Family Therapy in Santa Cruz, CA
I draw from evidence-based client-centered modalities including Transpersonal Psychology, Ecopsychology, Internal Family Systems, Gestalt, Family Systems and Somatic approaches to healing.
Thanks for reaching out and welcome. I view therapy as a collaboration where therapist and client work together to connect with an inner healing intelligence and unconditional positive regard within each of us. We can then tend to trauma, grief, resentments, and limiting beliefs that are contributing to symptoms. With humility and reverence for the resilience, courage and vulnerability it can take to heal ourselves, I create a nonjudgemental, kind and compassionate space with room for humor, absurdity and fun.
I draw from evidence-based client-centered modalities including Transpersonal Psychology, Ecopsychology, Internal Family Systems, Gestalt, Family Systems and Somatic approaches to healing.
Thanks for reaching out and welcome. I view therapy as a collaboration where therapist and client work together to connect with an inner healing intelligence and unconditional positive regard within each of us. We can then tend to trauma, grief, resentments, and limiting beliefs that are contributing to symptoms. With humility and reverence for the resilience, courage and vulnerability it can take to heal ourselves, I create a nonjudgemental, kind and compassionate space with room for humor, absurdity and fun.
Genine Leighton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95061
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice in Santa Cruz, CA. I provide psychotherapy for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, women's issues, perinatal/postpartum challenges, infertility, trauma recovery, and career struggles/transitions. I work with couples who may be struggling with communication, intimacy, and overall dissatisfaction with their current relationship dynamics. I also facilitate groups for postpartum challenges, parenting and body image. Please view my website for detailed and current information regarding my practice at www.sunmindtherapy.com
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice in Santa Cruz, CA. I provide psychotherapy for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, women's issues, perinatal/postpartum challenges, infertility, trauma recovery, and career struggles/transitions. I work with couples who may be struggling with communication, intimacy, and overall dissatisfaction with their current relationship dynamics. I also facilitate groups for postpartum challenges, parenting and body image. Please view my website for detailed and current information regarding my practice at www.sunmindtherapy.com
Carrie Likeness
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! Are you feeling frozen, avoidant, exhausted, disconnected, or uncertain in life? Many of us do from time to time and this is where psychotherapy makes a difference. My passion as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist is helping those struggling with phase of life issues, blocks to personal growth or vibrancy, and the day to day challenges of mental health symptoms. I will work collaboratively with you to tailor personalized treatment so you can identify and articulate your barriers and then work to get unstuck.
Welcome! Are you feeling frozen, avoidant, exhausted, disconnected, or uncertain in life? Many of us do from time to time and this is where psychotherapy makes a difference. My passion as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist is helping those struggling with phase of life issues, blocks to personal growth or vibrancy, and the day to day challenges of mental health symptoms. I will work collaboratively with you to tailor personalized treatment so you can identify and articulate your barriers and then work to get unstuck.
Andrea L Rossi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Waitlist for new clients
My approach is derived from the rich soil of mindfulness, aikido, art therapy, family systems, self psychology, CBT, DBT, and holistic/somatic based approaches.
Embarking on the journey of psychotherapy is a courageous and empowering act. My intention is to assist you in recognizing, respecting, and building on your strengths, and improving your capacity for self regulation. Through this partnership, I will assist you in bringing unconscious faulty core beliefs to the light of mindful awareness, engaging your wisdom and compassion. I will work with you collaboratively to address and navigate through your pain, your perceived limitations and stuck places, which are your growing edges. This demanding and enlivening work can improve your quality of life, and expand your capacity for joy and happiness.
My approach is derived from the rich soil of mindfulness, aikido, art therapy, family systems, self psychology, CBT, DBT, and holistic/somatic based approaches.
Embarking on the journey of psychotherapy is a courageous and empowering act. My intention is to assist you in recognizing, respecting, and building on your strengths, and improving your capacity for self regulation. Through this partnership, I will assist you in bringing unconscious faulty core beliefs to the light of mindful awareness, engaging your wisdom and compassion. I will work with you collaboratively to address and navigate through your pain, your perceived limitations and stuck places, which are your growing edges. This demanding and enlivening work can improve your quality of life, and expand your capacity for joy and happiness.
Holly and team are trained in many types of therapy, including those commonly requested - EMDR, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction; Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy; Motivational Interviewing; Internal Family Systems.
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.
