Expressive Arts Therapists in Walnut Creek, CA
My approach integrates insight-oriented Talk Therapy with methods such as Expressive Arts, Narrative, Attachment-Focused, CBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
For me, therapy is a collaborative process. I am passionate about walking alongside my clients, helping them uncover their strengths and resilience as we navigate life's intricacies together. It is truly an honor to witness and facilitate meaningful change in the lives of those I work with.
My approach integrates insight-oriented Talk Therapy with methods such as Expressive Arts, Narrative, Attachment-Focused, CBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
For me, therapy is a collaborative process. I am passionate about walking alongside my clients, helping them uncover their strengths and resilience as we navigate life's intricacies together. It is truly an honor to witness and facilitate meaningful change in the lives of those I work with.
But do we speak heart? Can we answer? Through dream work, active imagination, expressive arts, IFS Parts Work, and creative visualizations, we can begin our journey of renewing our self-compassion and self-attunement upon a sea of choices.
How do we break the spell of trauma? Shame, internalized gaslighting, trust issues, addictions and all the rest. How do we break free? The funny answer is not by fighting them as enemies. But by befriending them. Once we befriend them, they lose their power over us. But how do we befriend an enemy that lives in our Unconscious? Dreams, art, play, and imagination are all natives of this realm. so they are perfect guides through our underworld of rich personal symbolism to befriend shadow elements and integrate repressed capacities, replenishing vitality. Fun breaks the spell.
But do we speak heart? Can we answer? Through dream work, active imagination, expressive arts, IFS Parts Work, and creative visualizations, we can begin our journey of renewing our self-compassion and self-attunement upon a sea of choices.
How do we break the spell of trauma? Shame, internalized gaslighting, trust issues, addictions and all the rest. How do we break free? The funny answer is not by fighting them as enemies. But by befriending them. Once we befriend them, they lose their power over us. But how do we befriend an enemy that lives in our Unconscious? Dreams, art, play, and imagination are all natives of this realm. so they are perfect guides through our underworld of rich personal symbolism to befriend shadow elements and integrate repressed capacities, replenishing vitality. Fun breaks the spell.
Kim C. Stevens
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
I have specializations in dance/movement therapy, expressive arts therapy, body oriented/ somatic psychology, mindfulness-based psychology and Internal Family Systems.
With compassion, presence and warmth, I am here to be your partner and guide on your growth journey. I partner with you to heal emotional trauma and gain self-acceptance through my specialized mind-body approach. I support you through healing limiting beliefs about yourself, developing excellent boundaries, and connecting with your inner-wisdom. You are unique and so is your therapy process, so we tailor our work together to your specific needs and goals. I serve empaths and highly sensitive people, supporting you in coming home to who you really are. Internal Family Systems. LGBTQ+. Somatic. Psychedelic integration.
I have specializations in dance/movement therapy, expressive arts therapy, body oriented/ somatic psychology, mindfulness-based psychology and Internal Family Systems.
With compassion, presence and warmth, I am here to be your partner and guide on your growth journey. I partner with you to heal emotional trauma and gain self-acceptance through my specialized mind-body approach. I support you through healing limiting beliefs about yourself, developing excellent boundaries, and connecting with your inner-wisdom. You are unique and so is your therapy process, so we tailor our work together to your specific needs and goals. I serve empaths and highly sensitive people, supporting you in coming home to who you really are. Internal Family Systems. LGBTQ+. Somatic. Psychedelic integration.
I specialize in relational work through expressive arts and somatic therapies (including Hakomi) with a hint of Buddhist psychology and mindfulness.
Are you feeling stuck? Do you feel like instead of a spiral you are travelling in an endless circle of sadness, fear, arguments, grief, or simply confusion? Sometimes life get's hard and sometimes we get stuck. Therapy is here to help in these moments-- through gentle exploration of your thoughts, feelings, and actions we can work to uncover the places where you are feeling trapped in order to help you create new thoughts, healthier feelings, and actions more in alignment with the person you want to be: whether it be happier, more peaceful, more successful, more calm.
I specialize in relational work through expressive arts and somatic therapies (including Hakomi) with a hint of Buddhist psychology and mindfulness.
Are you feeling stuck? Do you feel like instead of a spiral you are travelling in an endless circle of sadness, fear, arguments, grief, or simply confusion? Sometimes life get's hard and sometimes we get stuck. Therapy is here to help in these moments-- through gentle exploration of your thoughts, feelings, and actions we can work to uncover the places where you are feeling trapped in order to help you create new thoughts, healthier feelings, and actions more in alignment with the person you want to be: whether it be happier, more peaceful, more successful, more calm.
