Sandplay Therapists in Castro Valley, CA

Photo of Eleanor Beckman, MA, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Eleanor Beckman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
I am passionate about helping my clients achieve personal growth and mental well-being. I offer tailored therapy sessions designed to meet you where you are. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or looking to enhance family dynamics, I provide a compassionate and effective approach to help you navigate life's challenges.

I believe in the transformative power of therapy to bring about positive change. I understand that change is hard, and together, we will create goals that feel real and attainable, actively working hand-in-hand to achieve them.
I am passionate about helping my clients achieve personal growth and mental well-being. I offer tailored therapy sessions designed to meet you where you are. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or looking to enhance family dynamics, I provide a compassionate and effective approach to help you navigate life's challenges.

I believe in the transformative power of therapy to bring about positive change. I understand that change is hard, and together, we will create goals that feel real and attainable, actively working hand-in-hand to achieve them.
(510) 988-5241 View (510) 988-5241
Photo of Joy Lee Johnson, PsyD, Psychologist
Joy Lee Johnson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Joy provides families with survival tools and peace of mind to successfully accomplish the monumental task of raising kids and a family - a task that came without an instruction manual and changes at every turn. While she doesn't claim to know every particular circumstance, she has a reputation for respecting, honoring, and supporting people from a wide variety of life experiences. Joy has the ability to not just understand but FEEL your struggle without judgment.
Joy provides families with survival tools and peace of mind to successfully accomplish the monumental task of raising kids and a family - a task that came without an instruction manual and changes at every turn. While she doesn't claim to know every particular circumstance, she has a reputation for respecting, honoring, and supporting people from a wide variety of life experiences. Joy has the ability to not just understand but FEEL your struggle without judgment.
(510) 756-2926 View (510) 756-2926
Photo of Natalia El-Sheikh, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natalia El-Sheikh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
You might feel like your emotions are all over the place and struggle to find balance. You may feel like you are not yet on the right path, you can be hard on yourself, passing harsh judgments, perhaps feeling worthless. This can be painful and exhausting, it hurts you and your relationships. Let’s work together to understand what triggers these feelings and how they impact your life. I can help you get to know yourself better, fostering more compassion towards yourself and feeling more effective in your relationships. Together, we can work on regaining your confidence so you can feel that you are living the life you are meant to.
You might feel like your emotions are all over the place and struggle to find balance. You may feel like you are not yet on the right path, you can be hard on yourself, passing harsh judgments, perhaps feeling worthless. This can be painful and exhausting, it hurts you and your relationships. Let’s work together to understand what triggers these feelings and how they impact your life. I can help you get to know yourself better, fostering more compassion towards yourself and feeling more effective in your relationships. Together, we can work on regaining your confidence so you can feel that you are living the life you are meant to.
(510) 240-5892 View (510) 240-5892
Photo of Sandra Ellen Norris, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sandra Ellen Norris
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546
My approach balances compassion with being direct. My clients experience care, acceptance and belonging, while also feeling challenged the right amount to grow, change and decrease suffering. I offer empathy while actively engaging my clients by setting weekly treatment goals, building coping tools/resources, and providing skills/knowledge to build self-awareness and integration. We are deeply influenced by our cultural identity and heritage. I am committed to the values of respecting and celebrating diversity, and supporting social/political policies of equal rights and opportunities.
My approach balances compassion with being direct. My clients experience care, acceptance and belonging, while also feeling challenged the right amount to grow, change and decrease suffering. I offer empathy while actively engaging my clients by setting weekly treatment goals, building coping tools/resources, and providing skills/knowledge to build self-awareness and integration. We are deeply influenced by our cultural identity and heritage. I am committed to the values of respecting and celebrating diversity, and supporting social/political policies of equal rights and opportunities.
(415) 805-9972 View (415) 805-9972
Photo of Kristie Potter, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristie Potter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Despite our best efforts, sometimes it just doesn’t seem like life goes quite the way we planned. Family/relationship conflicts, worry about a child’s choices/behaviors, feelings of overwhelm/anxiety, grief/loss or a major life transition are often a part of our lives. And, unfortunately, sometimes these events are compounded by a lack of support or critic voices. Although it may not feel like it, I truly believe we are all doing the best we can in any given moment with the tools & information we have at that time and am passionate about supporting you in discovering your strengths and new strategies to create the changes you seek.
Despite our best efforts, sometimes it just doesn’t seem like life goes quite the way we planned. Family/relationship conflicts, worry about a child’s choices/behaviors, feelings of overwhelm/anxiety, grief/loss or a major life transition are often a part of our lives. And, unfortunately, sometimes these events are compounded by a lack of support or critic voices. Although it may not feel like it, I truly believe we are all doing the best we can in any given moment with the tools & information we have at that time and am passionate about supporting you in discovering your strengths and new strategies to create the changes you seek.
