Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
Hi there! My name's Sylvie and my pronouns are she/her and they/them. As a therapist, I am tender with people, tough on systems, and committed to our collective liberation. I've been a mental health worker for over eight years in schools, at a crisis center, and as a family therapist. I'm particularly experienced in and passionate about working with trauma in its many forms, and partnering with you to transform harm into what serves you, your beloved relationships, and the world you want to see. I offer individual counseling with youth and adults and relationship counseling with loved ones of all kinds.
Hi there! My name's Sylvie and my pronouns are she/her and they/them. As a therapist, I am tender with people, tough on systems, and committed to our collective liberation. I've been a mental health worker for over eight years in schools, at a crisis center, and as a family therapist. I'm particularly experienced in and passionate about working with trauma in its many forms, and partnering with you to transform harm into what serves you, your beloved relationships, and the world you want to see. I offer individual counseling with youth and adults and relationship counseling with loved ones of all kinds.
I approach my role as therapist with the fundamental belief that each and every one of us are inherently whole, worthy, good enough, and deserving of love and connection. Often our lived experiences, grief, personal or generational trauma, our identities and the systems we live in cloud this truth - and we find ourselves feeling stuck, numb, angry, or in a deep state of disconnection. We may find ourselves filled with shame, doubt, frustration, troubled in our relationships and in our work or school. The demands of life & the roles we play may leave us feeling burnt out - struggling to find meaning, purpose, or clear direction.
I approach my role as therapist with the fundamental belief that each and every one of us are inherently whole, worthy, good enough, and deserving of love and connection. Often our lived experiences, grief, personal or generational trauma, our identities and the systems we live in cloud this truth - and we find ourselves feeling stuck, numb, angry, or in a deep state of disconnection. We may find ourselves filled with shame, doubt, frustration, troubled in our relationships and in our work or school. The demands of life & the roles we play may leave us feeling burnt out - struggling to find meaning, purpose, or clear direction.
I am currently offering in-person and online individual sessions using expressive arts, mindfulness, neurofeedback, EMDR and Ketamine. Artistic expression may be done through an online collage program or with any materials you would like to use. This may include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, music, movement, writing, photography, role play or any combination of these. The focus is on the creative process as a tool for transformation and manifestation, rather than on the quality of the product.
I am currently offering in-person and online individual sessions using expressive arts, mindfulness, neurofeedback, EMDR and Ketamine. Artistic expression may be done through an online collage program or with any materials you would like to use. This may include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, music, movement, writing, photography, role play or any combination of these. The focus is on the creative process as a tool for transformation and manifestation, rather than on the quality of the product.
I have a somatic focus, which means I can help you discover what is happening in your body as a fast track to healing whatever is on your mind. By slowing down and getting present, we can unwind difficulties, move through stuckness and create more capacity for closeness and connection. I have specialized training in Hakomi, EMDR, EFT, PACT and Stanford GSB's Interpersonal Dynamics Facilitator Program. Please call me for a free phone consultation.
I have a somatic focus, which means I can help you discover what is happening in your body as a fast track to healing whatever is on your mind. By slowing down and getting present, we can unwind difficulties, move through stuckness and create more capacity for closeness and connection. I have specialized training in Hakomi, EMDR, EFT, PACT and Stanford GSB's Interpersonal Dynamics Facilitator Program. Please call me for a free phone consultation.
Sienna Forest
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Are you feeling disconnected from yourself or others, struggling to express your authentic emotions, or finding it difficult to trust your intuition? You may be used to holding back, fearing judgment or rejection, which can lead to loneliness or frustration in your relationships. I work with people who want to break these patterns and reconnect with themselves and others. Together, we’ll explore how vulnerability and body awareness can become powerful tools for deepening connections, allowing you to create more fulfilling relationships and a more present, authentic life.
Are you feeling disconnected from yourself or others, struggling to express your authentic emotions, or finding it difficult to trust your intuition? You may be used to holding back, fearing judgment or rejection, which can lead to loneliness or frustration in your relationships. I work with people who want to break these patterns and reconnect with themselves and others. Together, we’ll explore how vulnerability and body awareness can become powerful tools for deepening connections, allowing you to create more fulfilling relationships and a more present, authentic life.
I work with individuals and couples to untangle from patterns of drama, criticism, and codependency. I teach clients how to turn arguments into proactive conversations with win-win solutions. Our work together can include healing past hurts and trauma, feeling more sexually connected, and creating positive life changes. I am most interested in supporting my clients in finding relief from suffering and being truly happy.
I work with individuals and couples to untangle from patterns of drama, criticism, and codependency. I teach clients how to turn arguments into proactive conversations with win-win solutions. Our work together can include healing past hurts and trauma, feeling more sexually connected, and creating positive life changes. I am most interested in supporting my clients in finding relief from suffering and being truly happy.
