Education & Experience
Full-time Adjunct Faculty, MFT/PCC Program Director, Counseling Department | St. Mary’s College of California
Moraga, CA since 2003
Adjunct Faculty, Art Therapy Psychology Department | Dominican University of California
San Rafael, CA since 2022
Adjunct Faculty, Art Therapy Psychology Department | Notre Dame de Namur University
Belmont, CA 2008-2021
Supervision & Mentorship Private Practice since 2003
Art Therapist & Intern Supervisor | McAuley Adolescent Day Treatment Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center
San Francisco, CA 2004-2014
Activity Specialist/Supervisor | Grace Community Center
San Jose, CA 1990-2001
Art Therapist | El Camino Hospital
Mountain View, CA 1990-1993
Therapeutic Art Teacher, Traveling Art Program | Pacific Arts League of Peninsula Children’s Children’s Center
Palo Alto, CA 1990-1992
Group Counselor | Lincoln Child Center
Oakland, CA 1990-1991
Art Therapist | The Jewish Guild for the Blind
New York, NY 1987
Ph.D. in Art Therapy Psychology, Dominican University of California
San Rafael, CA 2023
Master of Arts in Art Therapy, New York University
New York, NY 1990
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, University of California at Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 1983
Board Certified Registered Art TherapistSM (ATR-BC®)
since 1992
Deborah Sharpe, Ph.D., ATR-BC
I have been in practice for over 35 years and have helped hundreds of people choose growth and generativity over stuckness and resignation. Working with a variety of individuals with unique life narratives, I continue to grow in my approach to honoring the whole human being.
I specialize in life coaching, therapeutic art, the neuroscience of trauma and creativity, and polyvagal theory, and Reiki energy medicine.
As a holistic mental healthcare professional, I view each individual as a vessel for growth and transformation. Each of us is capable of stepping into a more creative, vital and integrated manifestation of ourselves.
My coaching is tailored to an individual’s goals, aspirations, challenges and gifts. Using tools from the creative arts, wellness practices, and psychoeducation in neurobiology, I support clients to untangle old and outgrown responses to the past and to embrace greater vitality, higher consciousness and systemic transformation.
I look forward to accompanying you on your journey to your radiant life!
Contact Me
I look forward to hearing from you!