Photo of Christine Ellen Willeford, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christine Ellen Willeford
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Benicia, CA 94510
Once-upon-a-time you envisioned a happily ever after. The reality is: a happy marriage requires more effort than you thought. Are you drawn to a holistic approach to health and healing? Your time is valuable which is why my direct approach with transpersonal psychology priorities your personal goals. With a tell-it-like-it-is style you are offered a safe, non-judgmental perspective for realistic progress and inner peace. Knowledge is power, achieving a deeper understanding of yourself has a ripple effect on powerful change.
Once-upon-a-time you envisioned a happily ever after. The reality is: a happy marriage requires more effort than you thought. Are you drawn to a holistic approach to health and healing? Your time is valuable which is why my direct approach with transpersonal psychology priorities your personal goals. With a tell-it-like-it-is style you are offered a safe, non-judgmental perspective for realistic progress and inner peace. Knowledge is power, achieving a deeper understanding of yourself has a ripple effect on powerful change.
(707) 606-0575 View (707) 606-0575
Photo of Tara Baker - The Connective (formerly Wellspace SF), Marriage & Family Therapist
The Connective (formerly Wellspace SF)
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Benicia, CA 94510
Tired of calling around? We have immediate openings! The Connective is an integrative practice of psychotherapists, certified coaches, and holistic health practitioners dedicated to a common goal: guiding, inspiring, and empowering individuals to live more authentic, fulfulling and healthy lives. From navigating personal and professional roadblocks, to achieving optimal health and wellness, our mission is to provide compassionate and strengths-based support centered on the whole person.
Tired of calling around? We have immediate openings! The Connective is an integrative practice of psychotherapists, certified coaches, and holistic health practitioners dedicated to a common goal: guiding, inspiring, and empowering individuals to live more authentic, fulfulling and healthy lives. From navigating personal and professional roadblocks, to achieving optimal health and wellness, our mission is to provide compassionate and strengths-based support centered on the whole person.
(415) 335-7793 View (415) 335-7793

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Audrey Silverman Foote, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Audrey Silverman Foote
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523  (Online Only)
I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in the East Bay for over 30 years, providing psychotherapy for adults, couples, families, adolescents, and groups. I work from a holistic perspective, creating a safe environment to encourage the therapeutic process. I specialize in working with: relationship issues, recovery from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and other childhood traumas; depression; anxiety, low self esteem; codependency issues; parenting concerns; compulsive eating patterns; body image dissatisfaction, chronic illness, and perinatal loss. I integrate in-depth psychotherapy with EMDR, Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Jungian Sand Tray, and Dream Work.
I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in the East Bay for over 30 years, providing psychotherapy for adults, couples, families, adolescents, and groups. I work from a holistic perspective, creating a safe environment to encourage the therapeutic process. I specialize in working with: relationship issues, recovery from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and other childhood traumas; depression; anxiety, low self esteem; codependency issues; parenting concerns; compulsive eating patterns; body image dissatisfaction, chronic illness, and perinatal loss. I integrate in-depth psychotherapy with EMDR, Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Jungian Sand Tray, and Dream Work.
(925) 892-3864 View (925) 892-3864
Photo of Jillian Perry, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jillian Perry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Motherhood can bring levels of joy you never thought possible, and it can also be overwhelming. Living in those dualities seems to be a daily experience. Some of the emotions and thoughts you are navigating during pregnancy and postpartum were not in the books or articles about what to expect during this time. Perinatal mood disorders and anxiety are experienced by 1 in 7 women. Please know you are not alone and help is here.
Motherhood can bring levels of joy you never thought possible, and it can also be overwhelming. Living in those dualities seems to be a daily experience. Some of the emotions and thoughts you are navigating during pregnancy and postpartum were not in the books or articles about what to expect during this time. Perinatal mood disorders and anxiety are experienced by 1 in 7 women. Please know you are not alone and help is here.
