Photo of Monica J Thoelke, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Monica J Thoelke
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Alpine, CA 91901  (Online Only)
I draw from many psychotherapeutic areas depending on client needs and preferences which often include: Adlerian, Art Therapy, CBT, DBT, Existential, Spiritual, and Trauma informed frameworks.
Let your journey towards healing and growth begin with therapeutic support. As an experienced therapist, I am dedicated to providing a safe and compassionate space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and challenges. Together, we will embark on a collaborative process, tailored to your unique needs and goals. With my warm and non-judgmental approach, I aim to create an environment where you feel comfortable to share, express, and reflect. Through open and honest conversations, we will delve into the depths of your experiences, working towards understanding, insight, and transformation.
I draw from many psychotherapeutic areas depending on client needs and preferences which often include: Adlerian, Art Therapy, CBT, DBT, Existential, Spiritual, and Trauma informed frameworks.
Let your journey towards healing and growth begin with therapeutic support. As an experienced therapist, I am dedicated to providing a safe and compassionate space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and challenges. Together, we will embark on a collaborative process, tailored to your unique needs and goals. With my warm and non-judgmental approach, I aim to create an environment where you feel comfortable to share, express, and reflect. Through open and honest conversations, we will delve into the depths of your experiences, working towards understanding, insight, and transformation.
(707) 377-3822 View (707) 377-3822
Photo of Nadia Abdo in California
Nadia Abdo
PhD
Verified Verified
Saint Helena, CA 94574
We also dedicate time for deeper reflection by incorporating sensory, art, music, and energy work techniques along the way.
All are welcome to reach out. I offer a free 35 minute intro session, I invite you to email me to schedule a time. I specialize in Trauma, Relationship Challenges, Suicide, Emotion Regulation, Anxiety, Cultural Challenges, Work Challenges & Eating Disorders. My current work & previous experience includes: NASA, DEIB Specialist (Current); Berklee College of Music Boston, Resident Director (2023); University at Buffalo, Assistant Director of Counseling (2020-21). Dartmouth, Research Coord. (2020). Cornell University, Psychologist (2016-2019).
We also dedicate time for deeper reflection by incorporating sensory, art, music, and energy work techniques along the way.
All are welcome to reach out. I offer a free 35 minute intro session, I invite you to email me to schedule a time. I specialize in Trauma, Relationship Challenges, Suicide, Emotion Regulation, Anxiety, Cultural Challenges, Work Challenges & Eating Disorders. My current work & previous experience includes: NASA, DEIB Specialist (Current); Berklee College of Music Boston, Resident Director (2023); University at Buffalo, Assistant Director of Counseling (2020-21). Dartmouth, Research Coord. (2020). Cornell University, Psychologist (2016-2019).
(341) 888-6797 View (341) 888-6797
Photo of Niccola Rosza, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Niccola Rosza
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95403  (Online Only)
I utilize a holistic and integrative approach that offers a safe, supportive setting, using dream analysis, mindfulness, art therapy, journaling, meditation and other creative ways leading to an authentic and more rewarding life. From my studies under Rev. Kawakami, deputy head priest of Shunkoin Temple in Kyoto in Mindfulness and Zen Meditation, I have developed this therapeutic approach that treats, balances, and nourishes the mind, body, emotions, and soul. I use a variety of therapeutic perspectives and techniques including Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Jungian, and Mindfulness-based interventions.
I utilize a holistic and integrative approach that offers a safe, supportive setting, using dream analysis, mindfulness, art therapy, journaling, meditation and other creative ways leading to an authentic and more rewarding life. From my studies under Rev. Kawakami, deputy head priest of Shunkoin Temple in Kyoto in Mindfulness and Zen Meditation, I have developed this therapeutic approach that treats, balances, and nourishes the mind, body, emotions, and soul. I use a variety of therapeutic perspectives and techniques including Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Jungian, and Mindfulness-based interventions.
