Sandplay Therapists in Richmond, CA

Photo of Lise Serrie Stern, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lise Serrie Stern
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94805  (Online Only)
Whatever it is that brought your here, whether it is a personal crisis, long term wounds of trauma, or the disappointment of a life not fully lived. You are not alone. These are the very human concerns that we all share. Along with a desire to heal into greater fullness, authenticity, creativity and more meaningful connection with ourselves and others. I believe that we all know what want most deeply - and even, how to get there. But we are blocked by limiting beliefs about ourselves, often from the past.
Whatever it is that brought your here, whether it is a personal crisis, long term wounds of trauma, or the disappointment of a life not fully lived. You are not alone. These are the very human concerns that we all share. Along with a desire to heal into greater fullness, authenticity, creativity and more meaningful connection with ourselves and others. I believe that we all know what want most deeply - and even, how to get there. But we are blocked by limiting beliefs about ourselves, often from the past.
(510) 880-1668 View (510) 880-1668
Photo of Dora Ritzer, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dora Ritzer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94805  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Play is the language of childhood and I speak it fluently. Whatever situation your child is going through, we will face it together. We might be adventurers, exploring the rocky seas of emotion regulation. Perhaps we are princes and princesses trapped in a castle of loneliness, race car drivers going around on the track of ADHD, or warriors battling monsters in the dark. We might even teach a bear to use the potty.
Play is the language of childhood and I speak it fluently. Whatever situation your child is going through, we will face it together. We might be adventurers, exploring the rocky seas of emotion regulation. Perhaps we are princes and princesses trapped in a castle of loneliness, race car drivers going around on the track of ADHD, or warriors battling monsters in the dark. We might even teach a bear to use the potty.
(510) 907-7061 View (510) 907-7061
Photo of Benedicte Last, LCP, Psychologist
Benedicte Last
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804
Hello, My name is Dr. Benedicte Last (PSY 30089). I practice clinical psychology in California. As a therapist, I support you in your journey toward the life you envision for yourself. In that process, we may process and heal the trauma that is holding you in the past, help you add or strengthen the tools to take care of yourself in the present, and in doing so, support you in laying the foundation of your future. In therapy, I use the theoretical approach that works for you. At times that could be psychodynamics, in which you work on understanding your emotions and unconscious patterns of behaviors.
Hello, My name is Dr. Benedicte Last (PSY 30089). I practice clinical psychology in California. As a therapist, I support you in your journey toward the life you envision for yourself. In that process, we may process and heal the trauma that is holding you in the past, help you add or strengthen the tools to take care of yourself in the present, and in doing so, support you in laying the foundation of your future. In therapy, I use the theoretical approach that works for you. At times that could be psychodynamics, in which you work on understanding your emotions and unconscious patterns of behaviors.
(510) 756-4786 View (510) 756-4786
Photo of Vanessa Evans Vovk, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Vanessa Evans Vovk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94801
Hi, I'm Vanessa! My name is Vanessa Evans Vovk, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) located in Modesto, CA; however, I work with clients throughout California via telehealth. I work with clients in varying phases of life, from childhood through adulthood. Some of my areas of focus include anxiety, stress, depression, relationships, adoption, foster care, and life transition, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy, with a strengths-based approach, in order to elicit progress and positive feelings within my client's life.
Hi, I'm Vanessa! My name is Vanessa Evans Vovk, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) located in Modesto, CA; however, I work with clients throughout California via telehealth. I work with clients in varying phases of life, from childhood through adulthood. Some of my areas of focus include anxiety, stress, depression, relationships, adoption, foster care, and life transition, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy, with a strengths-based approach, in order to elicit progress and positive feelings within my client's life.
