Art Therapy for Stress Management and Creativity in San Francisco | Resources for Anxiety Interview Series with Naomi Yu

Naomi (she/they) is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (CA - LMFT#110092) and Registered Art Therapist (ATR) based in the San Francisco Bay Area. In her private practice, she helps her clients develop a better understanding of themselves in their cultural and systemic contexts and practice concrete skills to create positive change. Naomi also facilitates community and corporate workshops in support of collective healing. She is passionate about destigmatizing mental health and using holistic approaches to increase wellness and connection so that all beings can cultivate meaningful, authentic, and intentional lives.

What inspired you to open your therapy practice in San Francisco?

Having grown up in the Bay Area, I've followed a long and wandering road that ultimately led me back home. It's a pleasure to be near my loved ones and the ocean while also serving communities that I hold dear.

Can you tell us about the types of therapy services and workshops you offer?

I offer virtual individual therapy to older teens (16+) and adults across California. I also offer hybrid/in-person therapy for clients in San Francisco and Oakland. In addition, I facilitate quarterly community offerings in the form of workshops and more.

How can your workshops or therapy sessions support people who experience anxiety or stress?

My approach combines building self-connection/awareness with developing concrete skills to create positive changes. People become more centered and grounded in what is most important to them while also learning practical tools to follow through with their vision.

What do you wish more people understood about art therapy and its benefits?

I wish people understood that you don't have to be good at art to benefit from art therapy! Art therapy can be a place where we learn to soften the inner critic and reincorporate play into our lives. It's about self-expression, not perfection.

What inspires or energizes you most about your work as a therapist?

I'm continuously touched by the honor of being able to witness people's most vulnerable moments and celebrate their growth. Supporting others in their well-being is deeply fulfilling because it contributes to the kind of world I want to see.

What client issues or themes are you most passionate about helping with, and why?

I specialize in working with children of immigrants (especially Asian-Americans), folks with ADHD, and people wanting to reclaim creativity. Common issues we address include life transitions, complex/intergenerational trauma, and managing stress/burnout. I greatly enjoy helping my clients break free of internalized shoulds and reconnect to their sense of Self so they can build a life that feels truly meaningful.

How can people contact you or learn more about your therapy services in San Francisco?

They can visit my website at www.naomiyutherapy.com for more information. From there, you can reach out to schedule a free 20-minute consultation or sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date on announcements. You can also find me on instagram at @naomiyutherapy!

What’s one fun or unexpected fact about you that people might not know?

Outside of the therapy room, you can find me running in forests or out on the dance floor.

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If you’re feeling inspired by this conversation and wondering what support might look like for you, there are options available.

For those curious about anxiety therapy in San Francisco, you can call Whitney Richards, LMFT at (415) 851-5125 or directly schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. Whitney specializes in anxiety, self-esteem, and building secure and satisfying relationships.