Culturally Sensitive Therapists in Santa Cruz County, CA
Sonya Ekstrom
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
My approach is collaborative, non-pathologizing, and culturally sensitive.
Hi – I’m so glad you’re here! By looking for a therapist, you’re already taking a big step toward change. Whether you’ve suffered trauma or abuse, have unresolved emotional pain, or are simply struggling to exist and find balance in this challenging world - therapy is a space where you can be seen, heard, and received unconditionally, facilitating the surfacing of deep truths and possibilities. I understand my role to be to assist my clients in coming back into contact with their own inner capacities for healing and growth. I welcome all sexual orientations, gender expressions, and neurotypes.
My approach is collaborative, non-pathologizing, and culturally sensitive.
Hi – I’m so glad you’re here! By looking for a therapist, you’re already taking a big step toward change. Whether you’ve suffered trauma or abuse, have unresolved emotional pain, or are simply struggling to exist and find balance in this challenging world - therapy is a space where you can be seen, heard, and received unconditionally, facilitating the surfacing of deep truths and possibilities. I understand my role to be to assist my clients in coming back into contact with their own inner capacities for healing and growth. I welcome all sexual orientations, gender expressions, and neurotypes.
Alli Wilson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Capitola, CA 95010
I practice effective, culturally sensitive, relational therapy. I strive to understand my clients in the context of their relationships and broader society. No one lives in a vacuum, and often our challenges are connected to stuck relationship patterns, and dynamics of power and privilege that play out in our relationships, our workplace, and even within ourselves. I believe that the quality of the relationship between the therapist and client is one of the most important factors for your growth and healing. In my view, it is vital that you are believed, respected and compassionately understood.
I practice effective, culturally sensitive, relational therapy. I strive to understand my clients in the context of their relationships and broader society. No one lives in a vacuum, and often our challenges are connected to stuck relationship patterns, and dynamics of power and privilege that play out in our relationships, our workplace, and even within ourselves. I believe that the quality of the relationship between the therapist and client is one of the most important factors for your growth and healing. In my view, it is vital that you are believed, respected and compassionately understood.
Canopy Counseling & EMDR
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Sheena is committed to providing culturally sensitive care to clients from all backgrounds, and has a soft spot for working with immigrants, as she is the daughter of an immigrant.
My clients usually come to me with severe anxiety, depression, or relationship patterns that seem to keep repeating themselves. They might constantly feel like they are not good enough, or have trouble relaxing and unwinding. They might be triggered by seemingly minor things that send them spiraling into self-doubt and anxiety/depression. All of the above experiences are very common responses to trauma. Together, we’ll work through these triggers so you can feel more like you’re in the driver’s seat.
Sheena is committed to providing culturally sensitive care to clients from all backgrounds, and has a soft spot for working with immigrants, as she is the daughter of an immigrant.
My clients usually come to me with severe anxiety, depression, or relationship patterns that seem to keep repeating themselves. They might constantly feel like they are not good enough, or have trouble relaxing and unwinding. They might be triggered by seemingly minor things that send them spiraling into self-doubt and anxiety/depression. All of the above experiences are very common responses to trauma. Together, we’ll work through these triggers so you can feel more like you’re in the driver’s seat.
Sarita Jessica Benn-Towle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, CMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
As a holistic-somatic therapist, I hold a non-pathologizing perspective, emphasizing your innate wholeness and capacity for healing. I relate directly and spontaneously, focusing on mind-body-presence. Rooted in a compassionate and mindful eco-psycho-social context, I focus on supporting adult individuals and couples. Most of my clients are processing trauma, anxiety, shame, grief, co-dependence, and ADHD patterns with the aim of achieving a sense of secure connection both internally and externally. As a path to gain insight into the intricate dynamics of your process and behaviors sessions may focus on felt-sense resources.
As a holistic-somatic therapist, I hold a non-pathologizing perspective, emphasizing your innate wholeness and capacity for healing. I relate directly and spontaneously, focusing on mind-body-presence. Rooted in a compassionate and mindful eco-psycho-social context, I focus on supporting adult individuals and couples. Most of my clients are processing trauma, anxiety, shame, grief, co-dependence, and ADHD patterns with the aim of achieving a sense of secure connection both internally and externally. As a path to gain insight into the intricate dynamics of your process and behaviors sessions may focus on felt-sense resources.
Monique Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Waitlist for new clients
I'd be honored to support your healing and personal growth. I love guiding those ready to re-parent themselves and repair wounds of complex trauma. I'm experienced in recovery from emotional neglect or narcissistic abuse, whether from family of origin or a romantic relationship. I love working with couples and families, with an emphasis on those in non-traditional spaces. This includes members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as blended families/step-parents looking to create a family system that functions in the healthiest way possible. I also offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and support with medicine journey integration.