(619) 413-6973 View (619) 413-6973
Photo of Natalya Kuzmicheva, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natalya Kuzmicheva
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94806  (Online Only)
Every patient is unique, and so is every therapist. I have lived and practiced therapy in two very different cultures, which has given me insight into culturally specific and universal issues that underlie personal and interpersonal conflicts. I approach every client with acceptance and understanding, providing them with a compassionate space for exploring challenges and obstacles to happiness in themselves and their relationships. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, seeking to understand each client's worldview and to help them to discover their own solutions to the difficulties they face, including anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts.
Every patient is unique, and so is every therapist. I have lived and practiced therapy in two very different cultures, which has given me insight into culturally specific and universal issues that underlie personal and interpersonal conflicts. I approach every client with acceptance and understanding, providing them with a compassionate space for exploring challenges and obstacles to happiness in themselves and their relationships. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, seeking to understand each client's worldview and to help them to discover their own solutions to the difficulties they face, including anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts.
(858) 352-7322 View (858) 352-7322
Photo of Beatriz Chavez, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Beatriz Chavez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, CA 94801
I'm so glad you have found your way to my therapy practice Creative Wisdom Therapy! My intention is to support you, your teen, or your child use the power of creativity to make the changes you seek. Are you an adult or teen who would like to use your creative expression to learn about yourself, heal old or recurring wounds, and build healthy coping skills? Do you have a child who has lots of worries or big emotions? Is your child struggling with a difficult life event or transition? Are you a parent feeling stressed in your parenting role or experiencing a shift in your family dynamics?
I'm so glad you have found your way to my therapy practice Creative Wisdom Therapy! My intention is to support you, your teen, or your child use the power of creativity to make the changes you seek. Are you an adult or teen who would like to use your creative expression to learn about yourself, heal old or recurring wounds, and build healthy coping skills? Do you have a child who has lots of worries or big emotions? Is your child struggling with a difficult life event or transition? Are you a parent feeling stressed in your parenting role or experiencing a shift in your family dynamics?
(510) 617-5886 View (510) 617-5886
Photo of Ryann DeSouza, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ryann DeSouza
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond, CA 94801
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.
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.
(650) 235-4676 View (650) 235-4676
Photo of Victoria Mycue, PsyD, LMFT, ATR-BC, Psychologist
Victoria Mycue
Psychologist, PsyD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804
Not accepting new clients
If we are lucky we grow and learn all our lives. This in turn expands our consciousness and creates a resilient vibrant living spirit. When you begin to address and improve your relationship with your Self, you begin to make shifts that can improve your relationships, your work, and your financial success. I will use creativity, directive exercises, and seek your authentic embodied voice in our work together. I am clinically skilled w/ almost 30 yrs of experience. I am responsible, ethical, engaging and imaginative.
If we are lucky we grow and learn all our lives. This in turn expands our consciousness and creates a resilient vibrant living spirit. When you begin to address and improve your relationship with your Self, you begin to make shifts that can improve your relationships, your work, and your financial success. I will use creativity, directive exercises, and seek your authentic embodied voice in our work together. I am clinically skilled w/ almost 30 yrs of experience. I am responsible, ethical, engaging and imaginative.
(510) 953-4801 View (510) 953-4801

