Female Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
Amanda A. Hendricks
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, ATR-BC, MFA, RYT®200, CTHP
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
My approach to counseling integrates evidence-based treatments (EMDR, DBT), mindfulness-awareness skills (MBCT, ACT) and person-centered counseling with art therapy theories and practices. In our sessions, I will work with you to increase wellness, improve your sense of self-compassion, build on your creativity and identify personal strengths. I will work with you to achieve the changes you seek in your unique journey of healing, growth, balance and sustained mental health in life.
My approach to counseling integrates evidence-based treatments (EMDR, DBT), mindfulness-awareness skills (MBCT, ACT) and person-centered counseling with art therapy theories and practices. In our sessions, I will work with you to increase wellness, improve your sense of self-compassion, build on your creativity and identify personal strengths. I will work with you to achieve the changes you seek in your unique journey of healing, growth, balance and sustained mental health in life.
Katharina Schoellhammer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, #106720
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Welcome, it takes courage to seek help when life’s challenges seem overwhelming. 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. Some of the issues I work with include mood and anxiety concerns, trauma, grief/loss, stress, relationship issues, life transitions, LGBTQ+ issues, and healing from dysfunctional upbringings.
Welcome, it takes courage to seek help when life’s challenges seem overwhelming. 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. Some of the issues I work with include mood and anxiety concerns, trauma, grief/loss, stress, relationship issues, life transitions, LGBTQ+ issues, and healing from dysfunctional upbringings.
J. Sarah MacEwan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Your soul is ready to heal. 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.
Your soul is ready to heal. 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.
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY: You are one of a kind. There has never been anyone like you and never will be again. Therapy is a place where you have the opportunity to know yourself in a deep and intimate way. The journey towards wholeness begins with embracing (and discovering) our many and often rejected parts that comprise our authentic self. Wounds, triggers and defenses exist for a reason and represent the internal maps that lead to healing. COUPLES THERAPY: Relationships are the path to knowing who we are and I believe that what needs to be healed presents itself through the struggles and dynamics that get activated in partnership.
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY: You are one of a kind. There has never been anyone like you and never will be again. Therapy is a place where you have the opportunity to know yourself in a deep and intimate way. The journey towards wholeness begins with embracing (and discovering) our many and often rejected parts that comprise our authentic self. Wounds, triggers and defenses exist for a reason and represent the internal maps that lead to healing. COUPLES THERAPY: Relationships are the path to knowing who we are and I believe that what needs to be healed presents itself through the struggles and dynamics that get activated in partnership.
Alicia M Foronda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Invest in yourself and your loved ones; therapy is not just a mental health treatment sought when we are suffering from mental distress, or unable to conduct life as wanted. Therapy is also a self discovery process to get a greater and deeper knowledge about ourselves, which will allow to make better choices and become the person that we have wished. Having someone to accompany you in this path, with a professional perspective, non-judgmental listening and accurate interventions, will allow you to cope with painful circumstances, significant life changes / transitions, as well with symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD and others.
Invest in yourself and your loved ones; therapy is not just a mental health treatment sought when we are suffering from mental distress, or unable to conduct life as wanted. Therapy is also a self discovery process to get a greater and deeper knowledge about ourselves, which will allow to make better choices and become the person that we have wished. Having someone to accompany you in this path, with a professional perspective, non-judgmental listening and accurate interventions, will allow you to cope with painful circumstances, significant life changes / transitions, as well with symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD and others.
Sonya Ekstrom
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
Hi – I’m so glad you’re here! By looking for a therapist, you’re already taking a big step toward change. Whether you’ve suffered trauma or abuse, have unresolved emotional pain, or are simply struggling to exist and find balance in this challenging world - therapy is a space where you can be seen, heard, and received unconditionally, facilitating the surfacing of deep truths and possibilities. I understand my role to be to assist my clients in coming back into contact with their own inner capacities for healing and growth. I welcome all sexual orientations, gender expressions, and neurotypes.
Hi – I’m so glad you’re here! By looking for a therapist, you’re already taking a big step toward change. Whether you’ve suffered trauma or abuse, have unresolved emotional pain, or are simply struggling to exist and find balance in this challenging world - therapy is a space where you can be seen, heard, and received unconditionally, facilitating the surfacing of deep truths and possibilities. I understand my role to be to assist my clients in coming back into contact with their own inner capacities for healing and growth. I welcome all sexual orientations, gender expressions, and neurotypes.
Melissa Virostko
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I feel strongly that we have the capacity to heal and thrive within the context of safe relationships. For this reason, I am passionate about offering therapeutic services to assist in exploring strengths, gifts, and complex challenges. At this time I work with adults and adolescents seeking therapy for a range of issues including relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, trauma, and parenting.
