Expressive Arts Therapists in Sacramento, CA

Have you been going through big changes in your life? Do you feel like you've lost a lot, whether that's a part of yourself or an important relationship? Are you struggling to figure out who you are and what comes next? I'd love to be a part of your honorable journey in figuring out how to support. We are each born into this world filled with curiosity and hope, and unfortunately that doesn't always remain due to the hardships life brings. In my practice I will show up authentically and humbly. You know you best, and you truly are the expert of your own life!

I love working with individuals to overcome challenging times. Challenging times include navigating life during a pandemic, life transitions, relationship difficulties, parenting struggles, criminal proceedings and dealing with stress. I have extensive experience working with both men and women involved in Federal Pretrial Services and probation. I am supervised by Trisha A. Mendez LMFT 43520.

I believe that valuable therapeutic work can only be done with a strong and trusting relationship between client and therapist. I work to create a safe and comfortable environment in which you can truly show up as yourself, and know that you will be accepted and seen just as you are. My approach is warm and authentic. I want therapy to be so much more than me sitting in front of you and asking “...how does that make you feel?” If you’re interested in integrating art, play, movement, music, sand tray, or spiritual practices into our work - let’s do it! We all deserve to take up space in ways that feel good.

My focus is on working with youth and adults who carry unique emotional and psychological sensitivities. My style, that embodies more of humanistic and holistic approaches, has proven to be very effective with individuals who are connected to spiritual or creative energies; individuals such as artists, healers and LGBTQ, who struggle with self acceptance, self esteem, anxiety and depression. My aim is to help you find and acknowledge all parts of yourself, heal and embrace them all, in order to create a complete and wholesome you.

There are many paths to healing and change. The journey is an active one and there is success in simply taking the first step, acknowledging a change is needed. I have worked in mental health services since 1988 and have worked with many different people and issues. I believe that developing awareness, of emotions, thoughts and behavior, is the starting place and that understanding where we come from, what got us here can be helpful, but changing how we feel today is the best way to have a sense of power. I specialize in somatic, or a body based approach to treatment of trauma. Please call or email me for a therapy session today.

Are you and your partner struggling to maintain a deep connection and overcome negative communication patterns? You may be fed up with constant arguments, feelings of distance, or the inability to express your emotions effectively. It might be hard to remember a time when your relationship didn't feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you're ready for a change. You're ready to rekindle the love and understanding that once defined your partnership. You're ready to foster a supportive, harmonious, and lasting bond.

Break free from the chains of Narcissistic Abuse and Childhood Trauma! Are you constantly doubting yourself, walking on eggshells, and feeling lost? Gaslighting and emotional abuse can leave you feeling confused and powerless. As a therapist experienced in helping survivors of narcissistic abuse, I offer a safe space to rebuild your confidence, find your true self, and regain control over your life.

Are you tired of feeling like you're on opposite sides of a chasm from your partner? Do you find yourself yearning for that elusive sense of understanding and closeness? I know how it feels to crave connection but struggle to find it amidst the chaos of everyday life. That's what brings me to the therapist chair – to offer a haven where you can finally experience the deep connection and clarity you've been longing for. Imagine waking up each day feeling truly seen and understood by your partner, knowing that you're both on the same team, supporting each other through life's challenges. This is the reality I want to help you create.

I celebrate you in taking your first step, which is a huge strength. I believe that you are the expert of you. My goal is to create a safe space that is non-judgmental, inclusive and empowering where we can work collaboratively to achieve what success means to you. Seeking support during difficult times can be a challenge. It can make us feel like we can’t solve things on our own; or our family or cultural background has taught us that our lives are not meant to be shared. Life is an incredible journey that comes with experiences that shape who we are. Let's navigate the path together and find tools that help you overcome hurdles.

