Sandplay Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Andrea Bass
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
I am trained in expressive arts therapy, sandplay, play therapy, hypnotherapy, EMDR, Trauma First Aid, neuroscience-informed somatic approaches, mindfulness-based cognitive restructuring, ego state therapy, Buddhist psychology and Shamanism.
Making positive changes in our lives is not always easy. It takes courage and strength to reach out for support during challenging times. In our healing journey together, connection to our emotions, our body (somatic mindfulness), our creativity and our life force brings deeper relationships with others leading to a greater connection to ourselves. If we have experienced trauma we can find new ways to self-regulate and build resilience. We can learn to love and accept all the different parts of who we are. I feel honored to accompany you on this journey while providing skillful guidance, attunement and resources along the way.
I am trained in expressive arts therapy, sandplay, play therapy, hypnotherapy, EMDR, Trauma First Aid, neuroscience-informed somatic approaches, mindfulness-based cognitive restructuring, ego state therapy, Buddhist psychology and Shamanism.
Making positive changes in our lives is not always easy. It takes courage and strength to reach out for support during challenging times. In our healing journey together, connection to our emotions, our body (somatic mindfulness), our creativity and our life force brings deeper relationships with others leading to a greater connection to ourselves. If we have experienced trauma we can find new ways to self-regulate and build resilience. We can learn to love and accept all the different parts of who we are. I feel honored to accompany you on this journey while providing skillful guidance, attunement and resources along the way.
Sally King
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94146 (Online Only)
I have a background in the arts and find it informs the way I work, both explicitly, in Ecotherapy and Sandplay, and implicitly, in my orientation to depth work and the developmental roots of adult difficulties.
I am currently accepting individual adult clients of all ages. My approach is warm and collaborative, drawing on different therapeutic models to target your specific needs. I use a psychodynamic lens to help you identify what past and present conditions are determining your choices and coming between you and a more satisfying way of life, cognitive and mindfulness approaches to help you regulate emotions and gain perspective on self-defeating thoughts, and Sandplay therapy to process trauma and explore states of mind that are difficult to put into words. I also use Ecotherapy perspectives and exercises.
I have a background in the arts and find it informs the way I work, both explicitly, in Ecotherapy and Sandplay, and implicitly, in my orientation to depth work and the developmental roots of adult difficulties.
I am currently accepting individual adult clients of all ages. My approach is warm and collaborative, drawing on different therapeutic models to target your specific needs. I use a psychodynamic lens to help you identify what past and present conditions are determining your choices and coming between you and a more satisfying way of life, cognitive and mindfulness approaches to help you regulate emotions and gain perspective on self-defeating thoughts, and Sandplay therapy to process trauma and explore states of mind that are difficult to put into words. I also use Ecotherapy perspectives and exercises.
Anne M Pincus, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Waitlist for new clients
As sought: Sex Therapy, Imaginal Work, Dream Work, Sandplay.
Please just call. I will help you feel comfortable, having done this work for over 40 years. I attend closely to my client's own described experience. Through my understanding of you, I help you understand /deal with your own core (existential) issues which cause suffering. My role is as facilitator/ spiritual midwife. The true catalysts for change arise from daily life. Ultimately a client learns to: know self more deeply, feel obstacles energetically, face conflicts consciously, and release any internal resistance blocking movement. Real growth must occur in integrated ways throughout body and mind.
As sought: Sex Therapy, Imaginal Work, Dream Work, Sandplay.
Please just call. I will help you feel comfortable, having done this work for over 40 years. I attend closely to my client's own described experience. Through my understanding of you, I help you understand /deal with your own core (existential) issues which cause suffering. My role is as facilitator/ spiritual midwife. The true catalysts for change arise from daily life. Ultimately a client learns to: know self more deeply, feel obstacles energetically, face conflicts consciously, and release any internal resistance blocking movement. Real growth must occur in integrated ways throughout body and mind.
Our work may include dreamwork or sandplay.
In my experience, what brings people to psychotherapy is a personal struggle, perhaps a sense of feeling stuck or that something is missing, though what specifically is missing is not known. I work with feelings of frustration or disappointment expressed as anxiety or fear, to explore and understand the origin of feelings that keep us from achieving personal goals. I am experienced with life transitions, such as a change in career, becoming a parent, diagnosis of a chronic illness or considerations for retirement. Bringing these challenges into therapy can be illuminating and productive and help us move out of anxiety.
Our work may include dreamwork or sandplay.
In my experience, what brings people to psychotherapy is a personal struggle, perhaps a sense of feeling stuck or that something is missing, though what specifically is missing is not known. I work with feelings of frustration or disappointment expressed as anxiety or fear, to explore and understand the origin of feelings that keep us from achieving personal goals. I am experienced with life transitions, such as a change in career, becoming a parent, diagnosis of a chronic illness or considerations for retirement. Bringing these challenges into therapy can be illuminating and productive and help us move out of anxiety.