I feel strongly that we have the capacity to heal and thrive within the context of safe relationships. For this reason, I am passionate about offering therapeutic services to assist in exploring strengths, gifts, and complex challenges. At this time I work with adults and adolescents seeking therapy for a range of issues including relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, trauma, and parenting.
My primary goal is to help my clients work through the difficulties that life presents in a way that is supportive of their personal growth and development. In addition to having a general practice, my interest areas include Perinatal Depression and Anxiety, personal growth, infertility, grief and loss, relationship challenges and supporting member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Most importantly, I strive to meet you where your needs are and develop a plan and specific strategies to help you achieve your goals!
My primary goal is to help my clients work through the difficulties that life presents in a way that is supportive of their personal growth and development. In addition to having a general practice, my interest areas include Perinatal Depression and Anxiety, personal growth, infertility, grief and loss, relationship challenges and supporting member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Most importantly, I strive to meet you where your needs are and develop a plan and specific strategies to help you achieve your goals!
Rebecca Zulim
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Feeling anxious or worried? Too busy for therapy during the work week? I'm available for Friday afternoon and Sunday appointments. I provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges, reduce stress levels, and lead richer, fuller lives. I am an interactive, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral therapist. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues.
Feeling anxious or worried? Too busy for therapy during the work week? I'm available for Friday afternoon and Sunday appointments. I provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges, reduce stress levels, and lead richer, fuller lives. I am an interactive, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral therapist. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues.
Michelle Caron
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
Do you find yourself constantly meeting the needs of others, leaving little time and energy for your own well-being? I'm here to support you on your path to a more balanced, happy life. Therapy can be a sanctuary where you are the priority and your needs are truly heard. Together we’ll develop the tools you need to navigate the complexities of work-life balance, tricky family dynamics and parenting / caretaking struggles. In our sessions we'll uncover your strengths, sharpen your communication skills, and give you the confidence to embrace life's twists and turns. You'll be empowered to discover the answers you hold within.
Do you find yourself constantly meeting the needs of others, leaving little time and energy for your own well-being? I'm here to support you on your path to a more balanced, happy life. Therapy can be a sanctuary where you are the priority and your needs are truly heard. Together we’ll develop the tools you need to navigate the complexities of work-life balance, tricky family dynamics and parenting / caretaking struggles. In our sessions we'll uncover your strengths, sharpen your communication skills, and give you the confidence to embrace life's twists and turns. You'll be empowered to discover the answers you hold within.
Rib Scott
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
For Couples & Relationships: Even the most loving partners sometimes hit snags that seem to undermine all their efforts at repair. Nothing shifts the script like facilitation from a compassionate third party who arrives prepared to listen and help you deeply hear and understand each other’s emotional experiences. For Teens: The transition from child to adult can be terrifying, surprising, magical, amazing and even boring at times. Support from an unrelated grownup can allow adolescents to safely explore aspects of themselves that feel especially confusing, misunderstood, or rejected.
For Couples & Relationships: Even the most loving partners sometimes hit snags that seem to undermine all their efforts at repair. Nothing shifts the script like facilitation from a compassionate third party who arrives prepared to listen and help you deeply hear and understand each other’s emotional experiences. For Teens: The transition from child to adult can be terrifying, surprising, magical, amazing and even boring at times. Support from an unrelated grownup can allow adolescents to safely explore aspects of themselves that feel especially confusing, misunderstood, or rejected.
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I work with individuals and couples to untangle from patterns of drama, criticism, and codependency. I teach clients how to turn arguments into proactive conversations with win-win solutions. Our work together can include healing past hurts and trauma, feeling more sexually connected, and creating positive life changes. I am most interested in supporting my clients in finding relief from suffering and being truly happy.
I work with individuals and couples to untangle from patterns of drama, criticism, and codependency. I teach clients how to turn arguments into proactive conversations with win-win solutions. Our work together can include healing past hurts and trauma, feeling more sexually connected, and creating positive life changes. I am most interested in supporting my clients in finding relief from suffering and being truly happy.
G. Katie Dashtban
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Persons who have been coping with their ongoing psychological or physical health issues and are in need of a strong and structured therapy environment in which they can finally understand why their problems keep coming up and how to put an end to their chronic struggles are strongly welcomed to call my practice.
Persons who have been coping with their ongoing psychological or physical health issues and are in need of a strong and structured therapy environment in which they can finally understand why their problems keep coming up and how to put an end to their chronic struggles are strongly welcomed to call my practice.
