Expressive Arts Therapists in Oakland, CA
I work with people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship stressors, and life transitions, as well as those who want to heal from childhood trauma and emotional neglect. I specialize in trauma focused therapy using Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Attachment Therapy, and Expressive Arts Therapy. During individual sessions we will work together to identify and change the thought, behavior patterns, and beliefs that are keeping you stuck and suffering; help you gain greater access to your innate healing capacities and resilience; and grow your capacity for self-compassion, joy, creativity and connection.
I work with people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship stressors, and life transitions, as well as those who want to heal from childhood trauma and emotional neglect. I specialize in trauma focused therapy using Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Attachment Therapy, and Expressive Arts Therapy. During individual sessions we will work together to identify and change the thought, behavior patterns, and beliefs that are keeping you stuck and suffering; help you gain greater access to your innate healing capacities and resilience; and grow your capacity for self-compassion, joy, creativity and connection.
I bring various tools to support you (guided imagery, expressive arts and traditional talk therapy) and you decide what feels right for you.
Working with women and teen girls is my privilege and specialty. Whether you're seeking therapy because you're wanting something to change but not sure where to start, having a hard time with work, struggling in your relationships, or not fitting in at school, I want to offer you a safe space to explore these challenges free from judgment. Please know that everyone is welcome in my office. If you're seeking change, but you're not sure where to find it or what steps to take to achieve it, start here.
I bring various tools to support you (guided imagery, expressive arts and traditional talk therapy) and you decide what feels right for you.
Working with women and teen girls is my privilege and specialty. Whether you're seeking therapy because you're wanting something to change but not sure where to start, having a hard time with work, struggling in your relationships, or not fitting in at school, I want to offer you a safe space to explore these challenges free from judgment. Please know that everyone is welcome in my office. If you're seeking change, but you're not sure where to find it or what steps to take to achieve it, start here.
I am trained in a number of treatment modalities and frameworks, including Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Parts Work, Seeking Safety, Stages of Change, Motivational Interviewing, and have begun training in Internal Family Systems.
I work with queer, trans, and gender expansive individuals, as well as those who are involved in activism and social change and who struggle to balance integrity and values alignment with surviving and thriving in this messy world. I am also BDSM and kink-affirming and work with clients exploring ethical non-monogamy and alternative spirituality.
I am trained in a number of treatment modalities and frameworks, including Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Parts Work, Seeking Safety, Stages of Change, Motivational Interviewing, and have begun training in Internal Family Systems.
I work with queer, trans, and gender expansive individuals, as well as those who are involved in activism and social change and who struggle to balance integrity and values alignment with surviving and thriving in this messy world. I am also BDSM and kink-affirming and work with clients exploring ethical non-monogamy and alternative spirituality.
Revi Hope Airborne-Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
As an expressive arts therapist, we can work creatively, using art, music, movement, or being in nature together.
Therapy is a space you carve out with me to reconnect - with yourself, your goals, your life’s meaning, your passion, your creativity, your spiritual path. We all struggle with difficult things at times; they pull us away from who we want to be, or the path we intend to walk in life. I believe relationships are the most important healers we have in our lives – starting with your relationship with yourself! Extending to all your other important and beloved relationships - with family, friends, community, planet, and spirit. No matter where you are, your journey to self-empowerment and joy begins Right Here. I will be there with you.
As an expressive arts therapist, we can work creatively, using art, music, movement, or being in nature together.
Therapy is a space you carve out with me to reconnect - with yourself, your goals, your life’s meaning, your passion, your creativity, your spiritual path. We all struggle with difficult things at times; they pull us away from who we want to be, or the path we intend to walk in life. I believe relationships are the most important healers we have in our lives – starting with your relationship with yourself! Extending to all your other important and beloved relationships - with family, friends, community, planet, and spirit. No matter where you are, your journey to self-empowerment and joy begins Right Here. I will be there with you.
I am a registered expressive arts therapist and music therapist.
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 am a registered expressive arts therapist and music therapist.
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.
Kathleen H. McClelland, LMFT 82458
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94602
I work collaboratively with adults, children and families across the lifespan to co-create a therapeutic relationship that helps them to recognize behavior and thinking that no longer works and discover new options for living. Using a relational, non-judgmental and compassionate approach, I help people who are navigating difficult life transitions, struggling with relationships, working through grief and loss and adjusting to living with physical or mental illnesses, including addictions and co-occurring disorders. I utilize sand tray therapy and expressive arts in my work with both children and adults.
I work collaboratively with adults, children and families across the lifespan to co-create a therapeutic relationship that helps them to recognize behavior and thinking that no longer works and discover new options for living. Using a relational, non-judgmental and compassionate approach, I help people who are navigating difficult life transitions, struggling with relationships, working through grief and loss and adjusting to living with physical or mental illnesses, including addictions and co-occurring disorders. I utilize sand tray therapy and expressive arts in my work with both children and adults.
