Sandplay Therapists in Berkeley, CA
I use dream work and Sandplay therapy because I value the symbolic images that bring us to a deeper level of understanding about ourselves.
I specialize in working with individuals with a focus on Jungian Depth Psychotherapy. Patients in my practice often feel a sense of being lost, stuck feeling empty, and confused and are looking for something to unlock the keys to their difficulties. These can be challenging times with today’s fast pace, with a daily influx of information and rapid changes in technology that make it difficult for us to find the truth and our best interest sometimes. The difficulties may manifest in depression, anxiety, or other somatic symptoms.
I use dream work and Sandplay therapy because I value the symbolic images that bring us to a deeper level of understanding about ourselves.
I specialize in working with individuals with a focus on Jungian Depth Psychotherapy. Patients in my practice often feel a sense of being lost, stuck feeling empty, and confused and are looking for something to unlock the keys to their difficulties. These can be challenging times with today’s fast pace, with a daily influx of information and rapid changes in technology that make it difficult for us to find the truth and our best interest sometimes. The difficulties may manifest in depression, anxiety, or other somatic symptoms.
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.
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.
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.
Natalya Kuzmicheva
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94703 (Online Only)
Every patient is unique, and so is every therapist. I have lived and practiced therapy in two very different cultures, which has given me insight into culturally specific and universal issues that underlie personal and interpersonal conflicts. I approach every client with acceptance and understanding, providing them with a compassionate space for exploring challenges and obstacles to happiness in themselves and their relationships. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, seeking to understand each client's worldview and to help them to discover their own solutions to the difficulties they face, including anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts.
Every patient is unique, and so is every therapist. I have lived and practiced therapy in two very different cultures, which has given me insight into culturally specific and universal issues that underlie personal and interpersonal conflicts. I approach every client with acceptance and understanding, providing them with a compassionate space for exploring challenges and obstacles to happiness in themselves and their relationships. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, seeking to understand each client's worldview and to help them to discover their own solutions to the difficulties they face, including anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts.
You might be asking yourself “Why do I keep repeating the same patterns in my relationships, my career, and my life?” In my 17 years of practice, I have helped hundreds of people clear the roadblocks to living more authentic, healthy lives. My ability to guide people on this path comes from two decades of deep self-work because I can only take someone to places I’ve gone myself. If you feel ready to take a closer look at the parts of you that have been silently running your life from the backseat, I'll meet you there to help you take the first step toward the life you've always imagined.
You might be asking yourself “Why do I keep repeating the same patterns in my relationships, my career, and my life?” In my 17 years of practice, I have helped hundreds of people clear the roadblocks to living more authentic, healthy lives. My ability to guide people on this path comes from two decades of deep self-work because I can only take someone to places I’ve gone myself. If you feel ready to take a closer look at the parts of you that have been silently running your life from the backseat, I'll meet you there to help you take the first step toward the life you've always imagined.
Ellie Lotan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705 (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.
Stefanie Bell
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704
My ideology is inspired by the juxtaposition of American narratives, originating from the Deep South and Urban Midwest. Growing up in a Pro-Black, Christian Baptist home I learned how gender, sexuality, and white supremacy can greatly affect our culture, happiness and well-being. Early exposure to the mental healthcare system taught me that oppression can be as multi-layered and intersectional as the oppressed, and diagnosis will continue to be an act of oppression if it ignores cultural context, societal phobias, and systemic oppression. For a great number, our mental health is a representation of how we survive our social climate.
My ideology is inspired by the juxtaposition of American narratives, originating from the Deep South and Urban Midwest. Growing up in a Pro-Black, Christian Baptist home I learned how gender, sexuality, and white supremacy can greatly affect our culture, happiness and well-being. Early exposure to the mental healthcare system taught me that oppression can be as multi-layered and intersectional as the oppressed, and diagnosis will continue to be an act of oppression if it ignores cultural context, societal phobias, and systemic oppression. For a great number, our mental health is a representation of how we survive our social climate.
Altaf Bhimji
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704
Waitlist for new clients
You may have a goal of living a meaningful life in all of its richness - and are seeking help with mental health, such as depression, anxiety, trauma / complex trauma related challenges. Childhood or a distant emotional wound may continue to impact present day relationships, and/or day to day life. Or, perhaps, more recent incident(s) of distress or significant strain? A collaborative person-centered approach can help you with working towards your goals and healing.
You may have a goal of living a meaningful life in all of its richness - and are seeking help with mental health, such as depression, anxiety, trauma / complex trauma related challenges. Childhood or a distant emotional wound may continue to impact present day relationships, and/or day to day life. Or, perhaps, more recent incident(s) of distress or significant strain? A collaborative person-centered approach can help you with working towards your goals and healing.
Dr. Brett Gaynor Psychotherapy and Consultation
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704
I strive to facilitate a dialogue that both empowers and engages clients in their own self-healing, valuing the co-creation of a transformative narrative and experience. As a licensed clinical psychologist, experienced in treating both children and adults, I view emotional and behavioral challenges as a dynamic outcome that develops as a result of complex interactions across time, as opposed to something inherently "broken" inside an individual.
I strive to facilitate a dialogue that both empowers and engages clients in their own self-healing, valuing the co-creation of a transformative narrative and experience. As a licensed clinical psychologist, experienced in treating both children and adults, I view emotional and behavioral challenges as a dynamic outcome that develops as a result of complex interactions across time, as opposed to something inherently "broken" inside an individual.
