Expressive Arts Therapists in Mill Valley, CA
My skilled use of dreams, sand play therapy, and expressive arts makes my practice unique.
If you are reading this now, you may be struggling with feelings or experiences that have become hard to bear and even understand. You may feel alone and as though no one seems to really get what you are going through. It may be some immediate situation or transition in life that feels extra hard to navigate, or some long-standing grief or pattern in relationships that seems to have a hold on you. You may have symptoms such as anxiety or depression, perhaps with less than optimal means of coping. Psychotherapy can help you understand and change.
My skilled use of dreams, sand play therapy, and expressive arts makes my practice unique.
If you are reading this now, you may be struggling with feelings or experiences that have become hard to bear and even understand. You may feel alone and as though no one seems to really get what you are going through. It may be some immediate situation or transition in life that feels extra hard to navigate, or some long-standing grief or pattern in relationships that seems to have a hold on you. You may have symptoms such as anxiety or depression, perhaps with less than optimal means of coping. Psychotherapy can help you understand and change.
Lois Friedlander
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CGP, MT-BC
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941 (Online Only)
My background allows me to offer additional specialized approaches in expressive arts therapy, guided imagery, CBT, and stress management techniques.
Therapy is not a "one size fits all" approach. I am an integrative psychotherapist with an extensive background in working with mood disorders, dual diagnoses, prosocial behavior management and stress reduction. My approach is based in psychodynamic underpinnings, integrating elements of several schools of therapy to address the emotional, behavioral, psychological, cognitive and spiritual dimensions of my clients. This allows me to design a therapeutic strategy for each client based on their specific areas of concern.
My background allows me to offer additional specialized approaches in expressive arts therapy, guided imagery, CBT, and stress management techniques.
Therapy is not a "one size fits all" approach. I am an integrative psychotherapist with an extensive background in working with mood disorders, dual diagnoses, prosocial behavior management and stress reduction. My approach is based in psychodynamic underpinnings, integrating elements of several schools of therapy to address the emotional, behavioral, psychological, cognitive and spiritual dimensions of my clients. This allows me to design a therapeutic strategy for each client based on their specific areas of concern.
J. Delfina Piretti LMFT, REAT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, REAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I have expertise in using the expressive arts (non verbal modalities) for healing and wellness.
I generally work with high functioning people at important junctures in life where the suffering is great. Asking for help is often a powerful step of surrendering the ego's attempts to resist change. Symptoms are often a sign that something is trying to wake up inside of you. When you turn your attention inward and get intimate with your inner life you can start to find the energy to heal, to grow and to change. I specialize in somatic table work for treating developmental trauma. This work focuses on repairing developmental wounds, strengthening somatic resilience and increasing capacity for regulation in the nervous system.
I have expertise in using the expressive arts (non verbal modalities) for healing and wellness.
I generally work with high functioning people at important junctures in life where the suffering is great. Asking for help is often a powerful step of surrendering the ego's attempts to resist change. Symptoms are often a sign that something is trying to wake up inside of you. When you turn your attention inward and get intimate with your inner life you can start to find the energy to heal, to grow and to change. I specialize in somatic table work for treating developmental trauma. This work focuses on repairing developmental wounds, strengthening somatic resilience and increasing capacity for regulation in the nervous system.
experiential - we incorporate mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, energy work, somatic practices or expressive arts.
I work with individuals, couples, and adolescents. My approach is warm, inviting, and client-centered. Each session, we begin with what's most present for you, following aliveness as it unfolds - moment-to-moment, wherever it leads. The process has its own intelligence and is highly trustworthy. You bring all of you - light and shadow, blessings and challenges, interests and needs - as well as whatever hurts, feels stuck, or is ready to be released or reclaimed. I bring all of me - presence and deep listening, non-judgment and curiosity, intuition, theory and tools. Together, we co-create ways of working that are unique to you.
experiential - we incorporate mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, energy work, somatic practices or expressive arts.
