Barbara Devaney, LMFT, REAT, San Francisco Therapist
The longest journey you will take in your life is from the head to the heart.

About Barbara Devaney, LMFT, REAT

I began working in the field of art and healing over 25 years ago. After eight years of dedication to social services and the arts, I came to realize that I wanted more direction and a firm academic and clinical foundation in order to do the therapeutic work that I felt called to do. I went on to earn a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies with an emphasis in Expressive Arts Therapy.

Prior to my work in the healing arts, I studied art in London, England where I received a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree at Richmond International University. It was during this time that I felt an immersion with various cultures from around the world, specifically African, Asian, Middle Eastern, and European.

I have experience in community mental health with incarcerated men and women, artists, and people with disabilities. My focus is on women’s issues, creativity, community building, and developmental/intellectual disabilities.

In the spring of 2009, I received the Kennedy-Shriver Lecture Award for a program I directed through San Francisco Community Behavioral Health Services for exceptional contributions to the community of developmental/intellectual disabilities.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist, and a Certified EMDR therapist, I approach my work in a thoughtful and respectful manner. I understand that each person is different and has unique experiences which make them who they are, yet, there is a common thread in every human being that links us all in our suffering. I help my clients on their path toward wholeness through both verbal and non-verbal (expressive arts) approaches to therapy.

Professional Development:

Child psychotherapy From A Jungian Perspective: A Consultation Group with Claire Costello, PHD, Jungian analyst and Lauren Cunningham, LCSW, Jungian analyst, Fall 2017

Clinical Supervision with Center for Story and Symbol, Spring 2017

Sandplay Consultation Group with Lauren Cunningham, LCSW, Jungian Analyst, 2009-2019

Marriage of Expressive Arts Therapy with Kate T. Donohue, Ph.D, REAT, 2004-2008

Analytic Sandplay Therapy Training with Maria Chiaia, Ph.D, Jungian Analyst and Lauren Cunningham, LCSW, Jungian Analyst, 2006-2007

Awards and Certifications:

Certified EMDR Therapist
Therapist Adoption and Permanency Curriculum
Kennedy-Schriver Award
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Registered Expressive Arts Therapist

Professional Memberships:

EMDRIA Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing International Association
BPOE, Benevolent Protector Order of Elks, San Francisco Lodge
SFCAMFT, San Francisco Chapter of CAMFT
IEATA, International Expressive Art Therapists Association