Roberta Lucas, LLP

My graduate education as a psychologist and subsequent experiences and training in expressive arts therapy and somatic therapy give me the opportunity to engage with clients through a thoughtful integration of techniques. I partner with clients at all stages of life who struggle with depression, anxiety, grief & loss, early trauma, PTSD, chronic health conditions and those recovering from eating disorders and body dysmorphia. I collaborate with couples and co-parents who are needing emotional support and tools to grow in their relationship with self and each other.

My 25 years of professional experience as a teaching artist with children, teens and young adults is highly regarded and renowned in arts nonprofits, educational institutions. I am a NMTA with the Wolf Trap Institute for early learning through the arts. I facilitate professional development workshops on “Artful Learning and Living”. I collaborate with communities and groups to create somatic experiences in the natural world to promote environmental-stewardship and dance-making. As a therapist in private practice at Start my Wellness, I have the privilege to focus on one human or one couple at a time!

My Unique Approach to Therapy

We will "dialogue, question, share, repeat” as a way to build trust and rapport. I help clients gain awareness of their inner-environment - body, mind, emotions. I guide clients to safely move through despair so they may develop a greater capacity for self-regulation and insight to their own story - thus making the sessions unique to each client. I have witnessed clients identify and demystify their emotional triggers, developing mindful communication through a somatic- embodied practice.

Art-making - neuroaesthetics - is a domain shift that often ignites relief, joy and curiosity in clients. I use expressive arts practices that are informed by research and practice. Movement, art and writing prompt clients to create representations of their story in the therapeutic process. This approach allows individuals to “see, hear and feel” their inner world and create a new “dialogue”.

Specialized & Extended Training

Roberta is a unique blend of Psychologist, Artist, Educator and Therapeutic Facilitator.

Post Graduate Training & Continuing Education:
Expressive Arts Therapy- Tamalpa Institute 2013-2016
Somatic Education Training - Jamie McHugh 2018-present
Somatic Psychology Certification - Antioch College 2022

Early Arts & Arts Integration Specialist with Wolf Trap Institute
Member - ISMETA (International Somatic Education and Therapy Association)
Associate Member of the USABP (United States Association of Body Psychology)