Art Therapy in San Diego, CA
Hi! I am Kelley Flanagan I am an LPCC (licensed professional clinical counselor) in the beautiful state of California. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and being an LPCC allows me to integrate evidence-based practices to help guide individuals, couples, and families looking for their own path to self-fulfillment.
Hi! I am Kelley Flanagan I am an LPCC (licensed professional clinical counselor) in the beautiful state of California. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and being an LPCC allows me to integrate evidence-based practices to help guide individuals, couples, and families looking for their own path to self-fulfillment.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, on edge, or unsure about your next step, know you’re not alone, there’s a path forward. I work with individuals, couples, children, and families who are facing tough choices, painful patterns, or sudden life changes. Whether you're navigating addiction, trauma, relationship struggles, or mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or BPD, we’ll work together to uncover what’s holding you back and build the tools to move through it. With a client-centered, collaborative style, I believe therapy works when you feel heard, and supported—not judged or rushed.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, on edge, or unsure about your next step, know you’re not alone, there’s a path forward. I work with individuals, couples, children, and families who are facing tough choices, painful patterns, or sudden life changes. Whether you're navigating addiction, trauma, relationship struggles, or mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or BPD, we’ll work together to uncover what’s holding you back and build the tools to move through it. With a client-centered, collaborative style, I believe therapy works when you feel heard, and supported—not judged or rushed.
We are experienced, empathic San Diego therapists providing evidenced-based counseling to Children, Teens and Adults in San Diego and throughout California to help you Improve, Grow, and Heal.
We provide In Person sessions throughout San Diego County in Mission Valley, El Cajon, Scripps Ranch, and Escondido for your convenience. Our appointments range from weekdays to evenings and weekends, and can be in English, Spanish, Hebrew, Russian or Japanese.
We are experienced, empathic San Diego therapists providing evidenced-based counseling to Children, Teens and Adults in San Diego and throughout California to help you Improve, Grow, and Heal.
We provide In Person sessions throughout San Diego County in Mission Valley, El Cajon, Scripps Ranch, and Escondido for your convenience. Our appointments range from weekdays to evenings and weekends, and can be in English, Spanish, Hebrew, Russian or Japanese.
Welcome! My name is Christina Thomas. I am a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I consider my role as a therapist as one who comes alongside couples, families, and individuals in the journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and healing. I work with individuals, couples, and families extensively in assisting through some of life’s most challenging seasons. I also work alongside those who are working through grief/loss, trauma, relationship dynamics, life transitions, illness, chronic illness, and parental and intra-personal challenges.
Welcome! My name is Christina Thomas. I am a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I consider my role as a therapist as one who comes alongside couples, families, and individuals in the journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and healing. I work with individuals, couples, and families extensively in assisting through some of life’s most challenging seasons. I also work alongside those who are working through grief/loss, trauma, relationship dynamics, life transitions, illness, chronic illness, and parental and intra-personal challenges.
I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy, which allows me to combine evidence-based approaches with creative expression.
I believe every client brings unique strengths and stories. Whether you’re processing big emotions, navigating relationships, or building coping skills, I will walk alongside you with empathy and practical tools tailored to your needs.
I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy, which allows me to combine evidence-based approaches with creative expression.
I believe every client brings unique strengths and stories. Whether you’re processing big emotions, navigating relationships, or building coping skills, I will walk alongside you with empathy and practical tools tailored to your needs.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 138186) as well as an Art Therapist (P-ATR 21-224).
I use a person-centered approach, recognizing that you are the expert of your own experience. In addition to this foundational philosophy, I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Family Systems, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 138186) as well as an Art Therapist (P-ATR 21-224).
I use a person-centered approach, recognizing that you are the expert of your own experience. In addition to this foundational philosophy, I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Family Systems, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Hi! I'm Sam Prado (she/her/ella), a bilingual associate therapist dedicated to providing culturally responsive and trauma-informed care to children, adolescents, young adults, and families. I was born in Mexico City and moved to Texas as a teenager, which shaped my understanding of identity development, acculturation, the strength required to navigate significant life transitions, and the importance of advocacy and support in overcoming systemic barriers.
