Expressive Arts Therapists in Pleasanton, CA
![Photo of Michelle M. Austin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c39508b-ce37-48f4-89ac-5b63eb4b89b3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am the daughter of Mexican/Salvadoran parents who raised me with the core values of faith, family and community service. I possess several years of experience working with emotionally distressed youth and their families and can provide various treatment approaches. I can provide trauma-informed treatment and utilize various mediums to engage clients such as; Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), play therapy, expressive arts and mindfulness. I have witnessed individuals struggle with anxiety, worry and sadness and feel disconnected from the world.
I am the daughter of Mexican/Salvadoran parents who raised me with the core values of faith, family and community service. I possess several years of experience working with emotionally distressed youth and their families and can provide various treatment approaches. I can provide trauma-informed treatment and utilize various mediums to engage clients such as; Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), play therapy, expressive arts and mindfulness. I have witnessed individuals struggle with anxiety, worry and sadness and feel disconnected from the world.
![Photo of Edina C Adler, LCSW, MA, Mediatr, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41785dc3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Edina C Adler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA, Mediatr
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
When appropriate I also employ expressive arts therapies, particularly art and drama therapy, and Voice Dialogue.
Is your marriage or partnership showing signs of stress? Not sure if blending families is a good idea? Over 60% of blended families in the U.S. do not succeed and this impacts children's mental health. I help couples in conflict or who have grown apart create a more loving home using evidence-based methods, including the Gottman Method, Terry Real's Relational Life and Bader-Pearson Couples Therapy. I utilize compassion- and mindfulness-based methods to improve your parenting AND your partnership at the same time, while addressing the underlying causes of conflicts. I work primarily with adults.
When appropriate I also employ expressive arts therapies, particularly art and drama therapy, and Voice Dialogue.
Is your marriage or partnership showing signs of stress? Not sure if blending families is a good idea? Over 60% of blended families in the U.S. do not succeed and this impacts children's mental health. I help couples in conflict or who have grown apart create a more loving home using evidence-based methods, including the Gottman Method, Terry Real's Relational Life and Bader-Pearson Couples Therapy. I utilize compassion- and mindfulness-based methods to improve your parenting AND your partnership at the same time, while addressing the underlying causes of conflicts. I work primarily with adults.
![Photo of Emily Works, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1d304fe-2d5c-4671-b28c-c6bb24da06f4/3/320x400.jpeg)
I offer play therapy, sand tray therapy, expressive arts therapy, and family therapy.
I'm here to support you in connecting with your true, authentic self. Across the lifespan, we face struggles that make it difficult to understand ourselves and communicate honestly with our loved ones. I help children, adolescents, adults, and families learn what they need and how to meet those needs. We all need to feel a sense of groundedness, safety, and home within ourselves and our relationships. For those of you who feel lost or like you have fallen behind, I support you in lovingly finding your way.
I offer play therapy, sand tray therapy, expressive arts therapy, and family therapy.
I'm here to support you in connecting with your true, authentic self. Across the lifespan, we face struggles that make it difficult to understand ourselves and communicate honestly with our loved ones. I help children, adolescents, adults, and families learn what they need and how to meet those needs. We all need to feel a sense of groundedness, safety, and home within ourselves and our relationships. For those of you who feel lost or like you have fallen behind, I support you in lovingly finding your way.
![Photo of Kiran C. Easwarachandran, MSS, R-DMT, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47fbed84-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kiran C. Easwarachandran
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, R-DMT, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I have practiced as an Integrative Movement Psychotherapist for over 17 years and believe that true healing shines through when we work with the whole self-the body, the mind and spirit. As a body-mind therapist I bring in an eclectic mix of psychodynamic theories, strengths based practice, CBT, dance and movement therapy, expressive arts, eco-therapy and mindfulness work to my practice.
