Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

Do you have life relationship challenges and and can’t seem to figure out a solution? Or do you feel overwhelmed in your life? I will help you to discover the solutions in your internal world and in so doing the everyday world you live in changes also. I use cognitive behavioral skills, communication skills, active and reflective listening Skills. I believe you can work to find solutions to your issues.

Sometimes hurts get stacked on each other & we assemble a life that protects against the pain, so it doesn’t ever hurt like that again. But in that process of armoring ourselves, we build a structure that also limits our capacity to enjoy life. We each have a much more unconstrained life that wants us to live it. By knowing ourselves through discovery, we work to be accountable to our own position & condition in life, forgive ourselves & others, & create a life that rewards us for this beautiful & courageous effort. Sessions will likely include mindfulness, humor, creativity, compassion, empathy, accountability, & problem-solving.

In my years of practice I have had the honor and opportunity to work with many kinds of people dealing with many kinds of challenges. Clients tell me they appreciate my style as a therapist: that I am supportive and motivating, caring and insightful, interactive and an attentive listener. I help people recognize and build on their strengths as they move through the challenges that prevent them from achieving what they want in their lives. I am compassionate and empathetic, knowledgeable and respectful. I like variety in my practice and enjoy working with individuals, families and couples of all ages.

Please note: I offer video sessions only. If you're feeling stuck or lost, or you're needing some guidance or a new perspective, I'm here to help. When you feel overwhelmed or swept by the currents, this can be an opportunity to get in touch with your values, clear away old debris, find direction, and regenerate your life. Using a strengths-based approach, we will work together to discover the resources within and around you to help you move forward.

Do you find that you are questioning yourself constantly? Or feeling as if you have no motivation for the things you enjoy? Or struggling in your relationships? Are you feeling lost in this phase of life and trying to figure out what makes you happy? You may be wondering where these feelings are coming from. They may feel like familiar patterns, or these experiences might be new for you. Either way, you know something needs to shift. You want to feel more at ease within yourself and in your relationships. You are ready to quiet the inner critic and be more understanding of where, and who, you are.

Welcome - I'm so glad you’re here! Looking for a therapist can be overwhelming. Sometimes frustrating. A little scary. But you’re here because you’re ready…or you think you might be ready, and you need some support to take the next step. Whether you know that you'd like to find an attachment-based therapist, or you aren't sure exactly what you're looking for, it's ok. I'm here to help.

We are relational beings; it is in relation to others that we experience our wounding and our healing. The quality of our relationships across the lifespan shapes our experiences and influence our story, beginning with our family of origin, followed by friends and partners, along with cultural and societal constructs. How we make sense of our experiences impacts the way we move through the world, our perception of self and other, how we feel in our body, and how we become activated.

Have you ever wondered, "why did I just do that?" or felt conflicted with different sides of yourself? Have you ever felt completely confused why others seem to live easy lives and you don't? We can work together to understand what's important to you and how you want to live your best life. I offer a safe space for people of all ages (3-103!) to be understood and cared for without judgement or pressure. Sometimes this is working through stress within a family and it's affect on family members. Sometimes this work looks like learning new ways to cope with anxiety or improve how we talk to ourselves.

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.

Your soul is ready to heal. Too many of us are suffering in isolation, with complex challenges and big feelings we were never meant to carry on our own. That's where therapy comes in. I love supporting people with grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, co-dependance, and issues around self-worth and self-esteem. Bring me your grief, your sadness, your anxiety and your overwhelm. Bring me your wounded parts, and let's hold them close, together. Once you have a place where you feel seen, heard and held without judgment, you will naturally begin to heal. Allow me to be that place for you today.

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.

Throughout our lives, we encounter a variety of natural transitions, some of which challenge our ability to cope. Death, divorce, life threatening illness, career change, marriage, becoming a parent, spiritual or existential crisis...to name a few. In an attempt to adjust, many of us experience emotional distress. I would be honored to work with you to provide support. I enjoy working with people of all ages including young children and teens. Through talk therapy, expressive arts, sand tray, and engaged play, my goal is to make each client feel prioritized, heard, cared about, valued, and nurtured throughout their process.

As a good friend of mine often says, “it’s hard to be human.” We are given all kinds of messages that life “should” be certain ways and that we “should” be happy 100% of the time. I think this causes us much more suffering than necessary. We wouldn’t be who we are today without the challenges we have faced. How do we make the best of these challenges, grow, and move forward with more strength, resiliency, and joy? Welcome, my background began in health education and morphed into community mental health for many years, predominantly working with queer and trans youth, their families, and communities.

Life can be hard but I'm guessing you already knew that.  All the hard stuff can leave us feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or sad. Sometimes life's challenges become too difficult to overcome alone. Finding a safe and collaborative place to explore and address what is troubling you is the first step toward healing.  Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or challenges within a relationship. While there are no guarantees of what you will experience in therapy, research shows that therapy helps people. It works. Psychotherapy can elevate feelings of self worth, purpose, and improve your overall quality of life.

Anxiety, depression, listlessness, addiction, challenges in relationship, acute and complex trauma, future pessimism, loneliness, and confusion about how to navigate towards the fulfilling life we want for ourselves are not weird conditions, they are common! With the world as complex as it is, it’s not unreasonable, for some part of us, on any given day, to look out our window and ask, how did I get here, and what am I supposed to do with all this?

Hi there. Amid life's challenges, it takes courage to seek help, and I commend you for taking that brave first step. Together, we will embark on a path of healing and growth, creating a safe haven where you can freely express yourself without fear of judgment. I believe in your inherent wisdom and expertise in your own life. Through our collaborative approach, we will unlock the answers that already reside within you. Guided by a holistic perspective, we will integrate the mind, body, and soul to foster true healing and lasting change. Welcome to a transformative journey toward well-being and self-discovery.

My aim is to listen with empathy and show up for you with no judgement. Whether it’s environmental changes, depression, substance, and/or major life changes, unexpected life events can affect us all. I am committed to providing a safe space for you and allowing you to be yourself. Being vulnerable can be difficult and I strive to work at your pace. My intention is to put you at the center and work on a strength-based approach by having you as the driver. I work with you to develop your goals, so you’re better equipped to maneuver the ups and downs of life.

Own your story. I specialize in working with women who have experienced trauma, grief, difficult life transitions, stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem and are ready to take charge of their life narrative. Trust, authenticity, and vulnerability are vital components of the therapeutic process and I work hard to establish and maintain those values with clients. My heart for my clients is that they would feel the safety of being themselves while also being invited into growth and restoration of relationships.

Hello! I’m so glad you found me. Do you find yourself experiencing difficulties with your mental health, but aren’t sure where to start? Have you been in therapy before and want to continue your healing journey? I work holistically, utilizing the knowledge I gain regarding your life history and social atmosphere to guide you in therapy. I will work collaboratively with you to make meaningful change, respecting your individuality and autonomy. My strengths are in helping you organize your life to support your goals, untangle any knots from trauma, relationships, or emotional experiences, and grow your authentic self.