Expressive Arts Therapists in Arizona

Hi, I'm Sofia, and I love helping kids, families, and couples reconnect with each other and find the joy in spending time together! I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and have worked with families in the valley for over 18 years. During this time, I've had the opportunity to watch many different family dynamics. When someone asks what makes the difference between "surviving" families and "thriving" families, I say it's the quality of those fundamental relationships. My goal is to help you and your family develop the understanding and habits that allow you to strengthen and foster healthy relationships.

Now accepting new clients! Telehealth sessions available! Some background about me: I am a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in the state of Arizona and I graduated with a Psychology degree from Fort Lewis college before pursuing a Masters’ degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling here in Arizona. I have clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and groups. My experience shines best when working with adults struggling with childhood and relationship trauma, unhealthy relationships, communication struggles, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, emotional regulation, and life transitions.

Are you feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? Perhaps you are struggling with addiction, low self-esteem, burnout, and you don't know why. My role as a therapist is to foster a sanctuary of trust, enabling clients to address their most pressing concerns. Recognizing the individuality in each person, I tailor therapeutic approaches to resonate with their unique essence. My expertise lies in helping those grappling with trauma, PTSD, and roadblocks that can hinder personal growth in all of us. With 6 years of experience supporting teens and beyond, I am committed to illuminating paths towards healing and self-discovery.

With over 15 years experience, my passion is creating a safe space for you to explore your conscious and unconscious mind and be able to talk about things you might not be able to talk about in other areas of your life. I believe that both a collaborative and compassionate approach is fertile ground for personal growth. I work with you as a whole individual encompassing mind, body and spirit. I am trained in Internal Family Systems, Trauma Integrated Somatic Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, Mindfulness practices, Emotion Freedom Technique, CBT, DBT, ACT and Heartmath, amongst other evidence-based modalities.

I work with most ages, children (over 6), teenagers and adults, of various ages, as well as their families in facing life challenges. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral techniques utilizing a creative approach with Expressive Art Therapy, EMDR and various other interventions. My work experience, includes (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, communication, self-awareness, ADHD & life adjustments. I have experience with children and adults on the spectrum. It is my goal to create a safe, non-judgmental and open environment in which to explore your natural gifts that will propel you forward in life.

I am passionate about helping people find their inner warrior! I am here to help you, or your child move through normal developmental difficulties or manage more traumatic life circumstances. If you are stressed out I can help! I offer a safe, predictable, empathetic environment to grow and heal from the inside out. I am dedicated to helping you feel more at peace within yourself. I am a trauma expert in treating sexual, physical and emotional abuse. I treat relational and developmental trauma. I also specialize in treatment of anxiety, depression, phobias, and any stress related issues. Let me hold space for you to be heard.

I believe people are courageous to face their individual and relationship challenges. My role as a therapist is to assist my clients toward a more desirable future and provide a safe, non-judgmental, supportive environment that nurtures growth and healing. I approach therapy from an integrative holistic perspective. My approach is influenced largely by but not limited to Client-centered, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy), EMDR (Eye-movement desensitization reprocessing) trauma therapy, play therapy, sandtray, expressive arts, and Neurofeedback Brain Training for individuals and families.

In my 30 years of personal and professional development, I have created a unique approach to bring hope and strength, healing and transformation to those who are ready. It is my honor to provide and hold space for you as I offer assistance with your empowerment, acceptance, trust, forgiveness and gratitude. My philosophy is based on healing relationship within Self, with others and with the world. Our time together is precious and I will share with you mindful and compassionate practices and share the value of authenticity, and presence.

If you are seeking understanding and change, you are in the right place. I specialize in working collaboratively with people to explore life's challenges. I believe that all people experience a collection of traumas, big or small, or difficult experiences. I also believe that those experiences often keep us from living the life we want. Whether you are seeking therapy for recovery from a traumatic event, or are just hoping to get to know yourself better, I provide effective approaches for therapy. I believe that all people can find answers, solutions, healing, recovery, and change.