I work with individuals, couples, and adolescents. My approach is warm, inviting, and client-centered. Each session, we begin with what's most present for you, following aliveness as it unfolds - moment-to-moment, wherever it leads. The process has its own intelligence and is highly trustworthy. You bring all of you - light and shadow, blessings and challenges, interests and needs - as well as whatever hurts, feels stuck, or is ready to be released or reclaimed. I bring all of me - presence and deep listening, non-judgment and curiosity, intuition, theory and tools. Together, we co-create ways of working that are unique to you.
Stephanie L. Denton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, #122562
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I offer expressive arts practices that support healing and expression of experiences which can offer you a changed lived experience.
Do you or your child or teen experience overthinking that is interrupting peace of mind and quality of relationships? Do you or your child or teen identify as lgbtqia+ and struggle with family, social, societal experiences related? I will support you by exploring tools you can access to alleviate struggles associated with anxiety that are impacting your well-being, relationships and work experience through mindfulness practices, self-care routines and exploring outlets that help calm the nervous system.
I offer expressive arts practices that support healing and expression of experiences which can offer you a changed lived experience.
Do you or your child or teen experience overthinking that is interrupting peace of mind and quality of relationships? Do you or your child or teen identify as lgbtqia+ and struggle with family, social, societal experiences related? I will support you by exploring tools you can access to alleviate struggles associated with anxiety that are impacting your well-being, relationships and work experience through mindfulness practices, self-care routines and exploring outlets that help calm the nervous system.
Morrighan MacGillivray
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I'm an integrative, client-centered therapist, which means I work differently with each client and draw from various modalities, including: somatics & mindfulness, IFS, depth psychology, dance & expressive arts, trauma & liberation frameworks, attachment & interpersonal neurobiology.
I work with adults and youth navigating the oftentimes overwhelming and lonely experience of healing from complex relational trauma. Early trauma, whether from unmet needs or overt abuse, can warp our sense of self and imprison us in frozen fear, shame, or reactivity, impacting every aspect of our lives. Therapy can help us to find more freedom and connection – to all the lost and disowned parts of our psyches; to our amazingly resilient bodies, fiercely compassionate hearts and creative spirits; to other beings, community, and nature; to the present moment; to meaning and purpose; and to a felt sense of safety and possibility.
I'm an integrative, client-centered therapist, which means I work differently with each client and draw from various modalities, including: somatics & mindfulness, IFS, depth psychology, dance & expressive arts, trauma & liberation frameworks, attachment & interpersonal neurobiology.
I work with adults and youth navigating the oftentimes overwhelming and lonely experience of healing from complex relational trauma. Early trauma, whether from unmet needs or overt abuse, can warp our sense of self and imprison us in frozen fear, shame, or reactivity, impacting every aspect of our lives. Therapy can help us to find more freedom and connection – to all the lost and disowned parts of our psyches; to our amazingly resilient bodies, fiercely compassionate hearts and creative spirits; to other beings, community, and nature; to the present moment; to meaning and purpose; and to a felt sense of safety and possibility.
I believe passionately that we can change and that genuine lasting transformation needs to happen at the level of our thinking, our feelings and our behaviors. Through my training in psychotherapy, art therapy and mindfulness I seek to actively give understanding, tools and resources to help you reach your goals. I offer a safe, nurturing and non judgmental environment. I also propose a unique at home service.
I believe passionately that we can change and that genuine lasting transformation needs to happen at the level of our thinking, our feelings and our behaviors. Through my training in psychotherapy, art therapy and mindfulness I seek to actively give understanding, tools and resources to help you reach your goals. I offer a safe, nurturing and non judgmental environment. I also propose a unique at home service.
Boe Elizabeth Roberts
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Clinical psychotherapy is a process of deepening self awareness and strengthening authenticity. The subtle art of therapy occurs by taking an honest look at emotional patterns and behaviors, and understanding and liberating any shame that exists at the core which frequently fuels mental health disorders. I specialize in working with teens and their families, and am trained in EMDR and Attachment Based Family Therapy. I have been in practice for over 10 years in this community. The gift of psychotherapy is the ability to be in charge of ourselves with confidence, emotional intelligence, and deep inner peace.
