Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
I help those struggling with alcohol and substance abuse addiction by providing critical insight and tools rooted in science, psychology and spirituality. I work with adult men and women of all ages who are looking to establish or maintain sobriety. My method is to use a tailored approach based on individual needs and to treat each person with compassion and understanding. I am a Taoist meditation practitioner with heart-math certification and believe there exists a strong link between the body, mind, and spirit. Harnessing the power within each can pave the way for healing.
I help those struggling with alcohol and substance abuse addiction by providing critical insight and tools rooted in science, psychology and spirituality. I work with adult men and women of all ages who are looking to establish or maintain sobriety. My method is to use a tailored approach based on individual needs and to treat each person with compassion and understanding. I am a Taoist meditation practitioner with heart-math certification and believe there exists a strong link between the body, mind, and spirit. Harnessing the power within each can pave the way for healing.
Jeremy Lansing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
If you are an individual or couple facing challenges with trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, panic, burnout, communication difficulties, mood regulation, men's issues, parenting, life transitions/crisis, psychedelic integration, spirituality practices, or physical health, I can guide you on a path to feeling more balance and clarity in your everyday experiences. I offer both short-term and long-term support and our sessions will be tailored to your unique goals and timelines. You will receive gender, sexuality, and identity affirming care.
If you are an individual or couple facing challenges with trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, panic, burnout, communication difficulties, mood regulation, men's issues, parenting, life transitions/crisis, psychedelic integration, spirituality practices, or physical health, I can guide you on a path to feeling more balance and clarity in your everyday experiences. I offer both short-term and long-term support and our sessions will be tailored to your unique goals and timelines. You will receive gender, sexuality, and identity affirming care.
I want to reflect the wholeness that exists within you at this moment, even with the challenges and stuckness you might be experiencing. I believe healing begins with creating the space for a different kind of relating with yourself and your life that honors your innate wisdom. One that is fed by curiosity, compassion, and loving presence. Through supporting the wisdom of your body-mind-spirit-soul, it is possible to move beyond "managing" painful symptoms and stuck patterns that often emerge from past overwhelming life experiences and trauma into true healing, authentic vitality and engagement with life. Healing is possible.
I want to reflect the wholeness that exists within you at this moment, even with the challenges and stuckness you might be experiencing. I believe healing begins with creating the space for a different kind of relating with yourself and your life that honors your innate wisdom. One that is fed by curiosity, compassion, and loving presence. Through supporting the wisdom of your body-mind-spirit-soul, it is possible to move beyond "managing" painful symptoms and stuck patterns that often emerge from past overwhelming life experiences and trauma into true healing, authentic vitality and engagement with life. Healing is possible.
Each of us has a deep, loving intelligence that seeks expression in the world. We also have survival strategies formed early in life that often limit and inhibit our later lives and relationships. In my work with individuals, couples, and families, we unmask these strategies, and access the loving wisdom that is the deepest, essential nature of all human beings. This shift arises naturally and radically re-orients our world view and behavior toward others and toward ourselves. It unleashes our capacity for joy and creativity, and offers the only place from which to have a true relationship with the world and with others.
Each of us has a deep, loving intelligence that seeks expression in the world. We also have survival strategies formed early in life that often limit and inhibit our later lives and relationships. In my work with individuals, couples, and families, we unmask these strategies, and access the loving wisdom that is the deepest, essential nature of all human beings. This shift arises naturally and radically re-orients our world view and behavior toward others and toward ourselves. It unleashes our capacity for joy and creativity, and offers the only place from which to have a true relationship with the world and with others.
Hi. I am Joe Sousa, a licensed psychotherapist in the State of CA. I've been providing counseling services in the Santa Cruz area in one form or another since 1993. Here's the issues I work with in therapy: Relationship enhancement, improve communication, sexual intimacy; handling difficulties, such as breakups and divorce; discovering life purpose and build self-esteem; issues relating to school, careers, money, a child or an elderly parent; dealing with powerful emotions, like anger, anxiety, depression, fear, grief, loss, and panic; addictive or compulsive behavior, with regard to alcohol, drugs, food, sex and/or porn.
