Sandplay Therapists in 94609

Photo of Tamar Cohen, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Tamar Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
I see youth, teens, adults, and partners, and I have a particular passion for work with emerging adults and individuals who identify as Neurodivergent. I focus on a wide range of issues including identity exploration, self-esteem, navigation of relationship dynamics, anxiety, professional growth, and decisions centered around having children and parenting. I find great joy in supporting my clients to cultivate a better understanding of their emotional experiences in the pursuit of greater fulfillment and connection.
I see youth, teens, adults, and partners, and I have a particular passion for work with emerging adults and individuals who identify as Neurodivergent. I focus on a wide range of issues including identity exploration, self-esteem, navigation of relationship dynamics, anxiety, professional growth, and decisions centered around having children and parenting. I find great joy in supporting my clients to cultivate a better understanding of their emotional experiences in the pursuit of greater fulfillment and connection.
(510) 694-4184 View (510) 694-4184
Photo of Melissa Murphy, MA, JD, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Melissa Murphy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, JD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Whether you or your child struggle with depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, grief, life transitions, addiction or other conditions, I would be honored to accompany you or your loved ones on your healing journey. Our work will focus on creating the safety and acceptance that allows for change. Because our lives are shaped by the culture in which we live, we can also consider the social forces that may have shaped you, including racial, gender, and class biases.
Whether you or your child struggle with depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, grief, life transitions, addiction or other conditions, I would be honored to accompany you or your loved ones on your healing journey. Our work will focus on creating the safety and acceptance that allows for change. Because our lives are shaped by the culture in which we live, we can also consider the social forces that may have shaped you, including racial, gender, and class biases.
(415) 792-0372 View (415) 792-0372
Photo of Patricia Banchik Rothschild, LMFT, CMHIMP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Patricia Banchik Rothschild
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CMHIMP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Waitlist for new clients
My experience comes from 31 years of helping children, adults, couples and families in both Community Mental Health and Private Practice. My approach is eclectic and tailored to each individual's needs to facilitate healing and growth. Through my years of experience I have witnessed over and over again people coming into therapy with great pain, discomfort and despair but with time, (sometimes within a very short time) their symptoms diminish and a whole new person emerges. Crisis times can be extremely painful and distressful but they can also be opportunities for growth and healing through therapy.
My experience comes from 31 years of helping children, adults, couples and families in both Community Mental Health and Private Practice. My approach is eclectic and tailored to each individual's needs to facilitate healing and growth. Through my years of experience I have witnessed over and over again people coming into therapy with great pain, discomfort and despair but with time, (sometimes within a very short time) their symptoms diminish and a whole new person emerges. Crisis times can be extremely painful and distressful but they can also be opportunities for growth and healing through therapy.
(510) 403-8151 View (510) 403-8151
Photo of Jennifer Lilly, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Lilly
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Do you have relationships in your life that are not working, and no matter what you do, it doesn't seem to get better? Are you looking for a partner, but find that it never seems to work out? Do you feel disconnected from others and are longing for relationships that are solid and fulfilling? Relationships take work and psychotherapy is an opportunity to understand who you are in relationship and how to create and healthy and supportive connections. I work with both individuals and couples to explore, cultivate and sustain intimacy.
Do you have relationships in your life that are not working, and no matter what you do, it doesn't seem to get better? Are you looking for a partner, but find that it never seems to work out? Do you feel disconnected from others and are longing for relationships that are solid and fulfilling? Relationships take work and psychotherapy is an opportunity to understand who you are in relationship and how to create and healthy and supportive connections. I work with both individuals and couples to explore, cultivate and sustain intimacy.
(415) 237-2667 View (415) 237-2667
Photo of Adrian Q Quintero, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Adrian Q Quintero
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I offer a warm, affirming, and non-judgmental space for children and teens exploration of LGBTQI+ identities, struggles with anxiety, and support with grief and loss.