(925) 233-7950 View (925) 233-7950
Photo of Stephanie Lee - Bay Area Relationship Support, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bay Area Relationship Support
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
I work with Asian American individuals and couples around relationship issues. Most of my clients are thriving in their careers, but they want more. They want meaningful and deep connections. They want to be seen and accepted for who they are. But as Asians living in the US, being seen and understood is often complicated by cultural misunderstandings, holding conflicting values and identities, communication differences, prejudice and racism, intergenerational trauma, and immigration issues.
I work with Asian American individuals and couples around relationship issues. Most of my clients are thriving in their careers, but they want more. They want meaningful and deep connections. They want to be seen and accepted for who they are. But as Asians living in the US, being seen and understood is often complicated by cultural misunderstandings, holding conflicting values and identities, communication differences, prejudice and racism, intergenerational trauma, and immigration issues.
(415) 969-4331 View (415) 969-4331
Sylvia C Blake
MS, PPS, LEP
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in providing therapy to the very young, with starting ages at 3 - 9 years, to support most referral concerns. I have been providing educationally related mental health services for children with disabilities for 24 years. Children who suffer from trauma/s will often display significant difficulties accessing the general curriculum in school. Many children suffer from a disability (such as a speech impediment, learning disability, autism, or ADHD, etc.) as well as trauma. Oftentimes the disability itself causes trauma to the child. Some sample goals of therapy include increasing self-regulation and reducing anxiety.
I specialize in providing therapy to the very young, with starting ages at 3 - 9 years, to support most referral concerns. I have been providing educationally related mental health services for children with disabilities for 24 years. Children who suffer from trauma/s will often display significant difficulties accessing the general curriculum in school. Many children suffer from a disability (such as a speech impediment, learning disability, autism, or ADHD, etc.) as well as trauma. Oftentimes the disability itself causes trauma to the child. Some sample goals of therapy include increasing self-regulation and reducing anxiety.
(510) 617-5735 View (510) 617-5735

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Jill Mattesich-Udoutch, MA, MFT, CCHT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jill Mattesich-Udoutch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CCHT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Danville, CA 94526
Sandplay, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Hypnosis, Reiki, and Past Life Therapy with Marriage and Family Counseling.
Imagine relating to yourself and others with ease and clarity. It is through our meaningful connections with self and others that we expand and thrive. Sometimes life gets sticky and the world seems to fold in on us. And, when this happens, you need someone with an objective, listening ear. If you're ready to navigate awakening to the Self, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, trauma or couples and parenting issues, I offer over 20 years of experience with proven techniques to help you through these tough times.
Sandplay, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Hypnosis, Reiki, and Past Life Therapy with Marriage and Family Counseling.
Imagine relating to yourself and others with ease and clarity. It is through our meaningful connections with self and others that we expand and thrive. Sometimes life gets sticky and the world seems to fold in on us. And, when this happens, you need someone with an objective, listening ear. If you're ready to navigate awakening to the Self, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, trauma or couples and parenting issues, I offer over 20 years of experience with proven techniques to help you through these tough times.
(925) 248-9123 View (925) 248-9123
Photo of Jeanette Shin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jeanette Shin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fremont, CA 94555
My name is Jeanette Shin, LCSW - I believe we are capable of healing ourselves and can develop the ability to find self-compassion and the potential to thrive. I have worked mostly with adults, especially older adults, and feel able to work with clients dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, aging, grief, and bereavement. I approach clients on a mindfulness and client centered focus, with elements of CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and spirituality as needed.
My name is Jeanette Shin, LCSW - I believe we are capable of healing ourselves and can develop the ability to find self-compassion and the potential to thrive. I have worked mostly with adults, especially older adults, and feel able to work with clients dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, aging, grief, and bereavement. I approach clients on a mindfulness and client centered focus, with elements of CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and spirituality as needed.
(661) 927-0949 View (661) 927-0949
Photo of Matthew McKernan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Matthew McKernan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
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.
(510) 369-1672 View (510) 369-1672
Photo of Dawn Shifreen-Pomerantz, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dawn Shifreen-Pomerantz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Moraga, CA 94556
I believe patients come to us because they feel grief, anxiety, depression and traumatized or alienated from themselves and others. The suffering you experience comes in many forms and you do not always have the words to say what you feel. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents whom have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, creative blocks, ADHD, chronic somatic pains and/or are experiencing grief and loss. I also work with couples and families. I have a specialization in expressive arts therapy and sandtray for those who may have difficulty expressing their feelings, memories and experiences through verbal means.
