Expressive Arts Therapists in Pacifica, CA
I offer expressive arts, play therapy, sandplay therapy and more.
For over 20 years, I have worked in urban and suburban schools before transitioning to private practice in 2020. K-5 has been my most recent focus, and have worked with middle and high school students in previous years. I have supported students with anxiety, social and behavioral challenges, mood, grief, and attention difficulties. Working collaboratively with parents we can help your child feel a sense of belonging, uncover the frustrations and worry, relieve symptoms of anxiety, and reduce the anger and behavioral challenges using a strength-based approach. I'm here to help!
I offer expressive arts, play therapy, sandplay therapy and more.
For over 20 years, I have worked in urban and suburban schools before transitioning to private practice in 2020. K-5 has been my most recent focus, and have worked with middle and high school students in previous years. I have supported students with anxiety, social and behavioral challenges, mood, grief, and attention difficulties. Working collaboratively with parents we can help your child feel a sense of belonging, uncover the frustrations and worry, relieve symptoms of anxiety, and reduce the anger and behavioral challenges using a strength-based approach. I'm here to help!
Sometimes in life we experience seasons of feeling adrift and lost. Other times we have faced immensely painful circumstances which have left a lingering impact on our thoughts, mood and behavior. Working together we can illuminate pathways to resolve these challenges and reach a sense of safety, connection and purpose. As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I specialize in restoring a mind/body connection along with focusing on overcoming the distress caused by a sudden transition, loss, violence, burnout and betrayal.
Sometimes in life we experience seasons of feeling adrift and lost. Other times we have faced immensely painful circumstances which have left a lingering impact on our thoughts, mood and behavior. Working together we can illuminate pathways to resolve these challenges and reach a sense of safety, connection and purpose. As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I specialize in restoring a mind/body connection along with focusing on overcoming the distress caused by a sudden transition, loss, violence, burnout and betrayal.
Hi. I can offer deep listening and reflections unique to you and your experience. I can support you in enhancing your perspective, gaining a greater sense of connection with your needs and your voice. Sometimes we are looking for a companion to walk with us through this journey of life; we long for stability, trust, a place of refuge. From here we can learn to move in different ways, think in different ways, experience our lives in different ways. Perhaps your nervous system is on high alert all the time due to a poor quality of relationships. You need to reset your nervous system. I offer somatic practices to do just that.
Hi. I can offer deep listening and reflections unique to you and your experience. I can support you in enhancing your perspective, gaining a greater sense of connection with your needs and your voice. Sometimes we are looking for a companion to walk with us through this journey of life; we long for stability, trust, a place of refuge. From here we can learn to move in different ways, think in different ways, experience our lives in different ways. Perhaps your nervous system is on high alert all the time due to a poor quality of relationships. You need to reset your nervous system. I offer somatic practices to do just that.
Maggie B. de Vera
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD(c), LMFT, CCHT, CLC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
Maggie de Vera is a respected Holistic Practitioner, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Life Coach, Trainer & Consultant in the Bay Area. Backed with over 30+ years of extensive experience, education/training and leadership, Maggie is acclaimed in her field for effective work with the most challenging cases and runs a private practice as a Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Sex Therapist, Life Coach, Speaker/Trainer, Consultant and also the Founder & President/CEO of a Non-profit Agency serving the disadvantaged & high-risk. Maggie focuses on supporting/ empowering her clients to heal and grow to create a healthy & positive life
Maggie de Vera is a respected Holistic Practitioner, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Life Coach, Trainer & Consultant in the Bay Area. Backed with over 30+ years of extensive experience, education/training and leadership, Maggie is acclaimed in her field for effective work with the most challenging cases and runs a private practice as a Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Sex Therapist, Life Coach, Speaker/Trainer, Consultant and also the Founder & President/CEO of a Non-profit Agency serving the disadvantaged & high-risk. Maggie focuses on supporting/ empowering her clients to heal and grow to create a healthy & positive life
Fritz Bixler
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
My priority is helping you build a life beyond your wildest dreams. I am dedicated to meeting you where you’re at, and supporting you in carving out your own unique path towards healing and self-actualization. I believe everyone has the capacity to flourish, and I aim to create space for my clients to explore what wellness looks like for them. I really get intensity and emotional sensitivity, and understand the blessings and burdens that come with diverse ways of seeing the world. I am primarily a drama therapist specializing in creative play, but also provide straightforward talk therapy.
