Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

Are you seeking a therapist who is attuned, invested, present and committed to supporting you on your journey toward growth, discovery, and healing? Having been a client myself, I understand how important it is to find a therapist who you feel really "gets you" and with whom you feel safe and comfortable being vulnerable and open. I focus on creating a foundation of presence, safety, and trust in the therapeutic relationship. I am here to see you, hear you, understand you, and support you & will meet you with a non-judgmental, compassionate, and supportive presence as we work together.

Suffering comes in many forms. It is personal and intimate and often times overwhelming and sometimes debilitating. But you don’t have to face it alone. Many people have sought my help for feelings of anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and an out of balance work-life; others, for unresolved trauma , PTSD, and other stress-related disorders which keep people trapped in disregulated states of being; still others because they were unhappy with their life and the spark of their passion was dim.

Looking for a therapist and asking for help can be one of the most challenging aspects of starting the therapy process. I believe the core of therapeutic work is the relationship between the client and the therapist. Through my friendly demeanor and approachable disposition, I strive to create a collaborative and supportive environment in which clients look forward to their therapy sessions.

Hi. My name is Jolene Jensen. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Santa Cruz, CA. I am from New Mexico and have over 20 years of experience in the mental health profession, serving a diverse range of clients. I specialize in individual adults with trauma, life transitions, chronic illness/pain, infertility issues, relational challenges and supporting the GLBT+ community. I also serve college age population who are underserved by the University.

I provide support for new or expecting mothers and partners, couples, individuals struggling with body image and disordered eating, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, and women's issues. I do this work because I believe that it is every human being's right and potential to live a fulfilled and healthy life, and often, we just need to feel safe, seen, and heard in order to find our way there. If you are ready to experience relief, cultivate new tools that support your healing and growth, and claim your vitality and purpose, I am here to partner with you on your journey.

Many people come to therapy with some understanding of how their life experiences have impacted them, but that knowledge has not caused them to feel better. I help clients move beyond their mental understanding of “what happened” into a felt sense of well-being, which results from developing an attuned and caring relationship with themselves. Whether you are dealing with difficult internal emotions and patterns, anxiety, relationship conflict, trauma, grief, or intergenerational dynamics that seem hopeless, it is never too late to develop new ways of being and relating that transform suffering into healing.

I believe therapy is the development of a safe and trusting relationship between the facilitator and the participant. Therapy can be hard work and getting started can be scary, however making art, using play or being in nature can ease this process. As your therapist I will encourage you to use your creative imagination as a vehicle to understanding your inner turmoil, psychic pain or stagnancy. Along the way we will be implementing these effective tools in cultivating a more fulfilling life experience.

Entering into therapy can be a big decision and confusing process. I offer direction that can help you determine your best course for meaningful and effective change. Through attentiveness, compassion, and collaboration, I focus on helping individuals, couples, & children gain awareness of themselves, and provide an avenue that leads toward personal exploration and healing.

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 believe that compassion and collaboration are key to a therapuetic relationship. Through the identification of each persons strengths and resources we are all capable of navigating life's challenges and it is my role to assist in the identification and effective utilization of these strengths and resources. If you are suffering from with ADHD, Depression, Conduct Disorder, Parenting issues, Criminal Behavior, adult and adolescent Bi-polar Disorder, addiction, or the effects of trauma, neglect, and abuse please contact me by text, phone or email at 831-588-7063. I have helped many individuals, couples, and families and perhaps I can help you.

HI! I am an LCSW with over a decade of experience. My calm demeanor and authenticity allow me to connect with people easily and make them feel safe. My therapeutic framework is a mix of many theoretical perspectives including CBT, feminist and mindfulness based practices, but I'm grounded in the humanistic approach of unconditional positive regard towards all human beings. I work hard to provide my clients with a safe and trusting place to process their thoughts, emotions and grief. I work collaboratively with my clients to set goals, build new skills and identify opportunities for growth.

I recognize the courage and effort involved in seeking out therapy. I’m so happy you found my profile and hope to connect with you as a resource to support your mental health goals. Whether you would like to ease emotional distress, develop self-acceptance, self-compassion, and self-trust, improve relationships, improve coping skills, increase balance, find spaciousness, enhance wellbeing, (or all of the above and anything not mentioned), I am here to support your growth and journey toward a more meaningful life.

Namaste! My goal is to collaboratively explore your unique circumstances and help you develop practical strategies to overcome self-limiting beliefs and unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior. Through compassionate listening, empathic understanding, and evidence-based techniques, I aim to facilitate increased self-awareness, resilience, and a greater sense of well-being. Whether you're facing challenges in your personal or professional life, I welcome individuals of all backgrounds and orientations. Together, we can explore your inner experiences, clarify your values, and work towards a more satisfying and meaningful life.

Counseling may take different forms depending on whether you’re dealing with a significant life transition, loss, or have been struggling with symptoms of depression or anxiety. As a strengths-based counselor, I believe we have an inner compass that can guide us, with support, toward positive change. Bringing years of coaching experience to counseling, I hold a safe place for you to explore your internal life as well as your natural ability to shine in activities and relationships. Positive connection with others is how we discover---or rediscover---a place of safety and wholeness in our lives.

My name is Janer, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working in the acute medical setting. My approach is client-focused on the goals you would like to achieve in our time together. I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, interpersonal relationships, and changes in life events. We will work together to develop goals on how to navigate life challenges you're experiencing and encourage empowerment and self-reflection through the process. I utilize CBT, solution-focused, and motivational interviewing interchangeably.

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.

Starting therapy takes courage. By the time my clients begin working with me they have grown tired of what's not working in their lives. I help them develop new perspectives, work through grief and loss, and choose their path forward. I base my practice on direct style, good humor and close attention to the subtle dynamics that have kept them stuck until now. Tools: Somatic, Narrative, Gestalt and Mindfulness approaches. Specialties: Trauma recovery, challenging life transitions, working with finances, sexuality and parenting.

With a background in support for clients and families coping with serious illness and loss, I’ve walked through some of the most difficult life transitions alongside people who are suffering deeply. Depression, anxiety, poor self-image, loneliness, and grief can be such heavy burdens to bear. I truly believe that when we tell our stories, seek to understand ourselves more deeply, and work to create meaning and change, we empower ourselves to improve our own lives. Whether you’re in your 30s or your 90s, you can impact change in your life. Its always helpful to have a collaborator and confidant to help support you.

Are you doing well yet know you could be doing better? Do you often feel like you are juggling too many things and don´t have time to breath? If you identify as this person, I am here to help you manage your life! Many people think therapy is only for people who are ¨dysfunctional¨. This is a thing of the past! Everyone can benefit from someone to help them live their best lives while finding inner and outer peace. What would it be like to be able to say ¨no¨ more? To be able to really say ¨yes¨ with enthusiasm and intention? Let me help you get there!