Jennifer Villena
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Specializing in women’s mental health, I use a holistic approach and therapeutic techniques like EMDR, CBT, expressive arts, and mindfulness to guide you toward your goals.
I am an EMDR-certified therapist dedicated to empowering women to heal, grow, and reclaim their confidence through compassionate, evidence-based therapy. Life can be overwhelming, but you deserve a safe, compassionate space to be heard. I specialize in trauma recovery, self-esteem, career and relationship challenges, and maternal mental health. If you're navigating grief, microaggressions, or identity concerns, know that you don't have to face these challenges alone. Together, we can reclaim your confidence and foster personal growth. Reach out today to start your transformative journey!
Specializing in women’s mental health, I use a holistic approach and therapeutic techniques like EMDR, CBT, expressive arts, and mindfulness to guide you toward your goals.
I am an EMDR-certified therapist dedicated to empowering women to heal, grow, and reclaim their confidence through compassionate, evidence-based therapy. Life can be overwhelming, but you deserve a safe, compassionate space to be heard. I specialize in trauma recovery, self-esteem, career and relationship challenges, and maternal mental health. If you're navigating grief, microaggressions, or identity concerns, know that you don't have to face these challenges alone. Together, we can reclaim your confidence and foster personal growth. Reach out today to start your transformative journey!
Zuri Montgomery
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (Online Only)
I use a multi-systemic approach of theories, however I am mainly client-centered and use expressive arts in session.
Do you find life to be draining at times? Waking up angry or anxious with no clear reason why? Experiencing the many stressors of life can become exhausting when you don’t have proper support. I can help provide deeper support that will encourage you to expand your capacity and learn to cope via healthy strategies that we come up with together.
I use a multi-systemic approach of theories, however I am mainly client-centered and use expressive arts in session.
Do you find life to be draining at times? Waking up angry or anxious with no clear reason why? Experiencing the many stressors of life can become exhausting when you don’t have proper support. I can help provide deeper support that will encourage you to expand your capacity and learn to cope via healthy strategies that we come up with together.
Molly Mulanax
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (Online Only)
I am a trauma informed therapist and integrate Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Therapy, IFS and Mindfulness into our sessions.
I specialize in treating women struggling with anxiety, depression, codependency, history of family dysfunction, history of family substance use, perfectionism, low self esteem and/or life transitions. My goal as a therapist is to help you reach a greater understanding and compassion for yourself, heal from painful experiences and to find new ways of coping with stress and interacting with others. I am committed to learning about who you truly are and working with you to make long lasting changes.
I am a trauma informed therapist and integrate Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Therapy, IFS and Mindfulness into our sessions.
I specialize in treating women struggling with anxiety, depression, codependency, history of family dysfunction, history of family substance use, perfectionism, low self esteem and/or life transitions. My goal as a therapist is to help you reach a greater understanding and compassion for yourself, heal from painful experiences and to find new ways of coping with stress and interacting with others. I am committed to learning about who you truly are and working with you to make long lasting changes.
Audrey Silverman Foote
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, SEP™
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (Online Only)
I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in the East Bay for over 30 years, providing psychotherapy for adults, couples, families, adolescents, and groups. I work from a holistic perspective, creating a safe environment to encourage the therapeutic process. I specialize in working with: relationship issues, recovery from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and other childhood traumas; depression; anxiety, low self esteem; codependency issues; parenting concerns; compulsive eating patterns; body image dissatisfaction, chronic illness, and perinatal loss. I integrate in-depth psychotherapy with EMDR, Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Jungian Sand Tray, and Dream Work.
I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in the East Bay for over 30 years, providing psychotherapy for adults, couples, families, adolescents, and groups. I work from a holistic perspective, creating a safe environment to encourage the therapeutic process. I specialize in working with: relationship issues, recovery from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and other childhood traumas; depression; anxiety, low self esteem; codependency issues; parenting concerns; compulsive eating patterns; body image dissatisfaction, chronic illness, and perinatal loss. I integrate in-depth psychotherapy with EMDR, Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Jungian Sand Tray, and Dream Work.
Chris France
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (Online Only)
I also pull from my training and experience using expressive arts, art therapy and somatic therapy.
You are unique and expressive and maybe a little weird. You need a therapist who will understand you. Someone you can talk to about anything. Someone who will support you on your journey and not judge you for who you are and where you've been. I'm here to give you that support. As someone who has experienced a lot of what life has to offer, from small town to big city to things in the desert, I know what it is like to take a journey and I would love to support you in your journey.
I also pull from my training and experience using expressive arts, art therapy and somatic therapy.
