Expressive Arts Therapists in Orinda, CA
I also incorporate expressive arts, identity and spiritual development, narrative therapy, and project-oriented activities as catalysts for healing.
I use a warm, down-to-earth approach in my work with children, teens, adults and couples. I collaborate with clients to develop a whole view of challenges and strengths, which is informed by my wide breadth of clinical experience across the lifespan. I have expertise in working with infants and parents, developmental disabilities, trauma, and both anticipated and unexpected crises across all ages. I integrate these perspectives so that I can attune to your needs and provide responsive support. My hope is to help you water the seeds of your inner strengths, push through stuck situations, and live with more connectedness and vitality.
I also incorporate expressive arts, identity and spiritual development, narrative therapy, and project-oriented activities as catalysts for healing.
I use a warm, down-to-earth approach in my work with children, teens, adults and couples. I collaborate with clients to develop a whole view of challenges and strengths, which is informed by my wide breadth of clinical experience across the lifespan. I have expertise in working with infants and parents, developmental disabilities, trauma, and both anticipated and unexpected crises across all ages. I integrate these perspectives so that I can attune to your needs and provide responsive support. My hope is to help you water the seeds of your inner strengths, push through stuck situations, and live with more connectedness and vitality.
Jessica Lim
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563 (Online Only)
I work with adults, teens, and children experiencing a range of concerns including anxiety, stress, parenting issues, school or work challenges, and life transitions. Clients are often interested in taking a pause, reassessing their current situation, and collaborating to try new approaches, improve coping skills and resilience. My goal is to help clients move forward in their daily lives with greater ease, a sense of purpose and peace, and curiosity to care and connect to themselves and others authentically.
I work with adults, teens, and children experiencing a range of concerns including anxiety, stress, parenting issues, school or work challenges, and life transitions. Clients are often interested in taking a pause, reassessing their current situation, and collaborating to try new approaches, improve coping skills and resilience. My goal is to help clients move forward in their daily lives with greater ease, a sense of purpose and peace, and curiosity to care and connect to themselves and others authentically.
Alex Black
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563 (Online Only)
Make therapy a gift to yourself and the journey of a lifetime. Experience the therapeutic process as an exploration into a landscape full of your own creative capacities, strengths, and dreams that already exist. Replace out-dated belief systems with new ones that better reflect your current, authentic self. Continue the process of growing into the person you believe yourself to be. Move from the victim to the empowered. I work in collaborative ways with you, helping to identifying assumptions, thoughts, and beliefs that are keeping you from the experiences, relationships, and life that you want.
Make therapy a gift to yourself and the journey of a lifetime. Experience the therapeutic process as an exploration into a landscape full of your own creative capacities, strengths, and dreams that already exist. Replace out-dated belief systems with new ones that better reflect your current, authentic self. Continue the process of growing into the person you believe yourself to be. Move from the victim to the empowered. I work in collaborative ways with you, helping to identifying assumptions, thoughts, and beliefs that are keeping you from the experiences, relationships, and life that you want.
The therapeutic encounter is a unique collaborative journey. We cannot control what crosses our path, but we can see ourselves as brave enough to face it. People come to me when they are struggling or stuck and want to improve their life and relationships. I provide a safe space to explore how we cope with food, substances, anxiety, depression, fears, longings and big life events. I work extensively with couples and individuals using Emotion Focused Therapy, an effective attachment based practice to deepen insight, build connection and process loss. I can hold your story. I am trauma-informed. I won't shy away from the hard stuff.
The therapeutic encounter is a unique collaborative journey. We cannot control what crosses our path, but we can see ourselves as brave enough to face it. People come to me when they are struggling or stuck and want to improve their life and relationships. I provide a safe space to explore how we cope with food, substances, anxiety, depression, fears, longings and big life events. I work extensively with couples and individuals using Emotion Focused Therapy, an effective attachment based practice to deepen insight, build connection and process loss. I can hold your story. I am trauma-informed. I won't shy away from the hard stuff.
Do you wish for greater success, self-acceptance, love and connection? Do you desire to live your life more authentically? Difficult life histories and current obstacles hinder us from becoming who we want to be. With my help, past events and unfruitful ways of being can be processed and transformed so that they no longer impact your present or future. Modalities such as EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, emotionally focused therapy and sensorimotor psychotherapy will help you discover and embody a new way of being. I am fiercely committed to helping you clear your path forward to embrace greater ease, integrity, belonging, and love.
