Grief Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
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.
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.
Sarita Jessica Benn-Towle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, CMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Whether it be through creative or emotional expression, bridging mind and body, or attuning to each unfolding moment, it is possible to flow and thrive within the wildness that life and loss can bring.
As a holistic-somatic therapist, I hold a non-pathologizing perspective, emphasizing your innate wholeness and capacity for healing. I relate directly and spontaneously, focusing on mind-body-presence. Rooted in a compassionate and mindful eco-psycho-social context, I focus on supporting adult individuals and couples. Most of my clients are processing trauma, anxiety, shame, grief, co-dependence, and ADHD patterns with the aim of achieving a sense of secure connection both internally and externally. As a path to gain insight into the intricate dynamics of your process and behaviors sessions may focus on felt-sense resources.
Whether it be through creative or emotional expression, bridging mind and body, or attuning to each unfolding moment, it is possible to flow and thrive within the wildness that life and loss can bring.
As a holistic-somatic therapist, I hold a non-pathologizing perspective, emphasizing your innate wholeness and capacity for healing. I relate directly and spontaneously, focusing on mind-body-presence. Rooted in a compassionate and mindful eco-psycho-social context, I focus on supporting adult individuals and couples. Most of my clients are processing trauma, anxiety, shame, grief, co-dependence, and ADHD patterns with the aim of achieving a sense of secure connection both internally and externally. As a path to gain insight into the intricate dynamics of your process and behaviors sessions may focus on felt-sense resources.
I specialize in trauma resolution, embodiment, honoring and transforming grief, and cultivating intimacy & fulfilling relationships.
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 specialize in trauma resolution, embodiment, honoring and transforming grief, and cultivating intimacy & fulfilling relationships.
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.
J. Sarah MacEwan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
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.
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.
Heidi Poteet Marini
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ALPCC, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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.
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.
Sometimes life throws us situations we never imagined for ourselves. The death of a parent, spouse, or best friend. Frequent calls from your child’s teacher about their “bad behavior." A surprise announcement from your teen that they’re not comfortable in the gender you always thought they were. You’re not alone, and you or your child don’t have to go through these experiences alone, either. Together, we’ll find ways to cope with the days where it feels too hard to get out of bed, to explore what feelings are coming up when you’re crying alone in the shower, or to come up with strategies to see the “good” in your child.
Sometimes life throws us situations we never imagined for ourselves. The death of a parent, spouse, or best friend. Frequent calls from your child’s teacher about their “bad behavior." A surprise announcement from your teen that they’re not comfortable in the gender you always thought they were. You’re not alone, and you or your child don’t have to go through these experiences alone, either. Together, we’ll find ways to cope with the days where it feels too hard to get out of bed, to explore what feelings are coming up when you’re crying alone in the shower, or to come up with strategies to see the “good” in your child.
Self Discovery Jungian Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I think therapy is always a good idea. Crisis, however, is often what leads us into therapy, and I believe that it is a call and an opportunity to look deeply, not only into our "problems" but, into ourselves. My approach is non-pathologizing, relational, and grounded in Jungian theory. I work with a variety of concerns with a special interest in spirituality, identity discovery, developmental and transitional adjustments, grief, loss, depression, chronic and palliative illness. I believe that every person has an innate capacity for healing and I am interested in helping people find theirs.
I think therapy is always a good idea. Crisis, however, is often what leads us into therapy, and I believe that it is a call and an opportunity to look deeply, not only into our "problems" but, into ourselves. My approach is non-pathologizing, relational, and grounded in Jungian theory. I work with a variety of concerns with a special interest in spirituality, identity discovery, developmental and transitional adjustments, grief, loss, depression, chronic and palliative illness. I believe that every person has an innate capacity for healing and I am interested in helping people find theirs.
April Kirkhart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95061 (Online Only)
We are in the midst of great change, which can bring uncertainty and feelings of anxiety. Any grief, life transitions, relational issues, anxiety, depression or old patterns you were already dealing with, may feel compounded by the current climate. Therapy can help you stay connected and gain much needed support and perspective. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW no. 104585), and bring a strengths-based and person-centered approach to my clients. I'm accepting new clients on private pay basis.
