Sandplay Therapists in Albany, CA
If your child is experiencing tantrums or aggression, feels anxious, angry, or sad, has a low tolerance for frustration, or has poor relationships with other children or adults, I can help. I am a therapist specialized in working with young children and their families. I work with parents to help them understand their child's behavior and know how to respond during difficult parenting moments. I work with children to help them build social skills, understand and regulate their emotions, and overcome traumatic experiences (ex.death, illness) or difficult life transitions (ex. birth of a new sibling, divorce, school expulsion).
If your child is experiencing tantrums or aggression, feels anxious, angry, or sad, has a low tolerance for frustration, or has poor relationships with other children or adults, I can help. I am a therapist specialized in working with young children and their families. I work with parents to help them understand their child's behavior and know how to respond during difficult parenting moments. I work with children to help them build social skills, understand and regulate their emotions, and overcome traumatic experiences (ex.death, illness) or difficult life transitions (ex. birth of a new sibling, divorce, school expulsion).
Sometimes, the stress of daily life can exhaust our ability to cope. A child struggling in school, family conflicts, traumatic events, major life transitions, the loss of a loved one, friend, or pet, financial and/or medical issues, pregnancy and the birth of a child—all of these experiences can leave us feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and defeated. From experience and research, we know that stressful experiences--sudden or chronic--can lead to feelings of disconnection, sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and conflict within ourselves and with our friends and loved ones.
Sometimes, the stress of daily life can exhaust our ability to cope. A child struggling in school, family conflicts, traumatic events, major life transitions, the loss of a loved one, friend, or pet, financial and/or medical issues, pregnancy and the birth of a child—all of these experiences can leave us feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and defeated. From experience and research, we know that stressful experiences--sudden or chronic--can lead to feelings of disconnection, sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and conflict within ourselves and with our friends and loved ones.
Melissa Murphy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, JD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706
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.
I specialize in working with young children, caregivers, adults, and birthing people. The early relationship between a caregiver and child is central to developing a sense of safety and self esteem. My goal is to strengthen the attachment between the child and their important caregivers, to promote healthy development, and address any issues that may be impacting the child or caregiver well-being. Through this therapeutic approach, the focus is not only on the child's individual experiences but also on the dynamics and interactions within the family unit.
I specialize in working with young children, caregivers, adults, and birthing people. The early relationship between a caregiver and child is central to developing a sense of safety and self esteem. My goal is to strengthen the attachment between the child and their important caregivers, to promote healthy development, and address any issues that may be impacting the child or caregiver well-being. Through this therapeutic approach, the focus is not only on the child's individual experiences but also on the dynamics and interactions within the family unit.
Welcome! Note: email is the best way reach me. Finding a therapist is daunting. The relationship tends to be the most consistent factor in whether therapy is successful, so I encourage you to trust your intuition. I work with adults (not couples) and adolescents over 14 on a variety of issues, including achieving greater mood stability, identity issues, improved relationships and sexuality, and recovery from trauma. I have experience working effectively with people who identify as trans, genderqueer, and those with diverse lifestyles. I also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in collaboration w/Journey Clinical.
Welcome! Note: email is the best way reach me. Finding a therapist is daunting. The relationship tends to be the most consistent factor in whether therapy is successful, so I encourage you to trust your intuition. I work with adults (not couples) and adolescents over 14 on a variety of issues, including achieving greater mood stability, identity issues, improved relationships and sexuality, and recovery from trauma. I have experience working effectively with people who identify as trans, genderqueer, and those with diverse lifestyles. I also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in collaboration w/Journey Clinical.
Holly F. Forman-Patel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706 (Online Only)
Has anxiety and other overwhelming feelings taken control of your life? Did you experience a traumatic event that continues to have impact? Have you spent years in therapy but still feel stuck regarding past events? Are you not performing like you once did in your sport or professional capacity? All of these are common experiences that do not need to continue and can shift to help you lead the life you want.
