In Person Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
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.
Bianca Filion
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, BC-DMT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Hello! I’m so glad you found me. Do you find yourself experiencing difficulties with your mental health, but aren’t sure where to start? Have you been in therapy before and want to continue your healing journey? I work holistically, utilizing the knowledge I gain regarding your life history and social atmosphere to guide you in therapy. I will work collaboratively with you to make meaningful change, respecting your individuality and autonomy. My strengths are in helping you organize your life to support your goals, untangle any knots from trauma, relationships, or emotional experiences, and grow your authentic self.
Hello! I’m so glad you found me. Do you find yourself experiencing difficulties with your mental health, but aren’t sure where to start? Have you been in therapy before and want to continue your healing journey? I work holistically, utilizing the knowledge I gain regarding your life history and social atmosphere to guide you in therapy. I will work collaboratively with you to make meaningful change, respecting your individuality and autonomy. My strengths are in helping you organize your life to support your goals, untangle any knots from trauma, relationships, or emotional experiences, and grow your authentic self.
Sarita Jessica Benn-Towle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, CMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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.
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.
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.
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.
As I see it, the primary role of a counselor is to serve as a mirror to help reveal what the client hasn't yet been able to see-especially those patterns of relating to self, others, and the environment that might be causing suffering. At the same time, the counselor is there to reflect, affirm, and strengthen the client's unique gifts and talents.One of the biggest impediments to healing, growth, and creativity is shame. To help clients move through this debilitating emotion, I use a combination of mindfulness, body awareness, and other healing modalities.
As I see it, the primary role of a counselor is to serve as a mirror to help reveal what the client hasn't yet been able to see-especially those patterns of relating to self, others, and the environment that might be causing suffering. At the same time, the counselor is there to reflect, affirm, and strengthen the client's unique gifts and talents.One of the biggest impediments to healing, growth, and creativity is shame. To help clients move through this debilitating emotion, I use a combination of mindfulness, body awareness, and other healing modalities.
It is not easy to look for help. Especially when we feel overwhelmed with pain, suffering, and confusion. We all deserve to enjoy life, healthy sexuality and nurturing relationships. You are not alone in this journey of finding the best way to be a human being and be free of unnecessary suffering. I believe you have the answers you are looking for and I can support you in accessing your own wisdom to re-design your path and life in the way you need and want now.
It is not easy to look for help. Especially when we feel overwhelmed with pain, suffering, and confusion. We all deserve to enjoy life, healthy sexuality and nurturing relationships. You are not alone in this journey of finding the best way to be a human being and be free of unnecessary suffering. I believe you have the answers you are looking for and I can support you in accessing your own wisdom to re-design your path and life in the way you need and want now.
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.
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.
“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
“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
I offer virtual, phone and nature walk therapy to teens and adults. You will experience a calm, non-judgmental, supportive space to process depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, stress, relationships and life transitions. My clients develop self awareness and work through difficult emotions to find their peace and joy! For in person sessions, rather than sitting in an office we meet at a local hiking trail or beach and walk during our session. Being immersed in nature and moving the body while talking provides many additional benefits to the therapeutic process and feels more natural.
I offer virtual, phone and nature walk therapy to teens and adults. You will experience a calm, non-judgmental, supportive space to process depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, stress, relationships and life transitions. My clients develop self awareness and work through difficult emotions to find their peace and joy! For in person sessions, rather than sitting in an office we meet at a local hiking trail or beach and walk during our session. Being immersed in nature and moving the body while talking provides many additional benefits to the therapeutic process and feels more natural.
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.
Elizabeth A. Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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.
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.
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Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Waitlist for new clients
"Stuck." At some point in our lives, we all feel it. I help people link their desire for things to be different to the places they feel stuck, healthfully and effectively. You don't need to know how to change, we start with where you are. I like the Chinese proverb, "Acceptance and change are brothers, but acceptance is the older brother." By helping you learn to first accept where you are (even if now it seems impossible), suffering is naturally reduced and there is more energy and room for growth. You get to like yourself now AND change.
"Stuck." At some point in our lives, we all feel it. I help people link their desire for things to be different to the places they feel stuck, healthfully and effectively. You don't need to know how to change, we start with where you are. I like the Chinese proverb, "Acceptance and change are brothers, but acceptance is the older brother." By helping you learn to first accept where you are (even if now it seems impossible), suffering is naturally reduced and there is more energy and room for growth. You get to like yourself now AND change.
Katelyn Cleveland
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Waitlist for new clients
Are you struggling with anxiety, changes in your life, depression, or your self-esteem? Do you often feel misunderstood or rejected by others? Is feeling withdrawn or upset a common experience in your life? Or maybe your child/teen holds these struggles. I serve those who deserve a fulfilling life but can’t seem to figure out how you reach it on their own. I specialize in aiding those who feel like they don't fit into this world, highly sensitive humans, and those who cannot seem to find their purpose due to chronic stress and loss. It is my truest honor to help teens and adults find their inner resilience when all feels hopeless.
