending story. I'm here to help you choose your own adventure. Creatives, entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, freelancers, inventors, philosophers, athletes, magicians, pirates, heretics, and renegade chocolatiers...I am here for you. You too can claim a compassionate yesterday, craft a clear today, and create a confident tomorrow.
Are you ready to create a new life? ———Overwhelm. Anxiety. Loneliness. Sometimes we can all feel stuck in a never-ending story. I'm here to help you choose your own adventure. Creatives, entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, freelancers, inventors, philosophers, athletes, magicians, pirates, heretics, and renegade chocolatiers...I am here for you. You too can claim a compassionate yesterday, craft a clear today, and create a confident tomorrow.
(415) 763-1527 View (415) 763-1527
Photo of Jacob Kaminker, Psychologist in San Rafael, CA
Jacob Kaminker
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704  (Online Only)
Do you sometimes feel like you just need to get over that next hill, but then there is always another hill? Life is a winding trail, with each turn bringing new challenges. Inner conflicts create uncertainty. Yet, you're not alone. Together, we'll navigate the twists of relationships and decisions, forging a path to self-discovery and empowerment. Let's embark on this adventure together.
Do you sometimes feel like you just need to get over that next hill, but then there is always another hill? Life is a winding trail, with each turn bringing new challenges. Inner conflicts create uncertainty. Yet, you're not alone. Together, we'll navigate the twists of relationships and decisions, forging a path to self-discovery and empowerment. Let's embark on this adventure together.
(510) 629-4412 View (510) 629-4412
Photo of Suzanne Lerner, Psychologist in San Rafael, CA
Suzanne Lerner
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Soquel, CA 95073
Are you needing a safe and confidential place to sort through all that is going on, so that you can create a life of Greater Ease, Choice and Connection? Are you needing new skills to help address your “emotional dysregulation” so you have these tools available when you most need them? Somatically-Attuned Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps you creatively reduce inner criticism, shame and anxiety & reclaim a life of Greater Presence, Clarity & Joy. We will use Parts Dialogue, Expressive Arts, EFT Tapping & Guided Visualization to transform your old, critical limiting beliefs into Authentic Compassion, Love & Self-Appreciation!
Are you needing a safe and confidential place to sort through all that is going on, so that you can create a life of Greater Ease, Choice and Connection? Are you needing new skills to help address your “emotional dysregulation” so you have these tools available when you most need them? Somatically-Attuned Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps you creatively reduce inner criticism, shame and anxiety & reclaim a life of Greater Presence, Clarity & Joy. We will use Parts Dialogue, Expressive Arts, EFT Tapping & Guided Visualization to transform your old, critical limiting beliefs into Authentic Compassion, Love & Self-Appreciation!
(831) 244-9589 View (831) 244-9589
Photo of San Francisco Intimacy & Sex Therapy Center, Pre-Licensed Professional in San Rafael, CA
San Francisco Intimacy & Sex Therapy Center
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704
East Bay Intimacy & Sex Therapy Center was created with the goal of making the practice of sex & intimacy therapy more relationship-focused & accessible, without the stigma & confusion that often accompanies misperceptions about couples & sex therapy. We offer attachment-based sex therapy & couples counseling. We believe that healthy relationships are at the core of how change & healing occur. Having a healthy sexual relationship to one's self or partner(s) is vital to overall wellbeing. We strive to support & promote lifelong change that will allow you to form sustainable, loving & equitable relationships, & an overall sense of health wellbeing.
East Bay Intimacy & Sex Therapy Center was created with the goal of making the practice of sex & intimacy therapy more relationship-focused & accessible, without the stigma & confusion that often accompanies misperceptions about couples & sex therapy. We offer attachment-based sex therapy & couples counseling. We believe that healthy relationships are at the core of how change & healing occur. Having a healthy sexual relationship to one's self or partner(s) is vital to overall wellbeing. We strive to support & promote lifelong change that will allow you to form sustainable, loving & equitable relationships, & an overall sense of health wellbeing.
(510) 694-2664 View (510) 694-2664
Photo of Dr. Rhian Daniel in San Rafael, CA
Dr. Rhian Daniel
PhD
Verified Verified
Mountain View, CA 94041
Dr. Rhian Daniel helps individuals discover the psychological connection between who they think they are and who they actually are; and consequently, how they connect with the concept of a purpose-in-life and fulfill that goal. Contributing to knowing who you really are is knowing what your really are. Therefore, he guides people to this awareness firstly, using various methods. This is essential, as change is simplified when one knows the original construction methods. Techniques Dr. Daniel employs come from within the fields of transpersonal psychology, ecopsychology, somatic psychology, and Wilderness Rites of Passage rituals.
Dr. Rhian Daniel helps individuals discover the psychological connection between who they think they are and who they actually are; and consequently, how they connect with the concept of a purpose-in-life and fulfill that goal. Contributing to knowing who you really are is knowing what your really are. Therefore, he guides people to this awareness firstly, using various methods. This is essential, as change is simplified when one knows the original construction methods. Techniques Dr. Daniel employs come from within the fields of transpersonal psychology, ecopsychology, somatic psychology, and Wilderness Rites of Passage rituals.
(919) 728-5031 View (919) 728-5031
Photo of HERA Wellness Center in San Rafael, CA
HERA Wellness Center
CCht, CCPC, RADT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ukiah, CA 95482  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
As an interactive, solution-focused Integrative Holistic Therapist I strive to empower YOU to make long lasting behavior changes that are the foundation for a lifetime of health and well-being. I work with a wide spectrum of challenges, ranging from addiction to stress management. I also provide guidance and support to those looking to enhance their life or in the mist of change. Research shows we are impacted by multiple interconnected dimensions. These dimensions include our physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being.
As an interactive, solution-focused Integrative Holistic Therapist I strive to empower YOU to make long lasting behavior changes that are the foundation for a lifetime of health and well-being. I work with a wide spectrum of challenges, ranging from addiction to stress management. I also provide guidance and support to those looking to enhance their life or in the mist of change. Research shows we are impacted by multiple interconnected dimensions. These dimensions include our physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being.
(707) 610-0918 View (707) 610-0918
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.