Do you wish for greater success, self-acceptance, love and connection? Do you desire to live your life more authentically? Difficult life histories and current obstacles hinder us from becoming who we want to be. With my help, past events and unfruitful ways of being can be processed and transformed so that they no longer impact your present or future. Modalities such as EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, emotionally focused therapy and sensorimotor psychotherapy will help you discover and embody a new way of being. I am fiercely committed to helping you clear your path forward to embrace greater ease, integrity, belonging, and love.
Haley Woodside (Hewitt)
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, E-RYT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
My name is Haley Woodside and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, perinatal and women’s health, gender and/or sexual identity, & LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS & Somatic Experiencing.
My name is Haley Woodside and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, perinatal and women’s health, gender and/or sexual identity, & LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS & Somatic Experiencing.
Parenting can be the hardest job in the world and I am here to help. Do you have a difficult teenager? Is your child having trouble in High School? Has your family experienced divorce, remarriage, or difficulties with co-parenting? These types of issues have become very common and it is normal to need some help coping with them. I have many years experience working with children and their families and as a parent I can relate to the difficulties that arise each day. The decision to start therapy can be difficult because you may feel that you have already tried everything or you wonder if this will really help.
Parenting can be the hardest job in the world and I am here to help. Do you have a difficult teenager? Is your child having trouble in High School? Has your family experienced divorce, remarriage, or difficulties with co-parenting? These types of issues have become very common and it is normal to need some help coping with them. I have many years experience working with children and their families and as a parent I can relate to the difficulties that arise each day. The decision to start therapy can be difficult because you may feel that you have already tried everything or you wonder if this will really help.
For nine years I have had hands-on experience working with individuals, children, couples and families, and have helped my clients deal with the various challenges life brought them. Diversity and inclusion are core beliefs of mine. I feel that every person has value that can be enriched and strengthened.
For nine years I have had hands-on experience working with individuals, children, couples and families, and have helped my clients deal with the various challenges life brought them. Diversity and inclusion are core beliefs of mine. I feel that every person has value that can be enriched and strengthened.
Doug Ronning, Psychotherapy and Social Game Groups
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RDT-BCT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
Therapy via online secure video or in-person at my comfortable office. Neurodiversity-Affirmative, Trauma-Informed, Creative & Compassionate, Experiential Therapy. Do you or a family member struggle with managing everyday stressors? Repeating unhealthy patterns despite negative consequences? Feeling misunderstood? Relationship(s) overrun by conflict? I offer highly interactive sessions that support greater self-awareness, increased self-regulation, effective communication, and responsible choice making. We will begin by identifying your strengths and passions as well as exploring the challenges, then tailor a plan that fits you.
Therapy via online secure video or in-person at my comfortable office. Neurodiversity-Affirmative, Trauma-Informed, Creative & Compassionate, Experiential Therapy. Do you or a family member struggle with managing everyday stressors? Repeating unhealthy patterns despite negative consequences? Feeling misunderstood? Relationship(s) overrun by conflict? I offer highly interactive sessions that support greater self-awareness, increased self-regulation, effective communication, and responsible choice making. We will begin by identifying your strengths and passions as well as exploring the challenges, then tailor a plan that fits you.
Chelsie Crilly
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with ADHD, HSP, and ASD. Being in our bodies- and being in our world- can be very difficult. This is especially true when when you're a highly sensitive person. My typical client often hears "you're being too much" while also dreading the feeling of not "being enough". I'm here to take a deep dive into what's making you feel like "too much" and highlight the ways you are "just enough for the right people". Typically, my client's goals are to live more comfortably in their sensitive skin, find liberation from shame, and better manage depression and anxiety.
I specialize in working with ADHD, HSP, and ASD. Being in our bodies- and being in our world- can be very difficult. This is especially true when when you're a highly sensitive person. My typical client often hears "you're being too much" while also dreading the feeling of not "being enough". I'm here to take a deep dive into what's making you feel like "too much" and highlight the ways you are "just enough for the right people". Typically, my client's goals are to live more comfortably in their sensitive skin, find liberation from shame, and better manage depression and anxiety.
Therapy is a sacred laboratory–one where we explore various paths toward full self-acceptance, while also nurturing your dreams for the future and healing from the past.
Therapy is a sacred laboratory–one where we explore various paths toward full self-acceptance, while also nurturing your dreams for the future and healing from the past.
More Therapists Nearby
Christopher Patrick White
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
However, I sometimes use expressive arts, dramatic play, and exploration of body and breath as powerful tools for creating a deeper and more intimate therapeutic encounter.
