Sylvan Streightiff
Art Therapist
NEURODIVERGENT AND COMPLEX TRAUMA SPECIALIST
INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, COUPLES
Together we can establish a safe space for self-exploration in your unique healing journey.
Remove Shame
Grow with Curiosity
Art Transfoms, art heals.
Hi, I’m Sylvan. The intention for my art therapy practice is to welcome your emotions, guide creative expression, and to provide the tools for navigating relationships and coping with lived experiences.
It is my job to support you, it is my joy to get to know you.
As someone who navigates life with Autism and Chronic Illness, I have a personal understanding of the layers of emotional and phsyical needs that can come with this. With me, you will not be bypassed, you will be embraced. As a complex trauma expert, my presence in the therapy space is trauma-informed and compassionate. I believe in approaching others with curiostiy rather than judgement. I believe you are capable and worthy.
I am here because I care.
Together we can unpack your story. We will work collaboratively to meet your needs, understand perceptions, unveil your strengths, improve self-esteem, and achieve personal growth.
Credentials:
I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Art Therapist based in California (ATR-P, AMFT #141080). I recieved my Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy from Dominican University of California and am an active member of the American Psychological Association (APA), California Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT), American Art Therapy Assocaition (AATA), and the California Psychological Association (CPA).
Employed and Supervised by Lori Conroy, LMFT 47658, Tamalpais Therapy Center
Anxiety
Trauma
Neurodivergence
ADHD
AUTISM
Depression
Chronic Illness
Courage and Compassion are Within You.
Creativity is also in you!
I can help you acheive healing, calmness, and connection.
Call me today at (509) 903-9488 to schedule a free 20-minute consultaion.
I will return your call within one business day.
ACCEPTANCE. COMMITMENT. CARE.
"The aim of art is not to represent the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance."
~Aristotle~
Published Research and Advocacy
My creative and humanistic approach to therapy is driven by my passion for advocacy work and non-profit efforts (specifically through the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), American Diabetes Association (ADA), and as Creative Director for the Kurdish Refugee Relief Foundation (KRR).
This can be seen directly through my published research and advocacy film where an art therapy directive called “body-mapping” was utilized to express the unique and life-threatening experiences of individuals living with Alpha-gal Syndrome (a tick-borne illness resulting in a life-threatening allergy).
“I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.”
~ Georgia O’Keefe~
Addressing the mind, body, soul, and spirit through online and virtual reality therapy.
Healing is achieved with the integration of evidence-based practices:
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Art Therapy
EMDR
Family Systems
KAP Integration
Mindfulness-based (MBSR)
Neurodivergent-Affirming
Somatic
Strength-Based
Trauma-Informed
Virtual Reality
Specialties and Expertise:
ADHD
Autism
Anxiety
Chronic Illness
Coping Skills
Complex Trauma, PTSD, Trauma
Depression
Grief
Life Transitions
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Parenting
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Stress
Tick-Borne Illness
"Art-making allows one to reframe experiences, reorganize thoughts, and gain personal insights that enhance your quality of life."
~National Library of Medicine~
What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy works alongside traditional talk therapy. It is adaptable for all ages and experience levels and can be as simple as a scribble on a piece of paper!
Art Therapy is effective in treating emotional and behavioral disorders by reducing the reliance of verbal communication, allowing an individual to consider their narrative through an active art-making experience.
Art-making engages the mind, body, and spirit. This limits the need for confidently articulating trauma by providing an alternative mode for expressing, understanding, and relating to personal insights and experiences.
Within sessions, art serves as a mediator and a symbol when words are hard to come by. Engaging in directives and materials taps into the limbic system, creating opportunities for new neural pathways, establishing alternative ways to change your thought patterns.
