Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
Are you stuck in emotional pain, numbed out, stagnant, 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. Instead, you want more joy, ease and satisfying relationships, with greater ability and confidence to ride the waves of life. Through courageous self 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, stagnant, 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. Instead, you want more joy, ease and satisfying relationships, with greater ability and confidence to ride the waves of life. Through courageous self 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.
Dr. Charlotte Nolan-Reyes
Psychological Associate, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Are you struggling or feeling dissatisfied with your current relationships, career or social life? Wondering if these situations (or you?) can possibly feel better ? Do feel that you have made a lot of efforts but they either aren't working or people don't deem to recognize your efforts? Or maybe it's even worse and something bad has happened or you simply and you no longer feel like trying anymore and or not sure if you know what you want anymore....
Are you struggling or feeling dissatisfied with your current relationships, career or social life? Wondering if these situations (or you?) can possibly feel better ? Do feel that you have made a lot of efforts but they either aren't working or people don't deem to recognize your efforts? Or maybe it's even worse and something bad has happened or you simply and you no longer feel like trying anymore and or not sure if you know what you want anymore....
Ellen Garfield, LMFT. Specializing in EMDR
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
IN-PERSON and virtual appts available. I offer a short, free in-person or virtual consultation. I bring an engaged, curious and direct approach with a warmth and sense of humor that clients often tell me they enjoy. I love supporting individuals through conflicts with family, friends, or work, and helping them gain deeper self-understanding while healing from trauma. With specialized training in EMDR and parts work/IFS, I offer gentle, evidence-based care for trauma recovery. My practice is neurodiversity affirming and fat positive.
IN-PERSON and virtual appts available. I offer a short, free in-person or virtual consultation. I bring an engaged, curious and direct approach with a warmth and sense of humor that clients often tell me they enjoy. I love supporting individuals through conflicts with family, friends, or work, and helping them gain deeper self-understanding while healing from trauma. With specialized training in EMDR and parts work/IFS, I offer gentle, evidence-based care for trauma recovery. My practice is neurodiversity affirming and fat positive.
Do you want to understand more about how and why you are the way you are? Are you contending with difficult and painful symptoms in your emotional and mental life? Do you need a safe, neutral, and compassionate third party to hear you, reflect your story, offer feedback, and try to make sense of your life together with you? Everyone contends with painful experiences and emotions in their lives. Often times we are confused by our pain because despite our best efforts, we can’t seem to make sense of why we are hurting so much or what to do about it. So often the pain in life is a result of unconscious energies within us.
Do you want to understand more about how and why you are the way you are? Are you contending with difficult and painful symptoms in your emotional and mental life? Do you need a safe, neutral, and compassionate third party to hear you, reflect your story, offer feedback, and try to make sense of your life together with you? Everyone contends with painful experiences and emotions in their lives. Often times we are confused by our pain because despite our best efforts, we can’t seem to make sense of why we are hurting so much or what to do about it. So often the pain in life is a result of unconscious energies within us.
Leah Sue Weiss
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, R-DMT, RYI-500
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Are you experiencing a "dark night of the soul" and feeling hopeless? Do you need to change a relationship, behavior or thought pattern? Pause. Change can happen in a single moment of insight. You have taken the first step toward self-empowerment and transformation. When we deepen our awareness within a positive, supportive and safe environment, we can find tools to navigate life’s obstacles. Let's have a conversation! Sessions focus are a collaboration toward growth and transformation. I provide holistic and integrative counseling for the body, mind and spirit, with 35 years of experience in the healing arts professions.
Are you experiencing a "dark night of the soul" and feeling hopeless? Do you need to change a relationship, behavior or thought pattern? Pause. Change can happen in a single moment of insight. You have taken the first step toward self-empowerment and transformation. When we deepen our awareness within a positive, supportive and safe environment, we can find tools to navigate life’s obstacles. Let's have a conversation! Sessions focus are a collaboration toward growth and transformation. I provide holistic and integrative counseling for the body, mind and spirit, with 35 years of experience in the healing arts professions.