I also use Sandplay therapy as a method of connecting to the unconscious.
I have a background and life long interest in art, literature and philosophy that contributes to a unique clinical psychological view. This view includes mainstream psychology and also goes beyond to embrace subjects not often included in psychology. I am especially interested and experienced with gifted and creative personalities and problems associated with giftedness.
I also use Sandplay therapy as a method of connecting to the unconscious.
I have a background and life long interest in art, literature and philosophy that contributes to a unique clinical psychological view. This view includes mainstream psychology and also goes beyond to embrace subjects not often included in psychology. I am especially interested and experienced with gifted and creative personalities and problems associated with giftedness.
Kathryn Buys
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, ACSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
guided meditations, sandplay, dreamwork, & grounded shadow work.
If you are a woman ready for more happiness, more peace, & a greater sense of choice, I am here to guide you on your way. Your depression, anxiety, or relationship challenges may be signals that something greater is around the corner. If they persist, though, it’s a good time to find someone who can re-orient you so that you’re on the path of a joyful life, a life of intention, a life where empowerment and “yes!” are within reach. I work with women who feel even just a slight spark of knowing that this path might be available. We may start with mindfulness & how to cope with the effects of trauma and depression so you can thrive.
guided meditations, sandplay, dreamwork, & grounded shadow work.
If you are a woman ready for more happiness, more peace, & a greater sense of choice, I am here to guide you on your way. Your depression, anxiety, or relationship challenges may be signals that something greater is around the corner. If they persist, though, it’s a good time to find someone who can re-orient you so that you’re on the path of a joyful life, a life of intention, a life where empowerment and “yes!” are within reach. I work with women who feel even just a slight spark of knowing that this path might be available. We may start with mindfulness & how to cope with the effects of trauma and depression so you can thrive.
Yolanda Yturralde
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT, LPCC, KAP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94101
My practice is primarily with adults, students, all parents, stress, sexual trauma recovery, Intuitive Eating, cultural & spiritual issues, attachment, and sensuality, Adult Children of Alcoholics, Co-dependency, Psychedelic Integration, Sandplay.
I am an enthusiastic Psychotherapist/Clinical Hypnotherapist and NOW offering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. I inspire you to work through anxiety issues and become more powerful. I bring creative, supportive counseling and a positive attitude to my private practice. During my sessions I provide: Trauma Treatment, KAP, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Hypnosis, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, & Attachment work, I tend the Soul Life in all my clients. 24 yrs in practice helping UCSB, SBCC, & Santa Barbara and California clients. My passion is you living your full potential. Give me a call to see if we are a match.
My practice is primarily with adults, students, all parents, stress, sexual trauma recovery, Intuitive Eating, cultural & spiritual issues, attachment, and sensuality, Adult Children of Alcoholics, Co-dependency, Psychedelic Integration, Sandplay.
I am an enthusiastic Psychotherapist/Clinical Hypnotherapist and NOW offering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. I inspire you to work through anxiety issues and become more powerful. I bring creative, supportive counseling and a positive attitude to my private practice. During my sessions I provide: Trauma Treatment, KAP, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Hypnosis, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, & Attachment work, I tend the Soul Life in all my clients. 24 yrs in practice helping UCSB, SBCC, & Santa Barbara and California clients. My passion is you living your full potential. Give me a call to see if we are a match.
With nearly 20 years of experience as a teacher and artist locally and internationally, I have worked with individuals ranging from preschoolers to elders, including those with diverse abilities, needs, and strengths. As a Drama Therapist focusing on Transgenerational Therapy, mindfulness and Feminist Psychology, I bring play, humor, and deep self-inquiry to the therapeutic work we engage in together. The experience of expressing oneself through a creative process can provide fresh perspectives and a sense of hope and empowerment.
With nearly 20 years of experience as a teacher and artist locally and internationally, I have worked with individuals ranging from preschoolers to elders, including those with diverse abilities, needs, and strengths. As a Drama Therapist focusing on Transgenerational Therapy, mindfulness and Feminist Psychology, I bring play, humor, and deep self-inquiry to the therapeutic work we engage in together. The experience of expressing oneself through a creative process can provide fresh perspectives and a sense of hope and empowerment.
Brown Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
We work with a diverse population of adult individuals, couples, and special interest groups who may be struggling with any number of mental health challenges related to anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship issues, and substance abuse, among others. We are committed to providing culturally competent care across the spectrum of age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and background.
We work with a diverse population of adult individuals, couples, and special interest groups who may be struggling with any number of mental health challenges related to anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship issues, and substance abuse, among others. We are committed to providing culturally competent care across the spectrum of age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and background.