Are you struggling with anxiety, changes in your life, depression, or your self-esteem? Do you often feel misunderstood or rejected by others? Is feeling withdrawn or upset a common experience in your life? Or maybe your child/teen holds these struggles. I serve those who deserve a fulfilling life but can’t seem to figure out how you reach it on their own. I specialize in aiding those who feel like they don't fit into this world, highly sensitive humans, and those who cannot seem to find their purpose due to chronic stress and loss. It is my truest honor to help teens and adults find their inner resilience when all feels hopeless.
Zoe Raine-Mustain
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I believe in the capacity for people to make incredible change and growth in their lives. But it isn't easy! Regardless of the particular challenge you may be facing, with the right support, you can experience happiness and fulfillment in your life on a daily basis. I have worked in the helping profession for fourteen years, and have helped hundreds of people make changes they didn't even know were possible. I love to help my clients, and hope to have the opportunity to help you!
I believe in the capacity for people to make incredible change and growth in their lives. But it isn't easy! Regardless of the particular challenge you may be facing, with the right support, you can experience happiness and fulfillment in your life on a daily basis. I have worked in the helping profession for fourteen years, and have helped hundreds of people make changes they didn't even know were possible. I love to help my clients, and hope to have the opportunity to help you!
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.
I believe within each of us is an inner guiding wisdom that is always trying to reach us, which we can use to expand our lives. I seek to create a space for you to slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect yourself with the root of who you are. I use an integrative approach alive to your needs of the present moment, informed by Transpersonal, Existential, Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal, and Attachment Theories. I am an LGBTQIA+ affirming and neurodivergent-affirming therapist; I seek to provide a safe space for those of marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds.
I believe within each of us is an inner guiding wisdom that is always trying to reach us, which we can use to expand our lives. I seek to create a space for you to slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect yourself with the root of who you are. I use an integrative approach alive to your needs of the present moment, informed by Transpersonal, Existential, Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal, and Attachment Theories. I am an LGBTQIA+ affirming and neurodivergent-affirming therapist; I seek to provide a safe space for those of marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds.
Janelle Norman
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I work collaboratively with authenticity, empathy, and humor to create a safe, non-judgmental space where patients can confront their inner conflicts. I help adults and families with addiction, attachment issues, body image, depression, eating disorders, grief, trauma, and substance use. My warm, person-centered approach uses trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR therapy.
I work collaboratively with authenticity, empathy, and humor to create a safe, non-judgmental space where patients can confront their inner conflicts. I help adults and families with addiction, attachment issues, body image, depression, eating disorders, grief, trauma, and substance use. My warm, person-centered approach uses trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR therapy.
Tina Thomsen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Embarking on the path of self-exploration and growth can be scary, but it’s also exciting to learn new things about yourself, tap into your personal strengths, and discover your inner wisdom. As a fellow human, I am dedicated to self-work and am actively engaged in my own healing and growth, so I am personally familiar with the journey you are beginning (or continuing) and can relate to many of the feelings that may be coming up for you around seeking therapy. You know yourself and your experiences better than anyone, and I’m here to offer support and guidance as you work toward finding answers.
Embarking on the path of self-exploration and growth can be scary, but it’s also exciting to learn new things about yourself, tap into your personal strengths, and discover your inner wisdom. As a fellow human, I am dedicated to self-work and am actively engaged in my own healing and growth, so I am personally familiar with the journey you are beginning (or continuing) and can relate to many of the feelings that may be coming up for you around seeking therapy. You know yourself and your experiences better than anyone, and I’m here to offer support and guidance as you work toward finding answers.
Amy Schmidt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I help people with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, lack of purpose or meaning, addiction &/or alcoholism and many other challenges. I use my knowledge and experience combined with empathy and compassion to support your therapeutic journey. I want to help you better understand yourself, develop coping skills for improved daily living and healthier relationships, and achieve a greater sense of inner peace. I use holistic techniques and client-centered therapy to support you in finding self-awareness, self-compassion, and balance, all of which are keys to the growth and healing process.
I help people with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, lack of purpose or meaning, addiction &/or alcoholism and many other challenges. I use my knowledge and experience combined with empathy and compassion to support your therapeutic journey. I want to help you better understand yourself, develop coping skills for improved daily living and healthier relationships, and achieve a greater sense of inner peace. I use holistic techniques and client-centered therapy to support you in finding self-awareness, self-compassion, and balance, all of which are keys to the growth and healing process.
Serene Silva
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
You are already whole, and I believe the process of psychotherapy is to shed the self limiting beliefs we hold of ourselves that keep us fractured and compartmentalized. The process of integrating our disavowed parts creates the space for our wholeness to emerge. We make meaning through our experiences, but shame and trauma can distort our way of relating to ourselves and the world. Through the therapeutic container of safety one can begin to deconstruct the strategies adopted along the way to keep one feeling “safe” and “in control”, while also in many ways, keeping one from meeting the world with an open and curious heart.
You are already whole, and I believe the process of psychotherapy is to shed the self limiting beliefs we hold of ourselves that keep us fractured and compartmentalized. The process of integrating our disavowed parts creates the space for our wholeness to emerge. We make meaning through our experiences, but shame and trauma can distort our way of relating to ourselves and the world. Through the therapeutic container of safety one can begin to deconstruct the strategies adopted along the way to keep one feeling “safe” and “in control”, while also in many ways, keeping one from meeting the world with an open and curious heart.
