Photo of Sylvan O’Brien, Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Sylvan O’Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
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Sylvan O’Brien

Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
6 Endorsed
Call Me
Let's Connect (408) 610-1744
Photo of Sylvan O’Brien, Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Available online only
San Diego, CA 92124
As an ADHD, Autism, Bipolar, Chronic Illness, and Complex Trauma specialist, I understand how navigating life can be exhausting and confusing. At times, it can be overwhelming and debilitating, leaving you to feel numb, isolated, and misunderstood. This is where I can help! You are deserving of relief from anxiety, grief, and pain. You are worthy of inspiration. With me, your thoughts and emotions are welcomed without judgement. Together, we can work collaboratively to meet your needs, understand perceptions, cultivate your strengths, improve relationships and self-esteem, and achieve personal growth.
My priority in working with individuals and couples is to create a safe space for personal expression. Within sessions, I integrate psychoeducation, somatic work, art-making, journaling prompts, and additional resources to best support your unique needs and goals. I can connect you with the tools you need to feel empowered in your unique healing journey.
My desire to help others is directly motivated by my lived experience with ADHD, Autism, and Chronic Illness (T1D and Celiac). With this, I understand what it feels like to be forced to adapt. I've experienced how draining it can be to put on a mask. There is a way out of burnout and shame. Contact me today and see if we may be a good fit!
Call or Sylvan O’Brien now for a free 15 minute consultation - (408) 610-1744

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

San Diego, CA 92124

(408) 610-1744

Los Angeles, CA 90004

My website
Contact me to schedule a free consultation! www.sylvansart.com
I specialize in Autism, ADHD and Trauma and PTSD 
$300 Per Session  
I see individuals, couples and groups  
Hi, I'm Sylvan. Reach out for a free consultation to explore what a creative approach to healing could look like for you!
Sylvan O’Brien
Let's Connect (408) 610-1744
Photo of Sylvan O’Brien, Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

San Diego, CA 92124

(408) 610-1744

Los Angeles, CA 90004

My website
Contact me to schedule a free consultation! www.sylvansart.com
I specialize in Autism, ADHD and Trauma and PTSD 
$300 Per Session  
I see individuals, couples and groups  
Hi, I'm Sylvan. Reach out for a free consultation to explore what a creative approach to healing could look like for you!
Sylvan O’Brien

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $300
  • Couple Sessions $400
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • Out of Network
"
I can provide superbills for out-of-network clients to help with reimbursement. Please reach out with any questions.
Photo of Sylvan O’Brien, Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Sylvan O’Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (408) 610-1744
"
I can provide superbills for out-of-network clients to help with reimbursement. Please reach out with any questions.
Photo of Sylvan O’Brien, Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Sylvan O’Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (408) 610-1744

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of California / 163836 Sylvan O’Brien
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • Attended Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy, Masters
  • Additional Credentials

  • Degree/Diploma from Dominican University of California Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy / 2023
"
Art-making can serve as an alternative mode for expressing when verbal communication feels difficult or limiting. It is adaptable for all ages and experience levels and can be as simple as a scribble on a piece of paper!
Photo of Sylvan O’Brien, Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Sylvan O’Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (408) 610-1744
"
Art-making can serve as an alternative mode for expressing when verbal communication feels difficult or limiting. It is adaptable for all ages and experience levels and can be as simple as a scribble on a piece of paper!
Photo of Sylvan O’Brien, Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Sylvan O’Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (408) 610-1744

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Trauma and PTSD

Expertise

  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Chronic Illness
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Grief
  • LGBTQ+
  • Life Transitions
  • Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
  • Parenting
  • Polyamory & ENM
  • Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Spirituality
  • Stress
  • Tick-Borne illness
"
Check out my published research on tick-borne illness and complex trauma here: scholar.dominican.edu/art-therapy-masters-theses/13/
Photo of Sylvan O’Brien, Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Sylvan O’Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (408) 610-1744
"
Check out my published research on tick-borne illness and complex trauma here: scholar.dominican.edu/art-therapy-masters-theses/13/
Photo of Sylvan O’Brien, Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Sylvan O’Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (408) 610-1744

6 Endorsements

Emma Christie-Foster
Emma Christie-Foster
Marriage & Family TherapistMALMFT
Sylvan has a unique and personalized approach to her work with clients. She intentionally integrates art and somatic practices into her therapy while cultivating a safe and creative approach to the healing process of her clients.
Heather M Browne
Heather M Browne
Marriage & Family TherapistPsyDMALMFT
Sylvan has a unique and powerful ability to explore not only the issue, but to find deeper nuances that would not be recognized by most therapists. Her keen intelligence and somatic insight allow a more complete and creative release.
Amy Backos
Amy Backos
PsychologistPhDATR-BC
Ms. Streightiff is an excellent clinician who is approachable, empathetic, and deeping caring about her clients. She is an excellent Art Therapist!
Lori Conroy
Lori Conroy
Marriage & Family TherapistLMFT
Sylvan has a passion to help her clients heal. Through Art Therapy she provides a safe place to express your emotions. Are you Impacted by a chronic illness, trauma, anxiety, depression or just wanting to achieve personal growth I recommend Sylvan.
Daniel Hollander
Daniel Hollander
Marriage & Family TherapistMLISMALMFTLPCC
Sylvan is a proficient, caring, and empathic clinician who is skilled in providing virtual art therapy to clients across California.
Sophia Denardo
Sophia Denardo
Marriage & Family Therapist AssociateAMFTATR-P
If Sylvan wasn't a colleague, I would have her as my therapist. She has a wealth of knowledge about trauma, neurodivergence, and somatic work. She weaves together such a beautiful practice that has been transformative. She is a gift to this world.

Client Focus

Age

Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Group

Age

Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Group

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
  • Art Therapy
  • Compassion Focused
  • EMDR
  • Family Systems
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
  • Neurodivergent-affirming
  • Somatic
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
  • Virtual Reality
"
Somatic therapy and art making engages the mind, body, and spirit. This limits the need for confidently articulating trauma by providing an additional mode for expressing, understanding, and relating to personal insights and experiences.
Photo of Sylvan O’Brien, Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Sylvan O’Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (408) 610-1744
"
Somatic therapy and art making engages the mind, body, and spirit. This limits the need for confidently articulating trauma by providing an additional mode for expressing, understanding, and relating to personal insights and experiences.
Photo of Sylvan O’Brien, Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Sylvan O’Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (408) 610-1744

Location

Primary Location

San Diego, CA 92124

(408) 610-1744

Additional Location

Los Angeles, CA 90004

(408) 610-1744
"
Contact me to schedule a free consultation! www.sylvansart.com
Photo of Sylvan O’Brien, Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Sylvan O’Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Call for a free consultation now - (408) 610-1744
"
Contact me to schedule a free consultation! www.sylvansart.com
Photo of Sylvan O’Brien, Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Sylvan O’Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, ATR
Call for a free consultation now - (408) 610-1744