We are in the midst of great change, which can bring uncertainty and feelings of anxiety. Any grief, life transitions, relational issues, anxiety, depression or old patterns you were already dealing with, may feel compounded by the current climate. Therapy can help you stay connected and gain much needed support and perspective. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW no. 104585), and bring a strengths-based and person-centered approach to my clients. I'm accepting new clients on private pay basis.
Treatment specializations includes:
- Depression, Anxiety
- Grief and Loss
- ADD/ADHD
- Relationship Problems
- Trauma and PTSD
- Work and Career Issues
- Stress Management
- Addiction and Recovery
- Parenting and Family Issues
- Eating disorders and Body Image
- Spiritual Issues and Emergence.
I specialize in individual, couples and family therapy. With over 20 years experience, I work with a broad spectrum of clients.
I have presented at international trainings on how the body stores emotions and trauma, the transforming work of inner identities and living from one's Essential Self.
I am an interactive and dynamic therapist. I provide support and practical feedback to help address life's challenges. I integrate complimentary modalities and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach.
With compassion and understanding I work with each individual to help build and attain the personal growth they're striving for.
Treatment specializations includes:
- Depression, Anxiety
- Grief and Loss
- ADD/ADHD
- Relationship Problems
- Trauma and PTSD
- Work and Career Issues
- Stress Management
- Addiction and Recovery
- Parenting and Family Issues
- Eating disorders and Body Image
- Spiritual Issues and Emergence.
I specialize in individual, couples and family therapy. With over 20 years experience, I work with a broad spectrum of clients.
I have presented at international trainings on how the body stores emotions and trauma, the transforming work of inner identities and living from one's Essential Self.
I am an interactive and dynamic therapist. I provide support and practical feedback to help address life's challenges. I integrate complimentary modalities and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach.
With compassion and understanding I work with each individual to help build and attain the personal growth they're striving for.
Eva Rider ReclaimingSoul Jungian Depth Psychology
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I offer somatic work such as TRE in working through grief, loss, trauma,life transitions, relationships and identity to discover new soul meaning and purpose.
Working beyond Ego therapy, A Jungian depth psycho-spiritual lens offers a , a map to personal soul growth. With 30 years of experience, I offer both In Person and Online Teletherapy options for individuals in soul exploration, grief, depression, trauma. I specialize in dreamwork, astrology, alchemy, creativity and somatic integration. I trained extensively in Marion Woodman's BodySoul Rhythms, Hypnotherapy, TRE (Trauma Releasing), SoulCollage. With 40 years of esoteric systems study and 27 years licensed in psychotherapy, I teach and present at Jungian Groups, Graduate Institutes and internationally and online.
I offer somatic work such as TRE in working through grief, loss, trauma,life transitions, relationships and identity to discover new soul meaning and purpose.
Working beyond Ego therapy, A Jungian depth psycho-spiritual lens offers a , a map to personal soul growth. With 30 years of experience, I offer both In Person and Online Teletherapy options for individuals in soul exploration, grief, depression, trauma. I specialize in dreamwork, astrology, alchemy, creativity and somatic integration. I trained extensively in Marion Woodman's BodySoul Rhythms, Hypnotherapy, TRE (Trauma Releasing), SoulCollage. With 40 years of esoteric systems study and 27 years licensed in psychotherapy, I teach and present at Jungian Groups, Graduate Institutes and internationally and online.
I feel especially passionate about working with those who are experiencing the effects of life altering losses; including death, divorce, adoption, infertility, baby loss, and perinatal mood disorders.
Has life taken an unexpected turn? Are you faced with difficult life changes? You may feel unprepared for the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing, and you may find that your ability to cope is greatly challenged. You may have decisions to make in the midst of it all and feel confused, overwhelmed, and alone. I would be honored to support you through this difficult time and to help you make sense of your thoughts and feelings; access your inner wisdom; find clarity; and feel better.
I feel especially passionate about working with those who are experiencing the effects of life altering losses; including death, divorce, adoption, infertility, baby loss, and perinatal mood disorders.
Has life taken an unexpected turn? Are you faced with difficult life changes? You may feel unprepared for the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing, and you may find that your ability to cope is greatly challenged. You may have decisions to make in the midst of it all and feel confused, overwhelmed, and alone. I would be honored to support you through this difficult time and to help you make sense of your thoughts and feelings; access your inner wisdom; find clarity; and feel better.