(707) 504-0873 View (707) 504-0873
Photo of Open Space Therapy Collective in California
Open Space Therapy Collective
LPCC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026
From somatic approaches to art therapy to talk therapy for individuals and couples, we’ll support you in the way that works best for you.
Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC) was founded by and for the queer and trans community. For too many intersectional identities, clients have to educate their therapists instead of receiving the support they came in for. Not here. When you work with an OSTC therapist, you are guaranteed a mental health partner who is: A member of the LGBTQ+ community or a staunch ally, Queer and Trans-knowledgeable, Anti-racist, Sex-positive, Specializing in supporting non-monogamous relationships.
From somatic approaches to art therapy to talk therapy for individuals and couples, we’ll support you in the way that works best for you.
Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC) was founded by and for the queer and trans community. For too many intersectional identities, clients have to educate their therapists instead of receiving the support they came in for. Not here. When you work with an OSTC therapist, you are guaranteed a mental health partner who is: A member of the LGBTQ+ community or a staunch ally, Queer and Trans-knowledgeable, Anti-racist, Sex-positive, Specializing in supporting non-monogamous relationships.
(818) 280-4708 View (818) 280-4708
Photo of Meredith Holmes, Psychological Associate in California
Meredith Holmes
Psychological Associate, MSW, MSCP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
I am a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional with over 6 years of experience as a psychotherapist and over 16 years of experience as a social worker. I support and empower clients who have a range of concerns including adjusting to life transitions, relationship challenges, exploring various aspects of identity (i.e., race, sexuality, gender), trauma, grief and loss, navigating the world as a neurodivergent person, and more. When appropriate, I utilize humor in the therapy room, and I also welcome exploring creative ways of healing through avenues such as art, music, and play.
I am a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional with over 6 years of experience as a psychotherapist and over 16 years of experience as a social worker. I support and empower clients who have a range of concerns including adjusting to life transitions, relationship challenges, exploring various aspects of identity (i.e., race, sexuality, gender), trauma, grief and loss, navigating the world as a neurodivergent person, and more. When appropriate, I utilize humor in the therapy room, and I also welcome exploring creative ways of healing through avenues such as art, music, and play.
(415) 874-0759 View (415) 874-0759
Photo of Mary Ann Brown, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Mary Ann Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Ana, CA 92705
I also use Art Journaling when appropriate.
Therapy should be client-focused & should occur in an atmosphere of warmth & safety. My style is caring, creative and non-judgmental. A trusting relationship between client and therapist is essential for successful outcomes in therapy. Through this relationship, clients can explore the emotional challenges that they are facing. With the help of an empathic therapist, one can begin to gain awareness of unconscious emotional patterns, feelings & beliefs. Through the processing of this unconscious material, old wounds can be healed and the client can gain insight that equips them to create a life that is more satisfying and meaningful.
I also use Art Journaling when appropriate.
Therapy should be client-focused & should occur in an atmosphere of warmth & safety. My style is caring, creative and non-judgmental. A trusting relationship between client and therapist is essential for successful outcomes in therapy. Through this relationship, clients can explore the emotional challenges that they are facing. With the help of an empathic therapist, one can begin to gain awareness of unconscious emotional patterns, feelings & beliefs. Through the processing of this unconscious material, old wounds can be healed and the client can gain insight that equips them to create a life that is more satisfying and meaningful.
(949) 313-8258 View (949) 313-8258
Photo of Aileen Castellanos, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Aileen Castellanos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Dimas, CA 91773
My background in trauma-informed therapy, Art therapy, Play therapy, CBT, and more create the perfect approach to help you succeed.
I am here to assist you with your life or daily challenges that include family roles, societal roles, past and current trauma, anxiety, depression, men issues, cultural challenges, LGBTQ+, and more. As a therapist my job is to help guide you to that better place you want to be at but are unsure how to get there yourself.
My background in trauma-informed therapy, Art therapy, Play therapy, CBT, and more create the perfect approach to help you succeed.
