Eleanor Ruckman, MFT, ATR
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.
Education/Training
I have been licensed as a marriage and family therapist since June 2004, and am a registered art therapist. I received a master's in counseling and art therapy from the College of Notre Dame in Belmont, California. My bachelor's degree from the University of California at Santa Cruz is in fine art. I am continuously expanding my skills and knowledge through reading and ongoing training.
In addition to my private practice, I provide clinical supervision to counseling trainees and interns. I also provide consultation, direction, teaching and training to universities, agencies and other therapists in mental health and in art therapy.
Bio
My approach is strength-based, identifying what is going well as a way to figure out how people can best cope with the challenges of life. I am solution-focused, practical and down-to-earth. My work is informed by neurobiology, ecopsychology, and psychodynamic theory and research. I utilize concepts of non-violent communication. My own practices of yoga, mindfulness and meditation, as well as my creative and artistic journeys, support my healing work with others. I enjoy hiking and biking, and am very interested in how nature heals us and how we can heal nature.
Memberships
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
East Bay Chapter, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
American Art Therapy Association
Northern California Art Therapy Association
Women's Caucus for the Arts
Northern California Chapter, Women's Caucus for the Arts
Other Languages
Limited Spanish And French
Payments Accepted
Cash, check, EAP, Victim's Compensation
Hours:Various afternoons & evenings
License:MFT # 40803, CA
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy
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Gifted / Talented Issues
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Addiction
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Grief and Loss
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Adolescents
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Group Therapy
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Anger Management
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Life and Wellness Coaching
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Anxiety and Panic
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Life Transitions
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Arts Therapy (Expressive)
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Loneliness
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Bicultural Difficulties
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Marriage Counseling
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Body Image Issues
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Caregiver Issues
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Online / Teletherapy
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Children's Counseling
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Chronic Illness
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Relationship Issues
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Couples
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Depression
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Divorce
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Stress Management
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Eating Disorders
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Trauma and PTSD
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Gay or Lesbian Issues
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Women's Issues
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Gender Identity / Transgenderism
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Work and Career Issues
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Licenses/Certifications
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
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Registered Art Therapist (ATR)
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