(925) 261-7865 View (925) 261-7865
Photo of Julianne Fox, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julianne Fox
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I specialize in working with couples who are planning to have children, postpartum parents, and families to help promote healing and growth. Having and raising children is one of the hardest and longest-term projects anyone will ever take on. I want to help parents engage in this process with self-awareness, intention, and love to help improve their own well-being, as well as the child or children's. I believe wellness starts in the home and each member of a family unit can help contribute to positive connections through taking time to work on themselves and then care for others.
I specialize in working with couples who are planning to have children, postpartum parents, and families to help promote healing and growth. Having and raising children is one of the hardest and longest-term projects anyone will ever take on. I want to help parents engage in this process with self-awareness, intention, and love to help improve their own well-being, as well as the child or children's. I believe wellness starts in the home and each member of a family unit can help contribute to positive connections through taking time to work on themselves and then care for others.
(510) 405-6802 View (510) 405-6802

Online Therapists

Photo of Jacqueline D Smith, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jacqueline D Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95401  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
As a Clinical Social Worker, I support individuals in their pursuit of mental wellness through counseling, KAP psychotherapy, integration work, art therapy and consultation/referrals. I have worked as a social worker in Sonoma County for 25 years and have developed a comprehensive skill set and resource network to support individuals. My focus with clients often includes the use of the Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) frameworks. This approach gracefully includes the social, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and biological parts of each person.
As a Clinical Social Worker, I support individuals in their pursuit of mental wellness through counseling, KAP psychotherapy, integration work, art therapy and consultation/referrals. I have worked as a social worker in Sonoma County for 25 years and have developed a comprehensive skill set and resource network to support individuals. My focus with clients often includes the use of the Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) frameworks. This approach gracefully includes the social, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and biological parts of each person.
(707) 675-3496 View (707) 675-3496
Photo of Marilee Ruebsamen, PhD, Psychologist
Marilee Ruebsamen
Psychologist, PhD
Not Verified Not Verified
Saratoga, CA 95070
We use art, shared storytelling, mindfulness, homemade journals, conversational & formal psychological assessment - and close, accurate listening to the immediate experience of children and the adults who are meaningful in their lives to gain clear, comprehensive, contextual understanding of their issues, neurodevelopmental status, & underlying contributing factors.
Are you concerned for your children in an ongoing high conflict divorce or another highly distressing situation? I consult, support, offer parent/child coping strategies to prevent longterm effects of severe stress & trauma for children/affected others. Even the youngest can demonstrate remarkable resilience. We attend to their confusion, impaired awareness, degree of distorted cognition. Parents cultivate enhanced attunement, insight, learn to see beyond children's distorted appraisal. We co-create more accurate thinking, safer, more healthy relationships, make space for more realistic understanding, provide predictability, constancy, enhanced trust, explore feelings, support emotional regulation, form new, hope-filled stories to replace frightening, traumatic ones.
We use art, shared storytelling, mindfulness, homemade journals, conversational & formal psychological assessment - and close, accurate listening to the immediate experience of children and the adults who are meaningful in their lives to gain clear, comprehensive, contextual understanding of their issues, neurodevelopmental status, & underlying contributing factors.
Are you concerned for your children in an ongoing high conflict divorce or another highly distressing situation? I consult, support, offer parent/child coping strategies to prevent longterm effects of severe stress & trauma for children/affected others. Even the youngest can demonstrate remarkable resilience. We attend to their confusion, impaired awareness, degree of distorted cognition. Parents cultivate enhanced attunement, insight, learn to see beyond children's distorted appraisal. We co-create more accurate thinking, safer, more healthy relationships, make space for more realistic understanding, provide predictability, constancy, enhanced trust, explore feelings, support emotional regulation, form new, hope-filled stories to replace frightening, traumatic ones.
(831) 275-8260 View (831) 275-8260
Photo of Crystal Compton, MA, LMFT, ATR-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Crystal Compton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
Some of the treatment modalities I use are; art therapy, CBT, narrative therapy, and mindfulness.
Hi there! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) serving California residents. I specialize in working with anxiety and women's issues, though I welcome those experiencing a wider range of challenges. I work holistically, meaning that I take into consideration many aspects of your wellbeing. My approach is attachment focused, trauma-informed, and collaborative.