I'd be honored to support your healing and personal growth. I love guiding those ready to re-parent themselves and repair wounds of complex trauma. I'm experienced in recovery from emotional neglect or narcissistic abuse, whether from family of origin or a romantic relationship. I love working with couples and families, with an emphasis on those in non-traditional spaces. This includes members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as blended families/step-parents looking to create a family system that functions in the healthiest way possible. I also offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and support with medicine journey integration.
Paul Thibeault
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95033 (Online Only)
Life brings challenges for everyone and we often feel confused and trapped in negative patterns. I offer a calm presence, experience, compassion, and an outside perspective that can lead to more clarity and positive changes in your life. I’ve counseled people for many years from all walks of life, covering a wide variety of issues, and I look forward to finding out about you and what we can achieve together.
Life brings challenges for everyone and we often feel confused and trapped in negative patterns. I offer a calm presence, experience, compassion, and an outside perspective that can lead to more clarity and positive changes in your life. I’ve counseled people for many years from all walks of life, covering a wide variety of issues, and I look forward to finding out about you and what we can achieve together.
Life presents unexpected challenges which can cause anxiety, depression, hopelessness, difficulties with relationships and problems with self esteem. These unresolved issues can derail us with feelings of being overwhelmed. Therapy can help you learn to manage trauma in order to deal with stressors and move through challenges with confidence so you can get back on track with your life.
Life presents unexpected challenges which can cause anxiety, depression, hopelessness, difficulties with relationships and problems with self esteem. These unresolved issues can derail us with feelings of being overwhelmed. Therapy can help you learn to manage trauma in order to deal with stressors and move through challenges with confidence so you can get back on track with your life.
Alison J McCabe
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Felton, CA 95018
Waitlist for new clients
Greetings, and thank you for reading. My name is Alison McCabe and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who helps individuals and families find the life balance that works for them through compassion, understanding, and a wealth of wellness tools. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, low, uncertain, sad, anxious or stressed, therapy can be the first step to feeling better. You may be adjusting to or seeking change in personal, relationship or work life, and need a professional to help guide you to your own inner wisdom, or give you permission and support to keep taking steps towards your own wellness.
Greetings, and thank you for reading. My name is Alison McCabe and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who helps individuals and families find the life balance that works for them through compassion, understanding, and a wealth of wellness tools. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, low, uncertain, sad, anxious or stressed, therapy can be the first step to feeling better. You may be adjusting to or seeking change in personal, relationship or work life, and need a professional to help guide you to your own inner wisdom, or give you permission and support to keep taking steps towards your own wellness.
Megan Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Megan leads with hope and curiosity to empower her clients to grow into their best selves. She works collaboratively with clients in order to understand them as a whole person, not just their problems. Megan believes patience, authenticity, and transparency are essential to build trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship. Megan specializes in working with adults and youth who identify as neurodivergent and/or on the autism spectrum, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. Megan works with clients who are coping with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship struggles.
Megan leads with hope and curiosity to empower her clients to grow into their best selves. She works collaboratively with clients in order to understand them as a whole person, not just their problems. Megan believes patience, authenticity, and transparency are essential to build trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship. Megan specializes in working with adults and youth who identify as neurodivergent and/or on the autism spectrum, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. Megan works with clients who are coping with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship struggles.
Are you stuck in emotional pain, numbed out, or in an unsatisfying relationship? We all learn patterns of relating to ourselves, others, and the world that may no longer work. This can show up as relationship conflict or distance, depression, anxiety, grief, emptiness, confusion, or a lack of direction and meaning. You want more joy, ease and satisfying relationships, with greater confidence and ability to ride the waves of life. Through courageous exploration, connection, healing and behavioral work, we nurture your powerful, true Self from which you are able to live your best life and contribute your unique gifts.
Are you stuck in emotional pain, numbed out, or in an unsatisfying relationship? We all learn patterns of relating to ourselves, others, and the world that may no longer work. This can show up as relationship conflict or distance, depression, anxiety, grief, emptiness, confusion, or a lack of direction and meaning. You want more joy, ease and satisfying relationships, with greater confidence and ability to ride the waves of life. Through courageous exploration, connection, healing and behavioral work, we nurture your powerful, true Self from which you are able to live your best life and contribute your unique gifts.
