Art Therapy in San Francisco, CA
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Ari-Asha Castalia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR, CI, CT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I have completed post-graduate certificate training in
Art Therapy
for healing trauma.
I believe healing happens when you make a connection with another person where you can be yourself, feel valued, listened to, and cared for. Working with a therapist can be a way to access the healing you desire and deserve. In our work together we can look at ALL the aspects of you, without judgement (even the parts you don't LOVE). When the totality of you is allowed to be seen, heard and cared for, a shift happens--that's where the healing happens. While you don't need to do a "Big Dig" to examine your past, you CAN change the way the past impacts the present. If you're up for making
art
, that's great--and it's not required.

Max Kopeikin
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, A-MFT, MA, PgDip, BA
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Imagination and creativity are infused into my approach, whether in
art therapy
, yoga therapy or in a more traditional talk-based individual or couples therapy.
I help adults and teens looking to become more aware, learn and better themselves. Maybe there is something that needs to shift/change or maybe it is just a growth-oriented process. I have done a lot of my work with people who identify as Trans/Gender Non-Conforming/Nonbinary. Other queer populations who I have a lot of experience helping include couples, polyamorous relationships, the Latinx community, long-term HIV survivors, and gay/Queer men. My work celebrates diverse genders, sexualities and kink identities. My ideal client is open to work in a way that combines talk therapy, yoga/somatic approaches and
art
-based therapies.

Dr. Katina Kay Kostoulas, Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
1 Endorsed
1 Endorsed
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst. I work best with children and adolescents and their parents in a play therapy venue for yourger children and use
art
, drama, video games, with adolescents. I also do parent education. With Adults seeking a full psychoanalysis, I work 4 to 5 days using the couch. For adults wishing indiviual treatment. I work one on one face to face one to three times a week depending on need. Dream interpretation, working with transference/countertransference and relational issues.

Tandra Froehlich Childress
Art Therapist, MA, ATR, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Some of the approaches I utilize are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, core values work, self-care skills, EMDR and
Art Therapy
.
I create a safe holding space where people can deeply explore what is blocking them from enjoying their lives to the fullest. I focus on authentic connection and empathy to build trusting therapeudic relationships. I enjoy working with teens, young adults, and adults. If you are struggling to recover from DID, complex trauma, single traumas, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or bipolar disorder, I am here to help.

Courtney A Hartman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I incorporate aspects of mindfulness and embodied self awareness including relaxation techniques, meditation and
art
, specializing in trauma, grief and child/family/parenting work.
Starting therapy and finding the right fit can be a daunting task. I view the therapeutic relationship as something that is co-created over time and as the primary tool for healing. I have experience working with ages 3-50+ providing specific insights and tools relevant for the progressive stages of life and the many difficulties that can come up along the way. Focusing on the here and now, we work to increase self awareness, compassion, insight and care while simultaneously holding the larger context within which we meet, including ways that race, gender, class and culture impact our experiences and identities.

Chelsea Owens
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC, MA
Verified
Verified
I practice using an integrative approach to therapy, drawing upon
art therapy
modalities, Internal Family Systems, humanistic, transpersonal/mindfulness practices, and a social-justice orientation of multiculturalism and diversity to inform and provide an empathetic foundation from which the process of growth can flourish.
I know how important relationships are, and how little we are taught about how to do them! I work with women who are feeling disconnected from themselves. Women who are struggling with body image issues, eating disorders, trauma, boundaries and relationship issues. I'm here to help facilitate a relationship between you and all parts of you. I believe there is creativity, reflection and expression inside of everyone and it can be easier to communicate without words. I bring warmth and energy to the room and levity to situations that can sometimes feel overwhelming and heavy.

Dr. Amy Waldron
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified
Verified
My therapeutic style is informed by narrative therapy, attachment theory,
art therapy
, family systems theory, mindfulness and body-based practices, and other spiritual and trauma-informed modalities.
I tend to work well with female-identified and nonbinary folks who have had difficult relationships with their sense of self and with others, endurance athletes and ultrarunners who have had a major setback or injury, folks who have a strained relationship with their body, and folks in their 20s to 40s who are ready to take an honest look at their dating and drinking habits, their sexuality, or how they envision the next move in their career or education. I help folks find a sense of peace from the nagging feeling of being disconnected from their sense of self and from those around them.

Melissa Foster
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
In addition talk therapy, I also offer
art therapy
to provide a non-verbal, safe way to externalize and resolve issues.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an
Art
Therapist. I help clients create healthier patterns in life and improve relationships. Services available for adults, couples, families and children.
My areas of emphasis include abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, divorce, grief, parenting support, self-esteem, and personal growth. I am also trained in EMDR.

John Hanig
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
Like the Zodiac, every human holds a lifelong relationship with a particular arts practice -- visual
art
, dance, music, writing, drama.
I specialize in working with queer, gay, bisexual, & transgender adults & adolescents in the San Francisco Bay Area. I am most passionate about providing advocacy for cultural and economic diversity in our community and serving LGBTQ+ people experiencing depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Engaging in therapy is more important than ever especially in response to our current political climate and recent backlash of conservative values showing incredible disrespect toward the LGBTQ community and throwing extra stress at immigrant populations and communities of Color.