I am here to assist you with your life or daily challenges that include family roles, societal roles, past and current trauma, anxiety, depression, men issues, cultural challenges, LGBTQ+, and more. As a therapist my job is to help guide you to that better place you want to be at but are unsure how to get there yourself.
(626) 669-1394 View (626) 669-1394
Photo of Share Your Story Therapy and Coaching, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Share Your Story Therapy and Coaching
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Moraga, CA 94556
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adults, adolescents, and couples. I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, comedy, theatre, film making, creative writing, improvisation, nature, traveling, film and television, documentaries, dancing and making art of all kinds. I graduated from the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas. In college I studied theatre, documentary film and creative writing. I have a BA from Columbia College Chicago.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adults, adolescents, and couples. I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, comedy, theatre, film making, creative writing, improvisation, nature, traveling, film and television, documentaries, dancing and making art of all kinds. I graduated from the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas. In college I studied theatre, documentary film and creative writing. I have a BA from Columbia College Chicago.
(925) 430-6899 View (925) 430-6899
Photo of Danielle Golan, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Danielle Golan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254  (Online Only)
As an artist myself, I also incorporate expressive art therapies.
As a culture, we are taught to suppress our emotions. We would do anything and everything to distract ourselves as opposed to diving in. I’m a firm believer that our bodies hold our emotions, experiences and traumas. If we turn within, we can find the resources to deal with any problem and we can create a life of satisfaction, love and joy. I am a Licensed psychotherapist that sees individuals and couples via telehealth in California, New Jersey and Florida. I am the founder of a CA based Group Psychotherapy Practice called The Feeling Space (www.thefeelingspace.me / 424 274 0518). Check out some of my colleagues below:
As an artist myself, I also incorporate expressive art therapies.
As a culture, we are taught to suppress our emotions. We would do anything and everything to distract ourselves as opposed to diving in. I’m a firm believer that our bodies hold our emotions, experiences and traumas. If we turn within, we can find the resources to deal with any problem and we can create a life of satisfaction, love and joy. I am a Licensed psychotherapist that sees individuals and couples via telehealth in California, New Jersey and Florida. I am the founder of a CA based Group Psychotherapy Practice called The Feeling Space (www.thefeelingspace.me / 424 274 0518). Check out some of my colleagues below:
(310) 919-0848 View (310) 919-0848
Photo of Kadence Mitchell, Pre-Licensed Professional in California
Kadence Mitchell
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
My approach is eclectic and evidence-based, with a range of interventions like psychodynamic, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, CBT and art therapy.
As a Black, queer femme with mixed ancestry, I carry with me both a personal and professional understanding of the systems of oppression and domination that entangle with identity and wreak havoc in our lives. I have specific interest and experience working with those struggling with racial identity, sexual identity and gender identity; those healing from and finding their independence from/within dysfunctional family dynamics; folks who have been affected by intimate partner violence and dating violence; and those seeking to uncover patterns of intergenerational trauma within themselves and their family systems.
My approach is eclectic and evidence-based, with a range of interventions like psychodynamic, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, CBT and art therapy.
As a Black, queer femme with mixed ancestry, I carry with me both a personal and professional understanding of the systems of oppression and domination that entangle with identity and wreak havoc in our lives. I have specific interest and experience working with those struggling with racial identity, sexual identity and gender identity; those healing from and finding their independence from/within dysfunctional family dynamics; folks who have been affected by intimate partner violence and dating violence; and those seeking to uncover patterns of intergenerational trauma within themselves and their family systems.
(415) 360-3764 View (415) 360-3764
Photo of Frances Cocksedge, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in California
Frances Cocksedge
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91106
I specialize in EMDR Trauma Processing, Adolescent Mental Health, Art Therapy, and Addiction.
I work with teens, children, and adults struggling with unresolved trauma, relational issues, existential fear, grief, gender dysphoria, self-harm, addiction, anxiety, and depression. I work from a psychodynamic lens, which means looking at my client’s past as a means of informing the present and helping them discover the unconscious blind spots that unknowingly contribute to their distress. I am passionate about helping to reconcile past trauma such as abuse, bullying, oppression, and toxic relationships. I also work with families and couples stuck in destructive patterns and having the same fight over and over.
