Art Therapy in Oakland, CA
I work with seekers; curious souls navigating the winding path back to health after trauma, chronic illness, grief, or loss. They seek not just relief, but liberation: nervous system regulation, ancestral healing, and a true sense of belonging. Through trauma-informed somatic psychotherapy, I guide clients to reconnect with the wisdom of their bodies, process trauma, and reignite their inner fire. Together, we restore balance between mind, body, and spirit, moving toward embodied wholeness in a world that often encourages fragmentation, reclaiming power and resilience.
Please visit: www.kristinfialkotherapy. com
I work with seekers; curious souls navigating the winding path back to health after trauma, chronic illness, grief, or loss. They seek not just relief, but liberation: nervous system regulation, ancestral healing, and a true sense of belonging. Through trauma-informed somatic psychotherapy, I guide clients to reconnect with the wisdom of their bodies, process trauma, and reignite their inner fire. Together, we restore balance between mind, body, and spirit, moving toward embodied wholeness in a world that often encourages fragmentation, reclaiming power and resilience.
Please visit: www.kristinfialkotherapy. com
I provide trauma-informed care, using a relational and attachment-based approach, integrating art therapeutic processes when useful.
Has something in your life become too much to bear? If you’re feeling lonely, alienated, confused about your relationships, hurt, angry, or feeling unheard; if you’re finding the stress of parenting overwhelming, or feeling defeated by cycles of conflict, I'd like to help you. I work with individuals, couples and families wounded by their family systems, who have experienced trauma or abuse, have struggled with a narcissistic parent or partner, or have been negatively impacted by relationships with their in-laws. I passionately believe that with the right help, you can move from suffering and uncertainty to clarity and empowerment.
I provide trauma-informed care, using a relational and attachment-based approach, integrating art therapeutic processes when useful.
Has something in your life become too much to bear? If you’re feeling lonely, alienated, confused about your relationships, hurt, angry, or feeling unheard; if you’re finding the stress of parenting overwhelming, or feeling defeated by cycles of conflict, I'd like to help you. I work with individuals, couples and families wounded by their family systems, who have experienced trauma or abuse, have struggled with a narcissistic parent or partner, or have been negatively impacted by relationships with their in-laws. I passionately believe that with the right help, you can move from suffering and uncertainty to clarity and empowerment.
My clients are passionate, sensitive, often highly creative people searching for a place where their full self can be witnessed, celebrated, and supported. Sometimes this includes mourning for what was not possible or the intensity of previous experiences they were put through and what that has cost them. My clients tend to struggle with a variety of complex issues. They often come from families with a legacy of unprocessed intergenerational trauma, which can take many forms. Ultimately, clients who seek me are looking for a place to try out new ways of being in the world. Ways that will better support their deepest values.
My clients are passionate, sensitive, often highly creative people searching for a place where their full self can be witnessed, celebrated, and supported. Sometimes this includes mourning for what was not possible or the intensity of previous experiences they were put through and what that has cost them. My clients tend to struggle with a variety of complex issues. They often come from families with a legacy of unprocessed intergenerational trauma, which can take many forms. Ultimately, clients who seek me are looking for a place to try out new ways of being in the world. Ways that will better support their deepest values.
Therapy with me is about creating space for your full story and finding ways to move forward with greater clarity and connection. I work with people who feel deeply, including neurodivergent folks, creatives, educators, and anyone who feels disconnected from themselves or the life they imagined. I’m a therapist who understands how complex PTSD, burnout, and life’s challenges can shape the way you see yourself and the world.
Therapy with me is about creating space for your full story and finding ways to move forward with greater clarity and connection. I work with people who feel deeply, including neurodivergent folks, creatives, educators, and anyone who feels disconnected from themselves or the life they imagined. I’m a therapist who understands how complex PTSD, burnout, and life’s challenges can shape the way you see yourself and the world.
My work is deeply informed by somatic work, cultural sensitivity, and the lived experiences of first-generation, immigrant, and Indigenous communities. In our work together, therapy is both reflective and experiential. Clients can expect a space that honors their full identity, history, and resilience, while challenging what no longer serves them. I often invite exploration around the question: How has your culture helped you, and how has your culture harmed you? This inquiry allows us to hold pride and grief at the same time, creating room for clarity, self-compassion, and meaningful change.