I offer a warm, affirming, and non-judgmental space for children and teens exploration of LGBTQI+ identities, struggles with anxiety, and support with grief and loss.
(510) 405-7409 View (510) 405-7409
Photo of Britt Gunnison, PsyD, Psychologist
Britt Gunnison
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Welcome to Authentic Path Psychology, my queer- and gender-affirming therapy practice. Beginning the process of therapy and reaching out for help can feel vulnerable and even scary, so I celebrate you taking this first step. I prioritize getting to know you and your specific needs intentionally, and my objective is to witness and support you in the unique way you deserve. My approach is relational and collaborative, and I strive to develop a relationship with my clients that will help to empower inner strength, expand capacity for self-compassion, and support in healing wounds that are impacting overall health and quality of life.
Welcome to Authentic Path Psychology, my queer- and gender-affirming therapy practice. Beginning the process of therapy and reaching out for help can feel vulnerable and even scary, so I celebrate you taking this first step. I prioritize getting to know you and your specific needs intentionally, and my objective is to witness and support you in the unique way you deserve. My approach is relational and collaborative, and I strive to develop a relationship with my clients that will help to empower inner strength, expand capacity for self-compassion, and support in healing wounds that are impacting overall health and quality of life.
(415) 322-5374 View (415) 322-5374
Photo of Alisa Crovetti, MA, PhD, Psychologist
Alisa Crovetti
Psychologist, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Waitlist for new clients
I offer psychotherapy for ages 14 and up and neuropsychological assessment for ages 6 and up. My therapy approach is relational and solution focused and begins with building a mutual understanding of your goals and how those goals will make a positive difference in your life. If aligned with your goals, I may introduce CBT and DBT informed interventions to address specific concerns. My assessments provide comprehensive written reports of clients' learning and mental health profiles, which may be used to document diagnoses so clients receive appropriate accommodations in school and/or on standardized admissions/licensing exams.
I offer psychotherapy for ages 14 and up and neuropsychological assessment for ages 6 and up. My therapy approach is relational and solution focused and begins with building a mutual understanding of your goals and how those goals will make a positive difference in your life. If aligned with your goals, I may introduce CBT and DBT informed interventions to address specific concerns. My assessments provide comprehensive written reports of clients' learning and mental health profiles, which may be used to document diagnoses so clients receive appropriate accommodations in school and/or on standardized admissions/licensing exams.
(510) 817-2037 View (510) 817-2037
Photo of Carter Bostwick, AMFT, MA, BFA
Carter Bostwick
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, MA, BFA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Welcome, I'm Carter, a somatic therapist passionate about empowering people to discover their distinct voices. Through a holistic approach centered on body awareness and mindful exploration, I create a safe, sensory-sensitive space. Guiding clients in understanding how their bodies hold and express emotions, we uncover pathways to self-expression and healing. Sometimes it can be hard to sift through the noise of our world. By slowing down and tuning into our bodies we can illuminate the parts of ourselves that yearn to be seen and heard. I will support you to identify and honor your values, strengthening your authentic voice.
Welcome, I'm Carter, a somatic therapist passionate about empowering people to discover their distinct voices. Through a holistic approach centered on body awareness and mindful exploration, I create a safe, sensory-sensitive space. Guiding clients in understanding how their bodies hold and express emotions, we uncover pathways to self-expression and healing. Sometimes it can be hard to sift through the noise of our world. By slowing down and tuning into our bodies we can illuminate the parts of ourselves that yearn to be seen and heard. I will support you to identify and honor your values, strengthening your authentic voice.
(415) 997-6335 View (415) 997-6335
Photo of Victoria Julita Spiers, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Victoria Julita Spiers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Waitlist for new clients
As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.
As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.
(628) 888-6233 View (628) 888-6233
Photo of Ellie Lotan, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ellie Lotan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
I believe that the soul has an innate drive toward healing. We each have the capacity to heal ourselves if we can slow down enough to notice what is asking for our attention. I approach therapy as a weekly collaborative ritual in which clients can become more skilled at listening and giving voice to their inner knowing. Weaving together tools from expressive arts, somatic experiencing, and trauma-informed relational psychotherapy, I offer an integrated, whole-person approach in which we work as a team to uncover your intuitive guidance and learn how to tap in to the wisdom of your higher self.