My clients are often sensitive, intelligent, and creative people who face life transitions, self-doubt, anxiety, depression, and the challenges of liberating passion and creating meaning in life. Many struggle with the legacy of significant trauma.
Through acceptance, loving encouragement, and providing a container for self-exploration, I help clients to find a more encompassing love for self and other, develop strength and firmness of character, and tap into the well of their vitality, creativity, and joy.
However, I sometimes use expressive arts, dramatic play, and exploration of body and breath as powerful tools for creating a deeper and more intimate therapeutic encounter.
My clients are often sensitive, intelligent, and creative people who face life transitions, self-doubt, anxiety, depression, and the challenges of liberating passion and creating meaning in life. Many struggle with the legacy of significant trauma.
Through acceptance, loving encouragement, and providing a container for self-exploration, I help clients to find a more encompassing love for self and other, develop strength and firmness of character, and tap into the well of their vitality, creativity, and joy.
Kathryn Buys
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, ACSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
I integrate expressive arts & Spiritual practices from all over the world, i.
If you are a woman ready for more happiness, more peace, & a greater sense of choice, I am here to guide you on your way. Your depression, anxiety, or relationship challenges may be signals that something greater is around the corner. If they persist, though, it’s a good time to find someone who can re-orient you so that you’re on the path of a joyful life, a life of intention, a life where empowerment and “yes!” are within reach. I work with women who feel even just a slight spark of knowing that this path might be available. We may start with mindfulness & how to cope with the effects of trauma and depression so you can thrive.
I integrate expressive arts & Spiritual practices from all over the world, i.
If you are a woman ready for more happiness, more peace, & a greater sense of choice, I am here to guide you on your way. Your depression, anxiety, or relationship challenges may be signals that something greater is around the corner. If they persist, though, it’s a good time to find someone who can re-orient you so that you’re on the path of a joyful life, a life of intention, a life where empowerment and “yes!” are within reach. I work with women who feel even just a slight spark of knowing that this path might be available. We may start with mindfulness & how to cope with the effects of trauma and depression so you can thrive.
Jennifer Villena
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Specializing in women’s mental health, I use a holistic approach and therapeutic techniques like EMDR, CBT, expressive arts, and mindfulness to guide you toward your goals.
I am an EMDR-certified therapist dedicated to empowering women to heal, grow, and reclaim their confidence through compassionate, evidence-based therapy. Life can be overwhelming, but you deserve a safe, compassionate space to be heard. I specialize in trauma recovery, self-esteem, career and relationship challenges, and maternal mental health. If you're navigating grief, microaggressions, or identity concerns, know that you don't have to face these challenges alone. Together, we can reclaim your confidence and foster personal growth. Reach out today to start your transformative journey!
Specializing in women’s mental health, I use a holistic approach and therapeutic techniques like EMDR, CBT, expressive arts, and mindfulness to guide you toward your goals.
I am an EMDR-certified therapist dedicated to empowering women to heal, grow, and reclaim their confidence through compassionate, evidence-based therapy. Life can be overwhelming, but you deserve a safe, compassionate space to be heard. I specialize in trauma recovery, self-esteem, career and relationship challenges, and maternal mental health. If you're navigating grief, microaggressions, or identity concerns, know that you don't have to face these challenges alone. Together, we can reclaim your confidence and foster personal growth. Reach out today to start your transformative journey!
Phyllis Rothblatt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94709 (Online Only)
I integrate EMDR, mindfulness meditation, play & expressive arts, somatic awareness, and humor into my work.
As a therapist for over thirty years, the focus of my work is helping people to create and sustain healthy relationships, and to learn how to thrive in their lives. I listen carefully to the nuances of what you say and don't say, and help you to become more aware of your unconscious beliefs and the energy that you hold in your body that may be an obstacle to your creating the life and relationships that you yearn for. Together, we take the journey of understanding and resolving what is in your way, so that you can discover new pathways to live your life with more joy, ease and connection.
I integrate EMDR, mindfulness meditation, play & expressive arts, somatic awareness, and humor into my work.
As a therapist for over thirty years, the focus of my work is helping people to create and sustain healthy relationships, and to learn how to thrive in their lives. I listen carefully to the nuances of what you say and don't say, and help you to become more aware of your unconscious beliefs and the energy that you hold in your body that may be an obstacle to your creating the life and relationships that you yearn for. Together, we take the journey of understanding and resolving what is in your way, so that you can discover new pathways to live your life with more joy, ease and connection.
