Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
Alison Brooks
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
We learn how to regard ourselves from the earliest relationships we have. From the nurturing of our nature or lack thereof, a template of how to treat ourselves and relate to others is set. The good news... this template is not set in permanence and is subject to change with focused intent! I am dedicated to helping you achieve these changes. Therapy is an art form which involves attending to a Client's specific emotional pains. The art of my practice is in knowing when to provide silence or words, when to challenge or encourage, when to include techniques, when to just be.
We learn how to regard ourselves from the earliest relationships we have. From the nurturing of our nature or lack thereof, a template of how to treat ourselves and relate to others is set. The good news... this template is not set in permanence and is subject to change with focused intent! I am dedicated to helping you achieve these changes. Therapy is an art form which involves attending to a Client's specific emotional pains. The art of my practice is in knowing when to provide silence or words, when to challenge or encourage, when to include techniques, when to just be.
Sean Neesley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
How do we regain balance after losing our footing? Whether through anxiety, anger, depression, fear, guilt or shame, it is normal for our lives to present challenges that throw us seemingly off course. At the same time, life’s greatest challenges can also present opportunities for growth, deep healing and the reintegration of lost parts of ourselves. In my work with clients, I provide a safe and supportive environment to express and explore challenging emotions, thoughts and beliefs and help them discover new vistas and vantage points from which to enjoy and appreciate themselves, their lives, and their relationships again.
How do we regain balance after losing our footing? Whether through anxiety, anger, depression, fear, guilt or shame, it is normal for our lives to present challenges that throw us seemingly off course. At the same time, life’s greatest challenges can also present opportunities for growth, deep healing and the reintegration of lost parts of ourselves. In my work with clients, I provide a safe and supportive environment to express and explore challenging emotions, thoughts and beliefs and help them discover new vistas and vantage points from which to enjoy and appreciate themselves, their lives, and their relationships again.
Carolyn A Vitale
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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.
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.
Nina Khakpour
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Nina is a Licensed Marriage and family therapist, fluent in 3 languages: French, Farsi, and English. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in French from Geneva, Switzerland, and her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California, USA. Nina has experience facilitating Domestic Violence, Mindfulness, Processing & Sexual Abuse Support groups for adults.
Nina is a Licensed Marriage and family therapist, fluent in 3 languages: French, Farsi, and English. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in French from Geneva, Switzerland, and her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California, USA. Nina has experience facilitating Domestic Violence, Mindfulness, Processing & Sexual Abuse Support groups for adults.
Mireya Magana
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I'm passionate about creating a warm, non-judgmental and safe environment for children, adults, and families to make positive changes in their lives. I approach therapy in an integrative way based on one’s needs. I work with many topics surrounding mental health and especially love working with anxiety, shame, depression, self-esteem, and trauma. I enjoy using techniques and ideas from a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as: CBT, Person-centered, Humanistic, Strength-based, and Solution-focused. I'm passionate about bringing healing into people's lives so they are able to lead a happier life for themselves.
I'm passionate about creating a warm, non-judgmental and safe environment for children, adults, and families to make positive changes in their lives. I approach therapy in an integrative way based on one’s needs. I work with many topics surrounding mental health and especially love working with anxiety, shame, depression, self-esteem, and trauma. I enjoy using techniques and ideas from a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as: CBT, Person-centered, Humanistic, Strength-based, and Solution-focused. I'm passionate about bringing healing into people's lives so they are able to lead a happier life for themselves.
Kerena Saltzman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CGP, LCSW, Coach
Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or going through a major life transition. I work with high achievers who are juggling multiple responsibilities and want to succeed in all areas of their life. Sometimes with outer success comes a desire for more inner joy and insight into what matters most. You may be struggling in your marriage or partnership and desire more ease. I have been a therapist for 20 years, I help couples build the skills to communicate more clearly, repair easier, and feel closer to one another. I have had success in supporting couples to navigate connection after infidelity.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or going through a major life transition. I work with high achievers who are juggling multiple responsibilities and want to succeed in all areas of their life. Sometimes with outer success comes a desire for more inner joy and insight into what matters most. You may be struggling in your marriage or partnership and desire more ease. I have been a therapist for 20 years, I help couples build the skills to communicate more clearly, repair easier, and feel closer to one another. I have had success in supporting couples to navigate connection after infidelity.
Aaron Michael Desuacido
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Greetings! I am so glad you are here. My name is Dr. Aaron Desuacido and I am passionate about helping people realize their true value. I have worked with people from many different backgrounds, age groups, and demographics but I have extensive experience working with trauma survivors and transitional age youth, which includes individuals from adolescence to early adulthood.