Erin Murray
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Do you find that you are questioning yourself constantly? Or feeling as if you have no motivation for the things you enjoy? Or struggling in your relationships? Are you feeling lost in this phase of life and trying to figure out what makes you happy? You may be wondering where these feelings are coming from. They may feel like familiar patterns, or these experiences might be new for you. Either way, you know something needs to shift. You want to feel more at ease within yourself and in your relationships. You are ready to quiet the inner critic and be more understanding of where, and who, you are.
Do you find that you are questioning yourself constantly? Or feeling as if you have no motivation for the things you enjoy? Or struggling in your relationships? Are you feeling lost in this phase of life and trying to figure out what makes you happy? You may be wondering where these feelings are coming from. They may feel like familiar patterns, or these experiences might be new for you. Either way, you know something needs to shift. You want to feel more at ease within yourself and in your relationships. You are ready to quiet the inner critic and be more understanding of where, and who, you are.
Jeanne Willis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Waitlist for new clients
Are old relationship patterns, experiences of trauma and neglect, or stuck ways of thinking interfering with your ability to step more fully into your life? Therapy can and should go beyond achieving a reduction in distress. In my work I aspire to facilitate development of a deeper connection with inner strength, vision, passion and conviction while addressing your issues of concern.
Are old relationship patterns, experiences of trauma and neglect, or stuck ways of thinking interfering with your ability to step more fully into your life? Therapy can and should go beyond achieving a reduction in distress. In my work I aspire to facilitate development of a deeper connection with inner strength, vision, passion and conviction while addressing your issues of concern.
I help adults who are overwhelmed by anxiety and depression and struggle with trauma, grief, and loss. Using mindfulness, self-compassion practices, CBT, and EMDR, I help them enhance their inner skills to navigate adversities and strengthen their capacity to stay grounded. Through our work together, my clients regain a sense of ease and inner peace and rediscover joy and meaning in their lives.
I help adults who are overwhelmed by anxiety and depression and struggle with trauma, grief, and loss. Using mindfulness, self-compassion practices, CBT, and EMDR, I help them enhance their inner skills to navigate adversities and strengthen their capacity to stay grounded. Through our work together, my clients regain a sense of ease and inner peace and rediscover joy and meaning in their lives.
Alisia Murphy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (Online Only)
You are a woman who would like to know how to deeply trust and nurture yourself. To care for the parts of you that need tenderness and a place to explore what brings you alive and what gets in the way of this. You may not know how or where to begin because you were not shown how. You’re so good at taking care of others that there’s nothing left for you. Or, perhaps you have learned to put yourself to the side because that is what feels safest. You may be asking yourself, “Is it okay to take care of me and what I want?”
You are a woman who would like to know how to deeply trust and nurture yourself. To care for the parts of you that need tenderness and a place to explore what brings you alive and what gets in the way of this. You may not know how or where to begin because you were not shown how. You’re so good at taking care of others that there’s nothing left for you. Or, perhaps you have learned to put yourself to the side because that is what feels safest. You may be asking yourself, “Is it okay to take care of me and what I want?”
Jessy Tarnoff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
My holistic approach to therapy emerged out of my passion for health and my connection to nature. While I combine several modalities in my practice, at the heart of my work is empathy and authenticity. I believe in working together to help resolve the challenges or circumstances with which you are currently facing so that you may develop an enhanced relationship with yourself and those around you.
My holistic approach to therapy emerged out of my passion for health and my connection to nature. While I combine several modalities in my practice, at the heart of my work is empathy and authenticity. I believe in working together to help resolve the challenges or circumstances with which you are currently facing so that you may develop an enhanced relationship with yourself and those around you.
Melinda Marie Martindale
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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.'
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.'
Lauren Nicole Webb
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Lauren seeks to meet clients where they are by creating a supportive and nurturing space that allows for the client to share their narrative of their life. Lauren believes individuals all have the ability to reach their full potential and hopes to guide individuals towards a balanced approach to wellness goals. Leading with gentle compassion, Lauren is passionate about working with children, teens, parents, and women to address a range of concerns including anxiety, complex trauma, neurodivergence, family conflict, and self-esteem.
Lauren seeks to meet clients where they are by creating a supportive and nurturing space that allows for the client to share their narrative of their life. Lauren believes individuals all have the ability to reach their full potential and hopes to guide individuals towards a balanced approach to wellness goals. Leading with gentle compassion, Lauren is passionate about working with children, teens, parents, and women to address a range of concerns including anxiety, complex trauma, neurodivergence, family conflict, and self-esteem.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
Nearby Female Therapists Searches for Santa Cruz
- Aptos
- Ben Lomond
- Boulder Creek
- Campbell
- Capitola
- Felton
- Los Gatos
- Morgan Hill
- Saratoga
- Scotts Valley
- Soquel
- Watsonville
Female Therapists
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.
Should I see a female therapist?
Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.
Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.