Hi. I am Joe Sousa, a licensed psychotherapist in the State of CA. I've been providing counseling services in the Santa Cruz area in one form or another since 1993. Here's the issues I work with in therapy: Relationship enhancement, improve communication, sexual intimacy; handling difficulties, such as breakups and divorce; discovering life purpose and build self-esteem; issues relating to school, careers, money, a child or an elderly parent; dealing with powerful emotions, like anger, anxiety, depression, fear, grief, loss, and panic; addictive or compulsive behavior, with regard to alcohol, drugs, food, sex and/or porn.
Angela Vincent
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
It's not easy being human and we aren't designed to navigate life alone. Experiencing anxiety, depression, physical pain or a general lack of purpose/joy is not uncommon given the circumstances of modern life. It is normal to feel these ways-but you don't have to suffer alone or for good. You're seeking therapy because you want to feel fulfilled and whole, and to live your soul's unique purpose. You want to explore and to grow. Despite the difficulties we all inevitably face, the good news is: there's help. Psychotherapy (literally meaning "soul healing"), can help you experience your wholeness once again.
It's not easy being human and we aren't designed to navigate life alone. Experiencing anxiety, depression, physical pain or a general lack of purpose/joy is not uncommon given the circumstances of modern life. It is normal to feel these ways-but you don't have to suffer alone or for good. You're seeking therapy because you want to feel fulfilled and whole, and to live your soul's unique purpose. You want to explore and to grow. Despite the difficulties we all inevitably face, the good news is: there's help. Psychotherapy (literally meaning "soul healing"), can help you experience your wholeness once again.
Spiral Process Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
We are a team of humanistic therapists and associates. We offer Holistic Psychotherapy, which means that we focus on trusting and following the guidance of the body, mind and soul towards healing. We offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy as well as experiential therapy. We believe that your symptoms and inner signals are not something to go to war with, but rather they can be a compass to track where there is emotional pain at its root. We will invite you to become more familiar with your body sensations through mindfulness and help you embody a process of healing and completion.
We are a team of humanistic therapists and associates. We offer Holistic Psychotherapy, which means that we focus on trusting and following the guidance of the body, mind and soul towards healing. We offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy as well as experiential therapy. We believe that your symptoms and inner signals are not something to go to war with, but rather they can be a compass to track where there is emotional pain at its root. We will invite you to become more familiar with your body sensations through mindfulness and help you embody a process of healing and completion.
Lance Bauscher
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I am a strength-based psychotherapist committed to the unique process of each client and each therapeutic moment. I work with a balanced approach between a solution-focused, positive psychology and the deeper work of existential, psychodynamic or mindfulness-based interventions. I specialize in life and developmental transitions where symptoms such as anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, or triggered trauma increase in intensity and frequency and threaten that which we cherish. But I view the nagging presence and awareness of our problems as proof that we are ready and capable of dealing with them.
I am a strength-based psychotherapist committed to the unique process of each client and each therapeutic moment. I work with a balanced approach between a solution-focused, positive psychology and the deeper work of existential, psychodynamic or mindfulness-based interventions. I specialize in life and developmental transitions where symptoms such as anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, or triggered trauma increase in intensity and frequency and threaten that which we cherish. But I view the nagging presence and awareness of our problems as proof that we are ready and capable of dealing with them.
Dana Ingersoll
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
You hope that life can be better than this. Your ways of coping and controlling things in your life seem to be failing. You may feel like you're about to fall apart. Support from your friends and family aren’t enough. You need help to manage the overwhelm and make some big changes. I’m here for you. We’re going to drop in and get real about what’s really going on, in all of the layers. We’ll explore what compels you to do what you’re doing. We’ll figure out how these habits help and hurt you and find healthier ways to manage your stress. If you're working on addictions, I often support the goal of moderate usage.
You hope that life can be better than this. Your ways of coping and controlling things in your life seem to be failing. You may feel like you're about to fall apart. Support from your friends and family aren’t enough. You need help to manage the overwhelm and make some big changes. I’m here for you. We’re going to drop in and get real about what’s really going on, in all of the layers. We’ll explore what compels you to do what you’re doing. We’ll figure out how these habits help and hurt you and find healthier ways to manage your stress. If you're working on addictions, I often support the goal of moderate usage.
