Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

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.

The decision to pursue therapy is a powerful step towards change and personal growth. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed by transition, needing to heal past hurts, grieve losses, or learn how to live a more authentic and meaningful life, together we will explore desired areas of change and growth. Even if what needs to change or what is holding you back is unclear, I welcome you to come in and start wherever you are. As your therapist my intention is to help you process life events, increase self-awareness, and discover insights in a safe and supportive environment.

Welcome! I specialize in supporting teens and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and difficult life transitions. Through our work, my clients are able to develop a strong sense of self, learn effective relationship skills and master healthy coping skills. I believe that therapy is not just reserved for when you are in crisis, but rather a safe space for reflection, curiosity & growth at any time in life. You are always deserving of this space, and I make it my goal to help you feel seen and heard from the moment we begin our work together.

Hi and welcome! A key component to successful therapy and personal change starts with a strong connection between therapist and client. I work with adults in ALL areas of relationships, including your relationship with yourself. I walk with people on the journey to their natural, authentic self with a professional and individual tx plan. I use an integrative model; including humanistic, holistic, CBT, ACT, somatic work and supportive psychotherapy-meeting a person where they are on any specific day. I am a mother, was a single mother, now a step mother, a grandmother, a lover of nature and a survivor of this 'human condition.'

VIDEO SESSIONS AVAILABLE FOR ALL CLIENTS . . . . . Initiating therapy can be a daunting and challenging process, and that begins with selecting a therapist around whom you will feel comfortable, safe and respected. To help you with that process, I'll start by sharing a few things about myself. I became a therapist because I discovered that it was a large part of who I am. Even at an early age, I found that I was often the person others felt safe to let their guard down with - to share what was happening below the surface, and to seek out my advice.

Since 1992, I have counseled families, adults and children. I am an EMDR Institute consultant and facilitator, and use EMDR therapy's adaptive information processing to help clients master the challenges encountered in their lives. I received my PhD in international psychology with trauma focus. My specialties include Trauma, Acculturation and Attachment Disorders in clients of all ages. My immigration experience from Germany has prompted the exploration of the crucial part played by our cultural roots in our decision making process and in our lifestyle choices. I speak English, Spanish and German.

It takes courage to make it here, and I’m so glad you did.

We all hit points in life where we feel stuck or uncertain of how to cope and move forward. As humans, stress and pain is inevitable, but you don’t have to work through it alone. I'm here to help you navigate your challenges and experience greater ease, satisfaction, and intimacy with life. My work is focused on supporting you to connect with your inner wisdom, shift how you relate with yourself, and remember your unique gifts. With a holistic approach, honoring mind, body, spirit, I believe that you are whole, resilient, and capable of growing and healing.

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.

I hold the belief that humans possess the resiliency to return to their grounded internal place of peace. Each person has the inherent ability to explore and find their individual tools for healing. I will gently and safely guide you through life's discord and back to your place of peace.

I love working with folks who are curious about the growth potential psychoanalytic psychotherapy can unveil. I believe in the curative elements of this approach and hope to generate positive change and wellness with you. Weaving a relational insight-oriented lens with art therapy, we can uncover areas of unconscious suffering, root causes, and establish goals for treatment. By increasing our self-understanding and meaning making capacities, we illuminate new perspectives and intentionality. Together, we can co-create effective pathways to integrate that knowledge towards personal growth and inner healing.

There's nothing hurt that can't be healed and there's nothing broken that can't be fixed. With insight, compassion and humor, I will support you on your journey towards right relationship with yourself and others. I am comfortable sitting with people who are having a challenging time and will create a safe space for us to move together towards deep healing and change. I invite a co-creative experience where together we hold the vision of your highest good and best possible life.

Blending conventional and alternative approaches I empower children, adolescents, and adults to reach their therapeutic goals. It is my belief that all children, regardless of age or race, speak their own unique language based on their unique life experiences. This language expresses who they are and what they need in order to live a more functional and productive life. My mission is to interpret that language and offer innovative strategies that foster positive growth and maturity. It is not only a challenge to change, grow, and learn. As a member of the human race, I feel it is an obligation!

Are everyday struggles blocking you from being your ideal self? I am a therapist who will work in partnership with you to help find the balance, contentedness, and the fulfillment in life you deserve. I utilize a collaborative, empathetic approach while not shying away from occasionally challenging you in a way that respects you as an individual.

Medicare clients accepted for teletherapy (telephone, Facetime, Zoom) . I treat trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. We carefully work through crises and both short and long term issues by using skillful means and tapping into your inner resources.

“A longtime meditator and skilled clinician, Tim Desmond offers exceptionally clear, accessible, and insightful guidance in how to facilitate deep transformation while addressing the spectrum of emotional suffering” — Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge

Children and adults enjoy coming to see me and receiving an inviting space to explore their authentic self through play and art based interventions. As a neurodivergent affirming and trauma informed provider I utilize child-centered models to focus on client's strengths and encourage growth through their unique assets. I focus on helping clients re-discover their root sense of resiliency. Within all of us there is a spark to which gives our life meaning, wherever that spark lies for you I am excited to embark on a journey of discovery with you.

I believe therapy is the development of a safe and trusting relationship between the facilitator and the participant. Therapy can be hard work and getting started can be scary, however making art, using play or being in nature can ease this process. As your therapist I will encourage you to use your creative imagination as a vehicle to understanding your inner turmoil, psychic pain or stagnancy. Along the way we will be implementing these effective tools in cultivating a more fulfilling life experience.

I have been practicing psychotherapy since 1988 and I love my work. I work with adults who suffer with depression and anxiety, trauma and grief. I also have 25 years of experience helping people become free of eating disorders and body image problems. I love to work with adults in transition. I no longer treat children and teens under 18. I am practical, generous and warm in my style. I believe that our struggles can be used to shape us into wiser, more empathic, loving people. I never blame people for their suffering, I don't like theoretical models that do. I live in Santa Cruz and work entirely on Zoom.

Welcome! I work with youth and adults using a strength-based, humanistic approach to treatment. It is my belief that YOU are the expert and that it is my job to help you develop your inner strength and knowledge in order to feel better and live a more fulfilling life. My approach involves integrating mind, body and spirit in order for you to take the insight that you receive in therapy and put it into direct action in your life. It would be my pleasure to work with you. Additionally, I'm now offering tele-health sessions. Please message me to find out more.