Some of the treatment modalities I use are; art therapy, CBT, narrative therapy, and mindfulness.
Hi there! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) serving California residents. I specialize in working with anxiety and women's issues, though I welcome those experiencing a wider range of challenges. I work holistically, meaning that I take into consideration many aspects of your wellbeing. My approach is attachment focused, trauma-informed, and collaborative.
(628) 600-3255 View (628) 600-3255
Photo of Noelle Braddock, MA, LMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Noelle Braddock
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
For those that are interested, I also enjoy using intuition, creativity, and the imaginal realms (imagery, visualization, experiential exercises, art, dreamwork, etc.
I offer counseling for individuals and partners experiencing a broad range of life challenges. And, I have extensive experience in supporting folks as they navigate the following content areas: communication & relationship issues; grief & loss; identity; trauma; sexual orientation, sexuality & sensuality; creativity; systems & lived experiences of oppression; anxiety & fear; depression; co-dependence; addiction; infidelity, betrayal & trust; and inner-child work. I’m sex-positive, queer, and poly- & kink-affirming, and welcome all ethnic & racial identities & positionalities. (For more info: www.noellebraddocktherapy.com)
For those that are interested, I also enjoy using intuition, creativity, and the imaginal realms (imagery, visualization, experiential exercises, art, dreamwork, etc.
I offer counseling for individuals and partners experiencing a broad range of life challenges. And, I have extensive experience in supporting folks as they navigate the following content areas: communication & relationship issues; grief & loss; identity; trauma; sexual orientation, sexuality & sensuality; creativity; systems & lived experiences of oppression; anxiety & fear; depression; co-dependence; addiction; infidelity, betrayal & trust; and inner-child work. I’m sex-positive, queer, and poly- & kink-affirming, and welcome all ethnic & racial identities & positionalities. (For more info: www.noellebraddocktherapy.com)
(415) 527-5968 View (415) 527-5968
Photo of Kaitlin Webber, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Kaitlin Webber
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Roseville, CA 95661
Waitlist for new clients
With kids I pull from different art therapy interventions as well as play and sandtray therapy.
I am a Children and Individual therapist specializing in behavioral challenges, anxiety, add/adhd, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Rather than a one size fits all approach to therapy, I pull from a variety of modalities and incorporate different interventions and skills based on the individual clients needs and goals.
With kids I pull from different art therapy interventions as well as play and sandtray therapy.
I am a Children and Individual therapist specializing in behavioral challenges, anxiety, add/adhd, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Rather than a one size fits all approach to therapy, I pull from a variety of modalities and incorporate different interventions and skills based on the individual clients needs and goals.
(530) 287-8773 View (530) 287-8773
Photo of Rachel M Cleveland, MA, LMFT, ATR-P, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel M Cleveland
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR-P
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
**Accepting New Clients** Feel cared for and heard, experience a safe and authentic connection, find clarity, heal from a past or more recent traumatic event. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Provisional Art Therapist and Mindfulness-based Practitioner, I offer a person-centered, strength-based holistic approach to healing. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I work with the creative mind, this work includes art and expressive mediums to understand how our earliest experiences in life create the implicit, behavioral patterns that we can potentially carry with us for a lifetime.
**Accepting New Clients** Feel cared for and heard, experience a safe and authentic connection, find clarity, heal from a past or more recent traumatic event. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Provisional Art Therapist and Mindfulness-based Practitioner, I offer a person-centered, strength-based holistic approach to healing. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I work with the creative mind, this work includes art and expressive mediums to understand how our earliest experiences in life create the implicit, behavioral patterns that we can potentially carry with us for a lifetime.
(650) 249-9418 View (650) 249-9418
Photo of Krysta Banazek, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Krysta Banazek
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401
I have a separate play-therapy room for children where I offer sand-tray, play and art therapies.
I help clients define how they want their lives to be different and help them identify the steps they will need to take to reach their goals. I've built a practice with the goal of strengthening families by increasing communication between its members and helping them focus on problem solving versus placing blame. Adults going through a life transition is a specialty - relationship issues, birth of a baby, balancing work & family, divorce and blended families. I also have a passion for children/adolescents and their welfare. I can provide valuable support to help them work through the challenges they are facing.