Welcome! We are a team of trained and qualified counselors who can help you cope with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, LGBTQIA+, eating disorders, ADHD, grief, relationship problems, addictions, codependency, career/job related issues, OCD, school problems, anger, major life changes, decision making, gender identity, crisis intervention and stress. We are passionate about helping you find new skills that will help you manage your symptoms and target ineffective behaviors, beliefs and habits that impact your quality of life.

Aleesha is a neuro affirming therapist who works with children between 3-13 years of age. Aleesha works to create a therapeutic environment that is inclusive and supports individuals in understanding and embracing their identities while also addressing difficulities and challenges that may arise. Aleesha tailors the interventions and strategies used throughout her sessions to meet the specific needs and strenghts of your child. Her continued training and supervision in play therapy and EMDR afford her the opportunity to create an environment that fosters a sense of self acceptance, self adovcacy, and well being.

I believe that clients are co-creators in the process. Healing and growth occurs when we are willing to share openly and work towards developing an authentic, therapeutic relationship. I have extensive experience with survivors of all types of trauma, relationship issues, domestic abuse, mood disorders, infertility issues, eating disorders, substance use, women's/men's issues & lifestyle changes. The therapeutic process will focus on helping you to re-discover & develop strengths, resiliency and coping skills. Join me as I create a safe space for you to dive into exploring the source of your current struggles and innate wisdom.

I provide therapy for children, families and individuals. My approach is playful, creative and fun. I practice from a Social Work perspective, taking into account all of the relationships, stressors, strengths and support a person has surrounding them. My approach is a collaborative effort with parents, who bring the most important perspective and knowledge regarding their children. Working together will only make us more successful in creating real change. I utilize many therapeutic techniques, including Brainspotting, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Expressive Arts, Play, Sensory, Behavior Modification and more.

I believe that we all have the capacity for healing within ourselves. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and caregivers. My goal is to instill hope and healing for clients presenting with concerns related to post-traumatic stress, attachment, anxiety, grief/loss, depression, disruptive behaviors, social skills, parenting, and/or relational distress.

My ideal client, rooted in Black and Brown communities, seeks liberation from generational patterns. They crave authentic self-expression, healing from deep-seated traumas, and genuine personal growth. Their quest is for an authentic path, shedding burdens that no longer serve, and discovering true selves through artistic exploration. Their motivation? To rewrite their narrative, transform their existence, and inspire change for themselves, families, and the community. It's about embracing identity, unlocking potential, and channeling creativity for profound personal growth.

You are the author of your life story, what is the title of your next chapter? The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves hold enormous power. You may be feeling stuck, disconnected or hopeless due to mental barriers, physical challenges, stressful life changes, family conflict, unhealthy coping patterns or things that have happened in your past. Learning to find the power of your inner voice and take control of your life story can create new ways of viewing yourself and the world. This can restore peace within your mind, body and relationships with others.

I understand that starting a new therapeutic relationship can be a vulnerable process. I take a welcoming, empathic, and nonjudgemental approach. Therapy is the opportunity to slow down, pay attention, and listen deeply to the heart, which can be incredibly healing.

Carl Jung said, "The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are." Many of my clients come to therapy reporting problems with depression, anxiety, troublesome relationships, or grieving a recent loss. Our work often includes a review of life history -- including the influences of family of origin, identity, culture, religion and place -- as well as your current life circumstances. You and I will work together to create a safe setting and use those presenting symptoms as stepping stones for you to achieve a more authentically lived and fulfilling life.

Is your child or teen feeling stressed, anxious, and/or depressed? Does he/she need ways to cope with difficult thoughts, strong emotions, a life transition, and/or stressful social situations? Does he/she want to learn not only how to cope, but how to thrive? Or are you a young adult (18-25 years old) struggling with depression or anxiety? Do you need support as you work toward building a rich, meaningful life? Would you like help processing traumatic experiences? Expressive arts therapy and body-oriented therapy are especially useful when "words are not enough".