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Jessica Reynolds
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I specialize in several areas of counseling - life transitions, grief, couples, family cut-off, blended families, military life, brainspotting, trauma and anxiety.
Sometimes we need a change in our lives, our relationships and ourselves, and we need help navigating how to do that. Sometimes the change happens to us, through loss and separation, and we need help getting through it. Whether change is something you want in yourself or your relationship, or you are grieving change life has thrown your way, processing in therapy can help. We do not have to navigate the challenges of life alone. Having someone come alongside with empathy and knowledge can be a light in the dark that illuminates the path forward.
I specialize in several areas of counseling - life transitions, grief, couples, family cut-off, blended families, military life, brainspotting, trauma and anxiety.
Sometimes we need a change in our lives, our relationships and ourselves, and we need help navigating how to do that. Sometimes the change happens to us, through loss and separation, and we need help getting through it. Whether change is something you want in yourself or your relationship, or you are grieving change life has thrown your way, processing in therapy can help. We do not have to navigate the challenges of life alone. Having someone come alongside with empathy and knowledge can be a light in the dark that illuminates the path forward.
I also offer men's circles, grief work and nature connection.
My commitment to all my clients is to provide empathy, compassion, and curiosity in order to support authentic expression of feelings and needs. The path towards authentic expression is unique to the individual depending on their background, their experience with therapy and their specific therapeutic goals and so I offer various therapeutic interventions, to support authentic self expression and healing. I value both the exploration of one's past as well as here and now functioning through mindfulness practice. Using a holistic approach and focusing on the client's strengths and insights, the journey towards wholeness begins.
I also offer men's circles, grief work and nature connection.
My commitment to all my clients is to provide empathy, compassion, and curiosity in order to support authentic expression of feelings and needs. The path towards authentic expression is unique to the individual depending on their background, their experience with therapy and their specific therapeutic goals and so I offer various therapeutic interventions, to support authentic self expression and healing. I value both the exploration of one's past as well as here and now functioning through mindfulness practice. Using a holistic approach and focusing on the client's strengths and insights, the journey towards wholeness begins.
Individuals come to me for a variety of problems; most often to improve the quality of their life and get relief from nagging self-doubt, anxiety, depression and emotional distress due to life changes and loss. They come to me for clarity, direction and tools to move beyond old patterns and take action to achieve a greater sense of freedom, fulfillment and authenticity.
Individuals come to me for a variety of problems; most often to improve the quality of their life and get relief from nagging self-doubt, anxiety, depression and emotional distress due to life changes and loss. They come to me for clarity, direction and tools to move beyond old patterns and take action to achieve a greater sense of freedom, fulfillment and authenticity.
I specialize in working with grief.
My work as a therapist is to create a safe, supportive space for clients to open up, experience life as it is right now, and explore whatever is calling out for attention from within or from outer challenges.
This work is empowering to my clients as they connect with a flow of healing and transformation from within themselves and learn new tools for living more fully-tools that they can carry into their lives long after our time together has passed.
I specialize in working with grief.
My work as a therapist is to create a safe, supportive space for clients to open up, experience life as it is right now, and explore whatever is calling out for attention from within or from outer challenges.
This work is empowering to my clients as they connect with a flow of healing and transformation from within themselves and learn new tools for living more fully-tools that they can carry into their lives long after our time together has passed.
Janene Forsyth, LMFT, #: 111435
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, a challenging transition, loss, trauma, or relationship issues, call me for a free 20 minute psychotherapy consultation. Along with being a licensed marriage family therapist, I am also a certified hypnotherapist. I am compassionate, and skilled to help you move through your path of healing. My sessions are through HIPPA compliant "TeleMentalHealth" technology or online therapy, so I'm as close as your phone or computer.
If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, a challenging transition, loss, trauma, or relationship issues, call me for a free 20 minute psychotherapy consultation. Along with being a licensed marriage family therapist, I am also a certified hypnotherapist. I am compassionate, and skilled to help you move through your path of healing. My sessions are through HIPPA compliant "TeleMentalHealth" technology or online therapy, so I'm as close as your phone or computer.