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Wendy Fiering, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Wendy Fiering
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530  (Online Only)
Feeling overwhelmed? Is anxiety, grief, or stress taking over? I'm here to help. I offer therapy for adults, kids, and families that's strengths-based, collaborative, and solution-focused. We'll create positive momentum from our first meeting. Building on the strengths you or your child already have, I’ll offer tools and strategies to use when challenging situations arise. You'll gain a new perspective, a sense of hope, and practical strategies to use during the week.
Feeling overwhelmed? Is anxiety, grief, or stress taking over? I'm here to help. I offer therapy for adults, kids, and families that's strengths-based, collaborative, and solution-focused. We'll create positive momentum from our first meeting. Building on the strengths you or your child already have, I’ll offer tools and strategies to use when challenging situations arise. You'll gain a new perspective, a sense of hope, and practical strategies to use during the week.
(510) 681-2740 View (510) 681-2740
Photo of Phyllis Rothblatt, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Phyllis Rothblatt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530  (Online Only)
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.
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.
(510) 246-3735 View (510) 246-3735
Photo of Amanda Campbell, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amanda Campbell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
I specialize in working with young children, caregivers, adults, and birthing people. The early relationship between a caregiver and child is central to developing a sense of safety and self esteem. My goal is to strengthen the attachment between the child and their important caregivers, to promote healthy development, and address any issues that may be impacting the child or caregiver well-being. Through this therapeutic approach, the focus is not only on the child's individual experiences but also on the dynamics and interactions within the family unit.
I specialize in working with young children, caregivers, adults, and birthing people. The early relationship between a caregiver and child is central to developing a sense of safety and self esteem. My goal is to strengthen the attachment between the child and their important caregivers, to promote healthy development, and address any issues that may be impacting the child or caregiver well-being. Through this therapeutic approach, the focus is not only on the child's individual experiences but also on the dynamics and interactions within the family unit.
(510) 288-5383 View (510) 288-5383
Photo of Megan Elise Carney, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Megan Elise Carney
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Megan Carney is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in working with children ages 5-12, adolescents, and adults. Working with a therapist can help you or your child learn skills to adapt to and integrate challenges including grief and loss, anxiety, and depression. Megan’s goal is to collaborate with clients and families to create sustainable change and meaningful goals for treatment and the future.
Megan Carney is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in working with children ages 5-12, adolescents, and adults. Working with a therapist can help you or your child learn skills to adapt to and integrate challenges including grief and loss, anxiety, and depression. Megan’s goal is to collaborate with clients and families to create sustainable change and meaningful goals for treatment and the future.
(510) 588-7829 View (510) 588-7829
Photo of Melissa Murphy, MA, JD, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Melissa Murphy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, JD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Whether you or your child struggle with depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, grief, life transitions, addiction or other conditions, I would be honored to accompany you or your loved ones on your healing journey. Our work will focus on creating the safety and acceptance that allows for change. Because our lives are shaped by the culture in which we live, we can also consider the social forces that may have shaped you, including racial, gender, and class biases.
Whether you or your child struggle with depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, grief, life transitions, addiction or other conditions, I would be honored to accompany you or your loved ones on your healing journey. Our work will focus on creating the safety and acceptance that allows for change. Because our lives are shaped by the culture in which we live, we can also consider the social forces that may have shaped you, including racial, gender, and class biases.
(415) 792-0372 View (415) 792-0372
Photo of Sara Willott, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sara Willott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Are you thinking about breaking a pattern that no longer serves you? Often feel like an outsider? Wanting to understand threads between past, present experiences, and possibilities ahead? Utilizing a variety of approaches, I can offer perspective and help you feel understood in order to create change in your life. I provide an affirming space for a lot of people who have had previously unsatisfactory experiences in therapy including LGBTQIA folks. I have extensive training beyond just getting licensed to practice therapy. Working with a clinically astute, sincere therapist can be life-changing.
Are you thinking about breaking a pattern that no longer serves you? Often feel like an outsider? Wanting to understand threads between past, present experiences, and possibilities ahead? Utilizing a variety of approaches, I can offer perspective and help you feel understood in order to create change in your life. I provide an affirming space for a lot of people who have had previously unsatisfactory experiences in therapy including LGBTQIA folks. I have extensive training beyond just getting licensed to practice therapy. Working with a clinically astute, sincere therapist can be life-changing.
(303) 943-9718 View (303) 943-9718
Photo of Barbara Howell, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Barbara Howell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Sometimes, the stress of daily life can exhaust our ability to cope. A child struggling in school, family conflicts, traumatic events, major life transitions, the loss of a loved one, friend, or pet, financial and/or medical issues, pregnancy and the birth of a child—all of these experiences can leave us feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and defeated. From experience and research, we know that stressful experiences--sudden or chronic--can lead to feelings of disconnection, sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and conflict within ourselves and with our friends and loved ones.
Sometimes, the stress of daily life can exhaust our ability to cope. A child struggling in school, family conflicts, traumatic events, major life transitions, the loss of a loved one, friend, or pet, financial and/or medical issues, pregnancy and the birth of a child—all of these experiences can leave us feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and defeated. From experience and research, we know that stressful experiences--sudden or chronic--can lead to feelings of disconnection, sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and conflict within ourselves and with our friends and loved ones.