Holly and team are trained in many types of therapy, including those commonly requested - EMDR, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction; Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy; Motivational Interviewing; Internal Family Systems.
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.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with a masters in counseling and a commitment to helping my clients reach their full potential. I provide engaged and compassionate therapy to families, adults, children, teens, and couples in a safe, nurturing environment. Whether you are dealing with a specific challenge, such as grief or a rough spot in your relationship, or you simply want to find more balance in your life, therapy can provide new tools and a fresh perspective.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with a masters in counseling and a commitment to helping my clients reach their full potential. I provide engaged and compassionate therapy to families, adults, children, teens, and couples in a safe, nurturing environment. Whether you are dealing with a specific challenge, such as grief or a rough spot in your relationship, or you simply want to find more balance in your life, therapy can provide new tools and a fresh perspective.
Walter Paul Orion
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I work with adolescents, adults and families in individual, couples, family and group therapy settings. I have over 16 years of experience and work primarily from a relational, compassionate, client-centered, transpersonal and somatic centered approaches. This holistic therapeutic approach allows my clients to heal, integrate and transform their negative/traumatic experiences by using empathy and mindfulness skills to improve their functioning within their daily, social, work and relational domains.
I work with adolescents, adults and families in individual, couples, family and group therapy settings. I have over 16 years of experience and work primarily from a relational, compassionate, client-centered, transpersonal and somatic centered approaches. This holistic therapeutic approach allows my clients to heal, integrate and transform their negative/traumatic experiences by using empathy and mindfulness skills to improve their functioning within their daily, social, work and relational domains.
This work has truly changed the way I think and feel about myself! It has improved the way I communicate with people in my life; in intimate relationships, as well as everyone from my family to my co-workers.
I provide experiential sex & intimacy coaching, as well as group facilitation, to help get you out of your head and into your body, to explore what connects you to your pleasure and allows you to step into your power.
This work has truly changed the way I think and feel about myself! It has improved the way I communicate with people in my life; in intimate relationships, as well as everyone from my family to my co-workers.
I provide experiential sex & intimacy coaching, as well as group facilitation, to help get you out of your head and into your body, to explore what connects you to your pleasure and allows you to step into your power.
Zerreniah Tran is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and has been working in the mental health field for over 8 years. She has extensive experience in providing individual and group therapy for a diverse population and offers psychotherapy in English and Tagalog languages. Her work has involved counseling survivors of domestic violence, adolescents presented with transitional challenges, adults with relationship issues, seniors experiencing difficulties with aging, and foster youths in need of support with healthy coping and independent living.
Zerreniah Tran is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and has been working in the mental health field for over 8 years. She has extensive experience in providing individual and group therapy for a diverse population and offers psychotherapy in English and Tagalog languages. Her work has involved counseling survivors of domestic violence, adolescents presented with transitional challenges, adults with relationship issues, seniors experiencing difficulties with aging, and foster youths in need of support with healthy coping and independent living.
Tracy Korpela
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
At the Center for Embodiment Medicine, I use a variety of research-based therapeutic modalities and transpersonal spirituality to work with teens and young adults including Internal Family Systems, CBT, Gestalt, Hakomi, Somatic Experiencing, Art Therapy and Ecotherapy.
There is a fundamental core within each of us where our true Self resides. Our learned patterns of relating to ourselves and the world cause us to get pulled out of alignment. While these conditioned patterns were at one time useful, continuing to live from them prevents us from experiencing the Ease of our true nature. I provide a compassionate roadmap to rediscover how to live from your True Self. I am trained in Internal Family Systems and Attachment Theory which I use to support clients heal from relational trauma and attachment wounds. I work with relational trauma, religious trauma, loss of pregnancy/abortion + self-worth.
At the Center for Embodiment Medicine, I use a variety of research-based therapeutic modalities and transpersonal spirituality to work with teens and young adults including Internal Family Systems, CBT, Gestalt, Hakomi, Somatic Experiencing, Art Therapy and Ecotherapy.
There is a fundamental core within each of us where our true Self resides. Our learned patterns of relating to ourselves and the world cause us to get pulled out of alignment. While these conditioned patterns were at one time useful, continuing to live from them prevents us from experiencing the Ease of our true nature. I provide a compassionate roadmap to rediscover how to live from your True Self. I am trained in Internal Family Systems and Attachment Theory which I use to support clients heal from relational trauma and attachment wounds. I work with relational trauma, religious trauma, loss of pregnancy/abortion + self-worth.
