Oakland Office Groups

The Middle School Art Therapy Group is for individuals ages 11-14 currently in middle school. This group is for girls, genderqueer, non-binary, and trans youth.  This art therapy group integrates therapeutic art making,  journaling and talk therapy and focuses on emotion expression, coping skills, self esteem, social relationships, body image, identity, neurodivergence, gender & sexuality, transitions, and managing stress and symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

Facilitated by Lauren Chester, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT (she/they)

Tuesdays 4:15-5:45pm

Dates: TBA 

Group is 10 weeks

$800 for 10-weeks ($80 / 90 min group)  

(Split up into 2 payments of $400)

Maximum Capacity: 8

New Group! Will start once we've reached minimum sign ups!

This group is in-person at the East Bay Art Therapy office in Oakland, CA.

This group takes place 4 times per year, one for each season.

BIPOC Adult Open Studio Art Therapy Group is an opportunity to fellowship, nurture mindfulness, and explore self through creative expression in art practice. This group provides a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities can explore personal creative expression and establish an accessible wellness routine. This group is for adults of all genders ages 18+.

You can expect: 

• Creative Exploration: Engage in a variety of art materials and techniques in an open studio format. Whether you're drawn to painting, drawing, sculpture, or mixed media, this is your space to express yourself freely. Materials are provided and you are also welcome to bring materials and an art practice that suits you most. 
• Cultural Affirmation: Celebrate and honor all of your identities through art. Our sessions will nurture cross cultural experiences, validate and encourage participants’ personal narratives in their creative process. 
• Community Connection: Connect with others who share similar experiences and journeys. There is an opportunity to build supportive group relationships in a safe and inclusive space. The therapist understands and is able to validate the unique needs of such a group. 
• What art therapy in an open studio can be: This open studio Art Therapy group’s efforts are to support healthy mindfulness and accessible grounding in the moment. Art-making can serve as a powerful tool for processing, navigating life transitions, and fostering resilience. In this open studio format we will consider intentions for group space and agreed upon guidelines for engagement to curate a desired experience. 

Facilitated by Danielle Swan, MA, ATR-P (she/her)

Fridays 5:00-6:30pm

$320 for 4-weeks ($80 / 90 min group)

(Paid in full upfront)

Maximum Capacity: 8

Now Enrolling! Will start once full!

This group is in-person at the East Bay Art Therapy office in Oakland, CA.

This group will consist of a 4-week series for each month of the year.

Working in Healthcare can be exciting, meaningful, life-changing and it can come with emotional, mental and physical costs. Self-care is the foundation of the care we offer others, and yet many healthcare workers (and the organizations we work for) undervalue the need to take time for self-expression, restoration, and shared witnessing in community with other people who understand the unique challenges of this field.

This group is designed for supporting healthcare workers (including mental healthcare) and other front-line workers with creative practices to: 

• Reduce burnout and create safe space in your environment

• Express and release difficult experiences

• Make time for your full self and rebuild a healthy relationship with your "why"

Weeks 1-4 will utilize art therapy as a modality for: setting intentions, processing difficult interactions, setting healthy boundaries, creating safer spaces, and cultivating resilience.  

Weeks 5-8 will invite us to dive deeper utilizing art therapy to explore questions such as: grief, trauma exposure, navigating overwhelm and burnout, and envisioning a healthcare system that works for everyone.  

Facilitated by Lauren Chester, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT (she/they)

Fridays 3:00-4:30pm

Now enrolling! Will start once full!

$640 for 8-weeks ($80 / 90 min group)

(Split up into 2 payments of $320)

Maximum Capacity: 8

This group takes place virtually using the Simple Practice video conferencing platform. Open to residents of California as well as: AL, AK, AR, AZ, CO, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NC, ND, NY, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, VT, WA, WV, & WY.