I specialize in EMDR Trauma Processing, Adolescent Mental Health, Art Therapy, and Addiction.
I work with teens, children, and adults struggling with unresolved trauma, relational issues, existential fear, grief, gender dysphoria, self-harm, addiction, anxiety, and depression. I work from a psychodynamic lens, which means looking at my client’s past as a means of informing the present and helping them discover the unconscious blind spots that unknowingly contribute to their distress. I am passionate about helping to reconcile past trauma such as abuse, bullying, oppression, and toxic relationships. I also work with families and couples stuck in destructive patterns and having the same fight over and over.
(323) 863-8346 View (323) 863-8346
Photo of Melinda Marcelluskincaid, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Melinda Marcelluskincaid
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
I utilize somatic and art therapies, relaxation & mindfulness practices, depth perspective, as well as practical applications and approaches.
Do you seek more balance, understanding, connection and freedom in your relationships with yourself and others? I create a safe and supportive environment to help you through difficulties to become more positive and live with presence in acceptance and peace. Whether we work to create boundaries, increase self-esteem, decrease destructive patterns, or move through painful life experiences, together we will process what you are going through in order to obtain clarity, solutions, and personal growth. My hope is that we can find contentment in our present moment & live fully in that moment each day.
I utilize somatic and art therapies, relaxation & mindfulness practices, depth perspective, as well as practical applications and approaches.
Do you seek more balance, understanding, connection and freedom in your relationships with yourself and others? I create a safe and supportive environment to help you through difficulties to become more positive and live with presence in acceptance and peace. Whether we work to create boundaries, increase self-esteem, decrease destructive patterns, or move through painful life experiences, together we will process what you are going through in order to obtain clarity, solutions, and personal growth. My hope is that we can find contentment in our present moment & live fully in that moment each day.
(805) 367-5102 View (805) 367-5102
Photo of Nanette Sebourn Couples-Individual-Sex specialist, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Nanette Sebourn Couples-Individual-Sex specialist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Temecula, CA 92590
Whether you are changing your relationship from falling in love to True Love or wanting inner growth, it is an art that must be learned.
Ms. Sebourn is IMPARTIAL, KIND AND ACCURATE. She treats individuals and couples AT THE SAME TIME. She specializes in sex therapy for individuals and couples. She is a Psychologist, a Healer and an Educator so her treatments use all three modes to help with any issue. Her hours are 12noon to 7pm to accommodate everyone's schedule on Mondays thru Thursday. She wrote a book titled "Love with a Brain" ( ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0578661698 ) and it is available on Amazon. She offers a free meet & greet so please call to find out more. She honestly cares about her clients. See for yourself at Nanettesebourn.com
Whether you are changing your relationship from falling in love to True Love or wanting inner growth, it is an art that must be learned.
Ms. Sebourn is IMPARTIAL, KIND AND ACCURATE. She treats individuals and couples AT THE SAME TIME. She specializes in sex therapy for individuals and couples. She is a Psychologist, a Healer and an Educator so her treatments use all three modes to help with any issue. Her hours are 12noon to 7pm to accommodate everyone's schedule on Mondays thru Thursday. She wrote a book titled "Love with a Brain" ( ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0578661698 ) and it is available on Amazon. She offers a free meet & greet so please call to find out more. She honestly cares about her clients. See for yourself at Nanettesebourn.com
(951) 291-0563 View (951) 291-0563
Photo of Dena Barnes, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Dena Barnes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, ATR, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
My education also includes a Masters in Art Therapy which can be used to help clients address issues that have been difficult to identify/verbalize in their lives thus far.