I have practiced as an Integrative Movement Psychotherapist for over 17 years and believe that true healing shines through when we work with the whole self-the body, the mind and spirit. As a body-mind therapist I bring in an eclectic mix of psychodynamic theories, strengths based practice, CBT, dance and movement therapy, expressive arts, eco-therapy and mindfulness work to my practice.
![Photo of Sora Yoon, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbc1c209-888b-4bf0-8939-2ff7d0703a4c/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Sora Yoon, LMFT and art therapist. My approach is person-centered, and I utilized modalities of treatment that will match your specific needs whether that is a behavioral approach (DBT, RO DBT, MBCBT, ACT) or psychodynamic and or trauma-focused (CPP). I also incorporate creativity into my approach with art therapy, sandtray, and other expressive arts. My communication style is warm, inviting, providing unconditional positive regard, strength-based, empathetic, and direct when a crisis or seriousness of situation needs to be communicated.
My name is Sora Yoon, LMFT and art therapist. My approach is person-centered, and I utilized modalities of treatment that will match your specific needs whether that is a behavioral approach (DBT, RO DBT, MBCBT, ACT) or psychodynamic and or trauma-focused (CPP). I also incorporate creativity into my approach with art therapy, sandtray, and other expressive arts. My communication style is warm, inviting, providing unconditional positive regard, strength-based, empathetic, and direct when a crisis or seriousness of situation needs to be communicated.
![Photo of Lacey Morris, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07b408d3-f41c-404c-af2d-225665b7db5b/1/320x400.png)
Lacey Morris, LMFT, Registered Expressive Arts Therapist. I incorporate a very family systems lens approach. Weaving in a lot of psycho-dynamic approaches as well. My focus is on individuals looking for deeper meaning in their lives and desiring deeper change in their lives.
Lacey Morris, LMFT, Registered Expressive Arts Therapist. I incorporate a very family systems lens approach. Weaving in a lot of psycho-dynamic approaches as well. My focus is on individuals looking for deeper meaning in their lives and desiring deeper change in their lives.
![Photo of Emily Ruha Keller, PhD, LPCC, RPT-S, NCC, RYT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eee018dd-9d4d-426d-857e-30152dfef6ed/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Ruha Keller
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, LPCC, RPT-S, NCC, RYT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I specialize in play therapy, sand tray, and expressive arts and have post-grad training in working with couples, families, children, & groups, I integrate energy psychotherapy, redecision therapy, gestalt, play therapy, art, yoga, & sand tray.
Does your child need help putting their feelings into words? Are they neurodivergent and don't feel like they fit in? Perhaps they are bright, but they don't quite see their gifts. They may feel isolated, alone, or can't help but make negative meaning out of life. I help children heal, grieve, and grow. I help children develop a healthy sense of self and experience their power cooperatively (rather than competitively). I work with children using play therapy to discover their stories and help them change them.
I specialize in play therapy, sand tray, and expressive arts and have post-grad training in working with couples, families, children, & groups, I integrate energy psychotherapy, redecision therapy, gestalt, play therapy, art, yoga, & sand tray.
Does your child need help putting their feelings into words? Are they neurodivergent and don't feel like they fit in? Perhaps they are bright, but they don't quite see their gifts. They may feel isolated, alone, or can't help but make negative meaning out of life. I help children heal, grieve, and grow. I help children develop a healthy sense of self and experience their power cooperatively (rather than competitively). I work with children using play therapy to discover their stories and help them change them.
![Photo of Mark Purcell, PsyD, MEd, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c3bd6a1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/7/320x400.jpeg)
I strive to compassionately work with clients to reveal their true self by identifying the patterns and obstacles that often create internal stress and interpersonal conflict. I work with adolescents, children, and adults. I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults with moderate to severe psycho-social difficulties. I have expertise treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, substance abuse, self-harming and psychotic disorders. As a community mental health psychologist I am able to collaborate with educational, legal, and psychiatric professionals. I also provide psychological evaluations, as wells as workshops for parents and trainings to professionals.
