Sandplay Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA

Photo of Kristen Hess - Kristen Hess, LCSW @ Safe to Grow Psychotherapy, LCSW, IFECMHS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristen Hess, LCSW @ Safe to Grow Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, IFECMHS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
If you want to feel more grounded, joyful, connected, and at peace, you're in the right place. So much of our suffering is actually due to un-discharged traumatic stress. When we're exposed to stress, our nervous systems can get stuck "on" or "off." When we're stuck "on", we may feel anxious, panicked, emotionally overwhelmed, or enraged, and we may find ourselves with chronic tension, pain, or challenges with insomnia or digestion. When we're stuck "off" we can feel deeply depressed, ashamed, flat, dead, chronically fatigued, and disconnected or disoriented. In order to feel better, our nervous systems needs help regulating.
If you want to feel more grounded, joyful, connected, and at peace, you're in the right place. So much of our suffering is actually due to un-discharged traumatic stress. When we're exposed to stress, our nervous systems can get stuck "on" or "off." When we're stuck "on", we may feel anxious, panicked, emotionally overwhelmed, or enraged, and we may find ourselves with chronic tension, pain, or challenges with insomnia or digestion. When we're stuck "off" we can feel deeply depressed, ashamed, flat, dead, chronically fatigued, and disconnected or disoriented. In order to feel better, our nervous systems needs help regulating.
(909) 324-3937 View (909) 324-3937
Photo of Rachel Quigley, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Quigley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Folks who come to work with me are from all walks of life, experiencing a variety of challenges, and are exploring who they are, their patterns, and how they’d like to improve mental health and wellbeing. As a somatically trained therapist, I incorporate information from the body, use of mindfulness, curiosity and self-awareness into the process. In over a decade of this work, I've developed a relaxed, comfortable, relational and insight-oriented approach. Whether you're seeking to heal a specific challenge, improve general wellbeing or your relationship with yourself I'm here to support in your journey. Lets learn about you!
Folks who come to work with me are from all walks of life, experiencing a variety of challenges, and are exploring who they are, their patterns, and how they’d like to improve mental health and wellbeing. As a somatically trained therapist, I incorporate information from the body, use of mindfulness, curiosity and self-awareness into the process. In over a decade of this work, I've developed a relaxed, comfortable, relational and insight-oriented approach. Whether you're seeking to heal a specific challenge, improve general wellbeing or your relationship with yourself I'm here to support in your journey. Lets learn about you!
(805) 316-7167 View (805) 316-7167
Photo of Lisa Marie Huet - Seventh Wave Counseling-Lisa Huet, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Seventh Wave Counseling-Lisa Huet, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Life brings some challenges to all of us and sorting these out can be difficult for the most competent of individuals. My hope is to help you find the clarity you seek so you can enjoy your life to the fullest by creating an accepting environment to support your journey to a better life. I have always been curious about people and what makes us think one way or another. I have had the opportunity to serve people in this area for over 20 years at different agencies and have worked with very diverse folks. I would love the opportunity to help you discover some unexplored part of yourself that can deepen satisfaction in your life.
Life brings some challenges to all of us and sorting these out can be difficult for the most competent of individuals. My hope is to help you find the clarity you seek so you can enjoy your life to the fullest by creating an accepting environment to support your journey to a better life. I have always been curious about people and what makes us think one way or another. I have had the opportunity to serve people in this area for over 20 years at different agencies and have worked with very diverse folks. I would love the opportunity to help you discover some unexplored part of yourself that can deepen satisfaction in your life.
(805) 262-8434 View (805) 262-8434
Photo of Marcia Bronstein Lcsw, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marcia Bronstein Lcsw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Are You feeling stressed, frustrated, and exhausted by the everyday challenges of parenting. Although many times kids are simply dealing with the ordinary issues of growing up, their behavior and reactions may go beyond what’s expected or appropriate and gets in the way of the things they want or need, or impacts the way the family operates. Counseling can help children, parents and families express feelings and thoughts effectively and, can help families cope with everyday life transitions such as; separation, divorce, blended families, moving, serious illness, or gaining new family members.
Are You feeling stressed, frustrated, and exhausted by the everyday challenges of parenting. Although many times kids are simply dealing with the ordinary issues of growing up, their behavior and reactions may go beyond what’s expected or appropriate and gets in the way of the things they want or need, or impacts the way the family operates. Counseling can help children, parents and families express feelings and thoughts effectively and, can help families cope with everyday life transitions such as; separation, divorce, blended families, moving, serious illness, or gaining new family members.