Greetings! I am so glad you are here. My name is Dr. Aaron Desuacido and I am passionate about helping people realize their true value. I have worked with people from many different backgrounds, age groups, and demographics but I have extensive experience working with trauma survivors and transitional age youth, which includes individuals from adolescence to early adulthood.
Helen Giffrow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
These are turbulent times that place an extra burden on our mental health. In addition, perhaps you're in a role of caring for others and struggle to find enough time for yourself, or you're in the midst of a challenging life event or transition. You may be experiencing some symptoms that concern you. Stress, anxiety, depression, loss, or unresolved trauma can interfere with moving forward and put stress on our relationships. In my role as your witness and collaborator, I offer a comfortable and safe space for you to process, problem solve, and explore ways to re-connect with your own internal wisdom.
These are turbulent times that place an extra burden on our mental health. In addition, perhaps you're in a role of caring for others and struggle to find enough time for yourself, or you're in the midst of a challenging life event or transition. You may be experiencing some symptoms that concern you. Stress, anxiety, depression, loss, or unresolved trauma can interfere with moving forward and put stress on our relationships. In my role as your witness and collaborator, I offer a comfortable and safe space for you to process, problem solve, and explore ways to re-connect with your own internal wisdom.
Ann Marie Speno
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Are you feeling consumed by self-consciousness, body hatred, and thoughts of food and weight? Do you find yourself trapped in a cycle of undereating and/or overeating, trying to live by rigid dietary rules? I want you to know that you are not alone.
I specialize in treating eating and body image issues. I can help you to explore the emotions that underly your relationship to food and your body, enhance your awareness of the many ways our culture creates eating problems, and help you to locate healthier ways to cope with the stress of life.
Are you feeling consumed by self-consciousness, body hatred, and thoughts of food and weight? Do you find yourself trapped in a cycle of undereating and/or overeating, trying to live by rigid dietary rules? I want you to know that you are not alone.
I specialize in treating eating and body image issues. I can help you to explore the emotions that underly your relationship to food and your body, enhance your awareness of the many ways our culture creates eating problems, and help you to locate healthier ways to cope with the stress of life.
Asher Brauner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
There is hope. I've worked with lots of folks who feel hopeless, anxious, upset, angry, or confused, and often their lives improve with positive support. My first goal in therapy is to listen with compassion and help build trust between us. We'll work in whatever way is comfortable for you, and when you're ready, we'll chart a course toward meaningful change. Whether I'm working just with you, or with you and your loved ones, I'll value each person's perspective and help look for positive solutions. To learn more me and about therapy, see my video "Why Go to Therapy?" at https://bit.ly/2UG9Aur
There is hope. I've worked with lots of folks who feel hopeless, anxious, upset, angry, or confused, and often their lives improve with positive support. My first goal in therapy is to listen with compassion and help build trust between us. We'll work in whatever way is comfortable for you, and when you're ready, we'll chart a course toward meaningful change. Whether I'm working just with you, or with you and your loved ones, I'll value each person's perspective and help look for positive solutions. To learn more me and about therapy, see my video "Why Go to Therapy?" at https://bit.ly/2UG9Aur
Bethany Sala
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I specialize in couples therapy and trauma. Many couples struggle with communication and come into therapy wanting to get out of escalation and better navigate conflict. I help couples feel more connected and attuned to one another. I also work with women struggling with anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and trauma. I integrate the latest trauma therapy treatment approaches that that go deeper than just traditional talk therapy.
I specialize in couples therapy and trauma. Many couples struggle with communication and come into therapy wanting to get out of escalation and better navigate conflict. I help couples feel more connected and attuned to one another. I also work with women struggling with anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and trauma. I integrate the latest trauma therapy treatment approaches that that go deeper than just traditional talk therapy.
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Nina Kelly
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Having relationship issues? I am here to help! I am Level 2 Gottman Method Couples Certified. Let me evaluate your communication and share effective tools that will help your relationship to thrive!
Having relationship issues? I am here to help! I am Level 2 Gottman Method Couples Certified. Let me evaluate your communication and share effective tools that will help your relationship to thrive!
Ed Croteau
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MS
Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Together we will explore the impact of your past history and beliefs. I bring an open-minded and introspective approach to exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Many of our struggles internally and externally are due to unmet needs for empathy and understanding.
Together we will explore the impact of your past history and beliefs. I bring an open-minded and introspective approach to exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Many of our struggles internally and externally are due to unmet needs for empathy and understanding.