I believe patients come to us because they feel grief, anxiety, depression and traumatized or alienated from themselves and others. The suffering you experience comes in many forms and you do not always have the words to say what you feel. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents whom have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, creative blocks, ADHD, chronic somatic pains and/or are experiencing grief and loss. I also work with couples and families. I have a specialization in expressive arts therapy and sandtray for those who may have difficulty expressing their feelings, memories and experiences through verbal means.
(925) 263-6612 View (925) 263-6612
Photo of Mary Ruth Cross - Treehouse Family Counseling Services, MS, MFT, NCC, RPT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
Treehouse Family Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT, NCC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Ramon, CA 94583
HELP! WE NEED HELP!!! Treehouse Family Counseling Services has successfully treated individuals and families in the Tri-Valley area for over 20 years. Life is full of challenges and sometimes those challenges need extra help to figure out. We are master level practitioners specializing in work with individuals, children, teens, adults and families. Do you need someone who will really listen and help you or your family members figure things out? We work as a treatment team to ensure that your family is thriving. Growth and healing start here because this is a safe place for the whole family heal.
HELP! WE NEED HELP!!! Treehouse Family Counseling Services has successfully treated individuals and families in the Tri-Valley area for over 20 years. Life is full of challenges and sometimes those challenges need extra help to figure out. We are master level practitioners specializing in work with individuals, children, teens, adults and families. Do you need someone who will really listen and help you or your family members figure things out? We work as a treatment team to ensure that your family is thriving. Growth and healing start here because this is a safe place for the whole family heal.
(925) 238-8912 View (925) 238-8912
Photo of Tengfei Li, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tengfei Li
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Union City, CA 94587  (Online Only)
With my experience throughout my therapist career life, I find people are able to get in touch with their own voice, motivation, and wisdom when they feel heard, seen, and understood. I provide therapy with love and care to clients and help them see and change their pattern in the here-and-now moment in the therapeutic relationship. Besides providing psychoeducation and coping skills to help clients manage their symptoms, I devote my work to helping clients explore their ways of transformation and getting closer to their True Self.
With my experience throughout my therapist career life, I find people are able to get in touch with their own voice, motivation, and wisdom when they feel heard, seen, and understood. I provide therapy with love and care to clients and help them see and change their pattern in the here-and-now moment in the therapeutic relationship. Besides providing psychoeducation and coping skills to help clients manage their symptoms, I devote my work to helping clients explore their ways of transformation and getting closer to their True Self.
(408) 668-0230 View (408) 668-0230
Photo of Minakshi Goyal, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Minakshi Goyal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Dublin, CA 94568
Welcome to my practice! I work with adults, families, teens, children, and first responders to provide various types of counseling, including but not limited to CBT, EMDR, Trauma focused CBT, behavioral interventions, play therapy, parenting support, etc… Whether you are feeling stuck, frustrated, anxious, or depressed, I can help you cope with these feelings and improve your overall satisfaction in your life and relationships in a safe and confidential environment. No problem is too big, too small, or too shocking. Please reach out via email to minalcsw@gmail.com to schedule a conversation with me.
Welcome to my practice! I work with adults, families, teens, children, and first responders to provide various types of counseling, including but not limited to CBT, EMDR, Trauma focused CBT, behavioral interventions, play therapy, parenting support, etc… Whether you are feeling stuck, frustrated, anxious, or depressed, I can help you cope with these feelings and improve your overall satisfaction in your life and relationships in a safe and confidential environment. No problem is too big, too small, or too shocking. Please reach out via email to minalcsw@gmail.com to schedule a conversation with me.
(510) 898-6910 View (510) 898-6910
Photo of Beth Kiersten Ringheim, MA, MS, MFT, PPS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Beth Kiersten Ringheim
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, MFT, PPS
Verified Verified
Dublin, CA 94568
"Thoughts turn into Words. Words turn into Actions. Actions turn into Character. Character is everything." To create a more joyful and meaningful life is a passion of mine. I work creatively and collaboratively with adults, teens, and children to explore the heart of the matter. Together we consider (investigate, examine, observe) symptoms and emotional pain; we design realistic goals; we develop skills to alleviate obstacles; and, as we work to achieve your dreams, we discover your increased motivation and self-confidence.
"Thoughts turn into Words. Words turn into Actions. Actions turn into Character. Character is everything." To create a more joyful and meaningful life is a passion of mine. I work creatively and collaboratively with adults, teens, and children to explore the heart of the matter. Together we consider (investigate, examine, observe) symptoms and emotional pain; we design realistic goals; we develop skills to alleviate obstacles; and, as we work to achieve your dreams, we discover your increased motivation and self-confidence.