Jessica Chesbro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I specialize in Expressive Arts Therapy (EXA); using art, music, role-play, and creativity to assist clients in deepening their understanding of themselves.
I believe every person and family is unique and there are many ways to raise a healthy child. I want to honor the strengths within you and your family and offer the tools and support to help your child and family thrive. Through a trauma-informed lens, I work extensively with youth, parents, and families on life transitions, healthy communication, and processing/ healing from grief or abuse.
I specialize in Expressive Arts Therapy (EXA); using art, music, role-play, and creativity to assist clients in deepening their understanding of themselves.
I believe every person and family is unique and there are many ways to raise a healthy child. I want to honor the strengths within you and your family and offer the tools and support to help your child and family thrive. Through a trauma-informed lens, I work extensively with youth, parents, and families on life transitions, healthy communication, and processing/ healing from grief or abuse.
Stephanie Pepitone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94605
My practice is trauma-informed, DBT-informed, feminist, body and sex positive, with a focus on somatic awareness and expressive arts.
Reaching out for support may feel difficult but you are totally worth it. I can provide you with a place where you will be listened to with compassion and understanding. Through our work together I will bring gentle curiosity to the areas of your life you want to explore. This can look like nurturing any tender wounds, fostering belonging for abandoned parts of yourself, embracing acceptance for things you can't change, and building skills needed for constructing the life and relationships you desire.
My practice is trauma-informed, DBT-informed, feminist, body and sex positive, with a focus on somatic awareness and expressive arts.
Reaching out for support may feel difficult but you are totally worth it. I can provide you with a place where you will be listened to with compassion and understanding. Through our work together I will bring gentle curiosity to the areas of your life you want to explore. This can look like nurturing any tender wounds, fostering belonging for abandoned parts of yourself, embracing acceptance for things you can't change, and building skills needed for constructing the life and relationships you desire.
Cadence McCracken
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I am committed to supporting trans and non-binary teens and adults who would like to explore their healing and growth through the expressive arts. My clients come to me for relief and clarity on a wide range of challenging experiences such as transitions, gender and other-wise, difficult relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, and much more. I support clients who may want more creativity in life and to integrate that within therapy to build awareness of their struggles and create a roadmap for resilience.
I am committed to supporting trans and non-binary teens and adults who would like to explore their healing and growth through the expressive arts. My clients come to me for relief and clarity on a wide range of challenging experiences such as transitions, gender and other-wise, difficult relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, and much more. I support clients who may want more creativity in life and to integrate that within therapy to build awareness of their struggles and create a roadmap for resilience.
Lili Nakita Kroutilina
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA, LMP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606 (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your life? Lost your sense of self and confidence? Confused about how to set boundaries and build healthy relationships? I am here for you! I can help you understand what is happening in your life and how you can heal, grow, and transform your life to be what you want. I have a trauma-informed, integrative style based on mindfulness, somatic psychology, ecotherapy, expressive arts, humanistic and transpersonal psychology, neuroscience, spirituality, and my background in holistic health, nutrition, massage, and fitness. I have a gentle yet directive, relational style.
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your life? Lost your sense of self and confidence? Confused about how to set boundaries and build healthy relationships? I am here for you! I can help you understand what is happening in your life and how you can heal, grow, and transform your life to be what you want. I have a trauma-informed, integrative style based on mindfulness, somatic psychology, ecotherapy, expressive arts, humanistic and transpersonal psychology, neuroscience, spirituality, and my background in holistic health, nutrition, massage, and fitness. I have a gentle yet directive, relational style.
Molly Mulanax
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
I am a trauma informed therapist and integrate Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Therapy, IFS and Mindfulness into our sessions.
I specialize in treating women struggling with anxiety, depression, motherhood, codependency, history of family dysfunction, history of family substance use, perfectionism, low self esteem and/or life transitions. My goal as a therapist is to help you reach a greater understanding and compassion for yourself, heal from painful experiences and to find new ways of coping with stress and interacting with others. I am committed to learning about who you truly are and working with you to make long lasting changes
I am a trauma informed therapist and integrate Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Therapy, IFS and Mindfulness into our sessions.