(510) 545-4329 View (510) 545-4329
Katheryn Whittaker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Pablo, CA 94806
I’m a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
I’m a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
(341) 888-7284 View (341) 888-7284
Photo of Amy D Walthall, PsyD, Psychologist
Amy D Walthall
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Welcome! Note: email is the best way reach me. Finding a therapist is daunting. The relationship tends to be the most consistent factor in whether therapy is successful, so I encourage you to trust your intuition. I work with adults (not couples) and adolescents over 14 on a variety of issues, including achieving greater mood stability, identity issues, improved relationships and sexuality, and recovery from trauma. I have experience working effectively with people who identify as trans, genderqueer, and those with diverse lifestyles. I also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in collaboration w/Journey Clinical.
Welcome! Note: email is the best way reach me. Finding a therapist is daunting. The relationship tends to be the most consistent factor in whether therapy is successful, so I encourage you to trust your intuition. I work with adults (not couples) and adolescents over 14 on a variety of issues, including achieving greater mood stability, identity issues, improved relationships and sexuality, and recovery from trauma. I have experience working effectively with people who identify as trans, genderqueer, and those with diverse lifestyles. I also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in collaboration w/Journey Clinical.
(510) 269-2917 View (510) 269-2917
Photo of Vicki Young, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Vicki Young
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530  (Online Only)
Welcome! I specialize in relationships, work and parenting. I’m warm, creative, supportive & smart. I like to help people in life transitions. These are hard times. If you’re feeling alone, overwhelmed, upset or worried about the future, let me help. We collaborate to address the hard things in your life, discover your unique abilities & strengths & create a path toward your dreams and goals. I am a licensed psychotherapist with 30 + years’ experience working with people from age 2 to 100. I create space where you can feel comfortable expressing feelings & exploring difficult issues. We transform you’re goals into do-able steps.
Welcome! I specialize in relationships, work and parenting. I’m warm, creative, supportive & smart. I like to help people in life transitions. These are hard times. If you’re feeling alone, overwhelmed, upset or worried about the future, let me help. We collaborate to address the hard things in your life, discover your unique abilities & strengths & create a path toward your dreams and goals. I am a licensed psychotherapist with 30 + years’ experience working with people from age 2 to 100. I create space where you can feel comfortable expressing feelings & exploring difficult issues. We transform you’re goals into do-able steps.
(510) 380-7909 View (510) 380-7909
Photo of Susan Bolea, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susan Bolea
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Do you find yourself at a crossroads, with recent events or longstanding issues to sort through and understand? Are you experiencing a challenged relationship, a sadness lingering from Covid isolation, anxieties, a shake up of self esteem, or a desire to re-calibrate life/career goals? What do you want to release and what to retain as learning? I offer compassionate, supportive, resourceful, pragmatic collaboration to help you balance these awarenesses. Together, we will set achievable goals and reclaim your resources within, so that you, and your relationships can move forward in a positive way.
Do you find yourself at a crossroads, with recent events or longstanding issues to sort through and understand? Are you experiencing a challenged relationship, a sadness lingering from Covid isolation, anxieties, a shake up of self esteem, or a desire to re-calibrate life/career goals? What do you want to release and what to retain as learning? I offer compassionate, supportive, resourceful, pragmatic collaboration to help you balance these awarenesses. Together, we will set achievable goals and reclaim your resources within, so that you, and your relationships can move forward in a positive way.
(341) 444-2172 View (341) 444-2172
Photo of Rosalie Stillford, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Rosalie Stillford
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
I am a trauma-informed, somatic therapist, passionate about supporting and empowering adults and children through therapy. I have a special interest in working with adults on: complex & acute trauma, emotion regulation, anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, grief, and life transitions. With children, I treat: anger, traumatic events, adjusting to change, general/social/separation anxiety, friendship skills, bullying, frequent arguing, self-esteem, school-based issues, OCD, and PANS/PANDAS. I welcome clients who are queer, gender-nonconforming, and in poly/kink/non-traditional relationship structures.
I am a trauma-informed, somatic therapist, passionate about supporting and empowering adults and children through therapy. I have a special interest in working with adults on: complex & acute trauma, emotion regulation, anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, grief, and life transitions. With children, I treat: anger, traumatic events, adjusting to change, general/social/separation anxiety, friendship skills, bullying, frequent arguing, self-esteem, school-based issues, OCD, and PANS/PANDAS. I welcome clients who are queer, gender-nonconforming, and in poly/kink/non-traditional relationship structures.
(510) 279-4533 View (510) 279-4533
Sandplay Therapists

What problems are best treated with sandplay therapy?

Research has examined this therapy’s utility in young people and found positive results. It has been shown to be useful for those who suffer from autism, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, and or aggressive behavior. Children who have suffered abuse, neglect, or trauma have also seen improvement through this therapy. Abused children are often fearful and anxious about their safety, making verbal communication more difficult.

Is sandplay therapy suitable for children and teenagers?

Children and adolescents are good candidates for sandplay therapy. Many kids and teens are often unable to form and communicate their thoughts, let alone the emotions they are experiencing. Through this play therapy, they will hopefully make connections between what they feel inside and how the world works outside.

Is sandplay suitable for adults?

This type of therapy can be useful for adults who have difficulties expressing themselves. People who have suffered neurological changes after a brain injury or because of a traumatic event might be good candidates for this therapy. In fact, anything that has had an effect on the brain, such as substance abuse, can make non-verbal sandplay a valuable option.

Does sandplay therapy work?

There have been studies on the effectiveness of sandplay therapy, and it appears to improve difficult behaviors in children. It may also enhance self-esteem and lessen feelings of physical anxiety as well as hypersensitivity. This type of therapy is based on non-verbal communication and may feel less threatening to the individual.