Therapists in Santa Cruz County, CA
Michelle Krezanoski
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Waitlist for new clients
I’m forever rediscovering the power of intention. Simply devoting space every week to our inner growth fertilizes a mysterious process with its own trajectory. What we originally feel as pain in our lives may actually be a portal inviting us to love more deeply, live more freely, and be less like everyone else. I love sitting with sensitive individuals with intuitive abilities, unwieldy minds, and a wonderment about how to be their true selves on this bewildering planet because I never know what is going to unfold. I especially enjoy working with spiritual practitioners who want their insights to be wholly embodied in their lives.
I’m forever rediscovering the power of intention. Simply devoting space every week to our inner growth fertilizes a mysterious process with its own trajectory. What we originally feel as pain in our lives may actually be a portal inviting us to love more deeply, live more freely, and be less like everyone else. I love sitting with sensitive individuals with intuitive abilities, unwieldy minds, and a wonderment about how to be their true selves on this bewildering planet because I never know what is going to unfold. I especially enjoy working with spiritual practitioners who want their insights to be wholly embodied in their lives.
Dr. Elaine Kates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
I try to individually tailor treatment to each patient by providing a balance of symptom relief to alleviate current discomfort and analysis of primary causal factors for long-term resolution.
I try to individually tailor treatment to each patient by providing a balance of symptom relief to alleviate current discomfort and analysis of primary causal factors for long-term resolution.
I want you to have a better life. Maybe you're lonely or sad. Maybe you're struggling in your relationships. Together, we'll get to the root of your pain. We'll uncover the patterns and wounds that get in the way of having the life you want. My caring presence provides a place where you can revitalize your life and fill it with new meaning.
I want you to have a better life. Maybe you're lonely or sad. Maybe you're struggling in your relationships. Together, we'll get to the root of your pain. We'll uncover the patterns and wounds that get in the way of having the life you want. My caring presence provides a place where you can revitalize your life and fill it with new meaning.
I am a highly experienced Licensed Clinical Therapist with over 20 years of practice in Illinois, Texas, California, and Nebraska. Throughout my career, I have successfully helped numerous individuals and families navigate life's challenges, including personal, peer, work, school, and family-related issues. With a strong foundation in strength-based and client-centered principles, I prioritize collaboration and active participation between myself and my clients. By fostering a supportive and empowering therapeutic environment, we work together to identify strengths, overcome obstacles, and create positive change.
I am a highly experienced Licensed Clinical Therapist with over 20 years of practice in Illinois, Texas, California, and Nebraska. Throughout my career, I have successfully helped numerous individuals and families navigate life's challenges, including personal, peer, work, school, and family-related issues. With a strong foundation in strength-based and client-centered principles, I prioritize collaboration and active participation between myself and my clients. By fostering a supportive and empowering therapeutic environment, we work together to identify strengths, overcome obstacles, and create positive change.
Reaching out is not always easy and it's the first step towards creating change. I have always believed we work to achieve success and happiness in the best ways we know how. There are times in our lives where we find ourselves short on solutions, or are ready to move forward. This is where I can be of help. I encourage everyone to talk with several therapists to get a feel if this is the right person for you. After talking with someone do you feel understood, do you feel that they can help.
Reaching out is not always easy and it's the first step towards creating change. I have always believed we work to achieve success and happiness in the best ways we know how. There are times in our lives where we find ourselves short on solutions, or are ready to move forward. This is where I can be of help. I encourage everyone to talk with several therapists to get a feel if this is the right person for you. After talking with someone do you feel understood, do you feel that they can help.
How do we know what we need? Our nervous systems can become shut down from years of trauma and conditioning to ignore our own needs. By utilizing meditation and somatic integrated awareness, we can deepen our communication within our bodies to meet our true core needs and expand our awareness into true wellness beyond mere survival. No matter what has happened, our true soul within never leaves us and can always be rediscovered. Our soul’s core values can guide us back from darkness and uncertainty.
How do we know what we need? Our nervous systems can become shut down from years of trauma and conditioning to ignore our own needs. By utilizing meditation and somatic integrated awareness, we can deepen our communication within our bodies to meet our true core needs and expand our awareness into true wellness beyond mere survival. No matter what has happened, our true soul within never leaves us and can always be rediscovered. Our soul’s core values can guide us back from darkness and uncertainty.