Clinical psychotherapy is a process of deepening self awareness and strengthening authenticity. The subtle art of therapy occurs by taking an honest look at emotional patterns and behaviors, and understanding and liberating any shame that exists at the core which frequently fuels mental health disorders. I specialize in working with teens and their families, and am trained in EMDR and Attachment Based Family Therapy. I have been in practice for over 10 years in this community. The gift of psychotherapy is the ability to be in charge of ourselves with confidence, emotional intelligence, and deep inner peace.
My practice invites you to view the therapeutic process as an inquiry into the meanings and behaviors that are impacting your life. Together, we apply creative and somatic (body-sourced) techniques for navigating with awareness daily circumstances and relationships with others. Using a trauma-informed dialogue, we clarify and cultivate a primary relationship to your strengths. Your resilience, then, is directed with a dynamic skill set toward healthy relating and in mindful creating toward the fluid integrity you compose as your life.
My practice invites you to view the therapeutic process as an inquiry into the meanings and behaviors that are impacting your life. Together, we apply creative and somatic (body-sourced) techniques for navigating with awareness daily circumstances and relationships with others. Using a trauma-informed dialogue, we clarify and cultivate a primary relationship to your strengths. Your resilience, then, is directed with a dynamic skill set toward healthy relating and in mindful creating toward the fluid integrity you compose as your life.
I provide psychotherapy to clients ranging from young children to older adults with a wide range of issues. At some point, in most of our lives, we experience difficulty, turmoil, and/or pain in some aspect(s) of our lives; emotionally, psychologically, in relationships, or coping. I do my best to connect with and understand the people I work with on many levels. Together we identify and explore the patterns of adaptation which are no longer effective and contribute to pain and suffering. With over 30 years in practice, I have been humbled. Real change, however defined, often takes time, attention and care.
I provide psychotherapy to clients ranging from young children to older adults with a wide range of issues. At some point, in most of our lives, we experience difficulty, turmoil, and/or pain in some aspect(s) of our lives; emotionally, psychologically, in relationships, or coping. I do my best to connect with and understand the people I work with on many levels. Together we identify and explore the patterns of adaptation which are no longer effective and contribute to pain and suffering. With over 30 years in practice, I have been humbled. Real change, however defined, often takes time, attention and care.
Marianne Shine Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RDT, CHT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I work with adults and teens who are stuck and want to try something different. Come if you're anxious, depressed, grieving, dealing with relationship issues, low self esteem or one of life's many transitions. I appreciate clients who are willing to participate in their self-exploration. This might include trying some art, music, writing, guided imagery or EMDR. My clinical experience includes: intensive in-patient and out-patient treatment at UCSF Langley Porter, Bereavement Counseling at Hospice, on-site school counselor at elementary and middle schools and personal growth through social justice performances with incarcerated men
I work with adults and teens who are stuck and want to try something different. Come if you're anxious, depressed, grieving, dealing with relationship issues, low self esteem or one of life's many transitions. I appreciate clients who are willing to participate in their self-exploration. This might include trying some art, music, writing, guided imagery or EMDR. My clinical experience includes: intensive in-patient and out-patient treatment at UCSF Langley Porter, Bereavement Counseling at Hospice, on-site school counselor at elementary and middle schools and personal growth through social justice performances with incarcerated men
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Carter Bostwick
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, MA, BFA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Welcome, I'm Carter, a somatic therapist passionate about empowering people to discover their distinct voices. Through a holistic approach centered on body awareness and mindful exploration, I create a safe, sensory-sensitive space. Guiding clients in understanding how their bodies hold and express emotions, we uncover pathways to self-expression and healing. Sometimes it can be hard to sift through the noise of our world. By slowing down and tuning into our bodies we can illuminate the parts of ourselves that yearn to be seen and heard. I will support you to identify and honor your values, strengthening your authentic voice.
Welcome, I'm Carter, a somatic therapist passionate about empowering people to discover their distinct voices. Through a holistic approach centered on body awareness and mindful exploration, I create a safe, sensory-sensitive space. Guiding clients in understanding how their bodies hold and express emotions, we uncover pathways to self-expression and healing. Sometimes it can be hard to sift through the noise of our world. By slowing down and tuning into our bodies we can illuminate the parts of ourselves that yearn to be seen and heard. I will support you to identify and honor your values, strengthening your authentic voice.