I believe that the soul has an innate drive toward healing. We each have the capacity to heal ourselves if we can slow down enough to notice what is asking for our attention. I approach therapy as a weekly collaborative ritual in which clients can become more skilled at listening and giving voice to their inner knowing. Weaving together tools from expressive arts, somatic experiencing, and trauma-informed relational psychotherapy, I offer an integrated, whole-person approach in which we work as a team to uncover your intuitive guidance and learn how to tap in to the wisdom of your higher self.
(510) 817-2858 View (510) 817-2858
Photo of Naomi Azriel, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Naomi Azriel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Rape, incest and other trauma happen within the context of close human relationships. It is therefore crucial that the process of recovery also occur in the context of a meaningful human relationship. The risk of trusting another human after experiencing a profound violation can feel nearly impossible. This is why our work will focus first on emotional, spiritual and physical safety. Safety and trust cannot be immediately given, but rather earned inside a genuine human relationship, over time. We will find out together what makes you feel safe, and use our relationship as a place to learn more about your boundaries, needs and wants.
Rape, incest and other trauma happen within the context of close human relationships. It is therefore crucial that the process of recovery also occur in the context of a meaningful human relationship. The risk of trusting another human after experiencing a profound violation can feel nearly impossible. This is why our work will focus first on emotional, spiritual and physical safety. Safety and trust cannot be immediately given, but rather earned inside a genuine human relationship, over time. We will find out together what makes you feel safe, and use our relationship as a place to learn more about your boundaries, needs and wants.
(510) 916-4246 View (510) 916-4246
Photo of Kelly Bassin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelly Bassin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
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.
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 Freddie Barahona, MA LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Freddie Barahona
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Hello. Bienvenidos. If you find yourself in a difficult place in life and need extra support then you have come to the right place. I specialize in helping individuals seeking to heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I have training in numerous modalities of therapy and I am committed to finding the one that works for you. Yo me especializo en tratar ansiedad, depresion, trauma, y problemas de relaciones. Incorporo muchas tecnicas distintas muy efectivas para que ud. pueda volver a retomar las riendas en su vida.
Hello. Bienvenidos. If you find yourself in a difficult place in life and need extra support then you have come to the right place. I specialize in helping individuals seeking to heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I have training in numerous modalities of therapy and I am committed to finding the one that works for you. Yo me especializo en tratar ansiedad, depresion, trauma, y problemas de relaciones. Incorporo muchas tecnicas distintas muy efectivas para que ud. pueda volver a retomar las riendas en su vida.
(510) 945-3412 View (510) 945-3412
Photo of Zara Drapkin, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Zara Drapkin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Finding the right therapist can be daunting, and for some, it can be the most difficult step. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation so that you can assess if we are the right fit. I work with teens and adults presenting with concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/ loss, chronic health concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions. In our work together we will explore your strengths and root you in them. We will define your values and explore how to live your life in harmony with them. We will also create space for the areas in your life where you want change and navigate the path to get you there.
Finding the right therapist can be daunting, and for some, it can be the most difficult step. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation so that you can assess if we are the right fit. I work with teens and adults presenting with concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/ loss, chronic health concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions. In our work together we will explore your strengths and root you in them. We will define your values and explore how to live your life in harmony with them. We will also create space for the areas in your life where you want change and navigate the path to get you there.
(510) 422-0057 View (510) 422-0057
Photo of Angie N Branham, PhD, Psychologist
Angie N Branham