Kristin Fialko
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
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.
San Francisco, CA 94117
& Online

Amber Garman
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified
Verified
Some of these valuable approaches include Person Centered, Attachment,
Art
, Experiential, Somatic, Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral, Culturally Sensitive, and Trauma informed care.
Amber Garman is passionate about facilitating therapeutic work with children (10+), teens, adults, families, couples, and groups, especially those interested in moving inward toward transformation and healing. Growing up a local resident in Morro Bay CA, Amber attended California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo where she earned a Master of Science in Psychology with Distinction. Currently as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Amber is experienced in the domains of trauma informed care, sexual assault and intimate partner violence, death/ grief/ dying, and living with disabilities.

Candace Kavanagh
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am passionate about working with my clients to find creative ways of exploring their needs(Expressive
Art
, Role Playing and Dungeons and Dragons).
I love working with teens, families, couples and adults from 18 to 25. I specialize working LGBTQIA+ persons exploring identity and connection to their community. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, difficulty with motivation and doom scrolling.

Maite Andrea Imaz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
Verified
I have extensive training in Mindfulness-Based Practices, Somatic Therapy and Expressive
Art Therapy
with the possibility of integrating creative
art
modalities.
With genuine positive regard and a creative approach, my practice is committed to fostering awareness, healing and empowerment. The therapeutic relationship ultimately deepens the relationship with oneself and how we navigate challenges in the
art
of living. I facilitate with getting to the heart of the matter, gleaning meaningful insight, and building upon internal and external strengths. I have worked professionally for over 20 years, supporting a diverse population of hundreds of adults, children, couples and families through and beyond, trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, life transitions and relationship difficulties.

Amy Backos
Psychologist, PhD, ATR-BC
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
With over 25 years as a creativity psychologist, author, researcher,
art
therapist & professor, I bring skills, research, and trust so you can show up balanced and healthy for yourself and the people who depend on you.
Are you wishing you had more energy and brain power to engage at work and home? Are you are missing zest and vitality in your life and carrying past pain, unwanted thoughts, and finding your relationships are strained? If you are ready to overcome past traumas and create more joy, ease, balance, and success, there is an effective and creative way. By using both sides of your brain: creativity & logic, focus & curiosity, thoughts & emotions. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and
Art Therapy
to help you become psychologically flexible, creative, and mindfully aware.I offer you structure, education and creativity in therapy.

Cecilie Herring
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
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.
Waitlist for new clients

Ashley Boyer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I gravitate towards Mindfulness and
Art
and play-based interventions.
Hi, I am a San Francisco Bay Area Child Psychologist. I specialize in anxiety and other related concerns such as perfectionism and difficult life adjustments. In my practice, I focus on the relationship and making you and your child feel comfortable through developmentally appropriate interventions. I want to help you work through your worries and achieve your best life.

Tara Cronin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, LPCC, ATR-BC
Verified
Verified
Art Therapy
and creative intervention are also available.
Hello and welcome! I started my practice to help people overcome and recover from grief and loss, trauma and relationship issues. My therapeutic approach allows negative or problem situations to transform into positive solutions. I am a certified grief recovery specialist and also work with pet loss, relationship endings and life transitions. I enter each therapy session with sincerity and compassion and will work with you to develop a plan for reaching your goals. If you are experiencing pain from the death of a loved one, a life change or relationship ending, please call or e-mail to set up an in-person appointment.

Ami E. Hartley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CAS, ATR-BC
Verified
Verified
I am a Board Certified
Art
Therapist, Certified Addictions Specialist and Hypnotherapist.
I believe people come to therapy when they are ready and because they are actively and consciously seeking a happier, more balanced life. The motivation it takes to make that first phone call is a major step towards positive change.
My style of therapy is interpersonal, supportive, open and communicative. I find that most people appreciate some guidance, direction and practical feedback. I also encourage exploration of unconscious repetitive patterns of behavior in relationships and making changes when appropriate.

Jo Sopko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RDT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I am an expressive
art
& drama therapist, dedicated to the inquiry and exploration of the client's life as we travel together along the therapeutic path.
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play,
art
and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.

Ariella Tanzer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
Verified
Verified
My therapy approach focuses on your strengths and I use mindfulness practices, EFT tapping, and
art therapy
to help you make lasting changes, deepen your insights and reach your goals.
Hello and welcome to my profile page. Are you feeling stuck and are unsure how to get back in motion? Are you noticing a pattern in your life that you want to understand or change? Have you recently gone through a difficult life event, are feeling overwhelmed and in need of some emotional support? You have found your way to the right place. I know that change is possible and I believe you are strong, resilient and capable of positive growth. I will help guide you to finding a way to show up in your life that feels most authentic for you.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
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.