My priority is helping you build a life beyond your wildest dreams. I am dedicated to meeting you where you’re at, and supporting you in carving out your own unique path towards healing and self-actualization. I believe everyone has the capacity to flourish, and I aim to create space for my clients to explore what wellness looks like for them. I really get intensity and emotional sensitivity, and understand the blessings and burdens that come with diverse ways of seeing the world. I am primarily a drama therapist specializing in creative play, but also provide straightforward talk therapy.
Kate Fenech
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! I'm Kate, your guide on the path to living beyond your darkest hours. In my practice, I concentrate on the physical experience of your emotions and memories, giving you a completely personalized space to process your past and experience new sensations of peace and healing. My style is warm, creative, and practical, and I don't pretend to be a neutral therapy robot. I always bring my genuine observations and reactions to therapy (with a dash of humor too).
Welcome! I'm Kate, your guide on the path to living beyond your darkest hours. In my practice, I concentrate on the physical experience of your emotions and memories, giving you a completely personalized space to process your past and experience new sensations of peace and healing. My style is warm, creative, and practical, and I don't pretend to be a neutral therapy robot. I always bring my genuine observations and reactions to therapy (with a dash of humor too).
Are you an “overthinker” with complex feelings that are hard to put into words? Do you feel misunderstood, lonely, isolated, or unfulfilled? Are you striving to please others at the expense of yourself? Perhaps you feel exhausted, overworked, over-stressed, and as though you're never enough. You may crave a deep connection with yourself, your loved ones and the world around you...but may also find yourself struggling to make sense of the world. Unexpectedly life-changing or stressful events can increase these feelings, and hope for change can seem so far away. If so, you're not alone. I warmly welcome you to my practice.
Are you an “overthinker” with complex feelings that are hard to put into words? Do you feel misunderstood, lonely, isolated, or unfulfilled? Are you striving to please others at the expense of yourself? Perhaps you feel exhausted, overworked, over-stressed, and as though you're never enough. You may crave a deep connection with yourself, your loved ones and the world around you...but may also find yourself struggling to make sense of the world. Unexpectedly life-changing or stressful events can increase these feelings, and hope for change can seem so far away. If so, you're not alone. I warmly welcome you to my practice.
Caroline Morton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
Therapy is a personal process and finding the right fit with the right therapist makes all the difference. In a non-judgmental, supportive and safe environment, I invite my clients to take risks and explore their challenges wholeheartedly to help understand their issues, gain awareness, overcome their obstacles, and ultimately obtain the tools to lead an empowered life. I offer one free 30-minute phone consultation. Call (650)455-2547 to determine if we are the right fit. To find out more about my professional background, visit my website at www.cmortonmft.com.
Therapy is a personal process and finding the right fit with the right therapist makes all the difference. In a non-judgmental, supportive and safe environment, I invite my clients to take risks and explore their challenges wholeheartedly to help understand their issues, gain awareness, overcome their obstacles, and ultimately obtain the tools to lead an empowered life. I offer one free 30-minute phone consultation. Call (650)455-2547 to determine if we are the right fit. To find out more about my professional background, visit my website at www.cmortonmft.com.
CK Olivieri Blackmore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044 (Online Only)
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
My name is Samantha Mendez and I am a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Livermore, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with youth and parents focusing primarily on anxiety, stress, and family building, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for youth who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions, family relationship issues, and social pressures. This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, and stress.
My name is Samantha Mendez and I am a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Livermore, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with youth and parents focusing primarily on anxiety, stress, and family building, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for youth who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions, family relationship issues, and social pressures. This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, and stress.
My name is Max Sleep-Frankel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); I am also certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Grief Informed Professional (CGP). I have extensive experience working with older adults and adults with disabilities as they navigate the many life transitions that beset them during this time period. My approach to therapy is to serve as a guide to accomplishing your personal goals and living a more enriched life.
My name is Max Sleep-Frankel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); I am also certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Grief Informed Professional (CGP). I have extensive experience working with older adults and adults with disabilities as they navigate the many life transitions that beset them during this time period. My approach to therapy is to serve as a guide to accomplishing your personal goals and living a more enriched life.
Grace Christine Casson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044 (Online Only)
Life's demands may, at times, be emotionally distressing. At different stages of life, you might feel particularly challenged by the pressures of school, college, work, and family life. Through the work of therapy, you can begin to feel a sense of satisfaction and success in your life again. I offer online psychotherapy services for adolescents and adults utilizing an integrative approach. Therapy may include creative art therapy, parent support, ADHD coaching, and other therapy services to promote, support, and facilitate emotional well-being.