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.
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.
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Yvonne D Vermillion
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Blending conventional and alternative approaches I empower children, adolescents, and adults to reach their therapeutic goals. It is my belief that all children, regardless of age or race, speak their own unique language based on their unique life experiences. This language expresses who they are and what they need in order to live a more functional and productive life. My mission is to interpret that language and offer innovative strategies that foster positive growth and maturity. It is not only a challenge to change, grow, and learn. As a member of the human race, I feel it is an obligation!
Blending conventional and alternative approaches I empower children, adolescents, and adults to reach their therapeutic goals. It is my belief that all children, regardless of age or race, speak their own unique language based on their unique life experiences. This language expresses who they are and what they need in order to live a more functional and productive life. My mission is to interpret that language and offer innovative strategies that foster positive growth and maturity. It is not only a challenge to change, grow, and learn. As a member of the human race, I feel it is an obligation!
Are everyday struggles blocking you from being your ideal self? I am a therapist who will work in partnership with you to help find the balance, contentedness, and the fulfillment in life you deserve. I utilize a collaborative, empathetic approach while not shying away from occasionally challenging you in a way that respects you as an individual.
Are everyday struggles blocking you from being your ideal self? I am a therapist who will work in partnership with you to help find the balance, contentedness, and the fulfillment in life you deserve. I utilize a collaborative, empathetic approach while not shying away from occasionally challenging you in a way that respects you as an individual.
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.
Welcome! I work with youth and adults using a strength-based, humanistic approach to treatment. It is my belief that YOU are the expert and that it is my job to help you develop your inner strength and knowledge in order to feel better and live a more fulfilling life. My approach involves integrating mind, body and spirit in order for you to take the insight that you receive in therapy and put it into direct action in your life. It would be my pleasure to work with you. I also offer tele-health sessions and movement workshops. Please message me or check out my website to find out more. www.centerforembodimentmedicine.com
Welcome! I work with youth and adults using a strength-based, humanistic approach to treatment. It is my belief that YOU are the expert and that it is my job to help you develop your inner strength and knowledge in order to feel better and live a more fulfilling life. My approach involves integrating mind, body and spirit in order for you to take the insight that you receive in therapy and put it into direct action in your life. It would be my pleasure to work with you. I also offer tele-health sessions and movement workshops. Please message me or check out my website to find out more. www.centerforembodimentmedicine.com
I have thirty years experience helping people who are suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, relationship conflict, stress, and many other issues that take away from quality of life. My approach goes beyond plain talk therapy. My goal is to help you release old wounds, connect with your true inner self, and find your power. Whether you are completely new to therapy or have had many therapists and are discouraged with a lack of results, I am dedicated to listening and finding the right approach for you, the unique human that you are. I want to empower you to achieve your goals and live the fulfilling life that you deserve.
I have thirty years experience helping people who are suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, relationship conflict, stress, and many other issues that take away from quality of life. My approach goes beyond plain talk therapy. My goal is to help you release old wounds, connect with your true inner self, and find your power. Whether you are completely new to therapy or have had many therapists and are discouraged with a lack of results, I am dedicated to listening and finding the right approach for you, the unique human that you are. I want to empower you to achieve your goals and live the fulfilling life that you deserve.
Suzy Ross
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD, CTRS, RTC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
If you prefer efficient approaches that help you to face, heal, and integrate distressing, peak or psychedelic experiences through evidence-based, experiential, somatic, and ancient exercises, contact me. I am a recreational therapist specializing in trauma and transformation, professor, and author of The Map to Wholeness. I will guide you through neurolinguistic programming for emotional breakthroughs, biofeedback to restore harmony in the body, and bilateral stimulation for integration. See me to transform feelings of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and loneliness into self-love, play, peace, and joy so you can become whole.
If you prefer efficient approaches that help you to face, heal, and integrate distressing, peak or psychedelic experiences through evidence-based, experiential, somatic, and ancient exercises, contact me. I am a recreational therapist specializing in trauma and transformation, professor, and author of The Map to Wholeness. I will guide you through neurolinguistic programming for emotional breakthroughs, biofeedback to restore harmony in the body, and bilateral stimulation for integration. See me to transform feelings of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and loneliness into self-love, play, peace, and joy so you can become whole.