Cara Devries
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
All of us need support at different times in our lives. And when that time comes, it takes lots of courage to reach out, so welcome. I am a body centered psychotherapist, bringing in tools of trauma re-negotiation and resolution that I gratefully learned through my training in Somatic Experiencing. Together we will discover, through the wisdom of the body, your innate resiliency and capacity. Through my training and experience in Systemic Constellation work we will explore the dynamics of the family in ways that foster a healthy completion your family of origin. I look forward to talking with you.
All of us need support at different times in our lives. And when that time comes, it takes lots of courage to reach out, so welcome. I am a body centered psychotherapist, bringing in tools of trauma re-negotiation and resolution that I gratefully learned through my training in Somatic Experiencing. Together we will discover, through the wisdom of the body, your innate resiliency and capacity. Through my training and experience in Systemic Constellation work we will explore the dynamics of the family in ways that foster a healthy completion your family of origin. I look forward to talking with you.
Daniel R Clifford
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
My focus is on relationships, the relationships we have with ourselves and others, and what is blocking them from feeling joy. I work with individuals and couples primarily focusing on the communication styles and how to improve upon them. I work with the hope of each relationship eventually finding different ways to cope, deepen, and advance into something different and rewarding. I feel all of our experiences in life have led to this moment. Whether the experience was a good one, or a bad one, they have informed our decisions about how to move forward.
My focus is on relationships, the relationships we have with ourselves and others, and what is blocking them from feeling joy. I work with individuals and couples primarily focusing on the communication styles and how to improve upon them. I work with the hope of each relationship eventually finding different ways to cope, deepen, and advance into something different and rewarding. I feel all of our experiences in life have led to this moment. Whether the experience was a good one, or a bad one, they have informed our decisions about how to move forward.
Erin has been guided by a lidless curiosity to live, work, participate and study ceremony and plant medicine all over the world (including in Colombia, Barcelona, and Vancouver), and has 20 years of experience teaching, writing, mentoring, and facilitating ceremony. Her narrative nonfiction book, The Other Side of the River, was published by Womancraft Publishing in 2016. She draws from a profound way of listening and pattern recognition that is grounded in application and attuned to each individual’s unique situation and life circumstances. She offers individual sessions online and from my home-base in California.
Erin has been guided by a lidless curiosity to live, work, participate and study ceremony and plant medicine all over the world (including in Colombia, Barcelona, and Vancouver), and has 20 years of experience teaching, writing, mentoring, and facilitating ceremony. Her narrative nonfiction book, The Other Side of the River, was published by Womancraft Publishing in 2016. She draws from a profound way of listening and pattern recognition that is grounded in application and attuned to each individual’s unique situation and life circumstances. She offers individual sessions online and from my home-base in California.
Michelle Fontaine
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941 (Online Only)
Therapy is most successful when the work is done carefully and thoughtfully through a process of unfolding and bringing into light those parts of ourselves which have been hidden or misunderstood. It's a collaboration that includes tapping into your own wisdom while also considering new perspectives. We do this work with the utmost compassion and consideration for what is needed in each moment to produce the best possible long term outcome. There will be many new insights which lead to more satisfaction and a deeper understanding. It's my privilege to work with you as we take these steps together toward a higher quality of life.
Therapy is most successful when the work is done carefully and thoughtfully through a process of unfolding and bringing into light those parts of ourselves which have been hidden or misunderstood. It's a collaboration that includes tapping into your own wisdom while also considering new perspectives. We do this work with the utmost compassion and consideration for what is needed in each moment to produce the best possible long term outcome. There will be many new insights which lead to more satisfaction and a deeper understanding. It's my privilege to work with you as we take these steps together toward a higher quality of life.
Lizzie Joan Stevenson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941 (Online Only)
My ideal client seeks growth, facing relational conflicts, anxiety, or life transitions. They need understanding, tools, and connection to heal, build healthy relationships, and find emotional balance. Driven by change, peace, and authenticity, they seek fulfillment.
My ideal client seeks growth, facing relational conflicts, anxiety, or life transitions. They need understanding, tools, and connection to heal, build healthy relationships, and find emotional balance. Driven by change, peace, and authenticity, they seek fulfillment.