Brigitte Knight
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94112
I specialize in therapeutic services for children 0-12, teens, families & adults. I use a trauma-sensitive, strengths-based approach & believe that through the therapeutic relationship one develops the ability to make change, process past & present challenges, and learn coping skills for specific needs and overall wellness. I support and respect clients to develop goals & intentions for their wellness, at their own comfort level and pace. I've provided therapeutic for 25+ years with families in the SF Bay area in English and Spanish, working closely with Latine communities.
I specialize in therapeutic services for children 0-12, teens, families & adults. I use a trauma-sensitive, strengths-based approach & believe that through the therapeutic relationship one develops the ability to make change, process past & present challenges, and learn coping skills for specific needs and overall wellness. I support and respect clients to develop goals & intentions for their wellness, at their own comfort level and pace. I've provided therapeutic for 25+ years with families in the SF Bay area in English and Spanish, working closely with Latine communities.
Sean Monsarrat
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94131 (Online Only)
It is natural to encounter challenges beyond our understanding and ability to manage that induce stress, anxiety and depression. We may have reached a puzzling crossroads in life, we may be in conflict with ourselves and others, or we may want more harmony and direction in our lives. We may have been deeply wounded or traumatized in childhood. Sometimes all we know is we feel anxious, depressed, or something is missing or wrong. Psychotherapy offers powerful approaches to these issues, and the transformation we seek comes naturally from a genuine, healthy human relationship with a skilled, compassionate psychotherapist.
It is natural to encounter challenges beyond our understanding and ability to manage that induce stress, anxiety and depression. We may have reached a puzzling crossroads in life, we may be in conflict with ourselves and others, or we may want more harmony and direction in our lives. We may have been deeply wounded or traumatized in childhood. Sometimes all we know is we feel anxious, depressed, or something is missing or wrong. Psychotherapy offers powerful approaches to these issues, and the transformation we seek comes naturally from a genuine, healthy human relationship with a skilled, compassionate psychotherapist.
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Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
Are you tired of feeling that your anxiety/depression is in the driver’s seat and your innate creativity is held captive in the trunk? Are you ready for your anxiety/depression to take a back seat and choose what drives you - to feel creative, playful and confident. I am an expert in supporting creative folx who are feeling stuck, anxious, and alone and with no outlet, to feel seen and heard, and give expression to unspoken parts of themselves, to get clear on their needs, wants and their truth. Moving from a place of unbearable pain and stuckness to living full, creative, purpose-driven lives.
Are you tired of feeling that your anxiety/depression is in the driver’s seat and your innate creativity is held captive in the trunk? Are you ready for your anxiety/depression to take a back seat and choose what drives you - to feel creative, playful and confident. I am an expert in supporting creative folx who are feeling stuck, anxious, and alone and with no outlet, to feel seen and heard, and give expression to unspoken parts of themselves, to get clear on their needs, wants and their truth. Moving from a place of unbearable pain and stuckness to living full, creative, purpose-driven lives.
Internal Family Systems Therapy With Whitney Richards
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122 (Online Only)
It’s a struggle to deal with anxiety, a harmful inner critic, or unsatisfying relationship dynamics. It can be hard to feel playful, to easily connect to others, to get your emotional needs met, or to feel at ease in your body. Whether you feel overwhelmed by your emotions or cut off from them, you know you want to do things differently but aren’t sure how. While I don’t work with couples, I do specialize in working with individuals who are carrying around belief systems that are keeping them anxious or detached in relationships.
It’s a struggle to deal with anxiety, a harmful inner critic, or unsatisfying relationship dynamics. It can be hard to feel playful, to easily connect to others, to get your emotional needs met, or to feel at ease in your body. Whether you feel overwhelmed by your emotions or cut off from them, you know you want to do things differently but aren’t sure how. While I don’t work with couples, I do specialize in working with individuals who are carrying around belief systems that are keeping them anxious or detached in relationships.
If change were as simple as Cher telling Nicholas Cage in Moonstruck to "Snap out of it!" there would be no need for therapists. While experiencing pain is difficult, it is often a catalyst for growth. As a licensed Therapist for 18 years, I specialize in helping people heal their emotional injuries and move through the "stuck" places that prevent them from living fuller and more meaningful lives. Resilience increases by working through challenges.
If change were as simple as Cher telling Nicholas Cage in Moonstruck to "Snap out of it!" there would be no need for therapists. While experiencing pain is difficult, it is often a catalyst for growth. As a licensed Therapist for 18 years, I specialize in helping people heal their emotional injuries and move through the "stuck" places that prevent them from living fuller and more meaningful lives. Resilience increases by working through challenges.
