Eleanor Ruckman, MFT, ATR
Mental Health Counselor / Therapist
Oakland, CA 94610
Eleanor Ruckman, MFT, ATR
I help people to listen to and understand themselves in order to have more satisfying relationships with others and to increase their ability to feel good and to do well at work and in school.
I see clients of all ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, genders and income levels. I work with individuals, families, and couples, and sometimes run groups.
Adults usually come to see me due to high stress, anxiety and depression related to work, finances, family interactions or relationship challenges. What we do in therapy depends on a person's needs and stated goals. Generally we combine discussion, relaxation and mindfulness, practicing communication skills, and creating art. Clients appreciate my careful and compassionate listening, my expertise, and my laughter and sense of humor.
I work with many teens who are coping with pressures of peers, family and school. I support them to stay safe while exploring who they are and who they want to be. Teens often are relieved that creating art allows them to express themselves without having to explain themselves.
With younger children, I combine art, talk and play to help them learn to identify and express their feelings in appropriate ways. Kids might come to therapy because of difficult behavior, problems in school, or family conflicts. I have provided mental health services in a variety of school settings, and am able to support parents struggling with children’s behaviors and school performance issues.
I have special expertise in trauma treatment, and the ways that trauma can manifest as mood disturbance, anxiety, hyperactivity, addictive/compulsive behaviors, and dysfunctional relationships.
My clients express that they experience significant symptom reduction, improved mood, decreased anxiety, and more peaceful relationships at home and at work as a result of therapy. Typically, even after the first session, clients leave my office stating that they feel better and more able to cope. Sometimes I work with people over many months, and sometimes just for a few sessions.
I frequently offer suggestions of art projects to help people express themselves and explore their current situation. Some clients come to me specifically for art therapy. Others are referred through employee assistance programs or other sources. The most common reaction is that making art is relaxing, fun, and very useful. People are often concerned that they "don't know how to draw." No art experience is necessary - art therapy is about using the creative process to help us get a different perspective on our problems and visualize solutions.
My office is wheelchair accessible, with easy parking. It is a clean, comfortable, relaxing and spacious room, with separate entrance and exit for increased privacy.
I love what I do! I hope that I might have an opportunity to support you as well. Please email or call me if you would like further information, or if you have any questions.