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I have extensive experience working with adults and children as young as 3. I specialize in helping children other therapists describe as "difficult to treat," including children who are traumatized, emotionally unregulated, physically aggressive, or have difficulty connecting with adults and caregivers. I will work with your child whose needs have not been met in schools or by other therapists. I help children through play, physical movement, games, art, and words. I help overwhelmed parents with sound psychological guidance. I have seventeen years' experience and I teach and train other therapists.
I have extensive experience working with adults and children as young as 3. I specialize in helping children other therapists describe as "difficult to treat," including children who are traumatized, emotionally unregulated, physically aggressive, or have difficulty connecting with adults and caregivers. I will work with your child whose needs have not been met in schools or by other therapists. I help children through play, physical movement, games, art, and words. I help overwhelmed parents with sound psychological guidance. I have seventeen years' experience and I teach and train other therapists.
(510) 756-2426 View (510) 756-2426
Photo of Francisca Lizana, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Francisca Lizana
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Not accepting new clients
My practice sees adults and kids for a variety of reasons. I see adults who want a safe place to express, download and explore what is presently challenging, whether a life transition, change, relocation/acculturation, hardships, anxiety, depression or simply not feeling happy. Similarly, I see children who are experiencing family changes or transitions, behavioral challenges, who would benefit from learning social-emotional skills towards better self-regulation, as well as support in overcoming trauma, depression, anxiety.
My practice sees adults and kids for a variety of reasons. I see adults who want a safe place to express, download and explore what is presently challenging, whether a life transition, change, relocation/acculturation, hardships, anxiety, depression or simply not feeling happy. Similarly, I see children who are experiencing family changes or transitions, behavioral challenges, who would benefit from learning social-emotional skills towards better self-regulation, as well as support in overcoming trauma, depression, anxiety.
(925) 255-7936 View (925) 255-7936
Photo of Baljeet Heyer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Baljeet Heyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Not accepting new clients
If you’re experiencing anxiety or trauma, I can help. Trauma, particularly from early childhood can have a deep impact on your self-esteem, relationships and functioning. You may struggle with perfectionism, people pleasing or codependency. Your nervous system may be dsyregulated which can lead to feeling flooded with emotions and or exhausted. This can lead to adaptions which may have serious consequences. Some interventions I use with clients include EMDR, Internal Family Systems, somatic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy. Which interventions are based on your preferences and fit.
If you’re experiencing anxiety or trauma, I can help. Trauma, particularly from early childhood can have a deep impact on your self-esteem, relationships and functioning. You may struggle with perfectionism, people pleasing or codependency. Your nervous system may be dsyregulated which can lead to feeling flooded with emotions and or exhausted. This can lead to adaptions which may have serious consequences. Some interventions I use with clients include EMDR, Internal Family Systems, somatic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy. Which interventions are based on your preferences and fit.
(510) 254-3478 View (510) 254-3478
Sandplay Therapists

What problems are best treated with sandplay therapy?

Research has examined this therapy’s utility in young people and found positive results. It has been shown to be useful for those who suffer from autism, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, and or aggressive behavior. Children who have suffered abuse, neglect, or trauma have also seen improvement through this therapy. Abused children are often fearful and anxious about their safety, making verbal communication more difficult.

Is sandplay therapy suitable for children and teenagers?

Children and adolescents are good candidates for sandplay therapy. Many kids and teens are often unable to form and communicate their thoughts, let alone the emotions they are experiencing. Through this play therapy, they will hopefully make connections between what they feel inside and how the world works outside.

Is sandplay suitable for adults?

This type of therapy can be useful for adults who have difficulties expressing themselves. People who have suffered neurological changes after a brain injury or because of a traumatic event might be good candidates for this therapy. In fact, anything that has had an effect on the brain, such as substance abuse, can make non-verbal sandplay a valuable option.

Does sandplay therapy work?

There have been studies on the effectiveness of sandplay therapy, and it appears to improve difficult behaviors in children. It may also enhance self-esteem and lessen feelings of physical anxiety as well as hypersensitivity. This type of therapy is based on non-verbal communication and may feel less threatening to the individual.