(805) 317-4493 View (805) 317-4493
Photo of Kendra N Williams, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kendra N Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I have been given the greatest opportunity to be welcomed into my clients' lives and assist them in creating their definition and plan for a well life. I focus on the working relationship between my clients' and I, where theory and practice only enhances the work done in session. My goal is not to be a client's therapist every week for the rest of their lives, but rather to have them create the strength and determination to leave my office applying it to their everyday lives.
I have been given the greatest opportunity to be welcomed into my clients' lives and assist them in creating their definition and plan for a well life. I focus on the working relationship between my clients' and I, where theory and practice only enhances the work done in session. My goal is not to be a client's therapist every week for the rest of their lives, but rather to have them create the strength and determination to leave my office applying it to their everyday lives.
(805) 491-4893 View (805) 491-4893
Photo of Corinne Roberts - Mindful Heart Counseling Center, LMFT, AMFT, APCC, MA, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mindful Heart Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, AMFT, APCC, MA, MS
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Our team offers a safe, supportive environment and a warm, compassionate, open-minded approach. We work with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, life transitions, college life, young adulthood, relationships, men’s issues, parenting struggles, grief and loss, work/career and exploring existential and spiritual concerns. The heart of our work is to help you develop deeper self-understanding, self-compassion and coping skills while working through issues of the present and the past. We offer a variety of approaches including mindfulness, art therapy, IFS informed and somatic work. We also offer 2-3 day couples intensives.
Our team offers a safe, supportive environment and a warm, compassionate, open-minded approach. We work with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, life transitions, college life, young adulthood, relationships, men’s issues, parenting struggles, grief and loss, work/career and exploring existential and spiritual concerns. The heart of our work is to help you develop deeper self-understanding, self-compassion and coping skills while working through issues of the present and the past. We offer a variety of approaches including mindfulness, art therapy, IFS informed and somatic work. We also offer 2-3 day couples intensives.
(805) 723-3346 View (805) 723-3346
Photo of Elizabeth M Crawford, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth M Crawford
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Are you feeling anxiety, despair, or mood swings that make it difficult to function or cope? Are you trying to navigate relationship challenges and can’t seem to figure out what is wrong or how to fix things? Are you having trouble finding a therapist who deeply, truly understands what it feels like to have depression, anxiety, or mania? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, I am here for you and I may be able to help. For private pay clients you may request a Good Faith Estimate for the anticipated cost of services.
Are you feeling anxiety, despair, or mood swings that make it difficult to function or cope? Are you trying to navigate relationship challenges and can’t seem to figure out what is wrong or how to fix things? Are you having trouble finding a therapist who deeply, truly understands what it feels like to have depression, anxiety, or mania? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, I am here for you and I may be able to help. For private pay clients you may request a Good Faith Estimate for the anticipated cost of services.
(707) 234-8654 View (707) 234-8654
Photo of Casey Roos, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Casey Roos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hello and welcome to my profile! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion to help individual and families navigate the challenges they face. I provide a safe and supportive environment for my clients to explore their emotions, build healthy relationships, and create positive change in their lives. For the past 14 years, I have worked in a specialized multidisciplinary clinic for families with children who have developmental and behavioral concerns, early trauma, sensory dysregulation, and school challenges. I work with young adults who have anxiety and are looking for strategies to manage their intense feelings.
Hello and welcome to my profile! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion to help individual and families navigate the challenges they face. I provide a safe and supportive environment for my clients to explore their emotions, build healthy relationships, and create positive change in their lives. For the past 14 years, I have worked in a specialized multidisciplinary clinic for families with children who have developmental and behavioral concerns, early trauma, sensory dysregulation, and school challenges. I work with young adults who have anxiety and are looking for strategies to manage their intense feelings.
(805) 749-7123 View (805) 749-7123
Photo of Julie Messer, BS, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julie Messer
Marriage & Family Therapist, BS, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Since you found me on this site I would venture to guess something is awry in your life...am I right? Whether you are struggling with relationships, tackling your own personal demons, or just have absolutely no idea why you don't feel like your normal self anymore we can work together to figure it out and discover solutions that work for you.
Since you found me on this site I would venture to guess something is awry in your life...am I right? Whether you are struggling with relationships, tackling your own personal demons, or just have absolutely no idea why you don't feel like your normal self anymore we can work together to figure it out and discover solutions that work for you.
(805) 978-5080 View (805) 978-5080
Photo of Priscilla Kiessig, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Priscilla Kiessig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
We all face moments that test our foundations. Seasons where we find ourselves struggling, often feeling alone and quietly wishing things would get better. It’s important for you to know that there’s no need to suffer. Hope is here. As therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), warmth, empathy, and growth are what you can expect from our time together. I believe in a compassionate, integrated approach to care, specifically tailored to meet your individual needs.
