Sandplay Therapists in South San Francisco, CA
Hi, my name is Crystal Garcia Ruacho, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. My therapy approach focuses on developing human connection through a trauma informed lens to support the people I work with in reaching their personal mental health goals. I have over 12 years of experience working with school aged children, adolescents, and young adults. I enjoy supporting individuals experiencing PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I am a trauma focused therapist, using EMDR and person centered approach to help clients work through life challenges and bring out the best version of themselves.
Hi, my name is Crystal Garcia Ruacho, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. My therapy approach focuses on developing human connection through a trauma informed lens to support the people I work with in reaching their personal mental health goals. I have over 12 years of experience working with school aged children, adolescents, and young adults. I enjoy supporting individuals experiencing PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I am a trauma focused therapist, using EMDR and person centered approach to help clients work through life challenges and bring out the best version of themselves.
My ideal client is someone who wants solutions to current life issues, but also to explore and let go of limiting beliefs and patterns. Many of them deal with depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship issues, and blocked creativity. Uncovering and releasing unresolved emotions opens up space for lasting change. My Mind/Body approach integrates relational talk therapy, somatics, and expressive arts. Through these processes of self-discovery and healing, clients may feel more empowered and connected with their innate vitality and creativity.
My ideal client is someone who wants solutions to current life issues, but also to explore and let go of limiting beliefs and patterns. Many of them deal with depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship issues, and blocked creativity. Uncovering and releasing unresolved emotions opens up space for lasting change. My Mind/Body approach integrates relational talk therapy, somatics, and expressive arts. Through these processes of self-discovery and healing, clients may feel more empowered and connected with their innate vitality and creativity.
Victoria Julita Spiers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Waitlist for new clients
As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.
As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.
We all need tools to help us navigate the difficulties of life. I am lucky to be in a position to help people gain these tools. I love working with my clients; I am always learning from them.
I have a down-to-earth, accessible and active approach to my work. I draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques.
I am sensitive to the interplay between social, economic, racial, emotional, and neurological factors. I continue to work in community and non-profit settings. In the Spring of 2016, I earned an Advanced Certificate from the Existential Humanistic Institute.
We all need tools to help us navigate the difficulties of life. I am lucky to be in a position to help people gain these tools. I love working with my clients; I am always learning from them.
I have a down-to-earth, accessible and active approach to my work. I draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques.
I am sensitive to the interplay between social, economic, racial, emotional, and neurological factors. I continue to work in community and non-profit settings. In the Spring of 2016, I earned an Advanced Certificate from the Existential Humanistic Institute.
My role as a therapist is that of an empathetic co-pilot. I work in a client-centered way, and I will support you in creating healthy choices and new resources for yourself. My approach is compassionate, intuitive, and interactive. I strive to meet each client's personality and goals in a safe and welcoming environment. I am multilingual and multicultural. My various life experiences provide a base that will help me support you as we work together to meet your goals.
My role as a therapist is that of an empathetic co-pilot. I work in a client-centered way, and I will support you in creating healthy choices and new resources for yourself. My approach is compassionate, intuitive, and interactive. I strive to meet each client's personality and goals in a safe and welcoming environment. I am multilingual and multicultural. My various life experiences provide a base that will help me support you as we work together to meet your goals.
My style is direct, transparent and positive. All work is supported by solid psychodynamic theory. I am comfortable with challenges. Most of my clients come in to address relationship issues, career and life-stage transitions, depression and anxiety. However, I have considerable experience in areas of disordered eating, addiction, and (Complex)PTSD. I believe that in order for successful transformational work to occur, the therapeutic relationship is central. Therefore, I offer an initial free 20 minute meeting to test for the ineffable 'fit.' I am a private practice out-of-network provider. WEBSITE: tamaratuckermft.com
My style is direct, transparent and positive. All work is supported by solid psychodynamic theory. I am comfortable with challenges. Most of my clients come in to address relationship issues, career and life-stage transitions, depression and anxiety. However, I have considerable experience in areas of disordered eating, addiction, and (Complex)PTSD. I believe that in order for successful transformational work to occur, the therapeutic relationship is central. Therefore, I offer an initial free 20 minute meeting to test for the ineffable 'fit.' I am a private practice out-of-network provider. WEBSITE: tamaratuckermft.com
More Therapists Nearby
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.
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.
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and a Registered Sandplay Practitioner.
For over 20 years, I have worked in urban and suburban schools before transitioning to private practice in 2020. K-5 has been my most recent focus, and have worked with middle and high school students in previous years. I have supported students with anxiety, social and behavioral challenges, mood, grief, and attention difficulties. Working collaboratively with parents we can help your child feel a sense of belonging, uncover the frustrations and worry, relieve symptoms of anxiety, and reduce the anger and behavioral challenges using a strength-based approach. I'm here to help!
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and a Registered Sandplay Practitioner.