Has anxiety and other overwhelming feelings taken control of your life? Did you experience a traumatic event that continues to have impact? Have you spent years in therapy but still feel stuck regarding past events? Are you not performing like you once did in your sport or professional capacity? All of these are common experiences that do not need to continue and can shift to help you lead the life you want.
Are you experiencing marital conflict? Do you worry about how conflict with your mate affects your children? I have over 20 years experience working with clients dealing with a wide variety of issues, including family conflict, divorce, child custody, parenting issues, depression, addiction, and anxiety.
Research has proven that the parental relationship directly impacts a child's self esteem and social skills.
I am a warm, dynamic and solution oriented therapist. I work along side you, to help you identify and overcome the problems which are causing pain in your life.
Are you experiencing marital conflict? Do you worry about how conflict with your mate affects your children? I have over 20 years experience working with clients dealing with a wide variety of issues, including family conflict, divorce, child custody, parenting issues, depression, addiction, and anxiety.
Research has proven that the parental relationship directly impacts a child's self esteem and social skills.
I am a warm, dynamic and solution oriented therapist. I work along side you, to help you identify and overcome the problems which are causing pain in your life.
I welcome those into my practice who are struggling with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I am trauma-informed, with twenty years of experience working with adults, children and families. I have worked with adults and teens who have come to seek treatment for various types of developmental traumas such as childhood physical and sexual abuse, neglect, as well as single incident trauma. I welcome anyone who is looking to create a safe working alliance through which to explore issues with boundaries and self care, whereby I can assist you in the cultivation of a compassionate inner awareness.
I welcome those into my practice who are struggling with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I am trauma-informed, with twenty years of experience working with adults, children and families. I have worked with adults and teens who have come to seek treatment for various types of developmental traumas such as childhood physical and sexual abuse, neglect, as well as single incident trauma. I welcome anyone who is looking to create a safe working alliance through which to explore issues with boundaries and self care, whereby I can assist you in the cultivation of a compassionate inner awareness.
You may be experiencing acute emotional pain due to an unexpected change in your life, or you may feel that the suffering has been there for a long time and coping on your own is no longer enough. You may find yourself feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or lonely, repeating the same patterns without being able to find your way out. You may be wishing for deeper relationships, a more satisfying and creative job, or relief from inner turmoil. If you continue to feel insecure, anxious, or depressed, no matter what you try, therapy can help.
You may be experiencing acute emotional pain due to an unexpected change in your life, or you may feel that the suffering has been there for a long time and coping on your own is no longer enough. You may find yourself feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or lonely, repeating the same patterns without being able to find your way out. You may be wishing for deeper relationships, a more satisfying and creative job, or relief from inner turmoil. If you continue to feel insecure, anxious, or depressed, no matter what you try, therapy can help.
Matt R Garrett
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, BCBA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706
I tend to work with and help those that are impacted by anxiety and/or depression on a daily basis, hindering overall well-being but also in specific areas of life as well. I look to support, educate, guide and collaboratively work with my clients of any age, aiming to help them get to where they want to be in their lives. I focus on helping you determine which goals you'd like to focus on that uses your own core values in your life to help bring more meaning to the the thoughts you have and the things you do each day.
I tend to work with and help those that are impacted by anxiety and/or depression on a daily basis, hindering overall well-being but also in specific areas of life as well. I look to support, educate, guide and collaboratively work with my clients of any age, aiming to help them get to where they want to be in their lives. I focus on helping you determine which goals you'd like to focus on that uses your own core values in your life to help bring more meaning to the the thoughts you have and the things you do each day.
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.
I see therapy as a collaborative process. In a sense, you are my guide—and I am yours. Together, we will explore your nature and seek for an embodied understanding of your path toward well-being—as defined by you and your goals. You are the expert of your own experience. I fully respect and celebrate this fact, and encourage in all my clients the growth of self-awareness, creativity, intuition, self-love, acceptance, empowerment, self-support, compassion, imagination, meaning, and sense of purpose—the roots of a healthy life. I am here to help you align with the natural healing power inherent within life, within you.