Life's demands may, at times, be emotionally distressing. At different stages of life, you might feel particularly challenged by the pressures of school, college, work, and family life. Through the work of therapy, you can begin to feel a sense of satisfaction and success in your life again. I offer online psychotherapy services for adolescents and adults utilizing an integrative approach. Therapy may include creative art therapy, parent support, ADHD coaching, and other therapy services to promote, support, and facilitate emotional well-being.
Victoria Holley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
Not accepting new clients
Hi, I'm Victoria! My focus is working with children ages 6+, adolescents, teenagers and women - specifically moms and moms of multiples. I help with a variety of issues, primarily anxiety, social anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and those struggling with finding or rediscovering identity and authenticity. I believe humans strive to be the best they can be, and are always on the path to self-actualization. You are the expert in your life, but sometimes there is a disconnect between where you are and where you want to be. I will help guide you to get there and together, we will work towards your goals.
Hi, I'm Victoria! My focus is working with children ages 6+, adolescents, teenagers and women - specifically moms and moms of multiples. I help with a variety of issues, primarily anxiety, social anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and those struggling with finding or rediscovering identity and authenticity. I believe humans strive to be the best they can be, and are always on the path to self-actualization. You are the expert in your life, but sometimes there is a disconnect between where you are and where you want to be. I will help guide you to get there and together, we will work towards your goals.
Tia Huston
Art Therapist, MS, LCAT, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
As a dance/movement therapist, our sessions can be purely talk therapy, movement and talk therapy, or a mixture of movement, talk, and other creative approaches. In our sessions together, I will create a space where all aspects of you are welcome and you can speak freely about whatever is on your mind. I can help you understand how your past impacts your present. I am here to listen, understand, and help you discover new choices and new ways of being, so that you can flourish in life. I am here to support you on your journey of self discovery and self growth.
As a dance/movement therapist, our sessions can be purely talk therapy, movement and talk therapy, or a mixture of movement, talk, and other creative approaches. In our sessions together, I will create a space where all aspects of you are welcome and you can speak freely about whatever is on your mind. I can help you understand how your past impacts your present. I am here to listen, understand, and help you discover new choices and new ways of being, so that you can flourish in life. I am here to support you on your journey of self discovery and self growth.
More Therapists Nearby
Ryann DeSouza
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Burlingame, CA 94010
In addition to preforming psychotherapy, I'm a certified Domestic Violence counselor, Expressive Arts Therapist, Attached by the heart parent educator, and ALA smoking cessation counselor.
Are you struggling with any of the following: trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, Autism, hoarding, organizational issues, and parenting issues? I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life when taking the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you on this new journey. I am looking for highly motivated individuals that are ready for the challenge, whom are dedicated and motivated to make a positive change in their life. I believe everyone deserves quality care.
In addition to preforming psychotherapy, I'm a certified Domestic Violence counselor, Expressive Arts Therapist, Attached by the heart parent educator, and ALA smoking cessation counselor.
Are you struggling with any of the following: trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, Autism, hoarding, organizational issues, and parenting issues? I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life when taking the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you on this new journey. I am looking for highly motivated individuals that are ready for the challenge, whom are dedicated and motivated to make a positive change in their life. I believe everyone deserves quality care.
Debbi Odell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burlingame, CA 94010 (Online Only)
I offer expressive arts, somatics, parts work and EMDR so you can get unstuck, move beyond words, and heal at every level of soul, mind, and body.
Would you like to understand yourself and others better, feel more connected to your body and emotions, and be more effective your life and relationships? It may feel like you're really making an effort, but it still seems like something's getting in your way, and it's hard to figure out how to change it. That’s why you need the support of a knowledgeable and flexible therapist, to move past blocks, become more embodied and more aware, connect with your inner child, build skills and resilience. To go deeper, uncover the root of the issues, shift patterns and feel more grounded and effective.
I offer expressive arts, somatics, parts work and EMDR so you can get unstuck, move beyond words, and heal at every level of soul, mind, and body.
Would you like to understand yourself and others better, feel more connected to your body and emotions, and be more effective your life and relationships? It may feel like you're really making an effort, but it still seems like something's getting in your way, and it's hard to figure out how to change it. That’s why you need the support of a knowledgeable and flexible therapist, to move past blocks, become more embodied and more aware, connect with your inner child, build skills and resilience. To go deeper, uncover the root of the issues, shift patterns and feel more grounded and effective.