My work is deeply informed by somatic work, cultural sensitivity, and the lived experiences of first-generation, immigrant, and Indigenous communities. In our work together, therapy is both reflective and experiential. Clients can expect a space that honors their full identity, history, and resilience, while challenging what no longer serves them. I often invite exploration around the question: How has your culture helped you, and how has your culture harmed you? This inquiry allows us to hold pride and grief at the same time, creating room for clarity, self-compassion, and meaningful change.
It doesn’t matter who you are, these days are making the practice of relationship rough. Staying connected to your partner, especially during this historical/social/political time, can be both the greatest need and the biggest challenge. In couples therapy, I hold the space for whatever is here to come to the surface of awareness. In that place of awareness, you may find more choice around how you want to be in relationship to one another. We may work on communication & relationship skills, explore the root of your trauma responses and attachment, practice working across difference, and/or discover ways back to connection.
It doesn’t matter who you are, these days are making the practice of relationship rough. Staying connected to your partner, especially during this historical/social/political time, can be both the greatest need and the biggest challenge. In couples therapy, I hold the space for whatever is here to come to the surface of awareness. In that place of awareness, you may find more choice around how you want to be in relationship to one another. We may work on communication & relationship skills, explore the root of your trauma responses and attachment, practice working across difference, and/or discover ways back to connection.
I’m a therapist supporting BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and marginalized communities across California (virtual) and in Oakland (in person). My practice is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in anti-oppressive, decolonized values.
Whether you’re seeking therapy to explore your identity, heal from trauma, manage stress or anxiety, or process life transitions and experiences of injustice, I am here to support you. I work with individuals of all ages, couples, & families—especially those navigating complex cultural, relational, and systemic dynamics.
I’m a therapist supporting BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and marginalized communities across California (virtual) and in Oakland (in person). My practice is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in anti-oppressive, decolonized values.
Whether you’re seeking therapy to explore your identity, heal from trauma, manage stress or anxiety, or process life transitions and experiences of injustice, I am here to support you. I work with individuals of all ages, couples, & families—especially those navigating complex cultural, relational, and systemic dynamics.
I integrate trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative, art, mindfulness, and somatic practices, with culturally informed perspectives.
While depression and anxiety may be reasonable responses to your life experiences and the state of the world, that doesn't mean you have to suffer alone. You deserve support. I strive to create an environment where you can safely lean into difficult feelings and process your past and present without shame or judgment. We will work collaboratively to unpack the impact of systems, relationships, and intersectional identities (i.e. women of color, immigrant background, cultural stress) on your well-being. Together, we’ll explore healing not only as an individual journey, but as an act of empowerment and transformation.
I integrate trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative, art, mindfulness, and somatic practices, with culturally informed perspectives.
While depression and anxiety may be reasonable responses to your life experiences and the state of the world, that doesn't mean you have to suffer alone. You deserve support. I strive to create an environment where you can safely lean into difficult feelings and process your past and present without shame or judgment. We will work collaboratively to unpack the impact of systems, relationships, and intersectional identities (i.e. women of color, immigrant background, cultural stress) on your well-being. Together, we’ll explore healing not only as an individual journey, but as an act of empowerment and transformation.
My clients tend to be sensitive, creative, and curious—perhaps overwhelmed by the world’s noise or their own inner critic. They may be navigating grief, trauma, identity, or burnout, and are yearning for deeper connection to self, others, and life. They want to feel more grounded, authentic, and aligned.
My clients tend to be sensitive, creative, and curious—perhaps overwhelmed by the world’s noise or their own inner critic. They may be navigating grief, trauma, identity, or burnout, and are yearning for deeper connection to self, others, and life. They want to feel more grounded, authentic, and aligned.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing telehealth in California and Vermont. I value asking questions from a place of real curiosity and making sure our work is truly helpful for you. I hold the radical belief that problems are problems and people are not problems. My values in action look like approaching therapy with humor and creativity, incorporating written and artistic practices, and inviting others in to witness your journey.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing telehealth in California and Vermont. I value asking questions from a place of real curiosity and making sure our work is truly helpful for you. I hold the radical belief that problems are problems and people are not problems. My values in action look like approaching therapy with humor and creativity, incorporating written and artistic practices, and inviting others in to witness your journey.