Zoe Raine-Mustain
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I believe in the capacity for people to make incredible change and growth in their lives. But it isn't easy! Regardless of the particular challenge you may be facing, with the right support, you can experience happiness and fulfillment in your life on a daily basis. I have worked in the helping profession for fourteen years, and have helped hundreds of people make changes they didn't even know were possible. I love to help my clients, and hope to have the opportunity to help you!
I believe in the capacity for people to make incredible change and growth in their lives. But it isn't easy! Regardless of the particular challenge you may be facing, with the right support, you can experience happiness and fulfillment in your life on a daily basis. I have worked in the helping profession for fourteen years, and have helped hundreds of people make changes they didn't even know were possible. I love to help my clients, and hope to have the opportunity to help you!
Leilani Jefferies
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
We are taught to constantly go, but sometimes we need to stop, look inside, and find what's keeping us from moving forward. I offer a safe container to do this. You have the knowledge within to choose the right path. It's my job to walk with you, lighting the way. Containment and clarity: this is what I can offer to you as my client. I offer therapy in English/Spanish to individuals, couples, and families. I have advanced training in EMDR, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. I also offer parenting support.
We are taught to constantly go, but sometimes we need to stop, look inside, and find what's keeping us from moving forward. I offer a safe container to do this. You have the knowledge within to choose the right path. It's my job to walk with you, lighting the way. Containment and clarity: this is what I can offer to you as my client. I offer therapy in English/Spanish to individuals, couples, and families. I have advanced training in EMDR, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. I also offer parenting support.
With seven years of experience, I specialize in working with individuals aged 7 to 18, as well as couples and families. I offer unwavering support to address a wide array of emotional and psychological challenges, which may include substance abuse, anxiety, depression, self-harm, learning disabilities, suicidal thoughts, body image concerns, as well as issues related to relationships and family dynamics. My approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, highlighting mindfulness, strength-based techniques, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I warmly welcome you to contact me for a free fifteen-minute consultation.
With seven years of experience, I specialize in working with individuals aged 7 to 18, as well as couples and families. I offer unwavering support to address a wide array of emotional and psychological challenges, which may include substance abuse, anxiety, depression, self-harm, learning disabilities, suicidal thoughts, body image concerns, as well as issues related to relationships and family dynamics. My approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, highlighting mindfulness, strength-based techniques, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I warmly welcome you to contact me for a free fifteen-minute consultation.
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Spirituality Therapists
What should I expect from therapy that incorporates a focus on spirituality?
Spirituality can mean different things to different individuals, depending on their experiences, beliefs, and life histories. Some individuals focus on strengthening their belief system, while others experience spirituality in secular ways, such as through meditation, yoga, or by spending time in nature. Clients can expect a therapist to help guide and grow their spirituality through any of these techniques, encouraging the individual to cope with the challenges they face and develop strategies to build resilience and purpose to improve their outlook in life.
What are the most common treatments that include spirituality?
There are several treatments that incorporate spirituality. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) helps a person examine and reframe their negative thoughts and behaviors. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) focuses on emotional acceptance and psychological flexibility. Existential therapy is most often used to address anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, apathy, despair, questions of identity, and feelings of purposelessness and existential dread. Transpersonal therapy focuses on a client’s spirituality and meaning in life and may incorporate techniques including meditation, visualization, hypnotherapy, dream analysis, and or breathwork.
Can therapy incorporating spirituality help atheistic or agnostic individuals?
Yes. For non-believers, spirituality can offer benefits including a greater sense of connection to others and to the natural world. An interest in spirituality may also spur individuals to pursue mindfulness practices, or to contemplate their purpose in life and how to achieve it.
How effective is spirituality as a therapeutic remedy?
Research suggests spirituality is generally beneficial for individuals. It is correlated with better health habits, such as less substance use, and an improved capacity to cope with stress and other mental health challenges. Increased spirituality can lead individuals to become more empathic and less materialistic, as well.