I specialize in treating women struggling with anxiety, depression, motherhood, codependency, history of family dysfunction, history of family substance use, perfectionism, low self esteem and/or life transitions. My goal as a therapist is to help you reach a greater understanding and compassion for yourself, heal from painful experiences and to find new ways of coping with stress and interacting with others. I am committed to learning about who you truly are and working with you to make long lasting changes
15 Second Videos
Revi Hope Airborne-Williams
Grace Anna Walcott
Jennie Powe Runde
Chris France
Kimberly de Caires
Karen Wolfe
Marvin E West
Anna Talamo
Kerry McKee
Naomi Kimmelman
Social Anxiety Support Center
Annie Leah Lesny
Sarah M. Scott
Lizzie Pfeiffer
Melisa Medalle
Adriana Rodríguez García
Daniel Cody Gould
Atlantis @ Therapy For Every Body
Sayrah Garrison
Jacqueline Benson
Alexis Lyon
Bay Area Dating Coach
Sye Gratz
Maria Cristina Borges
Megan Rees
Angelina Nader
Kaitlin Dougherty
Tayyibah Chase
Terese (Tess) Louise Roholt
Kendra Feliz Paulsen
Lauren Hoernig
Aerin Riegelsberger
Olivia Clear
Nicole Rademacher
Lili Weckler
Adrián Orozco Blair
Sandra Ellen Norris
Ilya Parizhsky
Seth Ambrose
Therapy for Healthy Relationships - Fiona Brandon
Bay Area Personal Counseling Therapies
XY Counseling
Natalie O'Mara
Tanisha Thelemaque
Emily L Winesberry
Chelsie Crilly
Cindy T. Denkhaus
Sarah Brinkman
Shelly Lev-Er
Priscilla Aguirre
Katherine Tarnoff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94602
I integrate play, expressive arts, music, mindfulness education and nature into therapy.
Through counseling, I support individuals, couples and families to identify patterns in behavior and communication. Our work together will be collaborative and strengths-based. It will encourage shifts in the family to promote healthy expression of emotions and communication to improve relationships. I use a directive style of communication and an active and integrative approach. I encourage parents, caregivers and other family members to be involved in the therapeutic process.
I integrate play, expressive arts, music, mindfulness education and nature into therapy.
Through counseling, I support individuals, couples and families to identify patterns in behavior and communication. Our work together will be collaborative and strengths-based. It will encourage shifts in the family to promote healthy expression of emotions and communication to improve relationships. I use a directive style of communication and an active and integrative approach. I encourage parents, caregivers and other family members to be involved in the therapeutic process.
Morrighan MacGillivray
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
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, and brainspotting.
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, and brainspotting.
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.
Yoshiko Hedges Powell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94619
Drawing from years of wilderness therapy, expressive arts therapy, somatics and mindfulness, I provide creative interventions to deepen connection to self, tools for coping with difficult emotions, and ways to communicate more effectively.
You are seeking to gain insight into your current situation by making meaningful connections. You want to make changes in your life, but are struggling to find motivation and inner guidance. You want to move past difficult emotions and need help navigating and uncovering them in safe ways. You need healthy ways to manage stress so you can feel your feelings and not get overwhelmed by them. You long for more satisfaction in relationships, and need tools for communication and boundary setting. You desire to feel more connected to yourself and are in search of someone to help.
Drawing from years of wilderness therapy, expressive arts therapy, somatics and mindfulness, I provide creative interventions to deepen connection to self, tools for coping with difficult emotions, and ways to communicate more effectively.
You are seeking to gain insight into your current situation by making meaningful connections. You want to make changes in your life, but are struggling to find motivation and inner guidance. You want to move past difficult emotions and need help navigating and uncovering them in safe ways. You need healthy ways to manage stress so you can feel your feelings and not get overwhelmed by them. You long for more satisfaction in relationships, and need tools for communication and boundary setting. You desire to feel more connected to yourself and are in search of someone to help.
Bianca Hovda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I utilize somatic experiencing techniques, expressive arts therapies, humor, play and creative outlets.
I am a dedicated and passionate healer, Psychotherapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. I believe that we are all unique in our journeys and yet deeply connected in our collective human experience. I provide a safe, warm, compassionate space in which to share your unique story, deepen your relationship to self, others, and your community, identify and break down internal/external barriers and challenges, and have more meaningful and joyful experiences in your life.
I utilize somatic experiencing techniques, expressive arts therapies, humor, play and creative outlets.
I am a dedicated and passionate healer, Psychotherapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. I believe that we are all unique in our journeys and yet deeply connected in our collective human experience. I provide a safe, warm, compassionate space in which to share your unique story, deepen your relationship to self, others, and your community, identify and break down internal/external barriers and challenges, and have more meaningful and joyful experiences in your life.
Sally Walstrom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Waitlist for new clients
You feel like something is off. You’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, disconnected, stuck. You want to understand your own reactions, build healthy and sustaining relationships, feel grounded and present in your day to day life. I can help! With over a decade of experience, I provide LGBTQIA-affirming and trauma-responsive therapy for youth, adults, and families. Using evidence-based techniques like expressive arts, somatics, and dialectical behavioral skills, I support people finding meaning and connection after trauma and chronic stress.