I'm an experienced therapist of over 25 years having spent thousands of counseling hours with individuals, couples and groups. Women's issues such as sexual abuse, miscarriage, abortion, traumatic events, marital/relationship issues, depression, anxiety, grief and PTSD - are my specialty. I have counseled hundreds of couples to improve communication, intimacy/connection issues, trust; and to heal from infidelity, addictions and wounds that threaten the relationship. Issues of teens and young adults are important to address early in life: school, career, sexuality, relationships, traumas. Better to get help sooner than later!
I'm an experienced therapist of over 25 years having spent thousands of counseling hours with individuals, couples and groups. Women's issues such as sexual abuse, miscarriage, abortion, traumatic events, marital/relationship issues, depression, anxiety, grief and PTSD - are my specialty. I have counseled hundreds of couples to improve communication, intimacy/connection issues, trust; and to heal from infidelity, addictions and wounds that threaten the relationship. Issues of teens and young adults are important to address early in life: school, career, sexuality, relationships, traumas. Better to get help sooner than later!
Good therapy experiences are enlivening, collaborative and honest. I have over 25 years experience as a Depth Psychotherapist helping people gain greater self-awareness about what triggers negative emotional reactivity and self sabotaging patterns. Identifying and integrating unconscious beliefs, trauma and self defeating responses can help develop emotional resilience, greater self acceptance and happiness. When we feel truly heard, seen and understood a transformative power ignites and we can risk being different and more open. Hidden in the darkest places can be found the riches treasures such as creativity, passion, purpose and being present.
Good therapy experiences are enlivening, collaborative and honest. I have over 25 years experience as a Depth Psychotherapist helping people gain greater self-awareness about what triggers negative emotional reactivity and self sabotaging patterns. Identifying and integrating unconscious beliefs, trauma and self defeating responses can help develop emotional resilience, greater self acceptance and happiness. When we feel truly heard, seen and understood a transformative power ignites and we can risk being different and more open. Hidden in the darkest places can be found the riches treasures such as creativity, passion, purpose and being present.
Sean Neesley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
How do we regain balance after losing our footing? Whether through anxiety, anger, depression, fear, guilt or shame, it is normal for our lives to present challenges that throw us seemingly off course. At the same time, life’s greatest challenges can also present opportunities for growth, deep healing and the reintegration of lost parts of ourselves. In my work with clients, I provide a safe and supportive environment to express and explore challenging emotions, thoughts and beliefs and help them discover new vistas and vantage points from which to enjoy and appreciate themselves, their lives, and their relationships again.
How do we regain balance after losing our footing? Whether through anxiety, anger, depression, fear, guilt or shame, it is normal for our lives to present challenges that throw us seemingly off course. At the same time, life’s greatest challenges can also present opportunities for growth, deep healing and the reintegration of lost parts of ourselves. In my work with clients, I provide a safe and supportive environment to express and explore challenging emotions, thoughts and beliefs and help them discover new vistas and vantage points from which to enjoy and appreciate themselves, their lives, and their relationships again.
Therapy is a chance to explore your feelings and thoughts, to gain a better understanding of yourself, and to make positive changes that will allow you to experience life more fully. I will provide a safe environment for your exploration, and draw on my knowledge of theory and technique to help you access untapped or forgotten resources. I believe that through a respectful therapeutic relationship you will be able to explore beliefs that limit your life, and ultimately you will be able to choose, with awareness, how you want to be in the world.
Therapy is a chance to explore your feelings and thoughts, to gain a better understanding of yourself, and to make positive changes that will allow you to experience life more fully. I will provide a safe environment for your exploration, and draw on my knowledge of theory and technique to help you access untapped or forgotten resources. I believe that through a respectful therapeutic relationship you will be able to explore beliefs that limit your life, and ultimately you will be able to choose, with awareness, how you want to be in the world.
Penelope Rayas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
Welcome to my website! I am so glad you stopped by! Has life become overwhelming? I can help! I became a therapist to help others live a fuller, happier life. My years as Marriage and Family Therapist, help me provide you with the skills you need to ease your emotional pain, build better relationships, and change your life for the better. I am spiritual, empathetic and openminded and my practice is based on connection, body and mind awareness, empathy, deep understanding and compassion. My practice is body centered and body positive.