Dima Dashevsky
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102 (Online Only)
Starting therapy for the first time or returning after a long break can feel intimidating. You might have even had bad experiences before. I'm here to help. We will go at your pace because your experience is important to me. I believe that lasting change and healing can only happen when our whole selves are seen and welcomed. I provide a safe healing space and bring a strong, grounded presence so that you can begin to cultivate more love and compassion for yourself, connect with your inner wisdom and become more whole and authentic in your relationship with others.
Starting therapy for the first time or returning after a long break can feel intimidating. You might have even had bad experiences before. I'm here to help. We will go at your pace because your experience is important to me. I believe that lasting change and healing can only happen when our whole selves are seen and welcomed. I provide a safe healing space and bring a strong, grounded presence so that you can begin to cultivate more love and compassion for yourself, connect with your inner wisdom and become more whole and authentic in your relationship with others.
Stephanie Lay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Stephanie specializes in working with young people (12 - 35 years old), queer populations, people in transition (gender, sexuality, and life), and nerds, geeks & gamers. Their clinical specialities include suicidal ideation, self harm, depression, anxiety, sexuality, gender identity, and sexual abuse/assault.
Stephanie specializes in working with young people (12 - 35 years old), queer populations, people in transition (gender, sexuality, and life), and nerds, geeks & gamers. Their clinical specialities include suicidal ideation, self harm, depression, anxiety, sexuality, gender identity, and sexual abuse/assault.
Elvira Kitrar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109 (Online Only)
My approach to psychotherapy is holistic. I not only treat the "tip of the iceberg" problems, but also address the deeper, "bottom of the ocean," issues. I treat the whole person and honor the mind-body-spirit connections, taking into account the client's cultural, religious and ethnic background, ancestry, race and immigration history. I recognize the complexity of each person's history and circumstances and employ a wide variety of techniques to guide my clients in their self-discovery.
My approach to psychotherapy is holistic. I not only treat the "tip of the iceberg" problems, but also address the deeper, "bottom of the ocean," issues. I treat the whole person and honor the mind-body-spirit connections, taking into account the client's cultural, religious and ethnic background, ancestry, race and immigration history. I recognize the complexity of each person's history and circumstances and employ a wide variety of techniques to guide my clients in their self-discovery.
Stephanie L. Denton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, #122562
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
You are the sky, everything else is the weather - Pema Chodron Through attuned listening, warmth, and at times humor, I welcome your intuition, imagination, spirituality, and creativity into the healing process. I believe there is innate medicine and wisdom within you, which when cultivated, will help you on your life’s journey.
You are the sky, everything else is the weather - Pema Chodron Through attuned listening, warmth, and at times humor, I welcome your intuition, imagination, spirituality, and creativity into the healing process. I believe there is innate medicine and wisdom within you, which when cultivated, will help you on your life’s journey.
Nicolette Sweeney Willard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109
Are you here because you're having a "dark night of the soul" and feeling hopeless? Or do you want to change a relationship pattern that keeps repeating no matter how much you try? Perhaps you want to transform your low self-esteem and FINALLY believe in yourself...You know that something has to change, but what and how? You have most likely thought yourself in circles around the problem, but you cannot think your way out of this one. Does all that thinking send you spiraling out and anxious, your inner-critic having a field day?
Are you here because you're having a "dark night of the soul" and feeling hopeless? Or do you want to change a relationship pattern that keeps repeating no matter how much you try? Perhaps you want to transform your low self-esteem and FINALLY believe in yourself...You know that something has to change, but what and how? You have most likely thought yourself in circles around the problem, but you cannot think your way out of this one. Does all that thinking send you spiraling out and anxious, your inner-critic having a field day?
Sophia Reinders
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT, REAT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
Are you longing for healing, transformation or a more trusting sense of self and more fulfilling life? My approach to counseling and psychotherapy with individuals and couples is holistic, creative and embodied, within a framework of Jungian psychology and creative arts therapy. With 20 plus years of clinical experience, I welcome individuals and couples struggling with life transitions, relationships, family matters, career or low self-worth, or who suffer from anxiety, depression, loss and grieving, questions of meaning or their intimate sense of spirituality. Having grown up in France and Germany, I also enjoy working with those whose mother tongue is German or French.
Are you longing for healing, transformation or a more trusting sense of self and more fulfilling life? My approach to counseling and psychotherapy with individuals and couples is holistic, creative and embodied, within a framework of Jungian psychology and creative arts therapy. With 20 plus years of clinical experience, I welcome individuals and couples struggling with life transitions, relationships, family matters, career or low self-worth, or who suffer from anxiety, depression, loss and grieving, questions of meaning or their intimate sense of spirituality. Having grown up in France and Germany, I also enjoy working with those whose mother tongue is German or French.
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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.