Couples Counseling Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
See all therapists in Santa Cruz
Leilani Jefferies
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
We are taught to constantly go, but sometimes we need to stop, look inside, and find what's keeping us from moving forward. I offer a safe container to do this. You have the knowledge within to choose the right path. It's my job to walk with you, lighting the way. Containment and clarity: this is what I can offer to you as my client. I offer therapy in English/Spanish to individuals,
couples
, and families. I have advanced training in EMDR, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. I also offer parenting support.

Carol Cochrane Bass
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Whether overwhelmed by a problem or feelings that cannot be fully understood, troubled by a failing
relationship
, or experiencing diminished ability to be effective in everyday routines, I would consider myself honored to be trusted with your vulnerability and pain, and help you to achieve positive change in your life.
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.

Katharina Schoellhammer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, #106720
Verified
Verified
Welcome, it takes courage to seek help when life’s challenges seem overwhelming, and I honor that you are taking a step towards finding support. This process offers an opportunity for growth, healing, and self-discovery, as I assist you with connecting to your own wisdom and compassion. I can help you explore barriers to greater contentment, fulfillment, and joy, while increasing coping skills to manage life’s inevitable stressors. I am passionate about helping people with mood and anxiety concerns, complex trauma, grief/loss, stress,
relationship
issues, life transitions, LGBTQ+ issues, and healing from dysfunctional upbringings.

Melinda Marie Martindale
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
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.'

Dylan Jay Brody
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am excited about working with those who are in recovery from addiction, working with
couples
dealing with conflict, working to improve
couples
' sex lives, helping clients explore the inner world of the psyche, and helping people to bring forth incredible curiosity, compassion, and love into their lives.
Welcome. If you’re reading this, it probably means you are looking for something different. If you are looking for individual therapy, I believe I can be of best support to those who have already begun their healing work and are ready to dive deeper. This might involve utilizing current high-tech approaches such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) or Somatic-based therapies, as well as mindfulness and present-moment focused therapy, or possibly delving deeper into your psychological history. However, I am confident, ready, and willing to meet people wherever they are at on their journey. Additionally, I enjoy working with
couples
.

Bree Gwinner
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, APCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I enjoy working with
couples
& individuals who are eager to deepen their relationships through conscious communication.
I believe we have the innate power to resolve & heal anything and that to do so we must consider going inward first. I believe the body is extremely intelligent & if we develop a loving connection with our body, we will connect with our internal wisdom that will act as our compass alongside our journey. I believe that our natural state of being is blissful & free of suffering & I am here to support you in remembering that state. I work well with those looking to expand their consciousness & awareness through self inquiry & exploration with the ultimate goal of living their most authentic & empowered life.

Anahata Christa Marie Neuman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified
Verified
I specialize in treatment of people who experience difficulty with painful emotions, disruptive
relationship
patterns and thoughts of self-harm.
I specialize in helping people reduce their suffering though quality and efficient therapy treatment. I have successfully helped hundreds of clients heal the conditions that perpetuate their suffering. This includes experiences of depression, anxiety, psychosis, PTSD, mania and other causes of psychological pain. The rationale for accurate and timely assessment and application of treatment, is so that you can be more comfortable as soon as possible, enabling a higher quality of life and healing that is sustainable. Please visit my website: https://anahataneuman.com

Joe Sousa
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Hi. I am Joe Sousa, a licensed psychotherapist in the State of CA. I've been providing counseling services in the Santa Cruz area in one form or another since 1993. Here's the issues I work with in therapy:
Relationship
enhancement, improve communication, sexual intimacy; handling difficulties, such as breakups and divorce; discovering life purpose and build self-esteem; issues relating to school, careers, money, a child or an elderly parent; dealing with powerful emotions, like anger, anxiety, depression, fear, grief, loss, and panic; addictive or compulsive behavior, with regard to alcohol, drugs, food, sex and/or porn.

Penelope Rayas-Moore
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified
Verified
I enjoy helping
couples
resolve conflict.
I am offering Telehealth services due to COVID-19. At this point I don't offer in person sessions. I became a therapist to help others live a fuller, happier life. My years as Marriage and Family Therapist, help me provide you with the skills you need to ease your emotional pain, build better relationships and change your life for the better. I am spiritual and my practice is based on spiritual connection, empathy, deep understanding and compassion. I can also provide you with the coping skills to live a better happier life. I have limited availability for insurance and only take Anthem Blue Cross.

Lauren Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
Verified
You are uncomfortable - Something is bothering you. You need resolution about an issue, event, experience or
relationship
. I work in a collaborative/relational model with people who have had experiences that they have not fully integrated yet. I use talk therapy, imagery, metaphor, hypnosis, EMDR, Positive Psychology, and Sensorimotor. Often clients report being disinterested in a formerly distressing topic after treatment. I'm comfortable working many types of issues including trauma, PTSD, ACA, sexual abuse, panic attacks or phobias, anxiety or depression, losses or
relationship
breakups, people with mysterious physical ailments.