As a Level 3 Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist, I look forward to accompanying you on your healing journey, offering hope, validation, warm support. Whatever brings you to therapy - your relationships, stress, trauma, pain, fears, hurts, depression - I will believe in you until you believe in yourself - your wisdom, capacity for healing, inner strengths. Discover new ways to communicate to foster positive outcomes in your relationships and harmony to your inner world. You are entitled to experience your own delightful spirit, moments of wonder and aliveness, curiosity and spontaneity, finding joy and peace in your life.
As a Level 3 Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist, I look forward to accompanying you on your healing journey, offering hope, validation, warm support. Whatever brings you to therapy - your relationships, stress, trauma, pain, fears, hurts, depression - I will believe in you until you believe in yourself - your wisdom, capacity for healing, inner strengths. Discover new ways to communicate to foster positive outcomes in your relationships and harmony to your inner world. You are entitled to experience your own delightful spirit, moments of wonder and aliveness, curiosity and spontaneity, finding joy and peace in your life.
HH & Co. is a therapy practice with EMDR available, located in Santa Cruz, CA. We believe that growth and sustained change happens when people experience genuineness (openness, self-disclosure), acceptance (being seen with unconditional positive regard), and empathy (being listened to and understood). Holly is a general practitioner who treats people, not problems, so we encourage you to come just as you are. Together, we will work to define your goals, identify thoughts and behaviors that may may hinder the achievement of these goals, track progress, and tap into your inner strength and resilience.
HH & Co. is a therapy practice with EMDR available, located in Santa Cruz, CA. We believe that growth and sustained change happens when people experience genuineness (openness, self-disclosure), acceptance (being seen with unconditional positive regard), and empathy (being listened to and understood). Holly is a general practitioner who treats people, not problems, so we encourage you to come just as you are. Together, we will work to define your goals, identify thoughts and behaviors that may may hinder the achievement of these goals, track progress, and tap into your inner strength and resilience.
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.
I help with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, self-harm, self-esteem issues, and supporting sexual assault survivors. I tailor therapy to each patient, prioritizing empathy to foster a strong therapeutic relationship.
I help with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, self-harm, self-esteem issues, and supporting sexual assault survivors. I tailor therapy to each patient, prioritizing empathy to foster a strong therapeutic relationship.
Chris Davidson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Not accepting new clients
My therapeutic style is personal, respectful and practical. I can help you create and notice positive changes in your life and relationships and adapt to changing conditions as necessary.
I'll work with you to achieve tangible results towards your goals in therapy. We'll focus on what works to notice positive change as it happens.
Although I treat people with a wide range of issues, some areas of particular focus in my practice are: helping individuals and relationships that are affected by Chronic Physical Illness and/or Pain, Depression and Anxiety.
My therapeutic style is personal, respectful and practical. I can help you create and notice positive changes in your life and relationships and adapt to changing conditions as necessary.
I'll work with you to achieve tangible results towards your goals in therapy. We'll focus on what works to notice positive change as it happens.
Although I treat people with a wide range of issues, some areas of particular focus in my practice are: helping individuals and relationships that are affected by Chronic Physical Illness and/or Pain, Depression and Anxiety.
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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.
Liza Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Reaching out for support can be a difficult and vulnerable experience. My goal is to help you and your family find calm, connection, and joy again! My therapeutic approach is collaborative, interactive, and warm. Together we will highlight your strengths as parent, child, or teen while identifying areas that may benefit from change. I tailor treatment to your individual, child's, and/or family's needs and use a variety of therapeutic strategies customized to address underlying issues and help you and your family thrive.
Reaching out for support can be a difficult and vulnerable experience. My goal is to help you and your family find calm, connection, and joy again! My therapeutic approach is collaborative, interactive, and warm. Together we will highlight your strengths as parent, child, or teen while identifying areas that may benefit from change. I tailor treatment to your individual, child's, and/or family's needs and use a variety of therapeutic strategies customized to address underlying issues and help you and your family thrive.
Jennifer Chowaniec
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Not accepting new clients
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.
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.
Thomas Cody Swift
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Not accepting new clients
*Not currently accepting new clients* Some people sense wisdom within dark places, and seek support to learn and grow through them. Anxiety, depression, and addiction are not merely pathology, but are best understood as part of a larger system that can be brought into awareness. These symptoms may also be fundamentally connected to our greatest gifts and uniqueness - one's sensitivity, awareness, and drive towards growth - often misplaced or misunderstood.
*Not currently accepting new clients* Some people sense wisdom within dark places, and seek support to learn and grow through them. Anxiety, depression, and addiction are not merely pathology, but are best understood as part of a larger system that can be brought into awareness. These symptoms may also be fundamentally connected to our greatest gifts and uniqueness - one's sensitivity, awareness, and drive towards growth - often misplaced or misunderstood.