Kendra F. Dunlap
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT, PPSC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (Online Only)
I utilize IFS (Internal Family Systems), EMDR, Attachment-based, Cognitive Behavioral, and Sensorimotor modalities in my work.
Clients seeking my services are looking for a safe and supportive space where they can bring their authentic whole “self” and explore and discuss issues centered on intersectional oppressions, identity exploration, trauma exploration, managing anxiety and stress, depression reduction, relational and attachment struggles, managing imposter syndrome, improving self-esteem, increasing communications skills and learning to identify and set healthy boundaries.
I utilize IFS (Internal Family Systems), EMDR, Attachment-based, Cognitive Behavioral, and Sensorimotor modalities in my work.
Clients seeking my services are looking for a safe and supportive space where they can bring their authentic whole “self” and explore and discuss issues centered on intersectional oppressions, identity exploration, trauma exploration, managing anxiety and stress, depression reduction, relational and attachment struggles, managing imposter syndrome, improving self-esteem, increasing communications skills and learning to identify and set healthy boundaries.
15 Second Videos
Inga Knudson
Jeremy Lansing
Thistle Hofvendahl
Dana Ingersoll
Hart Fae
Bridgette Payne
Elio Scudieri
Jessica Reynolds
Imuri Pacheco
Chiara V. Cabiglio
Spiral Process Therapy
Amanda Cortez
Kristie Bell Holistic Psychotherapy
Joshua Lowe
Janet Huh
Ellen Garfield, LMFT. Specializing in EMDR
Ashley Youngblood
Colleen Klym
Xander Abrams
J. Sarah MacEwan
Dennis Patton Couples Counseling
Karin Leonard
Angelina Nader
Jasmeen Miah
Kerena Saltzman
Tim Desmond
G. Katie Dashtban
Darrin Gene Scott
Liz Vines
Yesenia Y. Flores
Eileen Retzloff
Karen Nelsen
Bianca Filion
Rory Valentine Diller
LifeCoach/Shamanic Practioner;Animal Communicator
Sebastian Beca
Barbara Lutz
Ivan W Foote
Katy Wann
Dr. Thomas Lucking, PhD
Shelley Dukes
Heaven Sent Counseling Jennifer McKay
Jen Sims
Couples Therapist Anisha Mistry
Cassandra Hazen
Cat Bilski
Rami Vissell
Linnae Ponte
Samantha Rasmusen
Jennifer Holt
Tanya Ossipoff
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
My therapy modalities include expressive arts therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, EMDR (reprocessing traumatic memories), and working to gain perspective on how our early family life affects the decisions we make in our relationships.
We all have a need for connection, love and support. When we share our stories, we can form a new standpoint and choose different pathways to walk in this life. When we face life’s difficulties, I believe it is possible to find new perspectives and cultivate hope. Moving forward together, we can make a plan for change and recovery based on your goals. My style of relating to others is warm, caring, and collaborative. I offer a therapy experience grounded in respect, truth, objective reality, and compassion. I love to find the humor in everyday life, as humor can help us to withstand hardships.
My therapy modalities include expressive arts therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, EMDR (reprocessing traumatic memories), and working to gain perspective on how our early family life affects the decisions we make in our relationships.
We all have a need for connection, love and support. When we share our stories, we can form a new standpoint and choose different pathways to walk in this life. When we face life’s difficulties, I believe it is possible to find new perspectives and cultivate hope. Moving forward together, we can make a plan for change and recovery based on your goals. My style of relating to others is warm, caring, and collaborative. I offer a therapy experience grounded in respect, truth, objective reality, and compassion. I love to find the humor in everyday life, as humor can help us to withstand hardships.
Yes To Therapy, Individual, Family & Couples
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
We offer individual, couples, and family therapy sessions as well as group therapy.
At Yes To Therapy, we provide therapeutic services and medication management to a wide variety of ages, genders, cultures, and populations. We pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming environment for each and every client who walks through our doors. We have therapists that reflect an array of different genders, ethnic backgrounds, and specialties, as we aim to meet the needs of our clients and match each person with a therapist that truly feels like the right fit.
We offer individual, couples, and family therapy sessions as well as group therapy.