I strive to compassionately work with clients to reveal their true self by identifying the patterns and obstacles that often create internal stress and interpersonal conflict. I work with adolescents, children, and adults. I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults with moderate to severe psycho-social difficulties. I have expertise treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, substance abuse, self-harming and psychotic disorders. As a community mental health psychologist I am able to collaborate with educational, legal, and psychiatric professionals. I also provide psychological evaluations, as wells as workshops for parents and trainings to professionals.
![Photo of Callie Wile, MA, LCAT, CLAT, ATR-BC, Art Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e93c6166-92d6-4055-8e87-c91d9e6009c2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Perhaps you have tried talk therapy before and it didn't feel productive or inspire you to change or reflect in new ways. Or perhaps you feel like you often don't have the words to describe how you feel, or aren't ready to verbally share about your challenges or difficult experiences. Individuals who can relate to these sentiments may greatly benefit from working with an Art Therapist. Through a combination of talk therapy and creative techniques I will support you in reflective and problem solving processes that will be different, productive and sometimes even playful.
Perhaps you have tried talk therapy before and it didn't feel productive or inspire you to change or reflect in new ways. Or perhaps you feel like you often don't have the words to describe how you feel, or aren't ready to verbally share about your challenges or difficult experiences. Individuals who can relate to these sentiments may greatly benefit from working with an Art Therapist. Through a combination of talk therapy and creative techniques I will support you in reflective and problem solving processes that will be different, productive and sometimes even playful.
![Photo of Cindy A Mayne, APCC, NCAC, NAADAC, CHT, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5008070c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Cindy A Mayne
Pre-Licensed Professional, APCC, NCAC, NAADAC, CHT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Having issues with anxiety, sleep, weight loss or addictions? I am a clinical hypnotherapist and can help with many issues. With the help of therapy, and hypnosis, many issues can be alleviated quickly.
Having issues with anxiety, sleep, weight loss or addictions? I am a clinical hypnotherapist and can help with many issues. With the help of therapy, and hypnosis, many issues can be alleviated quickly.
![Photo of Leslie Baker - Therapy2Thrive, NCC, RPT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43dd627a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Therapy2Thrive
Marriage & Family Therapist, NCC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Are you feeling alone, overwhelmed & lacking hope in your life? Are you just making it through the day....staying in your marriage, tolerating your teens or hiding in your work and wondering "How did I get here?" Therapy2Thrive Ruby Hill Counseling Center, Inc. is here to help. We provide clients with a therapeutic relationship that provides thoughtful, caring counseling building trust and hope for healing. We work with our clients with practical research based counseling skills and interventions to assist you in making choices that lead to more joy and less distress.
Are you feeling alone, overwhelmed & lacking hope in your life? Are you just making it through the day....staying in your marriage, tolerating your teens or hiding in your work and wondering "How did I get here?" Therapy2Thrive Ruby Hill Counseling Center, Inc. is here to help. We provide clients with a therapeutic relationship that provides thoughtful, caring counseling building trust and hope for healing. We work with our clients with practical research based counseling skills and interventions to assist you in making choices that lead to more joy and less distress.
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![Photo of Brittany Tachkov, LMFT, APCC, MT-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/76ad5643-526c-43b5-bc75-f509b63b2b04/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Tachkov
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC, MT-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Is your family navigating increased stress or a new medical or mental health need? We will look to discover your strengths and make a personalized approach to facing life’s changes and challenges. My experience with children, adolescents, LGBTQ+ youth, and adults have supported coping with the impact of grief, loss, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. My years of music therapy work includes facilitating connection, meaning, and understanding in the context of families coping with chronic and terminal illness, children’s bereavement groups, and intergenerational support.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Is your family navigating increased stress or a new medical or mental health need? We will look to discover your strengths and make a personalized approach to facing life’s changes and challenges. My experience with children, adolescents, LGBTQ+ youth, and adults have supported coping with the impact of grief, loss, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. My years of music therapy work includes facilitating connection, meaning, and understanding in the context of families coping with chronic and terminal illness, children’s bereavement groups, and intergenerational support.