Welcome to my website! I am so glad you stopped by! Has life become overwhelming? I can help! I became a therapist to help others live a fuller, happier life. My years as Marriage and Family Therapist, help me provide you with the skills you need to ease your emotional pain, build better relationships, and change your life for the better. I am spiritual, empathetic and openminded and my practice is based on connection, body and mind awareness, empathy, deep understanding and compassion. My practice is body centered and body positive.
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Shine a Light Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Watsonville, CA 95076
Shine a Light Counseling Center offers quality, affordable therapy in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, Monterey and San Francisco. Our diverse staff of therapists can help with a wide range of personal difficulties, including difficult emotions, conflicted relationships, and problematic behaviors. We believe in your good intentions. And we would like to help you self-reflect to discover how to move through the challenges you face, so you can emerge with a more satisfying life.
Shine a Light Counseling Center offers quality, affordable therapy in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, Monterey and San Francisco. Our diverse staff of therapists can help with a wide range of personal difficulties, including difficult emotions, conflicted relationships, and problematic behaviors. We believe in your good intentions. And we would like to help you self-reflect to discover how to move through the challenges you face, so you can emerge with a more satisfying life.
Amy Schmidt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I help people with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, lack of purpose or meaning, addiction &/or alcoholism and many other challenges. I use my knowledge and experience combined with empathy and compassion to support your therapeutic journey. I want to help you better understand yourself, develop coping skills for improved daily living and healthier relationships, and achieve a greater sense of inner peace. I use holistic techniques and client-centered therapy to support you in finding self-awareness, self-compassion, and balance, all of which are keys to the growth and healing process.
I help people with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, lack of purpose or meaning, addiction &/or alcoholism and many other challenges. I use my knowledge and experience combined with empathy and compassion to support your therapeutic journey. I want to help you better understand yourself, develop coping skills for improved daily living and healthier relationships, and achieve a greater sense of inner peace. I use holistic techniques and client-centered therapy to support you in finding self-awareness, self-compassion, and balance, all of which are keys to the growth and healing process.
Shanowa M Simington
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Welcome! My approach to therapy is an eclectic and collaborative approach that will meet your individual needs. I enjoy working with adults, children, couples, and families. I will value your perspective and work collaboratively with you while providing support and guidance in achieving your goals. Together we can create a therapeutic relationship that offers self-awareness, acceptance, insight, resources, and the integration of past and present experiences. Such integration can provide you with a sense of mastery and confidence that will help you regulate your emotional and cognitive responses in your everyday life.
Welcome! My approach to therapy is an eclectic and collaborative approach that will meet your individual needs. I enjoy working with adults, children, couples, and families. I will value your perspective and work collaboratively with you while providing support and guidance in achieving your goals. Together we can create a therapeutic relationship that offers self-awareness, acceptance, insight, resources, and the integration of past and present experiences. Such integration can provide you with a sense of mastery and confidence that will help you regulate your emotional and cognitive responses in your everyday life.
Never have our challenges been as great as now. We must improve all our relations with people and nature or both will deteriorate around us. As a man you may feel frustrated in either work or intimate relationships or both. Yet the personal skills you've built for work are often opposite from those for intimacy. There may seem to be no way to the success and connections you need. As a woman you may face too much work and too little love and friendship. Coupling may mean losing track of yourself, and good men are hard to find. The way forward involves increasing our emotional versatility and love for ourselves, others and our planet.
Never have our challenges been as great as now. We must improve all our relations with people and nature or both will deteriorate around us. As a man you may feel frustrated in either work or intimate relationships or both. Yet the personal skills you've built for work are often opposite from those for intimacy. There may seem to be no way to the success and connections you need. As a woman you may face too much work and too little love and friendship. Coupling may mean losing track of yourself, and good men are hard to find. The way forward involves increasing our emotional versatility and love for ourselves, others and our planet.