You feel like something is off. You’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, disconnected, stuck. You want to understand your own reactions, build healthy and sustaining relationships, feel grounded and present in your day to day life. I can help! With over a decade of experience, I provide LGBTQIA-affirming and trauma-responsive therapy for youth, adults, and families. Using evidence-based techniques like expressive arts, somatics, and dialectical behavioral skills, I support people finding meaning and connection after trauma and chronic stress.
Paul J. Wensley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
For example: I use the expressive arts to discover underlying themes and issues in your life.
Life has its ups and downs, ins and outs, mountains, plateaus, and valleys, and sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Is it a loss, feeling anxious, depressed, unaccepted, overwhelmed or fragile. Are some of these things holding you back? Together we can learn coping skills, healthy ways of living, and how to move forward in your life. I use a compassionate, non- judgmental, understanding, strength based approach by acknowledging and welcoming your whole person, body, mind, and spirit.
For example: I use the expressive arts to discover underlying themes and issues in your life.
Life has its ups and downs, ins and outs, mountains, plateaus, and valleys, and sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Is it a loss, feeling anxious, depressed, unaccepted, overwhelmed or fragile. Are some of these things holding you back? Together we can learn coping skills, healthy ways of living, and how to move forward in your life. I use a compassionate, non- judgmental, understanding, strength based approach by acknowledging and welcoming your whole person, body, mind, and spirit.
Francisca Lizana Turner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
I have taught as adjunct faculty at the Counseling Psychology Expressive Arts Program at California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco.
Welcome to Blooming Hearts Therapy. I love what I do and care to support those who want a safe place to express and explore, whether a life transition, change, relocation/acculturation, hardships, anxiety, depression or simply not feeling happy. Similarly, I support children who are experiencing family changes or transitions, behavioral challenges, who would benefit from learning social-emotional skills towards better self-regulation, as well as support in overcoming trauma, depression, anxiety. My style is interactive, warm and caring. My goal is for you to get to your preferred way of being.
I have taught as adjunct faculty at the Counseling Psychology Expressive Arts Program at California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco.
Welcome to Blooming Hearts Therapy. I love what I do and care to support those who want a safe place to express and explore, whether a life transition, change, relocation/acculturation, hardships, anxiety, depression or simply not feeling happy. Similarly, I support children who are experiencing family changes or transitions, behavioral challenges, who would benefit from learning social-emotional skills towards better self-regulation, as well as support in overcoming trauma, depression, anxiety. My style is interactive, warm and caring. My goal is for you to get to your preferred way of being.
Let's Talk! Jesse Westfall MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I use EMDR therapy, expressive arts, mindfulness, and attachment theory in my work.
I view my role to be that of a listener, supporter, encourager, and advocate. With me, you can expect to be heard and validated, while also challenged as we work to create new patterns and beliefs.
I use EMDR therapy, expressive arts, mindfulness, and attachment theory in my work.
I view my role to be that of a listener, supporter, encourager, and advocate. With me, you can expect to be heard and validated, while also challenged as we work to create new patterns and beliefs.
I use a holistic, body and soul centered trauma informed approach, using various modalities from Somatic Therapy, Expressive Arts, Hakomi, Dream and Transpersonal Therapy, Internal Family System (Parts Therapy), Humanistic Therapy, Hakomi, Eco-Therapy, Therapeutic Yoga, Mindfulness, & Depth Psychology.
I enjoy in working with; self esteem & worth, trauma healing & recovery, body image & body positivity, disordered eating & relationship to body, belonging as our birthright, transforming deep shame into liberation, body & sex shame, relationships and boundaries, anxiety, stress & hyper-vigilance, nervous system imbalances, life transitions & identity, honoring grief, loss & death, life threatening illness, cancer, auto-immune disease, rites of passage, aging, adolescence, menopause, women's empowerment, highly sensitive people & empaths, people pleasers, intergenerational trauma & ancestral healing, mothering & the mother wound.
I use a holistic, body and soul centered trauma informed approach, using various modalities from Somatic Therapy, Expressive Arts, Hakomi, Dream and Transpersonal Therapy, Internal Family System (Parts Therapy), Humanistic Therapy, Hakomi, Eco-Therapy, Therapeutic Yoga, Mindfulness, & Depth Psychology.
I enjoy in working with; self esteem & worth, trauma healing & recovery, body image & body positivity, disordered eating & relationship to body, belonging as our birthright, transforming deep shame into liberation, body & sex shame, relationships and boundaries, anxiety, stress & hyper-vigilance, nervous system imbalances, life transitions & identity, honoring grief, loss & death, life threatening illness, cancer, auto-immune disease, rites of passage, aging, adolescence, menopause, women's empowerment, highly sensitive people & empaths, people pleasers, intergenerational trauma & ancestral healing, mothering & the mother wound.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Expressive Arts Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Castro Valley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro
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.