![Photo of Vicci L Tibbetts, MA, MFT, BCB, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54e467bc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is for us to work together short-term based on needs and goals we identify at our first session. My clients learn skills immediately and reduce their symptoms quickly. I have 26 years of experience using Biofeedback and teaching a variety of coping skills that can be used for life. I have experience with many different disorders, cultures, and individuals (adults/kids) & families. I believe and have seen people improve the quality of their life and reduce conflict and suffering. My office is located within a center that uses a variety of holistic solutions so you can move forward and improve your mind and body.
My goal is for us to work together short-term based on needs and goals we identify at our first session. My clients learn skills immediately and reduce their symptoms quickly. I have 26 years of experience using Biofeedback and teaching a variety of coping skills that can be used for life. I have experience with many different disorders, cultures, and individuals (adults/kids) & families. I believe and have seen people improve the quality of their life and reduce conflict and suffering. My office is located within a center that uses a variety of holistic solutions so you can move forward and improve your mind and body.
![Photo of Danelle Berdahl - DB Counseling, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f9e25d5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
DB Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and like circumstances are out of your control, I welcome you! Clients who choose to work with me are often looking to increase their ability to express themselves freely, feel more connected, and embrace themselves for who they are. Let's work together, we will explore and recover your unique values and strengths. Your therapy will be unique to only you! We will discover your own internal and external influences that keep you struggling and develop positive strategies to achieve your personal goals.
If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and like circumstances are out of your control, I welcome you! Clients who choose to work with me are often looking to increase their ability to express themselves freely, feel more connected, and embrace themselves for who they are. Let's work together, we will explore and recover your unique values and strengths. Your therapy will be unique to only you! We will discover your own internal and external influences that keep you struggling and develop positive strategies to achieve your personal goals.
![Photo of Dr. Jen Green Counselor For Women And Children, PhD, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/453edb77-2eca-4ec3-b889-9731c5273dda/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jen Green Counselor For Women And Children
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Embarking on a PhD is a monumental task—one that demands unwavering commitment, resilience, and intellectual curiosity. For women, this journey can come with unique challenges, such as working full time, raising, children, or caring for aging loved ones. Yet, it also offers profound opportunities for growth, leadership, and impact. It’s easy to neglect self-care amidst the whirlwind of deadlines and research demands. Whether you’re in the final stages of your doctoral journey or contemplating the path ahead, Green Wellness Group, in Pleasanton, CA is here to support you when anxiety, imposter syndrome, or fear are experienced.
Embarking on a PhD is a monumental task—one that demands unwavering commitment, resilience, and intellectual curiosity. For women, this journey can come with unique challenges, such as working full time, raising, children, or caring for aging loved ones. Yet, it also offers profound opportunities for growth, leadership, and impact. It’s easy to neglect self-care amidst the whirlwind of deadlines and research demands. Whether you’re in the final stages of your doctoral journey or contemplating the path ahead, Green Wellness Group, in Pleasanton, CA is here to support you when anxiety, imposter syndrome, or fear are experienced.
![Photo of Kelly Shah, MA, LMFT, RPT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5461b9ca-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kelly Shah
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Change comes from within, my role as a therapist is to join with clients on their journey to discovering and utilizing their own resources of strength to achieve overall emotional well-being. Serving as a compassionate other, I apply myself from a mindful, strengths-based and trauma-informed lens to work with clients on developing a meaningful process of being and healing. With a passion for and dedication to fostering authentic relationships with clients and a strong belief in the powers of human resiliency, I provide a safe, open, non-judgmental space of healing.