You are unique and expressive and maybe a little weird. You need a therapist who will understand you. Someone you can talk to about anything. Someone who will support you on your journey and not judge you for who you are and where you've been. I'm here to give you that support. As someone who has experienced a lot of what life has to offer, from small town to big city to things in the desert, I know what it is like to take a journey and I would love to support you in your journey.
Grishma Gautam
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA(SOM), MA(DMP)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Are you feeling stuck, frustrated or helpless? Weren’t affirmations or self-talk helpful? It’s because we can't access our full Self from a cognitive level. The body reflects mind & stores memories including trauma. This unconsciously disrupts nervous system & our natural ability for balance & regulation leading to symptoms like anxiety, depression, etc. Symptoms seem like “traits" when they aren’t contextualized in developmental, interpersonal & social layers. We will co-create a nourishing space to unravel somatic stories, identify triggers, patterns & skills to realign with your innate wisdom to move helplessness to empowerment.
Are you feeling stuck, frustrated or helpless? Weren’t affirmations or self-talk helpful? It’s because we can't access our full Self from a cognitive level. The body reflects mind & stores memories including trauma. This unconsciously disrupts nervous system & our natural ability for balance & regulation leading to symptoms like anxiety, depression, etc. Symptoms seem like “traits" when they aren’t contextualized in developmental, interpersonal & social layers. We will co-create a nourishing space to unravel somatic stories, identify triggers, patterns & skills to realign with your innate wisdom to move helplessness to empowerment.
As a therapist my focus is your (and your family's) emotional health and happiness. Therapy can offer strategies and coping skills as well as guidance to access your own wisdom for solving the challenges you are currently facing. My approach has been to unitlize a compassionate, creative and flexible approach to the complexities of life's struggles that is tailored to your needs. My experience lies in my work with individuals, children, families and couples with a wide range of issues and life transitions.
As a therapist my focus is your (and your family's) emotional health and happiness. Therapy can offer strategies and coping skills as well as guidance to access your own wisdom for solving the challenges you are currently facing. My approach has been to unitlize a compassionate, creative and flexible approach to the complexities of life's struggles that is tailored to your needs. My experience lies in my work with individuals, children, families and couples with a wide range of issues and life transitions.
15 Second Videos
Jennifer Villena
Chris France
Kayla Haberern
Maureen McLaughlin
Erica Fawn Thomas
Sora Yoon
Sayrah Garrison
Life by Design Therapy
Redemption Songs Family Therapy: Jessica Smith
Behavioral Fitness is practiced in the form of recreation, exploration, connection, reflection, behavioral health education, coaching, and more. Most of all, it's fun, invigorating, action- oriented, and grounded in science. Be prepared for a shift. Behavioral Fitness has been found to transform your life, resulting in new foundations of insight that lead to personal growth. This is not like traditional talk therapy. This is a revolutionary and ground breaking approach to mental health in action.
Behavioral Fitness is practiced in the form of recreation, exploration, connection, reflection, behavioral health education, coaching, and more. Most of all, it's fun, invigorating, action- oriented, and grounded in science. Be prepared for a shift. Behavioral Fitness has been found to transform your life, resulting in new foundations of insight that lead to personal growth. This is not like traditional talk therapy. This is a revolutionary and ground breaking approach to mental health in action.
Felix Moreau
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Therapy is an incubator for change. It's where you workshop how to initiate it, and digest the changes that have happened. As a therapist, I am 'issue agnostic' and willing to work with most challenges. What's important is your desire to create a change, and readiness to collaborate with someone to create it. Equally vital to me, as a therapist, is that you feel actively heard — something sorely missing for many of us. I feel that we need to be heard and our experience recognized, before we can move on to any sort of change.
Therapy is an incubator for change. It's where you workshop how to initiate it, and digest the changes that have happened. As a therapist, I am 'issue agnostic' and willing to work with most challenges. What's important is your desire to create a change, and readiness to collaborate with someone to create it. Equally vital to me, as a therapist, is that you feel actively heard — something sorely missing for many of us. I feel that we need to be heard and our experience recognized, before we can move on to any sort of change.
Johanna Hourany
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (Online Only)
The thought of starting therapy can feel overwhelming. Sometimes we are ashamed to ask for help, or embarrassed by what we are seeking help for. The truth is, though, that in order to move forward, we have to face those things that are causing our pain and unhappiness. And sometimes we need help to do that. Asking for help takes courage. Allowing oneself to be vulnerable takes strength.
The thought of starting therapy can feel overwhelming. Sometimes we are ashamed to ask for help, or embarrassed by what we are seeking help for. The truth is, though, that in order to move forward, we have to face those things that are causing our pain and unhappiness. And sometimes we need help to do that. Asking for help takes courage. Allowing oneself to be vulnerable takes strength.