I have a trauma-informed, integrative style based on mindfulness, somatic psychology, parts work, eco-psychology, expressive arts, humanistic and transpersonal psychology, neuroscience, spirituality, as well as a background in holistic health, nutrition, massage, fitness, dance, art, community building, activism and creative events.
Hi there! Are you going through a difficult transition in your life? Struggling in your relationships? Unsure of yourself? I am here for you. I can help you understand, heal, and transform your life. I specialize in supporting couples, women and femme identified, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, immigrants and first-generation, highly sensitive, creatives/ artists, and alternative relationships/lifestyles. I also specialize in ADHD, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief, transitions, relationships, communication, boundary setting, career, identity, life coaching, and nature connection
I have a trauma-informed, integrative style based on mindfulness, somatic psychology, parts work, eco-psychology, expressive arts, humanistic and transpersonal psychology, neuroscience, spirituality, as well as a background in holistic health, nutrition, massage, fitness, dance, art, community building, activism and creative events.
Hi there! Are you going through a difficult transition in your life? Struggling in your relationships? Unsure of yourself? I am here for you. I can help you understand, heal, and transform your life. I specialize in supporting couples, women and femme identified, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, immigrants and first-generation, highly sensitive, creatives/ artists, and alternative relationships/lifestyles. I also specialize in ADHD, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief, transitions, relationships, communication, boundary setting, career, identity, life coaching, and nature connection
I offer a warm, affirming, and non-judgmental space for children, teens, and adults exploration of LGBTQI+ identities, struggles with anxiety, and support with grief and loss.
I offer a warm, affirming, and non-judgmental space for children, teens, and adults exploration of LGBTQI+ identities, struggles with anxiety, and support with grief and loss.
I see folx who navigate intersectional identities (Latinx/BIPOC, immigrants, queer, trans, non-binary). I work with any number of issues including: depression, anxiety, ADHD, neurodivergence, learning disabilities, chronic pain, financial trauma, adoption, aging, self-esteem, body image, creativity, life transitions, and life purpose. I see people 14 years of age and up.
I see folx who navigate intersectional identities (Latinx/BIPOC, immigrants, queer, trans, non-binary). I work with any number of issues including: depression, anxiety, ADHD, neurodivergence, learning disabilities, chronic pain, financial trauma, adoption, aging, self-esteem, body image, creativity, life transitions, and life purpose. I see people 14 years of age and up.
Bilingual, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-informed, Relational Psychotherapy. I believe that engaging in therapy is an act of courage because change is by definition radical. An important goal of therapy is to connect to your authentic/creative self as a way to make meaning in times of suffering. Together we will explore your personal, family, cultural, and political history to understand the ways in which your experiences shape how you feel in the world. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, finding/keeping good relationships, or trying to integrate different identities, our work can help you find some sense of cohesion.
Bilingual, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-informed, Relational Psychotherapy. I believe that engaging in therapy is an act of courage because change is by definition radical. An important goal of therapy is to connect to your authentic/creative self as a way to make meaning in times of suffering. Together we will explore your personal, family, cultural, and political history to understand the ways in which your experiences shape how you feel in the world. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, finding/keeping good relationships, or trying to integrate different identities, our work can help you find some sense of cohesion.
Bienvenidos/Welcome! I am a bilingual/bicultural Spanish-speaking therapist located in the East Bay area of California. I have been working with children, teens, and adults of color struggling with an array of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship satisfaction, life purpose, trauma, postpartum depression, and spirituality, related to life transitions, family stress, trauma, and grief. Although my work has focused on the unique needs of minorities and underrepresented individuals, being a member of that community is certainly not a requirement for your personal development.