Caren Smiley & Assoc - Full, associates have room
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
These are strange times. Finding the right therapist can be challenging. Finding some one you can feel comfortable with and who has the skills and experience you need. In my 15+ years in this field, I have worked with many common issues: life transitions, anxiety, depression, addiction, parenting, marriage and relationship difficulties and more. Years of study of a variety of therapeutic methods form my background and my thinking. In addition to my training, I bring creativity, honesty and humor to this hard and rewarding work.
These are strange times. Finding the right therapist can be challenging. Finding some one you can feel comfortable with and who has the skills and experience you need. In my 15+ years in this field, I have worked with many common issues: life transitions, anxiety, depression, addiction, parenting, marriage and relationship difficulties and more. Years of study of a variety of therapeutic methods form my background and my thinking. In addition to my training, I bring creativity, honesty and humor to this hard and rewarding work.
Amber Martin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Capitola, CA 95010 (Online Only)
I specialize in couples therapy and supporting women. In my work with women I help create space where you can freely give yourself permission to be where you are and offer love and kindness to yourself. I will support you to step into a place of deeper authenticity and strength. Old patterns of thinking or ways of viewing the world may no longer be serving you but you can choose to hold space for what serves and say no thank you to what does not. In my couples work I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. I also offer Brainspotting for both individuals and couples.
I specialize in couples therapy and supporting women. In my work with women I help create space where you can freely give yourself permission to be where you are and offer love and kindness to yourself. I will support you to step into a place of deeper authenticity and strength. Old patterns of thinking or ways of viewing the world may no longer be serving you but you can choose to hold space for what serves and say no thank you to what does not. In my couples work I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. I also offer Brainspotting for both individuals and couples.
Jenna E Wolfson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, C-PAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Felton, CA 95018
The work you and I will do together is focused on your goals and needs and capitalizes on your strengths. My assessment process takes into account the biological, psychological, social, emotional, spiritual, and cultural aspects of your life. Once that assessment is completed, you and I will explore the issues and needs that you are trying to manage by utilizing a "motivational interviewing" approach. We then work to discover the maladaptive behaviors and coping mechanisms; and explore healthy, productive, and strengths-based strategies for getting these needs met.
The work you and I will do together is focused on your goals and needs and capitalizes on your strengths. My assessment process takes into account the biological, psychological, social, emotional, spiritual, and cultural aspects of your life. Once that assessment is completed, you and I will explore the issues and needs that you are trying to manage by utilizing a "motivational interviewing" approach. We then work to discover the maladaptive behaviors and coping mechanisms; and explore healthy, productive, and strengths-based strategies for getting these needs met.
My commitment to all my clients is to provide empathy, compassion, and curiosity in order to support authentic expression of feelings and needs. The path towards authentic expression is unique to the individual depending on their background, their experience with therapy and their specific therapeutic goals and so I offer various therapeutic interventions, to support authentic self expression and healing. I value both the exploration of one's past as well as here and now functioning through mindfulness practice. Using a holistic approach and focusing on the client's strengths and insights, the journey towards wholeness begins.
My commitment to all my clients is to provide empathy, compassion, and curiosity in order to support authentic expression of feelings and needs. The path towards authentic expression is unique to the individual depending on their background, their experience with therapy and their specific therapeutic goals and so I offer various therapeutic interventions, to support authentic self expression and healing. I value both the exploration of one's past as well as here and now functioning through mindfulness practice. Using a holistic approach and focusing on the client's strengths and insights, the journey towards wholeness begins.
Chris D L'Esperance
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
There are many reasons why a person, a couple, or a family might find themselves feeling stuck, down, disconnected, overwhelmed, or anxious. A significant portion of my education and training is based around helping clients reduce or resolve symptoms associated with their challenges. However, I find that helping clients identify the root of their obstacles—in addition to cultivating skills and strategies to work towards a strong mental and emotional sense of well-being and developing strong connected relationships—is as important as attending to mental, emotional, and relational symptoms.
There are many reasons why a person, a couple, or a family might find themselves feeling stuck, down, disconnected, overwhelmed, or anxious. A significant portion of my education and training is based around helping clients reduce or resolve symptoms associated with their challenges. However, I find that helping clients identify the root of their obstacles—in addition to cultivating skills and strategies to work towards a strong mental and emotional sense of well-being and developing strong connected relationships—is as important as attending to mental, emotional, and relational symptoms.