I have a separate play-therapy room for children where I offer sand-tray, play and art therapies.
I help clients define how they want their lives to be different and help them identify the steps they will need to take to reach their goals. I've built a practice with the goal of strengthening families by increasing communication between its members and helping them focus on problem solving versus placing blame. Adults going through a life transition is a specialty - relationship issues, birth of a baby, balancing work & family, divorce and blended families. I also have a passion for children/adolescents and their welfare. I can provide valuable support to help them work through the challenges they are facing.
(650) 200-3906 View (650) 200-3906
Photo of Mary Taylor Fullerton, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mary Taylor Fullerton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Master's Degree in Art Therapy/Psychology; Yoga Teacher certification; Specialization in therapy for Medication Assisted Treatment.
I encourage clients to approach therapy with an open and curious mind. For my part, you can expect compassion, collaboration and an unwavering authenticity in each session - with an occasional dose of humor.
Master's Degree in Art Therapy/Psychology; Yoga Teacher certification; Specialization in therapy for Medication Assisted Treatment.
I encourage clients to approach therapy with an open and curious mind. For my part, you can expect compassion, collaboration and an unwavering authenticity in each session - with an occasional dose of humor.
(650) 488-3876 View (650) 488-3876
Photo of Catherine Crawford, MFT, ATR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Catherine Crawford
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, ATR
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Children/teens: self-esteem, anxiety, depression, navigating relationships, gifted/empathic/HSP, divorce, chronic illness, teletherapy for college, art/play therapy.
I bring empathy, compassion and 30 years of experience to my holistic work with adults, children and teens. You are unique and my intent is to listen for your strengths and build on the positive as we gently remove blocks, trauma, thoughts, stressors and old relationship patterns that are holding you back. My style is warm and interactive and I incorporate my own intuition and creativity as I help people to make meaningful life changes.
Children/teens: self-esteem, anxiety, depression, navigating relationships, gifted/empathic/HSP, divorce, chronic illness, teletherapy for college, art/play therapy.
I bring empathy, compassion and 30 years of experience to my holistic work with adults, children and teens. You are unique and my intent is to listen for your strengths and build on the positive as we gently remove blocks, trauma, thoughts, stressors and old relationship patterns that are holding you back. My style is warm and interactive and I incorporate my own intuition and creativity as I help people to make meaningful life changes.
(650) 918-6909 View (650) 918-6909
Photo of Sue Ciminelli, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sue Ciminelli
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816
As a credentialed art therapist, I often use art and play therapy when working with children, adolescents and families.
I have been a therapist for over twenty-five years and have had the opportunity to work with many different clients and circumstances along the way. I provide therapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families. I am constantly amazed by the strength and perseverance of my clients and I greatly appreciate that they allow me into their lives so that we may work through their challenges together. In particular, I have worked extensively with children and parents, many of divorced families. My adult clients are often dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and childhood issues.
As a credentialed art therapist, I often use art and play therapy when working with children, adolescents and families.
I have been a therapist for over twenty-five years and have had the opportunity to work with many different clients and circumstances along the way. I provide therapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families. I am constantly amazed by the strength and perseverance of my clients and I greatly appreciate that they allow me into their lives so that we may work through their challenges together. In particular, I have worked extensively with children and parents, many of divorced families. My adult clients are often dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and childhood issues.
(916) 378-6574 View (916) 378-6574
Photo of Cecilie Herring, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cecilie Herring
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I am also an art therapist and offer art and sand tray therapy when my clients are drawn to these modalities.
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist offering psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and children. My training focuses on helping my clients improve their relationships with themselves and others, navigate life transitions, and heal from traumatic experiences. My overall approach seeks to provide a warm, trusting, nonjudgemental relationship in which you are deeply listened to and can safely and freely discuss your challenges, concerns, and vulnerabilities.
I am also an art therapist and offer art and sand tray therapy when my clients are drawn to these modalities.