Caren Sage Smiley and Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Waitlist for new clients
These are strange times. Finding the right therapist can be challenging. Finding some one you can feel comfortable with and who has the skills and experience you need. In my 15+ years in this field, I have worked with many common issues: life transitions, anxiety, depression, addiction, parenting, marriage and relationship difficulties and more. Years of study of a variety of therapeutic methods form my background and my thinking. In addition to my training, I bring creativity, honesty and humor to this hard and rewarding work.
These are strange times. Finding the right therapist can be challenging. Finding some one you can feel comfortable with and who has the skills and experience you need. In my 15+ years in this field, I have worked with many common issues: life transitions, anxiety, depression, addiction, parenting, marriage and relationship difficulties and more. Years of study of a variety of therapeutic methods form my background and my thinking. In addition to my training, I bring creativity, honesty and humor to this hard and rewarding work.
Stas Fedechkin
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Are you feeling anxious in relationships? Do you feel like you never fully launched? About half the people looking for therapy want to address difficulties in relationships. Early childhood experiences manifest as these difficulties. I specialize in attachment repair using the Ideal Parent Figure Protocol developed by Daniel P Brown. We will work together to determine your attachment style and work towards earning security by positively re-mapping early life conditioning.
Are you feeling anxious in relationships? Do you feel like you never fully launched? About half the people looking for therapy want to address difficulties in relationships. Early childhood experiences manifest as these difficulties. I specialize in attachment repair using the Ideal Parent Figure Protocol developed by Daniel P Brown. We will work together to determine your attachment style and work towards earning security by positively re-mapping early life conditioning.
Carol Cochrane Bass
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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.
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.
Jessica Reynolds
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Sometimes we need a change in our lives, our relationships and ourselves, and we need help navigating how to do that. Sometimes the change happens to us, through loss and separation, and we need help getting through it. Whether change is something you want in yourself or your relationship, or you are grieving change life has thrown your way, therapy can help. We do not have to navigate the challenges of life alone. Having someone come alongside with empathy and knowledge can be a light in the dark that illuminates the path forward.
Sometimes we need a change in our lives, our relationships and ourselves, and we need help navigating how to do that. Sometimes the change happens to us, through loss and separation, and we need help getting through it. Whether change is something you want in yourself or your relationship, or you are grieving change life has thrown your way, therapy can help. We do not have to navigate the challenges of life alone. Having someone come alongside with empathy and knowledge can be a light in the dark that illuminates the path forward.
Christina Johnston
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I am truly grateful that you have chosen to embark on this inspiring journey of self-discovery and personal growth. As a therapist, my purpose and passion lie in supporting individuals like you to become the person they aspire to become. I firmly believe that each individual possesses the innate ability to grow and evolve. I am here to guide you, empower you, and facilitate your journey as you navigate the path towards self-actualization.
I am truly grateful that you have chosen to embark on this inspiring journey of self-discovery and personal growth. As a therapist, my purpose and passion lie in supporting individuals like you to become the person they aspire to become. I firmly believe that each individual possesses the innate ability to grow and evolve. I am here to guide you, empower you, and facilitate your journey as you navigate the path towards self-actualization.
Sharon Kaplan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
My therapeutic approach is rooted in my deep respect and genuine interest in people. Since I am an expressive and inquisitive person, it comes naturally to me to practice a style of therapy that is both interactive and eclectic. I offer insights, observations, suggestions, feedback, as well as attentive listening. I am adaptable and able to adjust my style according to what works best for the client. As a team, my clients and I work together to find creative solutions to overcome obstacles to growth and well-being.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in my deep respect and genuine interest in people. Since I am an expressive and inquisitive person, it comes naturally to me to practice a style of therapy that is both interactive and eclectic. I offer insights, observations, suggestions, feedback, as well as attentive listening. I am adaptable and able to adjust my style according to what works best for the client. As a team, my clients and I work together to find creative solutions to overcome obstacles to growth and well-being.
Erik Kaul
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Do you want to create practical solutions for solving problems in you or your family's life? Ambivalent about which therapist to choose? I help struggling teens, children, frustrated parents, and individuals, feel comfortable and at ease using innovative methods and a straightforward style of therapy. My interventions are drawn from evidenced based theories like Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. Interested in alternatives to talk therapy? I also offer "walk and talk sessions" outside of the office, play/art therapy, and distance counseling via Zoom or phone.
Do you want to create practical solutions for solving problems in you or your family's life? Ambivalent about which therapist to choose? I help struggling teens, children, frustrated parents, and individuals, feel comfortable and at ease using innovative methods and a straightforward style of therapy. My interventions are drawn from evidenced based theories like Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. Interested in alternatives to talk therapy? I also offer "walk and talk sessions" outside of the office, play/art therapy, and distance counseling via Zoom or phone.
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