Bienvenidos/Welcome! I am a bilingual/bicultural Spanish-speaking therapist located in the East Bay area of California. I have been working with children, teens, and adults of color struggling with an array of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship satisfaction, life purpose, trauma, postpartum depression, and spirituality, related to life transitions, family stress, trauma, and grief. Although my work has focused on the unique needs of minorities and underrepresented individuals, being a member of that community is certainly not a requirement for your personal development.
I value science equally with the domain of intuition and art.
My core specialty is attachment resetting, especially in recovery from narcissistic and oppression-based abuse. My other main areas of focus include addiction, autism, ADHD, AuDHD, and chronic/progressive illnesses (including long COVID, HIV/AIDS, TBI, experiences of medical gaslighting, and supporting partners of people living with terminal illnesses).
I value science equally with the domain of intuition and art.
My core specialty is attachment resetting, especially in recovery from narcissistic and oppression-based abuse. My other main areas of focus include addiction, autism, ADHD, AuDHD, and chronic/progressive illnesses (including long COVID, HIV/AIDS, TBI, experiences of medical gaslighting, and supporting partners of people living with terminal illnesses).
Psychotherapy is a uniquely effective way to address and process deeply rooted issues that manifest in ways that are painful, confusing, and make people feel out of control. I work with children, adolescents, and adults in individual therapy, using a collaborative approach that centers on empathy, understanding, and exploration. My orientation is predominantly psychodynamic, and I tailor my approach to each individual to address unique circumstances and complexities. I strive to create a safe, warm, and validating environment that enables people to share and be vulnerable without fear of judgment.
Psychotherapy is a uniquely effective way to address and process deeply rooted issues that manifest in ways that are painful, confusing, and make people feel out of control. I work with children, adolescents, and adults in individual therapy, using a collaborative approach that centers on empathy, understanding, and exploration. My orientation is predominantly psychodynamic, and I tailor my approach to each individual to address unique circumstances and complexities. I strive to create a safe, warm, and validating environment that enables people to share and be vulnerable without fear of judgment.
Adults/teens, couples/relationships, and groups. Bring your anxiety or depression, issues with identity, sexuality, life purpose and meaning, your trauma, your grief. Build self awareness, self acceptance, self compassion. Strengthen your relationships and work through communication barriers. Work through trauma, get support through addiction, be present and live more fully. LGBTQ+, BIMPOC, non-monogamy, sex work competent and responsive. I come with 18+ years of experience as a case manager, special educator, and wilderness first responder.
Adults/teens, couples/relationships, and groups. Bring your anxiety or depression, issues with identity, sexuality, life purpose and meaning, your trauma, your grief. Build self awareness, self acceptance, self compassion. Strengthen your relationships and work through communication barriers. Work through trauma, get support through addiction, be present and live more fully. LGBTQ+, BIMPOC, non-monogamy, sex work competent and responsive. I come with 18+ years of experience as a case manager, special educator, and wilderness first responder.
The pace and complexity of life these days is making it harder and harder to connect to how we are really feeling, and to understand why we are feeling that way. It feels like, too often, we are urged to ignore or push away key parts of ourselves in order to be or do what seems to be required of us. In response to this, the therapy I provide is an opportunity to slow down, to get clear about what we each need in order to feel okay (or to even just remember the ways that we actually already are okay, in the midst of it all), and to move into steadier and healthier versions of ourselves.
The pace and complexity of life these days is making it harder and harder to connect to how we are really feeling, and to understand why we are feeling that way. It feels like, too often, we are urged to ignore or push away key parts of ourselves in order to be or do what seems to be required of us. In response to this, the therapy I provide is an opportunity to slow down, to get clear about what we each need in order to feel okay (or to even just remember the ways that we actually already are okay, in the midst of it all), and to move into steadier and healthier versions of ourselves.
I believe that inside each of our struggles there is a choice and it's from this place that we can reconnect to and reclaim our inherent wisdom and power. My intention in our work together is to help shed light on the path to help guide you home to yourself
I believe that inside each of our struggles there is a choice and it's from this place that we can reconnect to and reclaim our inherent wisdom and power. My intention in our work together is to help shed light on the path to help guide you home to yourself
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Art Therapy Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Castro Valley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro
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.