Perhaps you are looking for support with your child who is having frequent emotional outbursts, is unable to focus in class, or has endless fears. Maybe your teen has become withdrawn and struggles with their self-esteem. I imagine it has likely left you feeling stressed, worried and unsure of how to help. You might also be seeking tools to support you in better parenting practices. In therapy, we will work together to understand you and your child's needs and how to best support them. I work with children, teens, and families on areas such as emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, and self-esteem.
Perhaps you are looking for support with your child who is having frequent emotional outbursts, is unable to focus in class, or has endless fears. Maybe your teen has become withdrawn and struggles with their self-esteem. I imagine it has likely left you feeling stressed, worried and unsure of how to help. You might also be seeking tools to support you in better parenting practices. In therapy, we will work together to understand you and your child's needs and how to best support them. I work with children, teens, and families on areas such as emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, and self-esteem.
Carrie Paulus
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
At any age, there are developmental, transitional and often unexpected circumstances that challenge us in life.
Be it aspects of parenting, the social or emotional challenges of being a child or teenager, or concerns about life transitions as an adult, my approach is safe and comfortable. I work from a place of patience, sincerity, humor and nonjudgement. I want the counseling experience for my clients to feel helpful, worthwhile and to be a journey to better understanding and personal growth.
At any age, there are developmental, transitional and often unexpected circumstances that challenge us in life.
Be it aspects of parenting, the social or emotional challenges of being a child or teenager, or concerns about life transitions as an adult, my approach is safe and comfortable. I work from a place of patience, sincerity, humor and nonjudgement. I want the counseling experience for my clients to feel helpful, worthwhile and to be a journey to better understanding and personal growth.
Cassandra Pianetta
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
I believe therapy offers opportunity for self discovery, healing, and growth. As an emphatic and supportive therapist, I am passionate about helping my clients heal and be heard because we all have unique voices and stories to share. I work with children, adolescents, adults, parents, and families to minimize conflict, support personal growth, make changes, and strengthen a sense of connectedness and well-being. Using an integrative approach that is holistic and friendly, I support personal and relational development, as well as healing.
I believe therapy offers opportunity for self discovery, healing, and growth. As an emphatic and supportive therapist, I am passionate about helping my clients heal and be heard because we all have unique voices and stories to share. I work with children, adolescents, adults, parents, and families to minimize conflict, support personal growth, make changes, and strengthen a sense of connectedness and well-being. Using an integrative approach that is holistic and friendly, I support personal and relational development, as well as healing.
Analytical psychology emphasizes completeness, not perfection. Because psychological insight and self-knowledge are essential for health and vitality, it's lucky our psyches respond favorably to attention and reflection! Positive, effective, long lasting change is created. Research shows nightly dreams provide a running commentary on everyday life. Dreams anticipate, sometimes warn, and often help in resolving problems. They help you relate to the "rest of you", the part that operates out of awareness, sometimes causing symptoms, or taking over and becoming destructive. These parts appear increasingly frightening when pushed away.
Analytical psychology emphasizes completeness, not perfection. Because psychological insight and self-knowledge are essential for health and vitality, it's lucky our psyches respond favorably to attention and reflection! Positive, effective, long lasting change is created. Research shows nightly dreams provide a running commentary on everyday life. Dreams anticipate, sometimes warn, and often help in resolving problems. They help you relate to the "rest of you", the part that operates out of awareness, sometimes causing symptoms, or taking over and becoming destructive. These parts appear increasingly frightening when pushed away.
Aisha Mohammed-Swan
Psychological Associate, PhD, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Welcome, I am honored to take this healing journey with you. You have a valued and important place in this world! Whether working with individuals or a group setting, I find growth and empowered healing journeys to be an inspiring testimony of the resilience of the human spirit. Often times one can lose sight of this, thus I seek to help client's fully realize their potential. My work centers around anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, trauma, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, among other mental health challenges. I also specialize in stress management & and holistic health. I work with a diverse client base.
Welcome, I am honored to take this healing journey with you. You have a valued and important place in this world! Whether working with individuals or a group setting, I find growth and empowered healing journeys to be an inspiring testimony of the resilience of the human spirit. Often times one can lose sight of this, thus I seek to help client's fully realize their potential. My work centers around anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, trauma, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, among other mental health challenges. I also specialize in stress management & and holistic health. I work with a diverse client base.
Gonzales Family Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Waitlist for new clients
At Gonzales Family Counseling, it is our honor to develop a client centered relationship in order to promote hope, healing, and accessing one's best self. We work with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, parents, and families.
At Gonzales Family Counseling, it is our honor to develop a client centered relationship in order to promote hope, healing, and accessing one's best self. We work with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, parents, and families.
See more therapy options for Walnut Creek
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.