Photo of Anna Darvin Hirsch, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anna Darvin Hirsch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
What I stand for: Relationships are a collaborative art and practice.
What I believe: Relationships are unique and come in countless shapes and sizes over time. Right now, relationships are already happening and changing in your life every day. Love is available in ourselves when we choose it, and choosing love in ourselves brings more love into our relationships. Yes, all relationships shift and change, and at the same time, love can regenerate again and again in the most mysterious moments and forms if we stay open and curious.
What I stand for: Relationships are a collaborative art and practice.
What I believe: Relationships are unique and come in countless shapes and sizes over time. Right now, relationships are already happening and changing in your life every day. Love is available in ourselves when we choose it, and choosing love in ourselves brings more love into our relationships. Yes, all relationships shift and change, and at the same time, love can regenerate again and again in the most mysterious moments and forms if we stay open and curious.
(510) 756-4122 View (510) 756-4122
Photo of Merry Ross, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Merry Ross
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
My office has many things that support drama therapy and expressive arts therapy : scarves, a sand tray , and other art supplies.
My work ranges from people who have experienced serious trauma, and suffer from depression and anxiety to those who just want to feel better in their lives and their relationships. I love working with couples. I know from my own experience of being married since 1990 that relationships need nurturing and intention. I love helping couples find intimacy that may have been lost. I really see my work as helping individuals and couples live their best life!
My office has many things that support drama therapy and expressive arts therapy : scarves, a sand tray , and other art supplies.
My work ranges from people who have experienced serious trauma, and suffer from depression and anxiety to those who just want to feel better in their lives and their relationships. I love working with couples. I know from my own experience of being married since 1990 that relationships need nurturing and intention. I love helping couples find intimacy that may have been lost. I really see my work as helping individuals and couples live their best life!
(510) 969-6005 View (510) 969-6005
Photo of Kruti Patel, MA, LMFT, ATR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kruti Patel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94608  (Online Only)
I often offer art therapy in sessions to help increase insight and gain a deeper understanding of life experiences and narratives that are held.
Therapy can be an opportunity to explore life experiences, reconnect with yourself and develop tools and strategies to help you better manage anxiety or worrying thoughts. I work collaboratively with you to uncover and make sense of confusing or conflicting desires, thoughts, and feelings and explore relationship patterns that are not working for you. I understand the need to find realistic solutions and move past critical self-judgments and unhelpful behaviors. I also support women and birthing people with worries during pregnancy, birthing process and postpartum and explore ways to maintain a sense of agency throughout.
I often offer art therapy in sessions to help increase insight and gain a deeper understanding of life experiences and narratives that are held.
Therapy can be an opportunity to explore life experiences, reconnect with yourself and develop tools and strategies to help you better manage anxiety or worrying thoughts. I work collaboratively with you to uncover and make sense of confusing or conflicting desires, thoughts, and feelings and explore relationship patterns that are not working for you. I understand the need to find realistic solutions and move past critical self-judgments and unhelpful behaviors. I also support women and birthing people with worries during pregnancy, birthing process and postpartum and explore ways to maintain a sense of agency throughout.
(510) 939-7667 View (510) 939-7667
Photo of Natalie R Cargill, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natalie R Cargill
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
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.
(510) 800-8143 View (510) 800-8143
Photo of Danielle Swan, ATR-P, Pre-Licensed Professional
Danielle Swan
Pre-Licensed Professional, ATR-P
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
As an Art Therapist, I offer client-centered creative interventions based in active art making and mindfulness as well as CBT, DBT, and ACT.
Is your child struggling with anxiety, depression or a big life change or a recent trauma? Are you an adult navigating grief or a transitional phase in your life and overwhelmed with stress, worry, or fear? As an Art Therapist, using a trauma-informed approach, we will work collaboratively and creatively to meet your goals. I will help you access coping skills, establishing routines, and hold space for emotional expression. I specialize in working with individuals from marginalized communities, ages 4 through adulthood, with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.
As an Art Therapist, I offer client-centered creative interventions based in active art making and mindfulness as well as CBT, DBT, and ACT.
Is your child struggling with anxiety, depression or a big life change or a recent trauma? Are you an adult navigating grief or a transitional phase in your life and overwhelmed with stress, worry, or fear? As an Art Therapist, using a trauma-informed approach, we will work collaboratively and creatively to meet your goals. I will help you access coping skills, establishing routines, and hold space for emotional expression. I specialize in working with individuals from marginalized communities, ages 4 through adulthood, with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.
(510) 390-7014 View (510) 390-7014
Photo of Nanyonjo Mukungu, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Nanyonjo Mukungu
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
Specifically, I offer the use of techniques like Hakomi, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), attachment theory, creative expressions like art and music, developing mindfulness skills like breathework, somatic awareness and astrology informed tarot & oracle readings.