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist offering psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and children. My training focuses on helping my clients improve their relationships with themselves and others, navigate life transitions, and heal from traumatic experiences. My overall approach seeks to provide a warm, trusting, nonjudgemental relationship in which you are deeply listened to and can safely and freely discuss your challenges, concerns, and vulnerabilities.
(415) 517-9319 View (415) 517-9319
Photo of Larry Santiago, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Larry Santiago
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94703
I have a particular expertise in working with clients who have diverse cultural backgrounds (e.g. ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation.) I also have a deep association working with artistic/creative type individuals and can address particular issues that arise being an artist confined to a conventional/mainstream worldview.
I have a particular expertise in working with clients who have diverse cultural backgrounds (e.g. ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation.) I also have a deep association working with artistic/creative type individuals and can address particular issues that arise being an artist confined to a conventional/mainstream worldview.
(925) 247-3396 View (925) 247-3396
Photo of Linsey Kapoor - Dr. Linsey Kapoor, PsyD, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Linsey Kapoor
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Patterson, CA 95363
Life can get difficult sometimes and leave you feeling vulnerable, anxious or sad. Seeking support can make all the difference. Change does not happen overnight but I am confident that with consistency and motivation, we can get there by collaboratively working together. I strongly believe that each of us have the power to change and create the life that we want. The answers to your problems are already within you, you just need to know how to access them. My goal is to help guide you through your self-discovery, work with you to set goals and teach coping strategies
Life can get difficult sometimes and leave you feeling vulnerable, anxious or sad. Seeking support can make all the difference. Change does not happen overnight but I am confident that with consistency and motivation, we can get there by collaboratively working together. I strongly believe that each of us have the power to change and create the life that we want. The answers to your problems are already within you, you just need to know how to access them. My goal is to help guide you through your self-discovery, work with you to set goals and teach coping strategies
(209) 791-7261 View (209) 791-7261
Photo of Michelle A Birch, PhD, Psychologist
Michelle A Birch
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I have specialized in two areas.  The first involves the treatment of loss, grief, trauma and the  anxiety disorders that sometimes accompany these events. With a new perspective, most people find it easier to incorporate new coping skills.  This can help you work through your feelings and losses. The second area of specialty is women's health, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period of life. Having a newborn and the adjustment to mothering brings on many challenges. I work with women to help them cope with the changes to themselves, their bodies as well as their relationships.
I have specialized in two areas.  The first involves the treatment of loss, grief, trauma and the  anxiety disorders that sometimes accompany these events. With a new perspective, most people find it easier to incorporate new coping skills.  This can help you work through your feelings and losses. The second area of specialty is women's health, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period of life. Having a newborn and the adjustment to mothering brings on many challenges. I work with women to help them cope with the changes to themselves, their bodies as well as their relationships.
(628) 265-8658 View (628) 265-8658
Photo of Christy Livingston - Bridges to Understanding Family Therapy Services, LMFT, RPT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bridges to Understanding Family Therapy Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Children, Families, Adults, no matter what path you took, you are welcome here. We are a group practice in Healdsburg, offering individual, group, couples, and parenting services, niche focused in play therapy and neurodiverse-affirming care. Our team provides comprehensive care to support the emotional health & well-being of clients of all ages. Searching for help can be a difficult task, & finding someone whom you feel comfortable with can be even harder. We offer a safe place, listening ear, & confidential atmosphere. We guide you through healing from the past, grounding in present, & setting goals for the future.
Children, Families, Adults, no matter what path you took, you are welcome here. We are a group practice in Healdsburg, offering individual, group, couples, and parenting services, niche focused in play therapy and neurodiverse-affirming care. Our team provides comprehensive care to support the emotional health & well-being of clients of all ages. Searching for help can be a difficult task, & finding someone whom you feel comfortable with can be even harder. We offer a safe place, listening ear, & confidential atmosphere. We guide you through healing from the past, grounding in present, & setting goals for the future.
(707) 395-7550 View (707) 395-7550

See more therapy options for Benicia

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.