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.
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Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
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.
Kayo Sumisaki
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705 (Online Only)
Is your child exhibiting emotional and/or behavioral problems? Are you having problems with your relationships or at work? Are you feeling overwhelmed with anxiety or struggling with depression? I can help. In the safety of a caring and collaborative relationship, we will work on understanding how difficult life patterns are no longer serving you. My role is to meet my clients where they are and help guide them toward making lasting positive changes. I provide both short-term and long-term therapy. Call for a free consultation today!
Is your child exhibiting emotional and/or behavioral problems? Are you having problems with your relationships or at work? Are you feeling overwhelmed with anxiety or struggling with depression? I can help. In the safety of a caring and collaborative relationship, we will work on understanding how difficult life patterns are no longer serving you. My role is to meet my clients where they are and help guide them toward making lasting positive changes. I provide both short-term and long-term therapy. Call for a free consultation today!
Do you find yourself at a crossroads, with recent events or longstanding issues to sort through and understand? Are you experiencing a challenged relationship, a sadness lingering from Covid isolation, anxieties, a shake up of self esteem, or a desire to re-calibrate life/career goals? What do you want to release and what to retain as learning? I offer compassionate, supportive, resourceful, pragmatic collaboration to help you balance these awarenesses. Together, we will set achievable goals and reclaim your resources within, so that you, and your relationships can move forward in a positive way.
Do you find yourself at a crossroads, with recent events or longstanding issues to sort through and understand? Are you experiencing a challenged relationship, a sadness lingering from Covid isolation, anxieties, a shake up of self esteem, or a desire to re-calibrate life/career goals? What do you want to release and what to retain as learning? I offer compassionate, supportive, resourceful, pragmatic collaboration to help you balance these awarenesses. Together, we will set achievable goals and reclaim your resources within, so that you, and your relationships can move forward in a positive way.
Zara Drapkin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
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.
Matt R Garrett
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, BCBA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
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.
Vicki Young
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705 (Online Only)
Welcome! I specialize in relationships, work and parenting. I’m warm, creative, supportive & smart. I like to help people in life transitions. These are hard times. If you’re feeling alone, overwhelmed, upset or worried about the future, let me help. We collaborate to address the hard things in your life, discover your unique abilities & strengths & create a path toward your dreams and goals. I am a licensed psychotherapist with 30 + years’ experience working with people from age 2 to 100. I create space where you can feel comfortable expressing feelings & exploring difficult issues. We transform you’re goals into do-able steps.
Welcome! I specialize in relationships, work and parenting. I’m warm, creative, supportive & smart. I like to help people in life transitions. These are hard times. If you’re feeling alone, overwhelmed, upset or worried about the future, let me help. We collaborate to address the hard things in your life, discover your unique abilities & strengths & create a path toward your dreams and goals. I am a licensed psychotherapist with 30 + years’ experience working with people from age 2 to 100. I create space where you can feel comfortable expressing feelings & exploring difficult issues. We transform you’re goals into do-able steps.
Do you sometimes feel like you just need to get over that next hill, but then there is always another hill? Life is a winding trail, with each turn bringing new challenges. Inner conflicts create uncertainty. Yet you're not alone. Together, we'll navigate the twists of relationships and decisions, forging a path to self-discovery and empowerment. Let's embark on this adventure together.
Do you sometimes feel like you just need to get over that next hill, but then there is always another hill? Life is a winding trail, with each turn bringing new challenges. Inner conflicts create uncertainty. Yet you're not alone. Together, we'll navigate the twists of relationships and decisions, forging a path to self-discovery and empowerment. Let's embark on this adventure together.
Larry A Miller
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94702
Waitlist for new clients
The deep questions we struggle with include; what's not working in my relationships, work life, or myself? How does a person change so that they can get unstuck and pursue what is meaningful? These are the questions we'd explore and answer together. By appreciating both conscious ideas and the pull of unconscious and historical forces, we would focus on what can be understood, what can be altered, and what must be accepted.
The deep questions we struggle with include; what's not working in my relationships, work life, or myself? How does a person change so that they can get unstuck and pursue what is meaningful? These are the questions we'd explore and answer together. By appreciating both conscious ideas and the pull of unconscious and historical forces, we would focus on what can be understood, what can be altered, and what must be accepted.
Through therapy with your child, I will work in building resiliency, learning new coping skills, emotional regulation, and providing a safe space to process memories and current life experiences and traumas. Unlike adults who tend more to communicate verbally or from a logical perspective, children use creativity and imaginative play to express their inner thoughts and feelings, it is often the main way children relate and learn about themselves and their world. Through play therapy, I respond to your child with care, attunement, and skillfulness in helping them understand difficult emotions and make sense of confusing experiences.
Through therapy with your child, I will work in building resiliency, learning new coping skills, emotional regulation, and providing a safe space to process memories and current life experiences and traumas. Unlike adults who tend more to communicate verbally or from a logical perspective, children use creativity and imaginative play to express their inner thoughts and feelings, it is often the main way children relate and learn about themselves and their world. Through play therapy, I respond to your child with care, attunement, and skillfulness in helping them understand difficult emotions and make sense of confusing experiences.
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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.