At Yes To Therapy, we provide therapeutic services and medication management to a wide variety of ages, genders, cultures, and populations. We pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming environment for each and every client who walks through our doors. We have therapists that reflect an array of different genders, ethnic backgrounds, and specialties, as we aim to meet the needs of our clients and match each person with a therapist that truly feels like the right fit.
I am a compassionate, empathetic, engaging, and challenging therapist. I utilize the many disciplines I have integrated over the past 30 plus years of practicing as a Licensed Marriage and family therapist. I am also a Certified Addiction Specialist (#C-4020). I tailor treatment to each individual, couple, and family. I will help guide you on your journey of change.
I am a compassionate, empathetic, engaging, and challenging therapist. I utilize the many disciplines I have integrated over the past 30 plus years of practicing as a Licensed Marriage and family therapist. I am also a Certified Addiction Specialist (#C-4020). I tailor treatment to each individual, couple, and family. I will help guide you on your journey of change.
David B. Ruso
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Entering into the right therapeutic relationship is the first step toward healing and change. Working collaboratively we will explore the origins of any problems or pain you have be struggling with, at a pace that is safe and comfortable for you. As mental and emotional material is explored, the ability to experience greater freedom and enjoyment in your relationships, work, and family life will become more readily accessible and tangible in daily life.
Entering into the right therapeutic relationship is the first step toward healing and change. Working collaboratively we will explore the origins of any problems or pain you have be struggling with, at a pace that is safe and comfortable for you. As mental and emotional material is explored, the ability to experience greater freedom and enjoyment in your relationships, work, and family life will become more readily accessible and tangible in daily life.
Tools such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Neurolinguistic Programing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will serve on our journey together.
Relationships are hard, especially when we are carrying uncomfortable feelings about ourselves and others. It is useful to untangle what you would like and develop an outcome that meets your needs. Then, life will seem easier, and relationships will go more smoothly. It is helpful to identify the early imprints, the parts that are struggling to protect us and to bring trauma to a place where it is simply a memory. Beliefs that have been around forever about us need to be examined and updated.
Tools such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Neurolinguistic Programing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will serve on our journey together.
Relationships are hard, especially when we are carrying uncomfortable feelings about ourselves and others. It is useful to untangle what you would like and develop an outcome that meets your needs. Then, life will seem easier, and relationships will go more smoothly. It is helpful to identify the early imprints, the parts that are struggling to protect us and to bring trauma to a place where it is simply a memory. Beliefs that have been around forever about us need to be examined and updated.
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.
I typically work with clients who have issues with their family of origin and clients who are managing parenting difficulties due to separation or divorce, or substance abuse issues.
Hello! My name is Ivette R. Pelayo, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that specializes in understanding our familial origins, in order to understand our current situation.
I typically work with clients who have issues with their family of origin and clients who are managing parenting difficulties due to separation or divorce, or substance abuse issues.
Hello! My name is Ivette R. Pelayo, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that specializes in understanding our familial origins, in order to understand our current situation.
Dr. Lori Butterworth
Psychological Associate, PsyD, MEd, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Please don't hesitate to reach out; I am here to help find support for your child and family.
If you’re a parent looking for mental health support for your child or teen, I'm here to help. My experience with youth mental health has spanned three decades. As a former high school teacher, founder of Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer, the Children's Hospice Coalition, and the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, I have worked with hundreds of youth and families. I use evidence-based, family-centered care and specialize in youth-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), exposure response prevention (ERP), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
Please don't hesitate to reach out; I am here to help find support for your child and family.
If you’re a parent looking for mental health support for your child or teen, I'm here to help. My experience with youth mental health has spanned three decades. As a former high school teacher, founder of Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer, the Children's Hospice Coalition, and the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, I have worked with hundreds of youth and families. I use evidence-based, family-centered care and specialize in youth-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), exposure response prevention (ERP), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
My name is Amy Childers and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work to provide a safe and supportive environment for my clients to engage to find better ways to manage their symptoms and live a more fulfilling life. I specialize in working with trauma, depression, and anxiety amongst other general life stressors that may come up.
My name is Amy Childers and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work to provide a safe and supportive environment for my clients to engage to find better ways to manage their symptoms and live a more fulfilling life. I specialize in working with trauma, depression, and anxiety amongst other general life stressors that may come up.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
Family Therapy
What do family therapists do?
A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.
How long does therapy for families take to work?
Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.
How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?
You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.
Is therapy for families effective?
Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.