I offer a unique blend of humanistic, transpersonal-oriented somatic-based Expressive Arts therapy in German and English.
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.
I offer a unique blend of humanistic, transpersonal-oriented somatic-based Expressive Arts therapy in German and English.
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.
Kim C. Stevens
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
I have specializations in dance/movement therapy, expressive arts therapy, body oriented/ somatic psychology, mindfulness-based psychology and Internal Family Systems.
With compassion, presence and warmth, I am here to be your partner and guide on your growth journey. I partner with you to heal emotional trauma and gain self-acceptance through my specialized mind-body approach. I support you through healing limiting beliefs about yourself, developing excellent boundaries, and connecting with your inner-wisdom. You are unique and so is your therapy process, so we tailor our work together to your specific needs and goals. I serve empaths and highly sensitive people, supporting you in coming home to who you really are. Internal Family Systems. LGBTQ+. Somatic. Psychedelic integration.
I have specializations in dance/movement therapy, expressive arts therapy, body oriented/ somatic psychology, mindfulness-based psychology and Internal Family Systems.
With compassion, presence and warmth, I am here to be your partner and guide on your growth journey. I partner with you to heal emotional trauma and gain self-acceptance through my specialized mind-body approach. I support you through healing limiting beliefs about yourself, developing excellent boundaries, and connecting with your inner-wisdom. You are unique and so is your therapy process, so we tailor our work together to your specific needs and goals. I serve empaths and highly sensitive people, supporting you in coming home to who you really are. Internal Family Systems. LGBTQ+. Somatic. Psychedelic integration.
Zuri Montgomery
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (Online Only)
I use a multi-systemic approach of theories, however I am mainly client-centered and use expressive arts in session.
Do you find life to be draining at times? Waking up angry or anxious with no clear reason why? Experiencing the many stressors of life can become exhausting when you don’t have proper support. I can help provide deeper support that will encourage you to expand your capacity and learn to cope via healthy strategies that we come up with together.
I use a multi-systemic approach of theories, however I am mainly client-centered and use expressive arts in session.
Do you find life to be draining at times? Waking up angry or anxious with no clear reason why? Experiencing the many stressors of life can become exhausting when you don’t have proper support. I can help provide deeper support that will encourage you to expand your capacity and learn to cope via healthy strategies that we come up with together.
Adrian Gebhart
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
My approach is deeply personalized, strengths-based, adaptable drawing from a range of modalities including drama therapy, expressive arts, mindfulness, and talk therapy.
Life presents us with challenges, big and small, and we all deserve to find joy and love within ourselves even in the hardest moments. I invite you into a space where we can explore, acknowledge, and value all parts of you at your own pace. Together we will explore your hopes and dreams and work to shift what is no longer serving you. We all need support, and you are not alone in this journey. I believe that you have everything you need inside you to heal.
My approach is deeply personalized, strengths-based, adaptable drawing from a range of modalities including drama therapy, expressive arts, mindfulness, and talk therapy.
Life presents us with challenges, big and small, and we all deserve to find joy and love within ourselves even in the hardest moments. I invite you into a space where we can explore, acknowledge, and value all parts of you at your own pace. Together we will explore your hopes and dreams and work to shift what is no longer serving you. We all need support, and you are not alone in this journey. I believe that you have everything you need inside you to heal.
We may work through talk therapy, present moment awareness, somatic work and/or expressive arts.
What would it be like to feel at home in your body, in your mind, and in your heart? How would it feel to truly inhabit your life, with a greater sense of aliveness, ease, and connection? From my experience working with hundreds of clients from all walks of life, I know that difficult times can become a doorway to healing, change and greater connection with one's true self. I have a warm, collaborative approach and will support you in healing the wounds of the past and making inner and outer changes needed for a more fulfilling life.
We may work through talk therapy, present moment awareness, somatic work and/or expressive arts.
What would it be like to feel at home in your body, in your mind, and in your heart? How would it feel to truly inhabit your life, with a greater sense of aliveness, ease, and connection? From my experience working with hundreds of clients from all walks of life, I know that difficult times can become a doorway to healing, change and greater connection with one's true self. I have a warm, collaborative approach and will support you in healing the wounds of the past and making inner and outer changes needed for a more fulfilling life.
See more therapy options for Orinda
Nearby Expressive Arts Therapists Searches for Orinda
- Alamo
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- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Lafayette
- Martinez
- Moraga
- Oakland
- Piedmont
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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.