Anjoli Kumra
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, CRM
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Hi there, good for you for taking the time to choose a therapist. Finding someone who is a good fit for you is one of the most important aspects of therapy. I'm looking to work with those who are experiencing grief, depression, or anxiety. I don't want to just talk to you about what's going on, I want to empower you and teach you how to heal yourself. I can give some pointers and a framework while holding space for you to discover your own unique healing for your own unique predicament.
Hi there, good for you for taking the time to choose a therapist. Finding someone who is a good fit for you is one of the most important aspects of therapy. I'm looking to work with those who are experiencing grief, depression, or anxiety. I don't want to just talk to you about what's going on, I want to empower you and teach you how to heal yourself. I can give some pointers and a framework while holding space for you to discover your own unique healing for your own unique predicament.
I provide grief counseling with a focus on living with intention and cultivating a sense of wellness and wholeness.
Grief is messy. One minute you feel numb; the next minute you are sobbing. Or maybe you feel relieved and then feel guilty for feeling relieved. You expect yourself to be sad but surprise yourself by feeling angry and then scared. It’s a wild ride. It’s unpredictable and unwieldy. It’s as unique as the relationship (or situation) that launched it. Most of us don’t “get over” our losses, but we can integrate them into our lives in a meaningful way that allows us to move forward with a sense of peace.
I provide grief counseling with a focus on living with intention and cultivating a sense of wellness and wholeness.
Grief is messy. One minute you feel numb; the next minute you are sobbing. Or maybe you feel relieved and then feel guilty for feeling relieved. You expect yourself to be sad but surprise yourself by feeling angry and then scared. It’s a wild ride. It’s unpredictable and unwieldy. It’s as unique as the relationship (or situation) that launched it. Most of us don’t “get over” our losses, but we can integrate them into our lives in a meaningful way that allows us to move forward with a sense of peace.
Nicole Nemiroff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I have over ten year's experience with grief & trauma and I hold degrees from UCLA & CIIS.
Are you looking for some support? Feeling Stuck? Could you use some space for You? You might be in the right place. I specialize in working with grief, anxiety, alcoholic family systems, and trauma. I also specialize in working with women in the "helping" fields - medicine, healthcare, education, and even business and tech. I am an excellent anxiety and depression therapist. I offer support, wisdom, guidance & perspective - and I always promise to always treat you with dignity.
I have over ten year's experience with grief & trauma and I hold degrees from UCLA & CIIS.
Are you looking for some support? Feeling Stuck? Could you use some space for You? You might be in the right place. I specialize in working with grief, anxiety, alcoholic family systems, and trauma. I also specialize in working with women in the "helping" fields - medicine, healthcare, education, and even business and tech. I am an excellent anxiety and depression therapist. I offer support, wisdom, guidance & perspective - and I always promise to always treat you with dignity.
Thistle Hofvendahl
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I have training in Gottman Method and love working with couples I am also a member of the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America and support people with working through the grief and anxiety that comes up around climate change.
Finding the right therapist can feel challenging, whether you’re looking for yourself, your child, or as a couple. I'm here to hold a welcoming, exploratory space where you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and feel more confident. I specialize in working with kids, teens, couples, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have an accepting, collaborative approach. Through out work together, my clients learn to identify and express their emotions and develop healthy coping skills. As a result, their self esteem and communication improve and they feel less overwhelmed.
I have training in Gottman Method and love working with couples I am also a member of the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America and support people with working through the grief and anxiety that comes up around climate change.
Finding the right therapist can feel challenging, whether you’re looking for yourself, your child, or as a couple. I'm here to hold a welcoming, exploratory space where you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and feel more confident. I specialize in working with kids, teens, couples, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have an accepting, collaborative approach. Through out work together, my clients learn to identify and express their emotions and develop healthy coping skills. As a result, their self esteem and communication improve and they feel less overwhelmed.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
Nearby Grief Therapists Searches for Santa Cruz
- Aptos
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- Saratoga
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Grief Therapists
How long does therapy take for grief?
There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.
When should you seek therapy for grief?
Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.
Can grief be managed without therapy?
Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.
What happens if grief is left untreated?
Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.