Sometimes, it's hard to know how to change things without the help of someone you trust. Perhaps you are ready to make a change in your life...ready to finally close the gap between the way your life is and the way you would like it to be? I'd like to help you along that journey. My goal is to help each client develop a pathway to achieve inner health, resolve conflicts, and find happiness and wholeness in their lives. Here, you will find an open, safe and empathic space for transformation.
My education also includes a Masters in Art Therapy which can be used to help clients address issues that have been difficult to identify/verbalize in their lives thus far.
Sometimes, it's hard to know how to change things without the help of someone you trust. Perhaps you are ready to make a change in your life...ready to finally close the gap between the way your life is and the way you would like it to be? I'd like to help you along that journey. My goal is to help each client develop a pathway to achieve inner health, resolve conflicts, and find happiness and wholeness in their lives. Here, you will find an open, safe and empathic space for transformation.
(661) 460-5123 View (661) 460-5123
Photo of Truth Healing & Evolution Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Truth Healing & Evolution Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Upland, CA 91786
We offer Psychotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, EMDR Therapy, Art & Music Therapy, Group Therapy.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) & clinical life coach, owner of Truth, Healing & Evolution Counseling Services and WLW HEALING HOUSE, and founder of T.H.E. iLove Me Experiences and “My Warrior Life” movement. With over 17 years of experience, I work to provide clients with safe spaces to freely express themselves, encourage them to “stretch & grow” and teaches them the coping skills necessary to assist in their healing. I Am Passionate About: Normalizing Radical SelfCare and teaching clients about their WHOLE Being; focusing on the connections and relationships between their Spirit, Soul, Mind and Body.
We offer Psychotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, EMDR Therapy, Art & Music Therapy, Group Therapy.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) & clinical life coach, owner of Truth, Healing & Evolution Counseling Services and WLW HEALING HOUSE, and founder of T.H.E. iLove Me Experiences and “My Warrior Life” movement. With over 17 years of experience, I work to provide clients with safe spaces to freely express themselves, encourage them to “stretch & grow” and teaches them the coping skills necessary to assist in their healing. I Am Passionate About: Normalizing Radical SelfCare and teaching clients about their WHOLE Being; focusing on the connections and relationships between their Spirit, Soul, Mind and Body.
(909) 512-6521 View (909) 512-6521
Photo of Janna Marie Zangger, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in California
Janna Marie Zangger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92606  (Online Only)
I also use various EBPs and modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, attachment theory, humor, and art therapy.
It's okay to ask for help. In fact, it's brave! We live in a busy and uncertain world with many expectations. Often times people feel like they aren't enough or that there is something wrong with them. You may feel you are not thin enough, a good enough mom, student, partner, employee, etc. But you are enough! And you are not a problem to be fixed! You are a human to be understood! Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, anxiety, OCD, addiction, or how to navigate life in general, my goal is to create a space for you to feel safe enough to show up as you are and to know that it's okay to not be okay.
I also use various EBPs and modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, attachment theory, humor, and art therapy.
It's okay to ask for help. In fact, it's brave! We live in a busy and uncertain world with many expectations. Often times people feel like they aren't enough or that there is something wrong with them. You may feel you are not thin enough, a good enough mom, student, partner, employee, etc. But you are enough! And you are not a problem to be fixed! You are a human to be understood! Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, anxiety, OCD, addiction, or how to navigate life in general, my goal is to create a space for you to feel safe enough to show up as you are and to know that it's okay to not be okay.
(213) 463-6692 View (213) 463-6692
Photo of Andrea Barlas, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Andrea Barlas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Waitlist for new clients
Using mindful practices, art therapy, play therapy, and traditional talk therapy, I work to foster and create a safe space for clients to explore their inner thoughts and feelings, while also processing those feelings and cultivating self love and resilience.
I have been working with children and adolescents for over 30 years in the greater Bay Area. My primary practice focuses around facilitating youth through difficult transitions, school related stresses, anxiety, peer relationships, and self esteem. Additionally, I support young adults and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, sexual orientation and difficult life transitions.
