Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Board Certified Art Therapist
Hello!
I’m Dr. Amy Waldron. Aside from being a licensed marriage and family therapist and an art therapist, I’m also an ultrarunner, an outdoor adventurer, and an artist. I’ve lived and worked in several areas throughout the east and west coasts before settling in San Francisco.
Growing up, I was always trying to figure out how I fit in to the confusing and often chaotic world around me. My own experience with complex PTSD was a driving force in exploring ways to stay present in my body and in each moment, mostly through physical activity and movement. Before I discovered trail running, I played basketball, water polo, and I was a swimmer. I’ve been making art since I cracked open my first plastic tray of watercolor paint, and I went on to study fine art, film, and animation before I became a therapist.
Your experience will undoubtedly be different than mine but I’ve been through it, and I get it.
It wasn’t until I was in my thirties, after taking on ultramarathons and finding a community of highly active folks who tend to be achievement-oriented, that I began to realize how easy it can be to channel our energy into competitive feats and productivity-driven work cultures to escape early traumas, heartbreak and loss, and difficult relationships with our bodies and ourselves.
I won’t try to talk you out of challenging yourself, making moves towards the career you really want, or starting to date again after a difficult loss. When you’re ready, I can help you focus on building your inner resources so that you can step in to the strongest version of yourself.
I believe we each have the resources within us to do deep healing work
I don’t have a script or storyline for the next chapter of your life, so I won’t try to tell you how to write your story. I believe deep down you know which path will lead you to where you need to go. I find that dedicating a time and space each week to take a hard, honest look at your patterns, obstacles, and the barriers that are getting in the way can make all the difference. My style is warm, engaged, and I’m often told I have a calming presence. I have had wonderful mentors, teachers, and training opportunities informed by cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, attachment theory, art therapy, family systems theory, mindfulness and body-based practices, and other spiritual and trauma-informed modalities. I weave these perspectives into my holistic approach to psychotherapy and healing.
PROFESSIONAL LICENSES
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, California #92094
Board Certified Art Therapist #15-227
EDUCATION + TRAINING
PhD in Art Therapy, Notre Dame de Namur University
Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy, Notre Dame de Namur University
Bachelor of Fine Art, University of Central Florida
PUBLICATIONS + PRESENTATIONS
Chapter: Art Therapy and Neuropsychology, in Emerging Perspectives in Art Therapy: Trends, Movements, and Developments (2017)
Understanding the impact of parents and teachers on the development of creativity. Creativity and Human Development
Three decades of trauma-informed education and art therapy: An effectiveness study (doctoral research)
Getting Connected: Research opportunities & exploration for art therapists. Panel presentation at American Art Therapy Association 48th Annual Conference: Albuquerque, NM
Arts in Healing: Presentation at Adverse Childhood Experiences Awareness to Action conference, San Francisco
Building Bridges: Evolving landscapes in adolescent trauma treatment. Panel presentation at NorCATA West Coast Conference
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Faculty, Graduate Art Therapy Psychology Program at Dominican University, San Rafael, CA
Faculty, Graduate Art Therapy Psychology Program at Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont, CA
Program Director and Therapist, Recovery Happens San Rafael
Case Manager, The Autism Center
Primary Therapist and Family Therapist, Muir Wood Adolescent and Family Services
Residential Treatment Clinician, Outpatient Clinician, and Social Worker for Foster Care and Adoption, TLC Child and Family Services
PHP and IOP Therapist, Aurora Santa Rosa Hospital
Therapist, Child Parent Institute and New Directions School
Therapist, Bay Area Pain and Wellness Center
Research Assistant in Graduate Art Therapy Psychology Program, Notre Dame de Namur University,
Ad Hoc Reviewer, Art Therapy, Journal of the American Art Therapy Association