Psychotherapist/University Lecturer in the Department of Psychology, California State University, Monterey Bay. Serving Monterey & Santa Cruz County. In office and Teletherapy appointments. Specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, personality disturbances, mood disorders, relational problems, attachment disorders, marital discord, stress, family conflict, personality disturbances, and behavior problems. Treating adults, couples, families, adolescents, and LGBTQ. Fee for service $120.00 per therapy hour. Panel provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield/Cal Viva/United Healthcare
Psychotherapist/University Lecturer in the Department of Psychology, California State University, Monterey Bay. Serving Monterey & Santa Cruz County. In office and Teletherapy appointments. Specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, personality disturbances, mood disorders, relational problems, attachment disorders, marital discord, stress, family conflict, personality disturbances, and behavior problems. Treating adults, couples, families, adolescents, and LGBTQ. Fee for service $120.00 per therapy hour. Panel provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield/Cal Viva/United Healthcare
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My name is Michael Villanueva, and I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in California. I have worked as a professor at a university, providing research and clinical services on remote tribal lands, served as a combat clinical psychologist in Afghanistan, and implemented research with computational neuroscientists at UC San Diego on the effects of psychedelics on the human brain. I provide individual talk psychotherapy (including telehealth) and Neurotherapy in my office. I record and analyze my clients’ EEG (i.e., brainwaves), which provides me with a personalized approach to neurofeedback training to address my clients’ symptoms
My name is Michael Villanueva, and I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in California. I have worked as a professor at a university, providing research and clinical services on remote tribal lands, served as a combat clinical psychologist in Afghanistan, and implemented research with computational neuroscientists at UC San Diego on the effects of psychedelics on the human brain. I provide individual talk psychotherapy (including telehealth) and Neurotherapy in my office. I record and analyze my clients’ EEG (i.e., brainwaves), which provides me with a personalized approach to neurofeedback training to address my clients’ symptoms
Liberty Flidais
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Relating with people and witnessing growth is what I love most. It is my honor to support you when you’re feeling stressed out, anxious, invisible or depleted. I hold a somatic (body-based) perspective that is empathetic, patient and curious. I am receptive to that which naturally emerges through thoughts, emotions, sensations, images and memories in each session. I approach personal narratives with openness & compassion.
Relating with people and witnessing growth is what I love most. It is my honor to support you when you’re feeling stressed out, anxious, invisible or depleted. I hold a somatic (body-based) perspective that is empathetic, patient and curious. I am receptive to that which naturally emerges through thoughts, emotions, sensations, images and memories in each session. I approach personal narratives with openness & compassion.
Carolyn A Vitale
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I like to work with a wide range of folks from 8yr old kids to those aging. Often with adults I am interested in getting beyond everyday conversation into deeper layers of self, incorporating an inward focus of the body, mind and spirit. I am eclectic and offer a strength-based approach to help with depression, anxiety, transitions, relationship challenges, overall stuckness and other challenges. My approach is humanistic and compassionate, providing the support needed to get through hardships into a more empowered, creative and celebratory self.
I like to work with a wide range of folks from 8yr old kids to those aging. Often with adults I am interested in getting beyond everyday conversation into deeper layers of self, incorporating an inward focus of the body, mind and spirit. I am eclectic and offer a strength-based approach to help with depression, anxiety, transitions, relationship challenges, overall stuckness and other challenges. My approach is humanistic and compassionate, providing the support needed to get through hardships into a more empowered, creative and celebratory self.
Zerreniah Tran is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and has been working in the mental health field for over 8 years. She has extensive experience in providing individual and group therapy for a diverse population and offers psychotherapy in English and Tagalog languages. Her work has involved counseling survivors of domestic violence, adolescents presented with transitional challenges, adults with relationship issues, seniors experiencing difficulties with aging, and foster youths in need of support with healthy coping and independent living.
Zerreniah Tran is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and has been working in the mental health field for over 8 years. She has extensive experience in providing individual and group therapy for a diverse population and offers psychotherapy in English and Tagalog languages. Her work has involved counseling survivors of domestic violence, adolescents presented with transitional challenges, adults with relationship issues, seniors experiencing difficulties with aging, and foster youths in need of support with healthy coping and independent living.
Lisa Freedman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95033
Maybe you've been stuck and unable to see your way forward, or feel a burden you can't quite relieve. Often times we can find our way with the support of family or friends. But sometimes we need the help of a certified professional. I view therapy through the lens of self compassion, understanding and collaboration. It is a moving dialogue that shapes our healing. The development of a therapeutic relationship and interventions are individualized because mental health treatment is more than treating symptoms and a diagnosis.