I see therapy as a collaborative process. In a sense, you are my guide—and I am yours. Together, we will explore your nature and seek for an embodied understanding of your path toward well-being—as defined by you and your goals. You are the expert of your own experience. I fully respect and celebrate this fact, and encourage in all my clients the growth of self-awareness, creativity, intuition, self-love, acceptance, empowerment, self-support, compassion, imagination, meaning, and sense of purpose—the roots of a healthy life. I am here to help you align with the natural healing power inherent within life, within you.
Katrina Brashares
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706
I work with individuals of all ages, including couples and families, to foster emotional health and equilibrium. Together, we build a positive therapeutic relationship to explore patterns and find solutions. I bring a tailored approach to treatment that draws on elements of attachment theory, strength-based therapy, mindfulness, ACT, and CBT. I apply these approaches to support clients, including teens and young adults facing anxiety and depression, adults and couples navigating relationships, couples preparing for children, and parents seeking support in achieving work-family-personal balance.
I work with individuals of all ages, including couples and families, to foster emotional health and equilibrium. Together, we build a positive therapeutic relationship to explore patterns and find solutions. I bring a tailored approach to treatment that draws on elements of attachment theory, strength-based therapy, mindfulness, ACT, and CBT. I apply these approaches to support clients, including teens and young adults facing anxiety and depression, adults and couples navigating relationships, couples preparing for children, and parents seeking support in achieving work-family-personal balance.
Megan Ellis Van Vlack
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94707
The decision to begin psychotherapy can come about for a variety of reasons. This may be your first time in therapy or it’s just the right time to get a fresh perspective. You may be struggling with feelings and experiences that are hard to make sense of or you may feel stuck, like you’ve tried everything, and nothing is working. What you do know is that it's getting to be more difficult to stay motivated and enjoy the things that you love. Psychotherapy can help to relieve these stressors and instead help you find ways to thrive.
The decision to begin psychotherapy can come about for a variety of reasons. This may be your first time in therapy or it’s just the right time to get a fresh perspective. You may be struggling with feelings and experiences that are hard to make sense of or you may feel stuck, like you’ve tried everything, and nothing is working. What you do know is that it's getting to be more difficult to stay motivated and enjoy the things that you love. Psychotherapy can help to relieve these stressors and instead help you find ways to thrive.
I support individuals who may have experienced confusing and distressing familial relationships either in childhood or adulthood. This may manifest as painful interpersonal dynamics later in life, and can create complex feelings about "home." I specialize in trauma work for adults, children and adolescents. Our work together can facilitate transformation and create new possibilities. It would be an honor to support you.
I support individuals who may have experienced confusing and distressing familial relationships either in childhood or adulthood. This may manifest as painful interpersonal dynamics later in life, and can create complex feelings about "home." I specialize in trauma work for adults, children and adolescents. Our work together can facilitate transformation and create new possibilities. It would be an honor to support you.
More Therapists Nearby
I have a background in the arts and find it informs the way I work, both explicitly, in Ecotherapy and Sandplay, and implicitly, in my orientation to depth work and the developmental roots of adult difficulties.
I am currently accepting individual adult clients of all ages. My approach is warm and collaborative, drawing on different therapeutic models to target your specific needs. I use a psychodynamic lens to help you identify what past and present conditions are determining your choices and coming between you and a more satisfying way of life, cognitive and mindfulness approaches to help you regulate emotions and gain perspective on self-defeating thoughts, and Sandplay therapy to process trauma and explore states of mind that are difficult to put into words. I also use Ecotherapy perspectives and exercises.
I have a background in the arts and find it informs the way I work, both explicitly, in Ecotherapy and Sandplay, and implicitly, in my orientation to depth work and the developmental roots of adult difficulties.
I am currently accepting individual adult clients of all ages. My approach is warm and collaborative, drawing on different therapeutic models to target your specific needs. I use a psychodynamic lens to help you identify what past and present conditions are determining your choices and coming between you and a more satisfying way of life, cognitive and mindfulness approaches to help you regulate emotions and gain perspective on self-defeating thoughts, and Sandplay therapy to process trauma and explore states of mind that are difficult to put into words. I also use Ecotherapy perspectives and exercises.