We all face moments that test our foundations. Seasons where we find ourselves struggling, often feeling alone and quietly wishing things would get better. It’s important for you to know that there’s no need to suffer. Hope is here. As therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), warmth, empathy, and growth are what you can expect from our time together. I believe in a compassionate, integrated approach to care, specifically tailored to meet your individual needs.
(805) 703-2161 View (805) 703-2161
Photo of Karen Schneller, LMFT, CEDS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Karen Schneller
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CEDS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
You are living a daily battle in your head about what you can eat, how much you should exercise, if you are worthy of taking up space. You are consumed by counting calories and by the negative voice inside that tells you, you’ll never be good enough or thin enough, smart enough or pretty enough. You are fed up with how the society/culture tells you how you should look and feel and behave. Your behaviors have you feeling exhausted and depleted and you wonder how you can go on another day. Others may think you have it all together on the outside, but the mental torture inside is killing you and feel like your life is shrinking.
You are living a daily battle in your head about what you can eat, how much you should exercise, if you are worthy of taking up space. You are consumed by counting calories and by the negative voice inside that tells you, you’ll never be good enough or thin enough, smart enough or pretty enough. You are fed up with how the society/culture tells you how you should look and feel and behave. Your behaviors have you feeling exhausted and depleted and you wonder how you can go on another day. Others may think you have it all together on the outside, but the mental torture inside is killing you and feel like your life is shrinking.
(805) 316-7124 View (805) 316-7124
Photo of Victoria Jane Fisher, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Victoria Jane Fisher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
My therapeutic approach prioritizes client-centered care, emphasizing strengths and humanistic principles to empower individuals to recognize their capacity for personal growth. I believe in the importance and power of the therapeutic relationship and how feeling heard, validated and supported can help towards one’s personal growth. I take an eclectic approach to therapy, utilizing therapeutic techniques and theories based on each individual and their unique needs. I specialize in working with Trauma, PTSD, mood disorders and children. I am trained in EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy.
My therapeutic approach prioritizes client-centered care, emphasizing strengths and humanistic principles to empower individuals to recognize their capacity for personal growth. I believe in the importance and power of the therapeutic relationship and how feeling heard, validated and supported can help towards one’s personal growth. I take an eclectic approach to therapy, utilizing therapeutic techniques and theories based on each individual and their unique needs. I specialize in working with Trauma, PTSD, mood disorders and children. I am trained in EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy.
(805) 874-5344 View (805) 874-5344
Photo of Cassie Ueberrhein - Cassie Ueberrhein Psychotherapy, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cassie Ueberrhein Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
My focus is young adults 18+, college students and LGBTQ+ folx. I have extensive experience working with college students. I aim to support and guide those who are struggling with adjusting to college/young adulthood and coping with depression and anxiety. I also assist individuals who are working on strengthening their identity, exploring their sexuality and seeking change in relational patterns. Decreasing stigma around mental illness as well as suicide prevention and LGBTQ+ rights are important causes to me as an individual. I am an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. I am also a sex-positive therapist, who is not here to judge you. :)
My focus is young adults 18+, college students and LGBTQ+ folx. I have extensive experience working with college students. I aim to support and guide those who are struggling with adjusting to college/young adulthood and coping with depression and anxiety. I also assist individuals who are working on strengthening their identity, exploring their sexuality and seeking change in relational patterns. Decreasing stigma around mental illness as well as suicide prevention and LGBTQ+ rights are important causes to me as an individual. I am an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. I am also a sex-positive therapist, who is not here to judge you. :)
(805) 800-8581 View (805) 800-8581
Photo of Erin Lindvall, PhD, LMFT, FAPA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Erin Lindvall
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, FAPA
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I love my work as a psychotherapist, and consider it an honor and privilege to work with my clients and share in their quest for personal growth. I know that the decision to start therapy is often a difficult one. I applaud your willingness and initiative. My approach aims to engage, to inspire, and to help you imagine new possibilities. My goal is to assist you in developing tools and skills that enable you to more effectively deal with life and its challenges.
I love my work as a psychotherapist, and consider it an honor and privilege to work with my clients and share in their quest for personal growth. I know that the decision to start therapy is often a difficult one. I applaud your willingness and initiative. My approach aims to engage, to inspire, and to help you imagine new possibilities. My goal is to assist you in developing tools and skills that enable you to more effectively deal with life and its challenges.
(805) 876-9601 View (805) 876-9601
Photo of Melinda Marcelluskincaid, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melinda Marcelluskincaid
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Do you seek more balance, understanding, connection and freedom in your relationships with yourself and others? I create a safe and supportive environment to help you through difficulties to become more positive and live with presence in acceptance and peace. Whether we work to create boundaries, increase self-esteem, decrease destructive patterns, or move through painful life experiences, together we will process what you are going through in order to obtain clarity, solutions, and personal growth. My hope is that we can find contentment in our present moment & live fully in that moment each day.