I am committed to the process of helping people discover and integrate the deeper personal truths which underlie symptoms and issues. I invite clients to be endlessly curious and to do "detective work" with me, seeking to understand the clues offered by their own psyches. I work with adults and older teens, providing individual, couples and family psychotherapy. Some of my influences are Carl Jung, Arnold Mindell, Jean Shinoda Bolen, John Enright, Richard Schwartz and John Gottman. I work with depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders, spiritual identity, addiction recovery, codependency and trauma. I offer over 30 years of private practice experience.
I am committed to the process of helping people discover and integrate the deeper personal truths which underlie symptoms and issues. I invite clients to be endlessly curious and to do "detective work" with me, seeking to understand the clues offered by their own psyches. I work with adults and older teens, providing individual, couples and family psychotherapy. Some of my influences are Carl Jung, Arnold Mindell, Jean Shinoda Bolen, John Enright, Richard Schwartz and John Gottman. I work with depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders, spiritual identity, addiction recovery, codependency and trauma. I offer over 30 years of private practice experience.
Online Therapists
Will Lipsenthal
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606
Will Lipsenthal (He/Him) is a passionate and caring therapist living in Oakland (Ohlone land). Raised by a first gen. Taiwanese mother and an east coast Jewish father, Will is familiar with walking the walk of an individual of multiple cultures. He is passionate about identity and one’s relationship to themself as well as with other’s. By working in a way to increase client’s own awareness, Will has found his therapy practice to feel alive, meaningful, and powerful. He utilizes therapeutic approaches ranging from gestalt, somatic, existential, multi-cultural, and integrative practices.
Will Lipsenthal (He/Him) is a passionate and caring therapist living in Oakland (Ohlone land). Raised by a first gen. Taiwanese mother and an east coast Jewish father, Will is familiar with walking the walk of an individual of multiple cultures. He is passionate about identity and one’s relationship to themself as well as with other’s. By working in a way to increase client’s own awareness, Will has found his therapy practice to feel alive, meaningful, and powerful. He utilizes therapeutic approaches ranging from gestalt, somatic, existential, multi-cultural, and integrative practices.
Patricia Gordan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Watsonville, CA 95076
American Jewish University: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Tricia Gordan, LMFT Lic 85484, is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in various clinical settings for more than a decade. Because of her personal experience with a physical difference, Tricia has a uniquely empathetic way of relating to clients and helping them overcome adversity. Her areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, life stressors, and parenting challenges. Tricia particularly enjoys sharing her knowledge about respectful parenting and supporting new parents in the many adjustments that come with welcoming new family members.
American Jewish University: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Tricia Gordan, LMFT Lic 85484, is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in various clinical settings for more than a decade. Because of her personal experience with a physical difference, Tricia has a uniquely empathetic way of relating to clients and helping them overcome adversity. Her areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, life stressors, and parenting challenges. Tricia particularly enjoys sharing her knowledge about respectful parenting and supporting new parents in the many adjustments that come with welcoming new family members.
Svetlana Kreimer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
I have extensive experience with Eastern-European, Jewish, and Indian/South Asian communities, and love working with cross-cultural relationships.
Relationships can be hard. Partners struggle with communication, conflicting parenting styles, sexual expressions... Life's challenges, hurtful fights, history of trauma or infidelity make it difficult to sustain trust and closeness. How can you create desired connections, and not lose yourself in the process? How can you be true both to self and to your partnership? I invite you to explore these questions together with empathy and curiosity, letting go of habitual judgments, self-deprecation, and shame. I work with individuals, couples, and families. Both traditional and alternative lifestyles are welcome, and no issue is a taboo.
I have extensive experience with Eastern-European, Jewish, and Indian/South Asian communities, and love working with cross-cultural relationships.
Relationships can be hard. Partners struggle with communication, conflicting parenting styles, sexual expressions... Life's challenges, hurtful fights, history of trauma or infidelity make it difficult to sustain trust and closeness. How can you create desired connections, and not lose yourself in the process? How can you be true both to self and to your partnership? I invite you to explore these questions together with empathy and curiosity, letting go of habitual judgments, self-deprecation, and shame. I work with individuals, couples, and families. Both traditional and alternative lifestyles are welcome, and no issue is a taboo.