Hi! I'm Sam Prado (she/her/ella), a bilingual associate therapist dedicated to providing culturally responsive and trauma-informed care to children, adolescents, young adults, and families. I was born in Mexico City and moved to Texas as a teenager, which shaped my understanding of identity development, acculturation, the strength required to navigate significant life transitions, and the importance of advocacy and support in overcoming systemic barriers.
Hi, I am Caitlin, and I'm so glad you landed here on my page! I am passionate about helping navigate the messiness of being a human. This messiness comes in many forms- whether it's working to find connection in relationships, working to change behavioral patterns that are no longer serving you, working through difficult past experiences, or just plain finding a way to feel better about yourself and the life you are living. I pride myself on being able to tailor the therapeutic experience to what feels right for each client, though a common theme in my work is striking the right balance between self-acceptance and striving.
Hi, I am Caitlin, and I'm so glad you landed here on my page! I am passionate about helping navigate the messiness of being a human. This messiness comes in many forms- whether it's working to find connection in relationships, working to change behavioral patterns that are no longer serving you, working through difficult past experiences, or just plain finding a way to feel better about yourself and the life you are living. I pride myself on being able to tailor the therapeutic experience to what feels right for each client, though a common theme in my work is striking the right balance between self-acceptance and striving.
I also integrate Art Therapy to support expression when words feel hard to access.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating—especially if you grew up in a culture where emotional struggles were minimized or therapy was never discussed. You may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck between navigating family expectations, parenting stress, or the emotional weight of intergenerational patterns while trying to find your own sense of identity. Feeling unsure how to prioritize yourself or where you truly fit and seeking healing that honors both your lived experience and cultural values. Therapy can be a space where you don’t have to carry this alone and learn the tools to navigate both worlds.
I also integrate Art Therapy to support expression when words feel hard to access.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating—especially if you grew up in a culture where emotional struggles were minimized or therapy was never discussed. You may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck between navigating family expectations, parenting stress, or the emotional weight of intergenerational patterns while trying to find your own sense of identity. Feeling unsure how to prioritize yourself or where you truly fit and seeking healing that honors both your lived experience and cultural values. Therapy can be a space where you don’t have to carry this alone and learn the tools to navigate both worlds.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. My counseling style is non-judgmental, compassionate, and warm. I enjoy working with individuals and couples adjusting to different seasons of life. I want to meet you where you are. You are the expert in your life and I am here to support you and help you explore what is getting in the way of you living out your fullest potential. My goal for you is to feel like you've found your safe space, a place of understanding and free of judgment.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. My counseling style is non-judgmental, compassionate, and warm. I enjoy working with individuals and couples adjusting to different seasons of life. I want to meet you where you are. You are the expert in your life and I am here to support you and help you explore what is getting in the way of you living out your fullest potential. My goal for you is to feel like you've found your safe space, a place of understanding and free of judgment.
Trauma is an event that has a strong emotional response to experiences, such as grief and loss, accidents, assault, natural disaster, violence or long-term abuse. It can leave you feeling shocked, overwhelmed, disoriented and hopeless. As a Marriage Family and Child Therapists I can guide you to manage your feelings and cope with behaviors following a traumatic event.
Trauma is an event that has a strong emotional response to experiences, such as grief and loss, accidents, assault, natural disaster, violence or long-term abuse. It can leave you feeling shocked, overwhelmed, disoriented and hopeless. As a Marriage Family and Child Therapists I can guide you to manage your feelings and cope with behaviors following a traumatic event.
