Therapists in Santa Cruz County, CA

Hi there, I'm Ann! I love working with adults, families and some younger people. I have helped with many different types of issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, generational trauma, and physical and emotional trauma. I am trained in many techniques and modalities including Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, CBT, DBT, EMDR, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy. I have a cultural experience with generational trauma in cross-cultural settings as well as Indigenous communities.

In my work with clients, I value understanding each person's individual experience and I strive to create a supportive environment with a warm, reflective and engaging approach. I believe we all have the potential to lead fulfilling lives. To reach this potential, I help clients reflect on themselves and their experiences, identify and understand patterns, and initiate change. I am influenced by psychodynamic perspectives and attachment theory.

At times, life can be incredibly challenging and painful for all of us. I specialize in supporting folks figure out the root of their difficulty and find the clarity and strength to move beyond their hardship. Whether you're feeling lost in how to address your issues or feel weighed down by trauma, I am here to sit with you and help you no longer be defined by these difficulties.

Inviting a therapist into your inner world takes courage and I'm so glad you're here! Whether this is your first time thinking about therapy or not, the process may seem intimidating. My goal is to establish a safe space for you and to build a trusting relationship between us. In doing so, we lay the groundwork needed to explore daily stressors and deeply rooted past traumas and experiences. I am committed to a client-centered, solution-focused approach that’s grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Life is filled with decisions, unexpected turns neither predicted nor guaranteed, and experiences that shape our individual stories. Therapy can be a window into these narratives, allowing exploration into past and present. It can forge a future lived with more intention, fulfillment and balance. I utilize an approach to psychotherapy that aims to present a fuller picture of who we are, individualizing my practice based on my clients and their needs. A safe, supportive environment can make space for clarity and growth as you navigate life transitions, both big and small, chosen or uncertain.

I believe we’re all doing the best we can with the tools and experiences life has given us. I help clients find relief from anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship difficulties (couples/relational work), traumas (emotional and/or physical) and low self-esteem. Providing a therapy experience that is free of judgment or shame and having client's feel heard and understood is my priority - this is especially important in my work with couples.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist, assistant professor, and scientist. In my private practice, I see teens, adults, couples, and families. I take a holistic, trauma-informed, culturally-sensitive, and evidence-based approach to psychotherapy. I also provide life coaching and executive consultation. After learning about your history, stressors, and sociocultural background, I will work closely with you to meet your goals, however big or small they may seem.