I help purpose-driven people navigate loss—relationships, identity, health, career, the life you imagined for yourself—and find the riches on the other side. My style combines a sharpness of mind, depth of heart, and intuitive wisdom. I’m warm, direct, and real with you. I have a gift for seeing the truth. When a problem or pattern gets named, then it can heal. I trust in your innate healing intelligence and also honor that you want my help and direction in our work.
I help purpose-driven people navigate loss—relationships, identity, health, career, the life you imagined for yourself—and find the riches on the other side. My style combines a sharpness of mind, depth of heart, and intuitive wisdom. I’m warm, direct, and real with you. I have a gift for seeing the truth. When a problem or pattern gets named, then it can heal. I trust in your innate healing intelligence and also honor that you want my help and direction in our work.
Smadar Salzman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
26 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102 (Online Only)
Do you keep getting hurt in relationships? Keep attracting the same toxic, unavailable partners that make you doubt yourself & leave you feeling anxious & depressed? If you grew up with family dysfunction, neglect, abuse, addicted, or mentally ill parents- adult relationships can be hard! Sometimes what you're drawn to isn't good for you. You're tired of feeling stuck in the same painful patterns. You're ready to finally heal. Ready to stop feeling hurt, damaged & broken and start feeling loved & connected. Let's address the real impact of your past trauma on your relationships and take practical steps to free you from your past!
Do you keep getting hurt in relationships? Keep attracting the same toxic, unavailable partners that make you doubt yourself & leave you feeling anxious & depressed? If you grew up with family dysfunction, neglect, abuse, addicted, or mentally ill parents- adult relationships can be hard! Sometimes what you're drawn to isn't good for you. You're tired of feeling stuck in the same painful patterns. You're ready to finally heal. Ready to stop feeling hurt, damaged & broken and start feeling loved & connected. Let's address the real impact of your past trauma on your relationships and take practical steps to free you from your past!
Hello, I am Katie Weldon, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA. My approach to therapy is eclectic and tailored to the needs of each client or couple. My areas of greatest clinical interest include survivors of prior trauma or abuse, military members and families, LGBTQIA2S+, disordered eating, couples therapy, grief counseling and life transitions. Couples, Veterans/Active-Duty Service Members or their Families, PTSD, Survivors of Abuse, LGBTQIA2S+ and Queer clients, eating disorders/Disordered Eating, Anxiety, and Depression.
Hello, I am Katie Weldon, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA. My approach to therapy is eclectic and tailored to the needs of each client or couple. My areas of greatest clinical interest include survivors of prior trauma or abuse, military members and families, LGBTQIA2S+, disordered eating, couples therapy, grief counseling and life transitions. Couples, Veterans/Active-Duty Service Members or their Families, PTSD, Survivors of Abuse, LGBTQIA2S+ and Queer clients, eating disorders/Disordered Eating, Anxiety, and Depression.
Inessa Freya Lieberman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Online Only)
There's a saying, "Healing is the application of love to the places inside that hurt." I'm here to fully support you in tending to those places. Together we will journey into understanding the major themes and patterns in your life and what they are trying to teach you. This increased level of awareness can help you access your strength and intuition, eliminate negative self talk and choose a more fulfilling relationship with yourself, others and life. I offer a 15 minute meet and greet to ensure we are a good fit.
There's a saying, "Healing is the application of love to the places inside that hurt." I'm here to fully support you in tending to those places. Together we will journey into understanding the major themes and patterns in your life and what they are trying to teach you. This increased level of awareness can help you access your strength and intuition, eliminate negative self talk and choose a more fulfilling relationship with yourself, others and life. I offer a 15 minute meet and greet to ensure we are a good fit.
