Spirituality Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

I think therapy is always a good idea. Crisis, however, is often what leads us into therapy, and I believe that it is a call and an opportunity to look deeply, not only into our "problems" but, into ourselves. My approach is non-pathologizing, relational, and grounded in Jungian theory. I work with a variety of concerns with a special interest in spirituality , identity discovery, developmental and transitional adjustments, grief, loss, depression, chronic and palliative illness. I believe that every person has an innate capacity for healing and I am interested in helping people find theirs.

We live in an inter-connected world. Our old models of rigid individuality and self-reliance are failing us now, not addressing our deep innate need for belonging, for purpose, for awe and transcendent pleasure. At this time, we need a capacity for processing intensity, a range of emotions from grief to ecstasy. And the planet needs us to be awake to it, in our full authenticity and hope. I believe being present to our inter-connection is key to living a fulfilling life. This opening to awareness will bring new questions, new boundaries, new paths to explore. Are you feeling a calling for more intimacy with all that is?

Are you are unhappy with aspects of your life, struggling to break free from old patterns, and unable to move forward? My approach is collaborative, supportive, non-judgmental, and based on your unique needs. I work with a wide array of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationships, self-judgment, loss and grief, addiction and compulsive behaviors, trauma, spirituality , and purpose. I am trained in Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy and have helped many clients recover from food, body image, and exercise addiction issues by reconnecting them to their emotional experience rather than their obsessive thoughts.

Since becoming a clinician, I have been drawn to working with clients whom are interested in re-discovering their root sense of resiliency. Within all of us there is a spark to which gives our life meaning, this may come from our culture, spirituality , or our unique assets and values. Wherever that spark lies for you, I am excited to embark on a journey of discovery with you.

I am a holistic therapist helping you to heal your mind, body and spirit. You deserve to feel whole and to experience deep meaning and purpose in your life. I provide a peaceful space and create an authentic relationship with you to support your personal journey in therapy. I meet with teens and adults struggling with a wide variety of issues including addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflicts and work/school stress. My personal and professional growth have taught me an intimate understanding of struggles specific to substance abuse recovery, emotional sobriety, and adult children of alcoholics/addicts.

Anxiety is awful: the constant worries, feelings of fear and discomfort in your body, and the continual striving for peace of mind that seems just out of your grasp. Telling yourself to just "calm down" doesn't help. For many sufferers, the behavioral effects and consequences of anxiety; including poor relationships, hair pulling or skin picking, low self esteem, shame, and/or obsessive tendencies can be devastating.

Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your life? Lost your sense of self and confidence? Confused by how to set boundaries and build healthy relationships? I am here for you! I can help you understand what is happening in your life and how you can heal, grow, and transform to be living the life you want. I have a trauma-informed, integrative style based on mindfulness, somatic psychology, ecotherapy, expressive arts, humanistic and transpersonal psychology, neuroscience, spirituality , and my background in holistic health, nutrition, massage, and fitness. I have a gentle yet directive, relational style

I am currently offering in-person and online individual and group sessions using expressive arts, mindfulness, biofeedback and neurofeedback techniques to decrease isolation and increase creative expression. Artistic expression may be done through an online collage program or with any materials you would like to use. This may include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, music, movement, writing, photography, role play or any combination of these. The focus is on the creative process as a tool for transformation and manifestation, rather than on the quality of the product.

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.

As a human, you are guaranteed pain and stress in your lifetime. Yet, perhaps one of the most creative invitations of all on offer is what you do with this suffering. You are not your suffering. By using the foundations of mindful awareness, embodiment, and connection, suffering can be transformed into strength, a deeper knowing of oneself, and a greater intimacy with life. Your journey is unique and beautiful with all of its etches, glories, and downfalls. It is not one you must walk on your own. I am here to witness, support, and join your journey.

Being human-it’s not easy. The modern world confronts us with a complicated set of circumstances that we were never meant to navigate alone. We move at a frenetic pace just to “make it” & end up with a loss of connection to ourselves, each other, & the natural world so deep that even we don’t realize it until depression, anxiety, physical pain, self-doubt or loneliness nearly defeat our will & close our hearts for good. The traumas we inevitably face along the way, no matter how large or small, seldom receive the kind of emotional attunement, empathy, & presence needed in order to heal. Yet, we all desire to grow into our Soul...

I integrate all my training in helping clients heal and transform their lives in the direction which honors living one's full potential/purpose. I work with individuals, couples and groups. The areas I have worked with include: mild - moderate anxiety, mild - moderate depression, stress reduction, communication skills, codependency, low self- esteem, relational issues, grief, social skill building, marital/divorce/relationship issues, women's issues, racial/ethnic/cultural concerns, meaning of life, life transitions, life purpose, identity questions, spiritual issues, and eco-related issues.

Each of us has a deep, loving intelligence that seeks expression in the world. We also have survival strategies formed early in life that often limit and inhibit our later lives and relationships. In my work with individuals, couples, and families, we unmask these strategies, and access the loving wisdom that is the deepest, essential nature of all human beings. This shift arises naturally and radically re-orients our world view and behavior toward others and toward ourselves. It unleashes our capacity for joy and creativity, and offers the only place from which to have a true relationship with the world and with others.

I like to work with people of all ages. Often with adults I am interested in getting beyond everyday conversation into deeper layers of self, incorporating an inward focus of the body, mind and spirit. I am eclectic and offer a strength-based approach to help with depression, anxiety, transitions, relationship challenges, overall stuckness and other challenges. My approach is humanistic and compassionate, providing the support needed to get through hardships into a more empowered, creative and celebratory self.

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.

I want to reflect the wholeness that exists within you at this moment, even with the challenges and stuckness you might be experiencing. I believe healing begins with creating the space for a different kind of relating with yourself and your life that honors your innate wisdom. One that is fed by curiosity, compassion, and loving presence. Through supporting the wisdom of your body-mind-spirit-soul, it is possible to move beyond "managing" painful symptoms and stuck patterns that often emerge from past overwhelming life experiences and trauma into true healing, authentic vitality and engagement with life. Healing is possible.

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.