For over 20 years, I have worked in urban and suburban schools before transitioning to private practice in 2020. K-5 has been my most recent focus, and have worked with middle and high school students in previous years. I have supported students with anxiety, social and behavioral challenges, mood, grief, and attention difficulties. Working collaboratively with parents we can help your child feel a sense of belonging, uncover the frustrations and worry, relieve symptoms of anxiety, and reduce the anger and behavioral challenges using a strength-based approach. I'm here to help!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hello, my name is Serina Palomino. I am an LPCC (licensed professional clinical counselor) and like to meet my clients where they are utilizing an integrative approach. I provide therapeutic services to children and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, divorce, and separation, primarily utilizing CBT, EMDR, art therapy, and play therapy. I primarily provide service to children, teens, and adults experiencing a variety of behavioral health issues, not limited to the following: anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, divorce, and separation.
Hello, my name is Serina Palomino. I am an LPCC (licensed professional clinical counselor) and like to meet my clients where they are utilizing an integrative approach. I provide therapeutic services to children and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, divorce, and separation, primarily utilizing CBT, EMDR, art therapy, and play therapy. I primarily provide service to children, teens, and adults experiencing a variety of behavioral health issues, not limited to the following: anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, divorce, and separation.
Clients who come to me are often seeking help for an IEP evaluation after being denied by their school. Some come for themselves curious if they have ADHD or are on the spectrum. Are you trying to understand and get a handle on your child's difficulties at home and school? Does your child show symptoms of autism? Do you wonder if you or your child have a learning disability? Did your child spend extensive time in the NICU and/or PICU and you wonder if this affected their development? Did you adopt from an orphanage and now your child is exhibiting extreme behaviors that you do not understand and cannot manage? I am here to help!
Clients who come to me are often seeking help for an IEP evaluation after being denied by their school. Some come for themselves curious if they have ADHD or are on the spectrum. Are you trying to understand and get a handle on your child's difficulties at home and school? Does your child show symptoms of autism? Do you wonder if you or your child have a learning disability? Did your child spend extensive time in the NICU and/or PICU and you wonder if this affected their development? Did you adopt from an orphanage and now your child is exhibiting extreme behaviors that you do not understand and cannot manage? I am here to help!
Adrian R Conner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123 (Online Only)
Some people get thrown curveballs in life...others get boulders pummeled at their heads! I am here to here to help you process through all that life brings, weeding out what is not yours to carry while holding you accountable for the things you have the power to change.
Some people get thrown curveballs in life...others get boulders pummeled at their heads! I am here to here to help you process through all that life brings, weeding out what is not yours to carry while holding you accountable for the things you have the power to change.
My name is Cynthia Carter and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Victorville California working with clients throughout San Bernardino County. I work with small children, adolescents, families, and couples. I specialize in anxiety, stress management, anger management, and trauma-based disorders, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist my clients with making progress toward their goals.
My name is Cynthia Carter and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Victorville California working with clients throughout San Bernardino County. I work with small children, adolescents, families, and couples. I specialize in anxiety, stress management, anger management, and trauma-based disorders, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist my clients with making progress toward their goals.
Dr. Brett Gaynor Psychotherapy and Consultation
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94107
I strive to facilitate a dialogue that both empowers and engages clients in their own self-healing, valuing the co-creation of a transformative narrative and experience. As a licensed clinical psychologist, experienced in treating both children and adults, I view emotional and behavioral challenges as a dynamic outcome that develops as a result of complex interactions across time, as opposed to something inherently "broken" inside an individual.
I strive to facilitate a dialogue that both empowers and engages clients in their own self-healing, valuing the co-creation of a transformative narrative and experience. As a licensed clinical psychologist, experienced in treating both children and adults, I view emotional and behavioral challenges as a dynamic outcome that develops as a result of complex interactions across time, as opposed to something inherently "broken" inside an individual.
As a child, adult, and couple's psychologist, my goal is to provide treatment with care and integrity.
Children come in for school problems, behavioral problems or mood disturbances including anxiety. I provide support and coaching for parents along side the therapy for their children.
Adults come to see me for desire to live with less pain, more peace. Couples engage in work to improve communication or manage a stress that is effecting the relationship.
The therapeutic relationship is a powerful medium for change. Regardless of the reason for starting therapy, most people get tremendous relief.
As a child, adult, and couple's psychologist, my goal is to provide treatment with care and integrity.
Children come in for school problems, behavioral problems or mood disturbances including anxiety. I provide support and coaching for parents along side the therapy for their children.
Adults come to see me for desire to live with less pain, more peace. Couples engage in work to improve communication or manage a stress that is effecting the relationship.
The therapeutic relationship is a powerful medium for change. Regardless of the reason for starting therapy, most people get tremendous relief.
See more therapy options for South San Francisco
Nearby Sandplay Therapists Searches for South San Francisco
- Alameda
- Belmont
- Burlingame
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Half Moon Bay
- Oakland
- Pacifica
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
- Sausalito
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.