Using mindful practices, art therapy, play therapy, and traditional talk therapy, I work to foster and create a safe space for clients to explore their inner thoughts and feelings, while also processing those feelings and cultivating self love and resilience.
I have been working with children and adolescents for over 30 years in the greater Bay Area. My primary practice focuses around facilitating youth through difficult transitions, school related stresses, anxiety, peer relationships, and self esteem. Additionally, I support young adults and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, sexual orientation and difficult life transitions.
(650) 303-9738 View (650) 303-9738
Photo of Emily Nicole Glickman, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Emily Nicole Glickman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
Oak Park, CA 91377  (Online Only)
My name is Emily Glickman and I am a licensed MFT and registered art therapist. I am passionate about helping people get unstuck from their mental health symptoms and to be able to reach their full potential. I work with individuals aged 12 and up as well as families. Specifically, I have years of experience working with those dealing with anxiety and panic, mood disorders, OCD and related disorders, eating disorders, trauma and more. I am able to assist clients in learning to cope with and manage their symptoms, meet personal goals, as well as create a fulfilling identity outside of struggling with mental health.
My name is Emily Glickman and I am a licensed MFT and registered art therapist. I am passionate about helping people get unstuck from their mental health symptoms and to be able to reach their full potential. I work with individuals aged 12 and up as well as families. Specifically, I have years of experience working with those dealing with anxiety and panic, mood disorders, OCD and related disorders, eating disorders, trauma and more. I am able to assist clients in learning to cope with and manage their symptoms, meet personal goals, as well as create a fulfilling identity outside of struggling with mental health.
(818) 824-5251 View (818) 824-5251
Photo of Edina C Adler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in California
Edina C Adler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA, Mediatr
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
When appropriate I also employ expressive arts therapies, particularly art and drama therapy, and Voice Dialogue.
Is your marriage or partnership showing signs of stress? Not sure if blending families is a good idea? Over 60% of blended families in the U.S. do not succeed and this impacts children's mental health. I help couples in conflict or who have grown apart create a more loving home using evidence-based methods, including the Gottman Method, Terry Real's Relational Life and Bader-Pearson Couples Therapy. I utilize compassion- and mindfulness-based methods to improve your parenting AND your partnership at the same time, while addressing the underlying causes of conflicts. I work primarily with adults.
When appropriate I also employ expressive arts therapies, particularly art and drama therapy, and Voice Dialogue.
Is your marriage or partnership showing signs of stress? Not sure if blending families is a good idea? Over 60% of blended families in the U.S. do not succeed and this impacts children's mental health. I help couples in conflict or who have grown apart create a more loving home using evidence-based methods, including the Gottman Method, Terry Real's Relational Life and Bader-Pearson Couples Therapy. I utilize compassion- and mindfulness-based methods to improve your parenting AND your partnership at the same time, while addressing the underlying causes of conflicts. I work primarily with adults.
(925) 989-0967 View (925) 989-0967
Photo of Elvira Kitrar, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Elvira Kitrar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
I employ a variety of techniques ranging from standard psychotherapy to art therapy, sand play, relaxation and guided visualization.
My approach to psychotherapy is holistic. I not only treat the "tip of the iceberg" problems, but also address the deeper, "bottom of the ocean," issues. I treat the whole person and honor the mind-body-spirit connections, taking into account the client's cultural, religious and ethnic background, ancestry, race and immigration history. I recognize the complexity of each person's history and circumstances and employ a wide variety of techniques to guide my clients in their self-discovery.
I employ a variety of techniques ranging from standard psychotherapy to art therapy, sand play, relaxation and guided visualization.
My approach to psychotherapy is holistic. I not only treat the "tip of the iceberg" problems, but also address the deeper, "bottom of the ocean," issues. I treat the whole person and honor the mind-body-spirit connections, taking into account the client's cultural, religious and ethnic background, ancestry, race and immigration history. I recognize the complexity of each person's history and circumstances and employ a wide variety of techniques to guide my clients in their self-discovery.
(415) 534-9620 View (415) 534-9620
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.