BETH SOBEL, MA, AMFT

(760) 410-8028
beth@purposetherapygroup.com

Play Therapy

Art Therapy 

Emotionally Focused Therapy

Special Needs 

Dual Households

Families with high conflict

About Me

I feel my purpose is to help people cope with the trauma of being human in these uncertain times. I am innately in tune with the language of emotion. I have an inherent understanding of people’s communication patterns and a gentle, approachable, non-threatening presence that provides people with a safe haven to express themselves. 

My Experience

During my 20+ years as an educator, I witnessed closely how early childhood experiences impact development and brain architecture. I taught kindergarten, first grade, special education (children and adults) and art during this phase of my career. I created social and emotional growth programs for children on the autism spectrum. I am currently developing an art curriculum for teachers and parents that encapsulates how I use art to help children cope with trauma, anxiety, ADHD and dyslexia, as well as provide engaging and non-messy ways to experience creativity and stimulate the right brain.

Therapeutic Approach

I am holistic at heart and client-centered. I believe one size cannot fit all people and adapt my approach to those who choose to work with me. I value vulnerability as the most beautiful aspect of a person. I fiercely respect and protect those tender parts of our humanity. 

Children 

Children have this internal world that sits just beyond the spoken word. Oftentimes their cognition develops before their expressive language skills and yet they still have emotional experiences that need expressing. I utilize play and art to bridge these language and developmental gaps and to help them regulate their emotions. I work with children and their parents to strengthen attachments and build more cohesive relationships. I feel behavior is a language and work with families to understand precursors to behavior and establish modifications that balance the child’s current skill set with the demands being placed. It is a collaborative process that often involves play (to speak the child’s language). I have implemented creative expression with children as young as three years old, who suffered from trauma, as a tool to regulate their nervous systems. 

Teens

Adolescence is a time of emerging identity and differentiating from family. This process coupled with changing hormones can make life feel uncomfortable. Teens sometimes need a neutral person to talk with to navigate this stage. I use creative expression and narrative techniques to help teens delve into self discovery and share their stories to their increase self-esteem. 

Special Needs

Individuals with special needs experience the world differently. I have worked with children, teens, adults and their families at varying levels of cognitive, emotional and physical development. I am particularly interested in language development and executive function skills. I work towards helping these individuals understand themselves, their needs and mitigate their challenges. I encourage self-advocacy when appropriate. I support families navigate the varying levels of needs during each life stage and approaching their child’s uncertain future. I am also sensitive to the added stress of managing multiple agencies, service providers, and the school system. 

Parenting 

Each stage of a child’s development is bittersweet - a celebration with a hint of grief. I aim to help parents create a secure base for children to feel safe and free to explore their world. Parenting is challenging and each child, a unique being. Parenting also has this way of showing us areas in need of personal healing. It is important to hold this awareness. I support parents in learning to balance their child’s needs with that of their inner child. I assist parents in processing where their parenting values may differ and help to build stronger communication so parents can parent as a team. 

Trauma

I feel that there is a layer of grief woven through the tapestry of trauma and I aim to add threads of compassion. Trauma and grief are not linear processes and my approach is individualized. Some people need to express the details and others find that re-traumatizing. I meet each person where they are at. I feel stories are powerful tools for healing and find creative ways for people to process and express and rewrite their narratives. 

Couples

I believe communication is the foundation for feeling secure in relationships. Oftentimes couples need a translator to ensure their words are interpreted as they intend. I teach couples how to refine their communication styles and listening skills. When trauma is part of the story, communication can be more challenging. I aim to help couples cultivate a safe place to express trauma and to enhance emotional intimacy.

Chronic Illness

I have witnessed a connection between trauma and chronic illness. I empathize with those seeking health. I have walked this path and I learned tremendously. I know what it feels like to have pain dismissed by loved ones and health practitioners when all you want are answers and relief. I hope to support those living with chronic conditions find a more peaceful existence.

Divorce/ Blended Families

Divorce is sometimes the best option for couples and when children are involved it becomes complex. Children are greatly impacted by these changes and can have strong feelings, opinions and needs that they cannot express to either parent for fear of hurting feelings. I work primarily with these children while my colleagues work with parents and families in a collaborative setting that aims to support the creation of new families. All parties need help with this transition and processing the emotions that come with this process. 

Fun Facts

I am a published author with more books on the way.

I have two fur friends who will visit on virtual appointments.

I am certified in integrative nutrition for mental health but will only share if you ask.