My framework as a psychotherapist is inspired by black feminist sci-fi writer, Octavia E. Butler who saw the possibility of many more worlds than just our own. I believe that transformative internal healing is critical to envisioning and building these worlds without the presence of imperialism, white supremacy, capitalism and cishet-patriarchy. The tools I use to support the exploration of individual, interpersonal and intergenerational trauma are shaped by abolition that rejects punitive and scarcity mindsets and disability justice which strives to value every body.
Specifically, I offer the use of techniques like Hakomi, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), attachment theory, creative expressions like art and music, developing mindfulness skills like breathework, somatic awareness and astrology informed tarot & oracle readings.
My framework as a psychotherapist is inspired by black feminist sci-fi writer, Octavia E. Butler who saw the possibility of many more worlds than just our own. I believe that transformative internal healing is critical to envisioning and building these worlds without the presence of imperialism, white supremacy, capitalism and cishet-patriarchy. The tools I use to support the exploration of individual, interpersonal and intergenerational trauma are shaped by abolition that rejects punitive and scarcity mindsets and disability justice which strives to value every body.
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Photo of Melanie Ferrari, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Melanie Ferrari
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I consider myself to be a neurodivergent therapist, who is authentic and direct. My style is anchored in cognitive science, attachment theory, mindfulness, social justice, parts work, and somatic psychology. I value science equally with the domain of intuition and art, and I consider myself an especially huge nerd with evolutionary psychology. I'm queer and LGBTQIA+ aligned, and I'm fluent in polyamory and kink relationship dynamics.
I consider myself to be a neurodivergent therapist, who is authentic and direct. My style is anchored in cognitive science, attachment theory, mindfulness, social justice, parts work, and somatic psychology. I value science equally with the domain of intuition and art, and I consider myself an especially huge nerd with evolutionary psychology. I'm queer and LGBTQIA+ aligned, and I'm fluent in polyamory and kink relationship dynamics.
(510) 826-5168 View (510) 826-5168
Photo of Irene Schell Capuchino, LMFT, LPCC, ATR-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Irene Schell Capuchino
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601  (Online Only)
As a board certified art therapist, I can offer customized art therapy interventions to clients of any age as part of their personalized treatment plan.
My approach to counseling begins with careful listening to understand your unique situation and personal goals. I will listen without judging you or rushing to a quick fix that might not be applicable for your specific situation. Many of my clients enter counseling feeling alone or overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or stress. They may feel stuck in painful relationships that aren't working, or stuck with intense feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, dread, or inner pain. My treatment approach is gentle, educational, and experiential.
As a board certified art therapist, I can offer customized art therapy interventions to clients of any age as part of their personalized treatment plan.
My approach to counseling begins with careful listening to understand your unique situation and personal goals. I will listen without judging you or rushing to a quick fix that might not be applicable for your specific situation. Many of my clients enter counseling feeling alone or overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or stress. They may feel stuck in painful relationships that aren't working, or stuck with intense feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, dread, or inner pain. My treatment approach is gentle, educational, and experiential.
(510) 343-7798 View (510) 343-7798
Photo of Kristin Fialko, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristin Fialko
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606  (Online Only)
I work relationally with a trauma-informed lens, incorporating somatic techniques, Gestalt & Parts work, Transpersonal psychology, mindfulness practices, art therapy modalities and a social-justice & anti-racist orientation.
We often find ourselves and bodies, on the path towards health after overwhelming experiences, trauma, grief or loss. Re-igniting our inner-fire and natural emotional balance can understandably be a challenge. Trauma-informed somatic psychotherapy can help! I take my role as a therapist, one who supports the client On their journey, as a facilitator of a sacred collaboration. I conduct therapy with an intention to process and move trauma (anxiety, depression and grief accompanying it) in order to restore balance between the mind, body, and spirit and reignite the internal fire.
I work relationally with a trauma-informed lens, incorporating somatic techniques, Gestalt & Parts work, Transpersonal psychology, mindfulness practices, art therapy modalities and a social-justice & anti-racist orientation.
We often find ourselves and bodies, on the path towards health after overwhelming experiences, trauma, grief or loss. Re-igniting our inner-fire and natural emotional balance can understandably be a challenge. Trauma-informed somatic psychotherapy can help! I take my role as a therapist, one who supports the client On their journey, as a facilitator of a sacred collaboration. I conduct therapy with an intention to process and move trauma (anxiety, depression and grief accompanying it) in order to restore balance between the mind, body, and spirit and reignite the internal fire.
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Photo of Jason Delgadillo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jason Delgadillo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94621
I started by studying religion, art, and philosophy then took an interest in culture, humanities, and history, then moved to psychology.