I am a board certified Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, working for Narrative Initiatives. I enjoy helping individuals struggling to make sense of the personal sometimes challenging issues in their life. As a narrative therapist, I work from a non-judgmental, culturally sensitive, strength-based focus. Growing up on the west coast of Africa in the Ivory Coast, my childhood was filled with positive memories and sometimes political tensions. At 15 years old, I decided to move across the world without my family speaking little to no English. I survived poverty, abuse, homelessness, violence, and so much more.
I am a board certified Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, working for Narrative Initiatives. I enjoy helping individuals struggling to make sense of the personal sometimes challenging issues in their life. As a narrative therapist, I work from a non-judgmental, culturally sensitive, strength-based focus. Growing up on the west coast of Africa in the Ivory Coast, my childhood was filled with positive memories and sometimes political tensions. At 15 years old, I decided to move across the world without my family speaking little to no English. I survived poverty, abuse, homelessness, violence, and so much more.
Art therapy and mindfulness based practices help support process oriented experiences while developing improved body consciousness.
Expressive healing targets the whole person: mind, body and soul. Often times we face daily stress that compiles and when stress goes unmanaged it gets stored within us. Maybe you find yourself unable to sleep. Or perhaps stress gets stuck within your body and you experience chronic tension. If you’re consumed by worry or fears negatively affecting your quality of life and the attempts made with managing stress aren't providing the results you hoped for, you're not alone. Together we will work to address what systems have been in place in an effort to manage stress and assess the effectiveness while incorporating new coping skills.
Art therapy and mindfulness based practices help support process oriented experiences while developing improved body consciousness.
Expressive healing targets the whole person: mind, body and soul. Often times we face daily stress that compiles and when stress goes unmanaged it gets stored within us. Maybe you find yourself unable to sleep. Or perhaps stress gets stuck within your body and you experience chronic tension. If you’re consumed by worry or fears negatively affecting your quality of life and the attempts made with managing stress aren't providing the results you hoped for, you're not alone. Together we will work to address what systems have been in place in an effort to manage stress and assess the effectiveness while incorporating new coping skills.
I’m passionate about working with children and young adults, especially those who are queer, neurodivergent, and/or Asian American. I have had the opportunity to work with neurodivergent children aged 5+, as well as those with behavior and emotional regulation challenges. I strongly believe that our kids are yearning to be heard, loved, and accepted as they are, especially in our fast-paced society that tends to place unrealistic expectations and demands on their developing minds. My clinical practice is thus guided by the phrase “meet them where they are, and not from where we want them to be”.
I’m passionate about working with children and young adults, especially those who are queer, neurodivergent, and/or Asian American. I have had the opportunity to work with neurodivergent children aged 5+, as well as those with behavior and emotional regulation challenges. I strongly believe that our kids are yearning to be heard, loved, and accepted as they are, especially in our fast-paced society that tends to place unrealistic expectations and demands on their developing minds. My clinical practice is thus guided by the phrase “meet them where they are, and not from where we want them to be”.
We are empathic and experienced San Diego therapists who provide practical, evidenced-based therapy to children, teens, and adults. We work together with you and your family to provide treatment, support and guidance to help you understand and navigate the difficult or stressful situations that may be impacting your life.
We are empathic and experienced San Diego therapists who provide practical, evidenced-based therapy to children, teens, and adults. We work together with you and your family to provide treatment, support and guidance to help you understand and navigate the difficult or stressful situations that may be impacting your life.
I incorporate play, art, experiential, and creative interventions to help you and your family reach your goals.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist that supports children of all ages, teens, adults, and couples and individuals struggling with parenting. There are times in our lives where we recognize we need to nurture our growth, can feel disconnected to each other or our goals, or simply need some support. I am here to help you, your family, and your children with a challenge that might feel too big to manage on your own. I also offer clinical supervision for those therapists accruing hours towards licensure.
I incorporate play, art, experiential, and creative interventions to help you and your family reach your goals.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist that supports children of all ages, teens, adults, and couples and individuals struggling with parenting. There are times in our lives where we recognize we need to nurture our growth, can feel disconnected to each other or our goals, or simply need some support. I am here to help you, your family, and your children with a challenge that might feel too big to manage on your own. I also offer clinical supervision for those therapists accruing hours towards licensure.