Change comes from within, my role as a therapist is to join with clients on their journey to discovering and utilizing their own resources of strength to achieve overall emotional well-being. Serving as a compassionate other, I apply myself from a mindful, strengths-based and trauma-informed lens to work with clients on developing a meaningful process of being and healing. With a passion for and dedication to fostering authentic relationships with clients and a strong belief in the powers of human resiliency, I provide a safe, open, non-judgmental space of healing.
![Photo of Annie Chen - Annie Chen - Therapy2Thrive RHCC, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7fe42562-089d-46a2-a920-ca3d8ef94032/1/320x400.jpeg)
Annie Chen - Therapy2Thrive RHCC
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
With cross-cultural living and working experiences, I enjoy working with children, teens, and their parents to help address developmental challenges, relationship conflicts, emotional struggles, behavioral difficulties, and other mental health issues that they may encounter in daily life. I deeply believes that childhood experiences and parent-child relationships could play an extremely important role in one’s personal development and, by helping to build a secure enough emotional bond among family members, can create a power of healing throughout everyone’s life.
With cross-cultural living and working experiences, I enjoy working with children, teens, and their parents to help address developmental challenges, relationship conflicts, emotional struggles, behavioral difficulties, and other mental health issues that they may encounter in daily life. I deeply believes that childhood experiences and parent-child relationships could play an extremely important role in one’s personal development and, by helping to build a secure enough emotional bond among family members, can create a power of healing throughout everyone’s life.
![Photo of Julian J. Lee - Access Mental Health, Inc, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, MD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c057ecaa-49b5-4ba8-ad3b-cde19b9de349/2/320x400.jpeg)
Access Mental Health, Inc
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94588
We understand asking for help may not come easy and can be a difficult process. We believe taking those first few steps are one of many ways we believe can impact your quality of life. We take note of each significant accomplishment and celebrate success and help individuals increase self-confidence and awareness.
We understand asking for help may not come easy and can be a difficult process. We believe taking those first few steps are one of many ways we believe can impact your quality of life. We take note of each significant accomplishment and celebrate success and help individuals increase self-confidence and awareness.
![Photo of Bernadette Gurney, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec1a4725-ded2-4279-8710-34fa30af4bcc/1/320x400.png)
Bernadette Gurney is a Spanish-bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who received her Bachelor's in Clinical Psychology from Mount. St. Mary’s University, and her Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. Bernadette has worked with unaccompanied minors in shelters, families in the DCFS system, and children, adolescents, and families who have experienced deep and painful trauma in their lives. Bernadette has a great deal of experience, focusing on trauma, depression, anxiety, and mindfulness.
Bernadette Gurney is a Spanish-bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who received her Bachelor's in Clinical Psychology from Mount. St. Mary’s University, and her Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. Bernadette has worked with unaccompanied minors in shelters, families in the DCFS system, and children, adolescents, and families who have experienced deep and painful trauma in their lives. Bernadette has a great deal of experience, focusing on trauma, depression, anxiety, and mindfulness.
![Photo of Cherie E Page, PhD, MA, CEIB-MH, CRTI, ESMHL, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44ffeac4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My passion is working with children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, neuroimmune disorders, and sensory processing disorders within the field of Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Animal-Assisted Therapy. I have 12 years of experience working with children and their families offering collaborative therapy. In conjunction to equine-facilitated psychotherapy, I work from an attachment-based model, blended with polyvagal theory, creative expressive art, and sensory integration therapy. Within my practice I focus on not only working with the child, but also their family to cultivate growth, change, and well-being.
My passion is working with children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, neuroimmune disorders, and sensory processing disorders within the field of Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Animal-Assisted Therapy. I have 12 years of experience working with children and their families offering collaborative therapy. In conjunction to equine-facilitated psychotherapy, I work from an attachment-based model, blended with polyvagal theory, creative expressive art, and sensory integration therapy. Within my practice I focus on not only working with the child, but also their family to cultivate growth, change, and well-being.
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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.