(925) 309-7781 View (925) 309-7781
Photo of Nicki Koethner, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicki Koethner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Moraga, CA 94556
Are you anxious, depressed and tired? Are you feeling emotional for no reason? Feeling disoriented and lonely? Questioning everything in your life? I help people to deeply listen inside and let their choices be based on what is true for them. While pain and emotions are part of being human, suffering can be minimized by allowing what is inside of us to be expressed and find acceptance in our experiences. I support you to move through trauma, anxiety, anger and depression to empowerment. Stress-management is part of the work and looking at communication with ourselves and others to have fulfilling relationships.
Are you anxious, depressed and tired? Are you feeling emotional for no reason? Feeling disoriented and lonely? Questioning everything in your life? I help people to deeply listen inside and let their choices be based on what is true for them. While pain and emotions are part of being human, suffering can be minimized by allowing what is inside of us to be expressed and find acceptance in our experiences. I support you to move through trauma, anxiety, anger and depression to empowerment. Stress-management is part of the work and looking at communication with ourselves and others to have fulfilling relationships.
(510) 606-9884 View (510) 606-9884
Photo of Michelle Ann Saviano - Shelly Saviano, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shelly Saviano
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Have a child struggling with behavioral problems or a teen not acting like their normal self? Trained in EMDR, my heart and speciality as a therapist is in working with children, pre-teens and teenagers aged 10-17 struggling with Divorce, Blended Families, School, Bullying, and Anxiety/Depression.
Have a child struggling with behavioral problems or a teen not acting like their normal self? Trained in EMDR, my heart and speciality as a therapist is in working with children, pre-teens and teenagers aged 10-17 struggling with Divorce, Blended Families, School, Bullying, and Anxiety/Depression.
(925) 304-1768 View (925) 304-1768
Photo of Sasha Liu, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sasha Liu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Union City, CA 94587  (Online Only)
I believe in your potential for personal growth toward a more satisfying relationship with others. My style is warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental. I respect your uniqueness. People who come to me are often experiencing depression and anxiety; major life transitions; cultural dislocation; loss and grief. By practicing solution-focused and client-centered psychotherapy, I help people embark on the journey of self-understanding, acceptance, and finding what they seek.
I believe in your potential for personal growth toward a more satisfying relationship with others. My style is warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental. I respect your uniqueness. People who come to me are often experiencing depression and anxiety; major life transitions; cultural dislocation; loss and grief. By practicing solution-focused and client-centered psychotherapy, I help people embark on the journey of self-understanding, acceptance, and finding what they seek.
(510) 962-9356 View (510) 962-9356
Photo of Dr. Anastasia Park, Ph,D, Psychologist
Dr. Anastasia Park
Psychologist, Ph,D
Verified Verified
Dublin, CA 94568
We have all experienced challenging times in our lives that have prevented us from living our lives to the fullest. While it can be scary to confide in strangers about your emotional struggle, the connection you establish with your therapist will undoubtedly be a source of relief and comfort that helps you move forward in your life, especially when your family is in crisis. The process of establishing emotional connection with others stems from one of the most basic human needs, and is the building block of healthy relationships. In this way, therapeutic relationship can be utilized to help you flourish in your own personal life.
We have all experienced challenging times in our lives that have prevented us from living our lives to the fullest. While it can be scary to confide in strangers about your emotional struggle, the connection you establish with your therapist will undoubtedly be a source of relief and comfort that helps you move forward in your life, especially when your family is in crisis. The process of establishing emotional connection with others stems from one of the most basic human needs, and is the building block of healthy relationships. In this way, therapeutic relationship can be utilized to help you flourish in your own personal life.
(925) 718-9034 View (925) 718-9034
Photo of Steph Clauson Paquin - The Tissue Clinic, LLC. , MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
The Tissue Clinic, LLC.
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94601
As a Marriage and Family Therapist since 2011, I have had the pleasure of providing services to individuals, families, and couples dealing with communication issues, intimacy concerns, family conflict, and marital instability. The goal will be to identify ineffective behaviors to improve the ability to communicate and work towards healthier patterns of living in peace and harmony. I offer solution-based work, often utilizing Gottman's Method, as well as in-depth work from an attachment and cognitive behavioral lens. My goal is to create a safe, open and honest environment where we face life's challenges together.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist since 2011, I have had the pleasure of providing services to individuals, families, and couples dealing with communication issues, intimacy concerns, family conflict, and marital instability. The goal will be to identify ineffective behaviors to improve the ability to communicate and work towards healthier patterns of living in peace and harmony. I offer solution-based work, often utilizing Gottman's Method, as well as in-depth work from an attachment and cognitive behavioral lens. My goal is to create a safe, open and honest environment where we face life's challenges together.
(628) 265-4573 View (628) 265-4573

See more therapy options for Castro Valley

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.