Are you unfairly blamed for your family's/chosen family's problems? Do you feel like the black sheep? Do you struggle with your mental health & relationships as a result? If so, I may be a great match for you! I support people that are scapegoated by both their families and society (queer, BIPOC, disabled, neurodivergent, unsheltered, low-income, fat/larger bodied, poly/kink/ENM, etc.) I welcome scapegoats ages 5-95 that are building liberated worlds in their relationships & communities (generational cycle-breakers, healers, radicals, abolitionists, anarchists, etc.) & also people that are just starting their decolonial journeys!
Are you unfairly blamed for your family's/chosen family's problems? Do you feel like the black sheep? Do you struggle with your mental health & relationships as a result? If so, I may be a great match for you! I support people that are scapegoated by both their families and society (queer, BIPOC, disabled, neurodivergent, unsheltered, low-income, fat/larger bodied, poly/kink/ENM, etc.) I welcome scapegoats ages 5-95 that are building liberated worlds in their relationships & communities (generational cycle-breakers, healers, radicals, abolitionists, anarchists, etc.) & also people that are just starting their decolonial journeys!
I work from a play based therapy lens, incorporating attachment therapy interventions and art therapy.
Along with my work with your child in therapy, I will frequently hold meetings with you as the parent with updates on progress and further discussing how you can support your child at home. I also frequently support my clients through advocacy (whether that be letters for accommodations or attending EIP meetings alongside you).
I work from a play based therapy lens, incorporating attachment therapy interventions and art therapy.
Along with my work with your child in therapy, I will frequently hold meetings with you as the parent with updates on progress and further discussing how you can support your child at home. I also frequently support my clients through advocacy (whether that be letters for accommodations or attending EIP meetings alongside you).
Help Therapy | Mental Health Services
Psychologist, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT, NP, PNP
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103
Help Therapy boasts a network of more than 150 licensed clinical psychologists, LCSWs, LMFTs, and NPs, spanning over 100 specialties and treatment areas. Services we provide including psychotherapy, psychological evaluations and psychiatric services. By completing an intake form on HelpTherapy.com, you'll be paired with a therapist tailored to your specific treatment requirements, insurance coverage, and location preferences. You have the flexibility to choose how you'd like to connect with your provider—whether in-person, online, or via phone.
Help Therapy boasts a network of more than 150 licensed clinical psychologists, LCSWs, LMFTs, and NPs, spanning over 100 specialties and treatment areas. Services we provide including psychotherapy, psychological evaluations and psychiatric services. By completing an intake form on HelpTherapy.com, you'll be paired with a therapist tailored to your specific treatment requirements, insurance coverage, and location preferences. You have the flexibility to choose how you'd like to connect with your provider—whether in-person, online, or via phone.
At the Relationship Institute, we know you may feel disconnected whether within yourself, with a partner, or in your family. Perhaps you’re navigating transitions, relationship conflicts, or family stress, leaving you feeling isolated. You want to feel seen, valued, and connected in meaningful relationships. We’re here to support you on that journey. Together, we’ll work to build self-compassion, strengthen your bonds, and create harmony in your relationships. You don’t have to do this alone; let’s nurture the connections that matter most to you.
At the Relationship Institute, we know you may feel disconnected whether within yourself, with a partner, or in your family. Perhaps you’re navigating transitions, relationship conflicts, or family stress, leaving you feeling isolated. You want to feel seen, valued, and connected in meaningful relationships. We’re here to support you on that journey. Together, we’ll work to build self-compassion, strengthen your bonds, and create harmony in your relationships. You don’t have to do this alone; let’s nurture the connections that matter most to you.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Art Therapy Searches for San Diego
- Chula Vista
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lakeside
- Lemon Grove
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Santee
- Solana Beach
- Spring Valley
Art Therapy Therapists
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.