Luara Venturi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94608 (Online Only)
My approach is deeply rooted in supporting you in fostering a kinder internal dialogue. Together we can go at your pace and co-create a space that feels both safe and challenging where you’re welcome to show up as your most authentic self. You’re the expert on your experience. I offer an outside perspective to support you in seeing a broader view of your life. I'm bilingual and bicultural, born in Brazil and raised in the Bay Area. I bring a queer- and poly-friendly lens into the room that is depth-oriented, client-centered, and trauma-informed. I strive to show up with warmth, honesty, compassion, and even a bit of humor.
My approach is deeply rooted in supporting you in fostering a kinder internal dialogue. Together we can go at your pace and co-create a space that feels both safe and challenging where you’re welcome to show up as your most authentic self. You’re the expert on your experience. I offer an outside perspective to support you in seeing a broader view of your life. I'm bilingual and bicultural, born in Brazil and raised in the Bay Area. I bring a queer- and poly-friendly lens into the room that is depth-oriented, client-centered, and trauma-informed. I strive to show up with warmth, honesty, compassion, and even a bit of humor.
Maureen Fiorelli
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
Have you been feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed and alone? Do you find that your mind and emotions control you? Are you stuck in repetitive patterns? I work with people who suffer with these symptoms and I have over 17 years of experience treating depression, addictions, anxiety and eating disorders. I offer Therapy & Psychedelic Therapy. I have a background in art and have a warm, engaging (rather than silent) style of interacting. My experience includes work at Eating Disorder Centers, Mental Health Assessor for UCSF, Graduate psychology professor, crisis work for Mental Health Association of NYC & supervision of interns.
Have you been feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed and alone? Do you find that your mind and emotions control you? Are you stuck in repetitive patterns? I work with people who suffer with these symptoms and I have over 17 years of experience treating depression, addictions, anxiety and eating disorders. I offer Therapy & Psychedelic Therapy. I have a background in art and have a warm, engaging (rather than silent) style of interacting. My experience includes work at Eating Disorder Centers, Mental Health Assessor for UCSF, Graduate psychology professor, crisis work for Mental Health Association of NYC & supervision of interns.
Do you find yourself feeling lonely, sad, scared, depressed, empty, or anxious? And maybe hopeless, alone, and confused about how to feel better? Whatever you're experiencing, you do not have to face it alone. With the support of a therapist & the trusting, safe space that can be developed you can work through whatever you are experiencing & find light ---- whether that be decreased suffering, inner peace, increased intimacy in your relationships, or more aliveness and authenticity in your connection with yourself and others.
Do you find yourself feeling lonely, sad, scared, depressed, empty, or anxious? And maybe hopeless, alone, and confused about how to feel better? Whatever you're experiencing, you do not have to face it alone. With the support of a therapist & the trusting, safe space that can be developed you can work through whatever you are experiencing & find light ---- whether that be decreased suffering, inner peace, increased intimacy in your relationships, or more aliveness and authenticity in your connection with yourself and others.
Coming to therapy is an important life decision, and I'm here to help. I believe in a balanced approach, based in the latest research, tailored to your unique needs. I draw from many approaches, including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based therapies. My work is evidence-based, culturally sensitive, strengths-oriented, and collaborative. Most importantly, I provide a safe space to work on yourself and your goals. Whether you're facing important life decisions, chronic stress, depression, anxiety, grief, or just want to live a fuller life, I have tools that can help.
Coming to therapy is an important life decision, and I'm here to help. I believe in a balanced approach, based in the latest research, tailored to your unique needs. I draw from many approaches, including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based therapies. My work is evidence-based, culturally sensitive, strengths-oriented, and collaborative. Most importantly, I provide a safe space to work on yourself and your goals. Whether you're facing important life decisions, chronic stress, depression, anxiety, grief, or just want to live a fuller life, I have tools that can help.
Katrina P Mautner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
Clients often come to me when they’re having trouble balancing multiple identities or areas of their lives. You might feel overwhelmed, overworked, or confused about why you don't feel better. Maybe you’re struggling to manage relationships, feeling like you can't relax, or not being accepted as queer, trans, or non-monogamous by family or community. You might feel stuck in your head, and aren’t sure which way to turn to feel better. I have a passion for working with people who like using their big brains to solve big problems, live in liminal spaces, and who might be struggling to connect with others in the ways that they'd like.