Along with traditional verbal therapy, we may utilize expressive arts, sandplay, and dreamwork according to interest.
Are you looking to find ways to make changes so you can live a more satisfying and meaningful life? Are you finding yourself in repetitive patterns that are no longer working for you? I may be of assistance to you. I bring an in-depth approach that builds on your strengths and aims to untangle the roots to what is causing problems for you. This can lead to reduction in painful symptoms such as anxiety and depression, and to finding more constructive ways for you to address life challenges. I bring a gift in helping you fulfill your life potential.
Along with traditional verbal therapy, we may utilize expressive arts, sandplay, and dreamwork according to interest.
Are you looking to find ways to make changes so you can live a more satisfying and meaningful life? Are you finding yourself in repetitive patterns that are no longer working for you? I may be of assistance to you. I bring an in-depth approach that builds on your strengths and aims to untangle the roots to what is causing problems for you. This can lead to reduction in painful symptoms such as anxiety and depression, and to finding more constructive ways for you to address life challenges. I bring a gift in helping you fulfill your life potential.
Kathryn Buys
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, ACSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
guided meditations, sandplay, dreamwork, & grounded shadow work.
If you are a woman ready for more happiness, more peace, & a greater sense of choice, I am here to guide you on your way. Your depression, anxiety, or relationship challenges may be signals that something greater is around the corner. If they persist, though, it’s a good time to find someone who can re-orient you so that you’re on the path of a joyful life, a life of intention, a life where empowerment and “yes!” are within reach. I work with women who feel even just a slight spark of knowing that this path might be available. We may start with mindfulness & how to cope with the effects of trauma and depression so you can thrive.
guided meditations, sandplay, dreamwork, & grounded shadow work.
If you are a woman ready for more happiness, more peace, & a greater sense of choice, I am here to guide you on your way. Your depression, anxiety, or relationship challenges may be signals that something greater is around the corner. If they persist, though, it’s a good time to find someone who can re-orient you so that you’re on the path of a joyful life, a life of intention, a life where empowerment and “yes!” are within reach. I work with women who feel even just a slight spark of knowing that this path might be available. We may start with mindfulness & how to cope with the effects of trauma and depression so you can thrive.
What do you want of this life? Are you living in alignment? What is being called to change? I'm here to help you heal, transform, and connect with your life force. This includes navigating difficult emotions, relationships, life transitions, and illuminating the most important things in your life; to free yourself from outdated patterns and become an active creator of your narrative.
What do you want of this life? Are you living in alignment? What is being called to change? I'm here to help you heal, transform, and connect with your life force. This includes navigating difficult emotions, relationships, life transitions, and illuminating the most important things in your life; to free yourself from outdated patterns and become an active creator of your narrative.
L Rebecca Connell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94707 (Online Only)
INDIVIDUALS (couples below): Energy Psychology is a group of self-calming practices involving breathing and touching one’s own face and body. Scientific studies and clinical experience are confirming that Energy Psychology can help with anxiety, relationships, and trauma. You will learn practices to calm down during a conflict, sleep better, or let go of things that bother you. These practices help you by enhancing nervous system regulation, changing the way your brain stores upsetting memories, and bringing in more happiness and focus. You'll learn practices to use at home, in moments of stress or to start your day on a good note
INDIVIDUALS (couples below): Energy Psychology is a group of self-calming practices involving breathing and touching one’s own face and body. Scientific studies and clinical experience are confirming that Energy Psychology can help with anxiety, relationships, and trauma. You will learn practices to calm down during a conflict, sleep better, or let go of things that bother you. These practices help you by enhancing nervous system regulation, changing the way your brain stores upsetting memories, and bringing in more happiness and focus. You'll learn practices to use at home, in moments of stress or to start your day on a good note
See more therapy options for Albany
Nearby Sandplay Therapists Searches for Albany
- Alameda
- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Oakland
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- Richmond
- San Francisco
- Sausalito
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.