My name is Jason Delgadillo and I have enjoyed working as a clinical therapist for the past 8 years in the county of Los Angeles. I have worked with a wide breadth of clientele, mainly focusing on supporting the unique needs of individuals and helping them to find balance, stability, and self-compassion. I have worked with adults including people living with mental illness, college students, veterans, LGBTQIA2s, people experiencing homelessness, older individuals, and people from the BIPOC communities. My focus is PTSD, anxiety, relationship issues, childhood/adult trauma, dream analysis, wellness, and addiction.
I started by studying religion, art, and philosophy then took an interest in culture, humanities, and history, then moved to psychology.
My name is Jason Delgadillo and I have enjoyed working as a clinical therapist for the past 8 years in the county of Los Angeles. I have worked with a wide breadth of clientele, mainly focusing on supporting the unique needs of individuals and helping them to find balance, stability, and self-compassion. I have worked with adults including people living with mental illness, college students, veterans, LGBTQIA2s, people experiencing homelessness, older individuals, and people from the BIPOC communities. My focus is PTSD, anxiety, relationship issues, childhood/adult trauma, dream analysis, wellness, and addiction.
(951) 330-7265 View (951) 330-7265
Photo of Sarah Guzick - Share Your Story Therapy and Coaching, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Share Your Story Therapy and Coaching
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94608
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 Joan Bechtel, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joan Bechtel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
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 Kelly Bassin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelly Bassin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I use play therapy, art therapy & eco therapy with children and teens.
Do you find yourself at a crossroads or yearning for more? You may be at a breaking point or you may want to make some changes and you don't know where to start. I will ensure a safe and warm environment for exploration. We will move at a pace comfortable for you. Taking the leap of faith into therapy takes courage. We will engage in a process of empowerment to help you feel more centered & grounded in yourself. I work with individuals, couples, children, & families. I am here to listen, empathize & deepen your self-understanding . We will take a look at your inner longings and the parts of your life which may not be serving you.
I use play therapy, art therapy & eco therapy with children and teens.
Do you find yourself at a crossroads or yearning for more? You may be at a breaking point or you may want to make some changes and you don't know where to start. I will ensure a safe and warm environment for exploration. We will move at a pace comfortable for you. Taking the leap of faith into therapy takes courage. We will engage in a process of empowerment to help you feel more centered & grounded in yourself. I work with individuals, couples, children, & families. I am here to listen, empathize & deepen your self-understanding . We will take a look at your inner longings and the parts of your life which may not be serving you.
(209) 408-1547 View (209) 408-1547
Photo of Christel S Berry, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christel S Berry
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606  (Online Only)
I work on treating Trauma, PTSD Depression, Anxiety disorders, repairing relationships and resolving conflicts. Throughout my journey as a therapist I have gathered years of experience working with a large variety of populations, adolescents, adults, foster youth, children with disabilities and families. I combine multiple modalities and customize them to your specific unique needs. I also offer Art Therapy as an additional tool for self expression, healing and processing.
I work on treating Trauma, PTSD Depression, Anxiety disorders, repairing relationships and resolving conflicts. Throughout my journey as a therapist I have gathered years of experience working with a large variety of populations, adolescents, adults, foster youth, children with disabilities and families. I combine multiple modalities and customize them to your specific unique needs. I also offer Art Therapy as an additional tool for self expression, healing and processing.
(415) 853-4744 View (415) 853-4744
Photo of Olivia Clear, LPCC, MS, ATR-P, Licensed Professional Counselor
Olivia Clear
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC, MS, ATR-P
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
Are you searching for a therapist to help you integrate your insights into change in your day-to-day life? Do you need a space filled with wonder, openness, & curiosity where you can safely explore your inner world? Perhaps you want to talk about the psychedelic state you experienced during Ketamine Therapy or other 'non-ordinary' states like meditation but feel afraid your therapist won’t get it or know how to make meaning with you? Do you wonder if it’s possible to find someone who will honor the impact of your experiences, your story, and your path in a safe, co-creative relationship?
Are you searching for a therapist to help you integrate your insights into change in your day-to-day life? Do you need a space filled with wonder, openness, & curiosity where you can safely explore your inner world? Perhaps you want to talk about the psychedelic state you experienced during Ketamine Therapy or other 'non-ordinary' states like meditation but feel afraid your therapist won’t get it or know how to make meaning with you? Do you wonder if it’s possible to find someone who will honor the impact of your experiences, your story, and your path in a safe, co-creative relationship?
(510) 680-2623 View (510) 680-2623
Photo of Christine Highet, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christine Highet
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94601
My name is Chrissy Highet, and I am a bilingual (Eng/Span) Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. Through psychotherapy, I work to empower children, adolescents, and adults with tools to free themselves from limiting beliefs and show up in the world with confidence and authenticity. Currently a mental health provider with Oakland Unified School District, as well as a parent and a former educator, I’m passionate about creating spaces of connection and belonging.