Clients often come to me when they’re having trouble balancing multiple identities or areas of their lives. You might feel overwhelmed, overworked, or confused about why you don't feel better. Maybe you’re struggling to manage relationships, feeling like you can't relax, or not being accepted as queer, trans, or non-monogamous by family or community. You might feel stuck in your head, and aren’t sure which way to turn to feel better. I have a passion for working with people who like using their big brains to solve big problems, live in liminal spaces, and who might be struggling to connect with others in the ways that they'd like.
Matthew Fishleder LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94122 (Online Only)
Step into a welcoming, non-judgmental space to begin your journey of self-discovery and growth. Many of my clients are driven by a desire to explore their inner worlds, grapple with life's questions, and navigate personal transitions authentically while enhancing their connections. Whether you face challenges such as anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, or simply seek personal fulfillment, our goal is to be your guide. Discover your true self, gain clarity, and develop resilience as you embrace life's uncertainties with purpose and commitment.
Step into a welcoming, non-judgmental space to begin your journey of self-discovery and growth. Many of my clients are driven by a desire to explore their inner worlds, grapple with life's questions, and navigate personal transitions authentically while enhancing their connections. Whether you face challenges such as anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, or simply seek personal fulfillment, our goal is to be your guide. Discover your true self, gain clarity, and develop resilience as you embrace life's uncertainties with purpose and commitment.
I offer neurodiversity-affirming, client-focused care to children, adolescents and adults. My clients tend to have several of these qualities: They are highly intelligent and verbal. They often feel like they don’t fit in, but may form fewer and deeper friendships. They throw themselves enthusiastically into the things they’re passionate about. They struggle to find appropriate outlets for intense emotions. They often have “geeky” hobbies. Many identify as neurodivergent, autistic, or ADHD, with or without a diagnosis.
I offer neurodiversity-affirming, client-focused care to children, adolescents and adults. My clients tend to have several of these qualities: They are highly intelligent and verbal. They often feel like they don’t fit in, but may form fewer and deeper friendships. They throw themselves enthusiastically into the things they’re passionate about. They struggle to find appropriate outlets for intense emotions. They often have “geeky” hobbies. Many identify as neurodivergent, autistic, or ADHD, with or without a diagnosis.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
Jewish Therapists
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
Therapists and clients don’t need to share the same background to be able to work together, but a therapist whose training includes a focus on cultural competence may be better able to form a therapeutic bond with individuals from a range of backgrounds, as they will have experience tailoring their approach to each client—and will be prepared to acknowledge and consider the effects of cultural forces, such as discrimination, that may contribute to that client’s concerns. With a professional who has such training, a client should feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues without feeling that they need to self-censor.
How can I recognize an effective Jewish therapist?
As with members of any religious or ethnic group, just because two people happen to be Jewish does not guarantee that they will share the same values, knowledge, or experiences. A Jewish client seeking a therapist who shares their cultural identity, or for whom it’s important that a therapist share their religious beliefs, may want to discuss a professional’s Jewish background with them before beginning therapy. For someone who seeks justification for major life changes in their religious tradition, or in biblical writings, finding a therapist who is comfortable framing guidance in that context may be especially valuable.
Would a Jewish therapist have unique training?
No, but they should have the same training and certification as any other mental health professional, as well as experience with a range of evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness-based therapy. A therapist with this type of experience should be able to help any client feel comfortable and safe, which is essential for a therapeutic alliance. Once this is established, a potential client may want to find out more about the therapist’s Jewish background.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with Jewish clients?
A client can directly ask a therapist if they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and if so, whether these individuals sought counseling for faith-related issues or marital or familial issues in which their Jewish background was a factor. A client may also wish to ask a potential therapist whether they incorporate Jewish teachings and values into their own professional work.
Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Jewish therapists?
The directory of Jewish therapists includes professionals who have opted to share their cultural background on their profiles. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their background, and they may not appear in search results for this reason.The directory also shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and/or communities.