Tina Mizukami
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, RYT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Burlingame, CA 94010 (Online Only)
Trained in expressive arts/drama therapy, EMDR, as well as talk therapy, I have witnessed the power of creative expression to accelerate the therapeutic process.
Have you suffered a loss, experienced some traumatic event or lived through an unexpected change or transition? Are you feeling lost, missing a connection with yourself and/or others? Or, are you finding yourself stuck in unhelpful patterns in your relationships, school/work, and the ways you see yourself? I see psychotherapy as an opportunity for you to be with yourself - authentically and constructively. My intention is to create a safe place where you can experience solace, explore solutions creatively, and discover your needs while learning how to ask for them.
Trained in expressive arts/drama therapy, EMDR, as well as talk therapy, I have witnessed the power of creative expression to accelerate the therapeutic process.
Have you suffered a loss, experienced some traumatic event or lived through an unexpected change or transition? Are you feeling lost, missing a connection with yourself and/or others? Or, are you finding yourself stuck in unhelpful patterns in your relationships, school/work, and the ways you see yourself? I see psychotherapy as an opportunity for you to be with yourself - authentically and constructively. My intention is to create a safe place where you can experience solace, explore solutions creatively, and discover your needs while learning how to ask for them.
Louise Zervas Houchin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066 (Online Only)
Healing happens within the context of a respectful, caring and nonjudgemental therapeutic relationship. When we work together, you can be yourself. I want to see you and help you to understand yourself in new ways. I am direct, while also gentle. I hold a lot of space for empathy and understanding, and building trust. And of course, there is always room for humor on any journey! I use a combination of evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral (or "talk") therapy, expressive arts, music and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques to connect with you and help guide you toward feeling like the best version of yourself.
Healing happens within the context of a respectful, caring and nonjudgemental therapeutic relationship. When we work together, you can be yourself. I want to see you and help you to understand yourself in new ways. I am direct, while also gentle. I hold a lot of space for empathy and understanding, and building trust. And of course, there is always room for humor on any journey! I use a combination of evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral (or "talk") therapy, expressive arts, music and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques to connect with you and help guide you toward feeling like the best version of yourself.
There isn't one formula that works for everyone, and so I have been trained in a range of modalities including: relational psychodynamic therapy, expressive arts therapy, mindfulness, DBT, transpersonal psychology, and family systems.
Most of us lug around a suitcase full of our thoughts, feelings, family history and past experiences and have no idea what's in there. Our current responses to and experience of life come from the contents of that suitcase. Together in therapy we gently unpack it. We will see what is working for you, what needs more support and what has served it's purpose but no longer works. I work collaboratively and am curious about all the things that make you who you are. I am particularly interested in working with people who feel misunderstood or unimportant.
There isn't one formula that works for everyone, and so I have been trained in a range of modalities including: relational psychodynamic therapy, expressive arts therapy, mindfulness, DBT, transpersonal psychology, and family systems.
Most of us lug around a suitcase full of our thoughts, feelings, family history and past experiences and have no idea what's in there. Our current responses to and experience of life come from the contents of that suitcase. Together in therapy we gently unpack it. We will see what is working for you, what needs more support and what has served it's purpose but no longer works. I work collaboratively and am curious about all the things that make you who you are. I am particularly interested in working with people who feel misunderstood or unimportant.
Davida Taurek
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South San Francisco, CA 94080
I integrate my background in movement, meditation, and expressive arts with clinical approaches like Somatic Psychotherapy to support healing.
I believe that meaningful human connection grounded in insight and empathy can be deeply transformative. Many of us carry habits and patterns rooted in past fears or painful experiences that hold us back from fully enjoying life. These cycles can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnect. My goal is to offer a safe, empathetic space where we can dissolve these barriers, allowing you to access your innate resilience and embrace life with renewed energy and openness. Reaching out takes courage, and I’m here to support you.
I integrate my background in movement, meditation, and expressive arts with clinical approaches like Somatic Psychotherapy to support healing.
I believe that meaningful human connection grounded in insight and empathy can be deeply transformative. Many of us carry habits and patterns rooted in past fears or painful experiences that hold us back from fully enjoying life. These cycles can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnect. My goal is to offer a safe, empathetic space where we can dissolve these barriers, allowing you to access your innate resilience and embrace life with renewed energy and openness. Reaching out takes courage, and I’m here to support you.
See more therapy options for Pacifica
Nearby Expressive Arts Therapists Searches for Pacifica
- Alameda
- Belmont
- Burlingame
- Daly City
- Foster City
- Half Moon Bay
- Redwood City
- San Carlos
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
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.