Do you seek more balance, understanding, connection and freedom in your relationships with yourself and others? I create a safe and supportive environment to help you through difficulties to become more positive and live with presence in acceptance and peace. Whether we work to create boundaries, increase self-esteem, decrease destructive patterns, or move through painful life experiences, together we will process what you are going through in order to obtain clarity, solutions, and personal growth. My hope is that we can find contentment in our present moment & live fully in that moment each day.
(805) 367-5102 View (805) 367-5102
Photo of Lesley Carol Andrews-Wise, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lesley Carol Andrews-Wise
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Looking for more joy and meaning in life? Using an eclectic approach, I work with adults and young adults to discover their natural strengths. Part of being human includes being confronted with obstacles that hinder our wellbeing and meaning in life. I enjoy assisting people in creating ways to remove those obstacles. Even in the midst of little hope, I think we all need to be reminded of the joy and wonder in life.
Looking for more joy and meaning in life? Using an eclectic approach, I work with adults and young adults to discover their natural strengths. Part of being human includes being confronted with obstacles that hinder our wellbeing and meaning in life. I enjoy assisting people in creating ways to remove those obstacles. Even in the midst of little hope, I think we all need to be reminded of the joy and wonder in life.
(805) 244-8716 View (805) 244-8716
Photo of Deborah (Debbie) Jeanne Whitney, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deborah (Debbie) Jeanne Whitney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hello! Looking for a confidence booster, a sounding board, someone to listen to your story? Experiencing coping issues, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem? Struggling in a relationship with others, yourself? The possibility for relief awaits discovery. Research claims that much of our pain and suffering comes from our past experiences which may influence how we think and feel about ourselves, life. Therapy can be a place to work through and shift these thoughts and help discover your true Self in the world. I believe our strongest resources for survival and living life are hiding within us, waiting to be revealed.
Hello! Looking for a confidence booster, a sounding board, someone to listen to your story? Experiencing coping issues, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem? Struggling in a relationship with others, yourself? The possibility for relief awaits discovery. Research claims that much of our pain and suffering comes from our past experiences which may influence how we think and feel about ourselves, life. Therapy can be a place to work through and shift these thoughts and help discover your true Self in the world. I believe our strongest resources for survival and living life are hiding within us, waiting to be revealed.
(805) 567-7057 View (805) 567-7057
Photo of Suzanne Gorter, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Suzanne Gorter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
"As above, so below". The ancient saying reminds us that the ways in which we experience life and encounters with others are based on patterns of behavior and beliefs about ourselves in the world that have developed over time. Often these patterns and beliefs serve us well, other times they create inner turmoil, frustration, and confusion. As a therapist, I am committed to the facilitating the process for you of discovering unconscious patterns and beliefs, how they have been beneficial or harmful, and learning to make consciously informed responses to the problematic situations in life that you are facing.
"As above, so below". The ancient saying reminds us that the ways in which we experience life and encounters with others are based on patterns of behavior and beliefs about ourselves in the world that have developed over time. Often these patterns and beliefs serve us well, other times they create inner turmoil, frustration, and confusion. As a therapist, I am committed to the facilitating the process for you of discovering unconscious patterns and beliefs, how they have been beneficial or harmful, and learning to make consciously informed responses to the problematic situations in life that you are facing.
(805) 296-7808 View (805) 296-7808
Photo of Dr. Nicole Dolan - Sacred Path Holistic Therapy, PhD , MA, LMFT, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sacred Path Holistic Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD , MA, LMFT, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
We are now open for new clients :) Holistic & Affordable Therapy! At Sacred Path, our qualified therapists are looking forward to helping you access Your inner resources to heal, grow, and reclaim your life. With the right help you can heal from old wounds, release negative cycles and patterns, resolve symptoms of trauma and gain relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other relational issues. True healing affords us the ability to create the life that we desire. A life lived with meaning. Dr. Dolan
We are now open for new clients :) Holistic & Affordable Therapy! At Sacred Path, our qualified therapists are looking forward to helping you access Your inner resources to heal, grow, and reclaim your life. With the right help you can heal from old wounds, release negative cycles and patterns, resolve symptoms of trauma and gain relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other relational issues. True healing affords us the ability to create the life that we desire. A life lived with meaning. Dr. Dolan
(805) 232-7580 View (805) 232-7580
Photo of Kasey Bogoje - The Mindful Lemon, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401  (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
(855) 435-4301 View (855) 435-4301
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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.