My name is Chrissy Highet, and I am a bilingual (Eng/Span) Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. Through psychotherapy, I work to empower children, adolescents, and adults with tools to free themselves from limiting beliefs and show up in the world with confidence and authenticity. Currently a mental health provider with Oakland Unified School District, as well as a parent and a former educator, I’m passionate about creating spaces of connection and belonging.
(510) 800-8404 View (510) 800-8404
Photo of Alexandra Mitnick, LCSW, MPH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexandra Mitnick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I specialize in using creativity, humor, and the arts in working with adults who are having intimacy and relationship issues. I enjoy working with individuals and couples, especially couples who are experiencing the stresses and complexities of family life. People have described me as inquisitive, insightful, curious and warm. I offer a solid presence, as well as a fresh, down-to-earth, and direct point of view to support you in your life's pursuits. 5 years of training in AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) and 5 years of training in PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy). PACT Level 3 completed.
I specialize in using creativity, humor, and the arts in working with adults who are having intimacy and relationship issues. I enjoy working with individuals and couples, especially couples who are experiencing the stresses and complexities of family life. People have described me as inquisitive, insightful, curious and warm. I offer a solid presence, as well as a fresh, down-to-earth, and direct point of view to support you in your life's pursuits. 5 years of training in AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) and 5 years of training in PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy). PACT Level 3 completed.
(510) 878-4467 View (510) 878-4467
Photo of Shannon Knorr, AMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Shannon Knorr
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I enjoy in working with; self esteem & worth, trauma healing & recovery, body image & body positivity, disordered eating & relationship to body, belonging as our birthright, transforming deep shame into liberation, body & sex shame, relationships and boundaries, anxiety, stress & hyper-vigilance, nervous system imbalances, life transitions & identity, honoring grief, loss & death, life threatening illness, cancer, auto-immune disease, rites of passage, aging, adolescence, menopause, women's empowerment, highly sensitive people & empaths, people pleasers, intergenerational trauma & ancestral healing, mothering & the mother wound.
I enjoy in working with; self esteem & worth, trauma healing & recovery, body image & body positivity, disordered eating & relationship to body, belonging as our birthright, transforming deep shame into liberation, body & sex shame, relationships and boundaries, anxiety, stress & hyper-vigilance, nervous system imbalances, life transitions & identity, honoring grief, loss & death, life threatening illness, cancer, auto-immune disease, rites of passage, aging, adolescence, menopause, women's empowerment, highly sensitive people & empaths, people pleasers, intergenerational trauma & ancestral healing, mothering & the mother wound.
(510) 983-4457 View (510) 983-4457
Photo of Matthew R. Hicks, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Matthew R. Hicks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If you are feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, my aim is to introduce clarity, authenticity, and self-motivation. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I’ve been successfully treating adults, families, and youth for over 20 years facilitating their self-growth. I teach techniques to better manage the emotional stress of everyday life. I have also focused on extensive training in anxiety/depression, play therapy, parenting, treating past and recent trauma, OCD, addiction, and working with family systems.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, my aim is to introduce clarity, authenticity, and self-motivation. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I’ve been successfully treating adults, families, and youth for over 20 years facilitating their self-growth. I teach techniques to better manage the emotional stress of everyday life. I have also focused on extensive training in anxiety/depression, play therapy, parenting, treating past and recent trauma, OCD, addiction, and working with family systems.
(510) 683-5273 View (510) 683-5273
Photo of Bethbirei JOHNSON - Sankofa Holistic Counseling Service, MSW, ASW
Sankofa Holistic Counseling Service
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
There is not a one size fits all when it comes to those with unique needs. Throughout my life, I have worked with many ' that bring a distinctive blueprint. I lead with my spirituality, ears, heart, and eyes. What drives me is my compassion, zeal, unconditional love for others, patience, and helping bridge the gap for our future generations. I specialize in working with children, youth, and families that have been confronted with PTSD, sexual/physical/emotional abuse, divorce, grievance, substance abuse, homelessness, domestic violence, spirituality, behavioral challenges, and individuals with disabilities. I
There is not a one size fits all when it comes to those with unique needs. Throughout my life, I have worked with many ' that bring a distinctive blueprint. I lead with my spirituality, ears, heart, and eyes. What drives me is my compassion, zeal, unconditional love for others, patience, and helping bridge the gap for our future generations. I specialize in working with children, youth, and families that have been confronted with PTSD, sexual/physical/emotional abuse, divorce, grievance, substance abuse, homelessness, domestic violence, spirituality, behavioral challenges, and individuals with disabilities. I
(510) 851-8117 View (510) 851-8117
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.