Photo of Valerie Hinard, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94925, CA
Valerie Hinard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I have extensive training in Jungian, Psychodynamic / Attachment orientations which include: guided imagery, Sandplay, and dream work.
Cultivating meaningful-healthy relationships may be especially difficult when our sense of self is overshadowed by traumatic and emotionally painful experiences. My approach to the therapy process focuses on helping foster your innate strengths and resiliency while exploring your vulnerabilities and concerns. Together we help you build a greater understanding of yourself through healing limiting patterns, fears, and beliefs. In this way, you become rooted in a life grounded in meaning, aliveness, and depth. I believe that building a stronger relationship with yourself can help cultivate healthier relationships with others, making them easier to initiate, maintain, and enjoy.
I have extensive training in Jungian, Psychodynamic / Attachment orientations which include: guided imagery, Sandplay, and dream work.
Cultivating meaningful-healthy relationships may be especially difficult when our sense of self is overshadowed by traumatic and emotionally painful experiences. My approach to the therapy process focuses on helping foster your innate strengths and resiliency while exploring your vulnerabilities and concerns. Together we help you build a greater understanding of yourself through healing limiting patterns, fears, and beliefs. In this way, you become rooted in a life grounded in meaning, aliveness, and depth. I believe that building a stronger relationship with yourself can help cultivate healthier relationships with others, making them easier to initiate, maintain, and enjoy.
(707) 559-9920 View (707) 559-9920
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.