Veronica K. Tonay
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95061 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Taking only returning clients. For 30 years, I've successfully treated those suffering with the pain and frustration of depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, creative blocks, and life transitions (several of these overlap!). I earned my doctorate at UC Berkeley, and, in addition to my psychotherapy practice, taught clinical psychology at UCSC until 2018. Psychologists are ethically required to use demonstrated treatments for clients' backgrounds and difficulties. I'm fortunate to have trained in many effective therapeutic methods, tailored to each client's needs & personality. I'm available only via video/phone sessions.
Taking only returning clients. For 30 years, I've successfully treated those suffering with the pain and frustration of depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, creative blocks, and life transitions (several of these overlap!). I earned my doctorate at UC Berkeley, and, in addition to my psychotherapy practice, taught clinical psychology at UCSC until 2018. Psychologists are ethically required to use demonstrated treatments for clients' backgrounds and difficulties. I'm fortunate to have trained in many effective therapeutic methods, tailored to each client's needs & personality. I'm available only via video/phone sessions.
Andrea M Atkinson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I believe that every individual possesses the strength and resilience to overcome life's challenges. My passion and commitment lies in helping you discover your inner resources and guiding you on a path towards healing and personal growth. I have experience working with diverse individuals facing various issues including anxiety, depression, personality disorders, grief and both acute and cumulative trauma. My approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the unique journey each person undertakes. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I am here to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can explore.
I believe that every individual possesses the strength and resilience to overcome life's challenges. My passion and commitment lies in helping you discover your inner resources and guiding you on a path towards healing and personal growth. I have experience working with diverse individuals facing various issues including anxiety, depression, personality disorders, grief and both acute and cumulative trauma. My approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the unique journey each person undertakes. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I am here to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can explore.
Ready to go beyond talk therapy? Hypnotherapy combined with life coaching gives you access to a powerful yet completely safe portal of positive change and neuroplasticity. It is my joy and privilege to be your guide, mentor and confidant - be it for a few sessions, a few months or a lifetime. Whether you are tired of the same issues blocking your progress, want to tap more of your potential, feel calm and confident, and live a life you LOVE - I am here for you. In working with clients and couples for 30 years, I have developed a highly effective approach combining life coaching, hypnotherapy, NLP and a good dose of intuition.
Ready to go beyond talk therapy? Hypnotherapy combined with life coaching gives you access to a powerful yet completely safe portal of positive change and neuroplasticity. It is my joy and privilege to be your guide, mentor and confidant - be it for a few sessions, a few months or a lifetime. Whether you are tired of the same issues blocking your progress, want to tap more of your potential, feel calm and confident, and live a life you LOVE - I am here for you. In working with clients and couples for 30 years, I have developed a highly effective approach combining life coaching, hypnotherapy, NLP and a good dose of intuition.
We learn how to regard ourselves from the earliest relationships we have. From the nurturing of our nature or lack thereof, a template of how to treat ourselves and relate to others is set. The good news... this template is not set in permanence and is subject to change with focused intent! I am dedicated to helping you achieve these changes. Therapy is an art form which involves attending to a Client's specific emotional pains. The art of my practice is in knowing when to provide silence or words, when to challenge or encourage, when to include techniques, when to just be.
We learn how to regard ourselves from the earliest relationships we have. From the nurturing of our nature or lack thereof, a template of how to treat ourselves and relate to others is set. The good news... this template is not set in permanence and is subject to change with focused intent! I am dedicated to helping you achieve these changes. Therapy is an art form which involves attending to a Client's specific emotional pains. The art of my practice is in knowing when to provide silence or words, when to challenge or encourage, when to include techniques, when to just be.
I am a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist that specialize in depression, managing self-injurious behaviors, anxiety, self-esteem, divorce, sexual abuse, interpersonal violence/domestic violence, educational issues and coping skills to manage stress. The theoretical approaches I use in my practice include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Trauma Focused Behavioral Therapy. I have over 7 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. In my clinical practice I place importance in empowering clients to find their own strength
I am a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist that specialize in depression, managing self-injurious behaviors, anxiety, self-esteem, divorce, sexual abuse, interpersonal violence/domestic violence, educational issues and coping skills to manage stress. The theoretical approaches I use in my practice include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Trauma Focused Behavioral Therapy. I have over 7 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. In my clinical practice I place importance in empowering clients to find their own strength
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
Nearby Searches for Santa Cruz
- Aptos
- Ben Lomond
- Boulder Creek
- Campbell
- Capitola
- Felton
- Los Gatos
- Monte Sereno
- Saratoga
- Scotts Valley
- Soquel
- Watsonville
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
600+
Average cost per session
$175
Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA who prioritize treating:
| 92% | Anxiety |
| 85% | Depression |
| 80% | Relationship Issues |
| 78% | Self Esteem |
| 74% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 72% | Stress |
| 68% | Grief |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 46% | Aetna |
| 41% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
| 37% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA see their clients
| 75% | In Person and Online | |
| 25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 81% | Female | |
| 17% | Male | |
| 2% | Non-Binary |