Simone Weber
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
You made it here, and that is no small thing. Therapy is an opportunity to grow, heal, and expand your experience. This is time that you carve out for yourself: to be heard, seen, and understood. It’s a place for you to have someone in your corner who can help sift through the choices, complexities, and challenges that you are facing. I have a particular knack for working with young folks and their families in finding ways of communication that are assertive, clear, and regulated.
You made it here, and that is no small thing. Therapy is an opportunity to grow, heal, and expand your experience. This is time that you carve out for yourself: to be heard, seen, and understood. It’s a place for you to have someone in your corner who can help sift through the choices, complexities, and challenges that you are facing. I have a particular knack for working with young folks and their families in finding ways of communication that are assertive, clear, and regulated.
Many people find themselves repeating the same patterns- reactive triggers, relational issues, struggles with addictions, moods, anxieties- even after years of therapy, and other body/mind practices. i have found that if we can identify one or more of these patterns (in daily life),we can follow the thread of each pattern to resolve it at its (oftentimes traumatic) roots. I help you to explore and transform one or more core patterns in your self and life, to develop new capacities and reawaken deep soul qualities. This body-experiential process enables you to release the energy bound within patterns- and recover your inner spirit.
Many people find themselves repeating the same patterns- reactive triggers, relational issues, struggles with addictions, moods, anxieties- even after years of therapy, and other body/mind practices. i have found that if we can identify one or more of these patterns (in daily life),we can follow the thread of each pattern to resolve it at its (oftentimes traumatic) roots. I help you to explore and transform one or more core patterns in your self and life, to develop new capacities and reawaken deep soul qualities. This body-experiential process enables you to release the energy bound within patterns- and recover your inner spirit.
Ryan Gertz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I provide support to individuals, couples and children who want a sense of meaning, authenticity and agency in their lives. Challenges I work with are trauma( PTSD & CPTSD), anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity issues, mens issues, ADHD/Autism/neurodivergence, eco-anxiety and psychedelic integration. I help couples recognize repeating patterns, substituting defensiveness with clear vulnerable communication, and strengthen intimacy.
I provide support to individuals, couples and children who want a sense of meaning, authenticity and agency in their lives. Challenges I work with are trauma( PTSD & CPTSD), anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity issues, mens issues, ADHD/Autism/neurodivergence, eco-anxiety and psychedelic integration. I help couples recognize repeating patterns, substituting defensiveness with clear vulnerable communication, and strengthen intimacy.
See more therapy options for Mill Valley
Nearby Expressive Arts Therapists Searches for Mill Valley
- Albany
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Expressive Arts Therapists
What happens in expressive arts therapy?
In an expressive arts therapy session, the therapist will provide the space and materials necessary to encourage the client to express themselves creatively. These can include art supplies, musical instruments, a journal, a camera, and more. The therapist offers careful guidance throughout the creative process, often noticing and talking about psychological issues as they arise. Many clients also benefit from the mind-body connection—the physical act of making art can help them feel more grounded and present.
How long does expressive arts therapy take?
An expressive arts therapy session will typically last between 50 minutes and an hour. Group sessions may run longer. Sometimes, a client might only need one or two sessions of expressive arts therapy in conjunction with talk therapy to resolve a psychological issue. Others might find a fixed number of sessions over the course of either weeks or months to be beneficial. The duration depends on the client and their individual needs and goals for therapy.
How does expressive arts therapy help children?
Creativity is an important part of normal child development. Expressive arts therapy proves a safe outlet for child clients to learn to identify their emotions and express them in healthy ways. In expressive arts therapy, children can build their self-esteem, discover more about their personality and strengths, and feel a sense of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic world. This therapeutic approach can be particularly helpful for children with developmental disabilities, autism, ADHD, speech impairments, and other conditions.
What are the limitations of expressive arts therapy?
Sometimes individuals have physical limitations that can affect their ability to express themselves artistically in certain mediums. For example, someone with hearing problems might find it difficult to make music. Sickness and mobility issues can make some types of art physically inaccessible (e.g., sculpting, dancing, etc.). Sometimes, clients are overly skeptical and have trouble letting go and engaging with the creative process. Individuals who require a higher level of care may be better served with other types of therapy.