Facing emotionally painful situations takes a fair amount of bravery. I can walk with you through those challenges, offering support and at times being a source of strength. Avoiding grief, fears, any type of conflict and/or suppressing anger may lead to increased anxiety and depression. Learning how to face these things with the use of some good coping skills can be very empowering. We all have the ability to learn how to deal with our emotions and work through conflict. It just takes practice and maybe some guidance. This is where I can help.

My background in holistic psychology offers a strong foundation to view presenting issues from a broader context. My intention is to work with clients with a strengths-based approach and support them on their unique path.

My name is Nazanin Arkan, and I am Licensed Marriage and Family therapist with a master's in counseling psychology with over 9 years of experiences in the mental health field. I have experience working with adults with substance use challenges and high-functioning dual diagnosis patients. My treatment approach varies and is individualized as I use CBT, client centered, or mindfulness-based approach. Although my treatment approach varies, I firmly believe in the importance of getting to know the whole person and their uniqueness, and removing labels and judgments associated with them.

Growing up can be tough, and at times it might feel like everything you try when supporting your child isn't working, leaving you frustrated, tired and maybe even overwhelmed. I work to support children, teens and young adults as they work to conquer their current life obstacles and nurture their inner strengths.

Are you noticing patterns in your life that may be contributing to challenges in connection, developing authentic sense of identity and experiencing a sense of self worth? Are you curious if these challenges may be rooted in experiences of childhood trauma, emotional neglect or abuse? Are you a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or queer curious and struggling in your relationships or authentic sense of identity? Are you wanting to establish a secure relationship with the self that can support you in life's ups and downs? I specialize in these areas, and I'd love to support you!

The idea that one learns by experiencing and is truly capable of making the necessary shifts in their lives is a mantra I live by. When one person mirrors another with gentle listening, others are able to clearly see what no longer works in their lives. Ingrained habits coming from difficult childhoods could be the very source of havoc, that with conscious awareness, can shift. Perhaps the way one communicates is keeping love from flowing in your life. Maybe parenting a child who reminds you of yourself means confronting yourself on a deeply personal level. Or perhaps it is simply a life transition that is simply too much.

I believe we all want a sense of satisfaction in life. Somewhere along the way we may create false beliefs, stories and exhibit maladaptive behaviors all with positive intention. But in reality, we are further disconnecting us from our true selves in the process. Helping my clients to be gentle and compassionate towards themselves and exploring the ways they learned to cope, adapt and respond to the world is the first step towards recovering their true selves. Then the journey of awareness, introspection and healing can begin.

Shutting the world out for a while sounds like a relief. It also sounds lonely and stressful to do it for as long as it would take to fill your bucket. If you gave into that feeling you wouldn’t get anything done which then would make it all worse. So you hold it together, press on, and tell yourself it isn’t that bad and you are ok. Deep down you know you need some kind of help with all of the negative thoughts, imposter syndrome, and up and down emotions. What’s missing is the enthusiasm, connection, and true joy. Today something has shifted and it feels like now is time to stop going through the motions and start living fully.

Spiritual guidance and intuitive counseling includes spirituality with contemporary counseling practices to help with healing, empowerment, and transformation. Understanding of one's spirituality is subjective to each client. My specializations include body image and self-esteem, love and relationships, sacred sexuality, identity formation, self-empowerment, life transitions, grief and loss, death and dying, mind-body connection, archetypes, multiculturalism and GLBT identity and issues, and spirituality and growth. Goddess psychology, creative expression, dream work, Reiki, intuitive readings, and indigenous healing practices.

Are you struggling with anxiety, self doubt, depression, or stress? Are you dealing with past trauma that continues to affect your day to day? As an experienced holistic psychologist, I’ve helped hundreds of clients from teens to adults in dealing with anxiety, stress, trauma, loneliness, depression, grief and relationship issues. As a meditation/yoga teacher, I blend psychology with various mind-body therapies to assist clients in gaining holistic tools for managing the tough times. Treatment typically begins with traditional psychotherapy but can also include mind body therapies (meditation & breathwork & brainspotting.