Linda Bloombecker
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Also, grief counseling,
couples
' sessions, mood disorders, self-esteem, and LGBT clients.
My ideal client is motivated to be honest, courageous in exploring themselves, and committed to the therapeutic goals we set together.
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Eileen Retzloff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Working within these frameworks, I have been able to support diverse clients struggling with major life transitions, trauma, depression, anxiety and
relationship
issues find healing.
Life can feel overwhelming, hopeless at times, full of stress, anxiety and loneliness. My approach with my clients' is to create a safe and comfortable environment to share these experiences without fear of judgement. I have deep empathy for those who are challenged by their current life circumstances and have a desire to make changes to better themselves. I work to help my clients' gain insight into their behaviors and develop alternatives ways of coping that feel more honest and productive. I find that when clients' can access their strengths within themselves, they are more able to facilitate healing.

Louisa Squires
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
Feeling STUCK? I'd like to help. Maybe you're struggling with an important
relationship
, tired of feeling stressed or depressed all the time, wondering why a past trauma keeps haunting you or why you continue to do those things that keep you from being the person you want to be. My clients are teens and adults who are seeking greater satisfaction and meaning in their lives. People see me for different reasons--healing, growth, life transitions, clarity. Whatever the problem that brings you to therapy, you'll find my office to be a safe, supportive and accepting space, a sanctuary.

Michelle Moses LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified
Verified
Pandemic. War. Existential shock; we can feel lack in our joy and our vitality; we feel overwhelm in body, mind and spirit. We can’t sleep, our relationships don’t feel right and we feel lost in the huge and scary waves of fear and worry about the past, the future and our survival...there is hope! we
partner
in practices to find compassion and radical acceptance; we dedicate space to cultivate and nourish the growth mindset and ourselves deeply— I hold sacred and safe spaces for womxn who feel stuck in fear and overwhelm so they can reboot and reconnect with their body wisdom and become the best version of themselves. regardless.

Katie Giannini
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
IFS allows me to work well with a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, life transitions,
relationship
issues, and body image struggles.
Life can be overcome by stress easily, and for some of us that stress becomes unbearable. Thoughts and feelings become overwhelming, leaving life feeling out of control and chaotic. In my work, I bring a wealth of curiosity and compassion to exploring a person's inner world of thoughts and feelings. Through this exploration, clients find deep internal healing and develop meaningful satisfaction in their work, relationships, and most of all within themselves. I am trained in Internal Family Systems therapy, which has given me a means to help people reach their goals and create the life they long for.

Kaleo Kalani Kaluhiwa
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
First, we explore your concerns, history, and the outcomes you desire while establishing a supportive working
relationship
.
Are you in emotional pain, numbed out, or in conflict and want to change that? We all learn patterns of relating to ourselves, others, and the world that may no longer work. This can show up as
relationship
difficulties, depression, anxiety, grief, emptiness, confusion, or a lack of direction and meaning. I help folks experience more ease, joy, connection and the ability to live the life of their dreams. I am a relational therapist, curious and compassionate. I facilitate exploration, healing and growth, as we uncover your powerful, authentic self from which you are able to live your best life and contribute your unique gifts.

Elio Scudieri
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Working as a certified
couples
coach since 2013, I have seen
couples
& families transform from distraught, disconnected, angry, insecure, & hopeless to connected, at ease, laughing, feeling vibrant, safe & secure, & on the same team.
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.

Rory Valentine Diller
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Let's build a safe, trusting, and meaningful
relationship
where you can feel comfortable to unpack whatever you're going through each week.
Hello, I'm Rory. I am nonjudgemental, down to Earth, kind-hearted, and supportive. Have you survived something awful and need help healing and moving on? Does the past haunt you and block you from success and healthy relationships? Do you feel frustrated with yourself and want to change your patterns? Are you going through back to back crises and just need help navigating through the stress and uncertainty?

Bethany Sala
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I offer evidence-based emotion-focused
couples
therapy (EFT).
I am a licensed psychotherapist specializing in
couples
therapy and working with individuals desiring to better understand themselves in
relationship
. I approach the therapeutic
relationship
with compassion and expertise. I am trained in the lasted neuroscience of adult attachment and somatic (soma relating to the body) based interventions. I help clients understand how to regulate their emotions, communicate their needs, integrate nervous system dysregulation, improve their ability to tolerate difficult emotions, and build happy, connected lives.

Shanowa M Simington
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Welcome! My approach to therapy is an eclectic and collaborative approach that will meet your individual needs. I enjoy working with adults, children,
couples
, and families. I will value your perspective and work collaboratively with you while providing support and guidance in achieving your goals. Together we can create a therapeutic
relationship
that offers self-awareness, acceptance, insight, resources, and the integration of past and present experiences. Such integration can provide you with a sense of mastery and confidence that will help you regulate your emotional and cognitive responses in your everyday life.
See more therapy options for
Couples Counseling Therapists
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.