Maybe you've been stuck and unable to see your way forward, or feel a burden you can't quite relieve. Often times we can find our way with the support of family or friends. But sometimes we need the help of a certified professional. I view therapy through the lens of self compassion, understanding and collaboration. It is a moving dialogue that shapes our healing. The development of a therapeutic relationship and interventions are individualized because mental health treatment is more than treating symptoms and a diagnosis.
Alisia Murphy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (Online Only)
You are a woman who would like to know how to deeply trust and nurture yourself. To care for the parts of you that need tenderness and a place to explore what brings you alive and what gets in the way of this. You may not know how or where to begin because you were not shown how. You’re so good at taking care of others that there’s nothing left for you. Or, perhaps you have learned to put yourself to the side because that is what feels safest. You may be asking yourself, “Is it okay to take care of me and what I want?”
You are a woman who would like to know how to deeply trust and nurture yourself. To care for the parts of you that need tenderness and a place to explore what brings you alive and what gets in the way of this. You may not know how or where to begin because you were not shown how. You’re so good at taking care of others that there’s nothing left for you. Or, perhaps you have learned to put yourself to the side because that is what feels safest. You may be asking yourself, “Is it okay to take care of me and what I want?”
I am a psychotherapist who offers a compassionate, thoughtful, and empathetic approach to therapy. I help individuals increase curiosity and understanding about their life experiences, and identify and work through blocks to healthy relationships, balance, and overall well-being.
I am a psychotherapist who offers a compassionate, thoughtful, and empathetic approach to therapy. I help individuals increase curiosity and understanding about their life experiences, and identify and work through blocks to healthy relationships, balance, and overall well-being.
Being compassionate, non-judgmental, and being down to earth with some humor is my approach to life and my work. Helping people find hope and empowering them to turn life challenges into a positive transformation is my passion. I believe that everyone is capable of change and has the ability within to heal.
Being compassionate, non-judgmental, and being down to earth with some humor is my approach to life and my work. Helping people find hope and empowering them to turn life challenges into a positive transformation is my passion. I believe that everyone is capable of change and has the ability within to heal.
Marlon A Guarino
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CCHT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you stuck in patterns of fears, confusion, indecision, or painful relationships? This stuckness and suffering hinder you from accessing the empowered, expansive, creative, organic self within; this essential part of you wants to express the unique gift that you are, and the gifts you bring to the world. Imagine beyond your struggles or limitations to become who you are truly meant to be, being more authentic, having more fulfilling relationships and manifesting your passions. Whether you are looking for further understanding, or personal tools or deeper change, I am here to support your journey.
Are you stuck in patterns of fears, confusion, indecision, or painful relationships? This stuckness and suffering hinder you from accessing the empowered, expansive, creative, organic self within; this essential part of you wants to express the unique gift that you are, and the gifts you bring to the world. Imagine beyond your struggles or limitations to become who you are truly meant to be, being more authentic, having more fulfilling relationships and manifesting your passions. Whether you are looking for further understanding, or personal tools or deeper change, I am here to support your journey.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz County
Culturally Sensitive Therapists
How does culturally sensitive therapy work?
A culturally sensitive therapist will tailor their approach to therapy based on the individual client’s background. This may include changing their style of interaction (asking open-ended questions vs. being the “expert” voice), their affect (seeming warm or “neutral”), how much personal information they disclose about themselves, and more. It’s also important for a culturally sensitive therapist to acknowledge larger societal forces that may impact their client due to the client’s background.
How effective is culturally sensitive therapy?
Some professionals have expressed concern about highlighting cultural differences in therapy, suggesting that it might promote stereotypes and harm the therapeutic bond; however, many experts agree that cultural sensitivity tends to strengthen the connection between therapist and client and help clients feel heard and understood. A culturally sensitive approach to therapy can be especially helpful for those not in the cultural majority, especially when combined with proven therapies like Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
What are the limitations of a culturally sensitive approach to therapy?
While being culturally sensitive is generally a valuable skill to have, a therapist cannot treat every client from a similar background the same way. Each client is an individual with their own values, personal preferences, and life experiences that will need to be explored during therapy. In addition, it’s rare for a therapist and client to have identical backgrounds, so there may be some cross-cultural differences to navigate during therapy, but a culturally sensitive therapist can do so with empathy and respect.
Can culturally sensitive therapy be done online?
Yes, online therapy using a culturally sensitive approach can be beneficial. Therapy can sometimes be difficult to access for clients from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic standing. The array of mental health support available through the internet makes it possible for clients to find a good therapist match regardless of where they live.