Emotionally Focused Therapists in Scotts Valley, CA

Couples therapy lights me up! Not feeling heard, understood, valued or supported? Repetitive shaming & blaming? Withdrawing? Needing help? Utilizing evidence-based EFT & powerful tools from PACT, NVC & IFS,I help couples create a secure bond & safe haven with each other. You'll learn to trust, support, hear & "be there" for each other. Develop critical self-awareness, accountabiity & WE instead of just ME mentality. Turn towards each other instead of away with vulnerability, authenticity, compassion & attunement. Discover attachment styles, the brain & nervous system, survival parts & trauma that may be hurting your relationship.

Hello! I am Amber Flowers and I have been practicing in the mental health field for the last 8 years. A large amount of my experience has been working with youth in crisis and family stabilization. I have experience in working with groups on parenting, substance use and anxiety classes. I see a wide range of clients, some are more solution focused and want to build skills, while others want to find a deeper connection to their inner beliefs and how it affects their actions.

Therapy can help you find balance, connection, and fulfillment. In order to do so, I believe it's important that we acknowledge the shadow elements of life-the challenges that cause us pain, confusion, and block us from finding a sense of harmony and well-being. I collaborate with you in navigating the shadows and the more buried aspects of your life in order to develop a deeper capacity for balance, personal growth, and healing. To find out more about who I am, how I work, and if I might be the right therapist for you, consider visiting santacruztherapy.org

I believe that healing and growth are innate human capacities which can become overwhelmed by powerful and/or chronic stressors. My priorities for our healing relationship are to ensure a sense of safety for you in the therapy process, as well as collaborativity. I have developed a process that I call Developmental Mindfulness to promote wellness on the somatic, emotional, and cognitive levels of human experience. I integrate somatic modalities, archetypal psychology, art therapy, play therapy, the fundamentals of qigong and yoga, Internal Family Systems, narrative strategies, cognitive strategies, and nutritional psychology.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have been serving the needs of children, adolescents, and adults for over 20 years. I grew up in the Santa Cruz area and I am thrilled to be serving our beautiful community. I provide both therapy and psychological testing to children and adults in order to help my patients grow into their full potential. Oftentimes, problems that seem insurmountable are due to the ways in which we perceive them. Feeling as though we lack the power to change keep us locked in old, unproductive patterns. Understanding what is holding you back is often the key to growth, change, and greater life satisfaction.

Are you feeling stuck like stagnating water of a creek that no longer flows? Or are you struggling in your relationships? Certain seasons test us to our core. My experience as a therapist and as a client shows me that we have the capacity to recover our vitality. I am here to support your journey of healing and growth. Even after traumas, losses, oppression, and experiences that are too painful for our bodies and spirits to carry alone, there is a path of healing that can re-energize your life and spirit. While you are the expert on your life, I am here to facilitate awareness, self-compassion and inner shifts. Your new life awaits!

Even in moments when what we were born with (i.e., nature), how we were raised (i.e., nurture), or our capacity to act in our best interests (i.e., abilities) may seem to come up short in dealing with life's challenges, each of us can compassionately challenge ourselves to get to where we want to be. A psychotherapist can be a partner in the journey to understanding and accepting what needs to be done, and taking the necessary steps for change to happen.

I support clients to live happy and meaningful lives and help them make changes that bring about well-being and transformation. I have a passion to support individuals, couples and families through many different life transitions (from adjusting to college, marriage, divorce, births, loss, retirement, coping with illness, and caregiving). I help clients with a range of relationship issues—from marriage/romantic partner conflict, communication issues in relationships, resolving issues in friendships, co-parenting, parent-child issues, loss of relationship & grief work, contemplation of separation, and exploring unhealthy patterns.

I love working with people to help them build a deeper relationship with themselves – their inner world and emotional core. By learning how to connect with and attend to what lies within, clients develop the skills to lean into personal challenges, transform them, and understand their deep yearnings in the process. In turn, clients become empowered and build lives that are aligned with who they are and what they want for themselves. I strongly feel that therapy is a collaborative process, and the “work” a client engages with in their day to day life is also so important.

Life can be hard at times especially while navigating it alone. Maria understands the importance of having a therapist that provides a safe place to process during these difficult times. She is dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families cope with life challenges with compassion and empathy. She uses evidence-based therapy such as CBT, DBT, solution focused, narrative, and emotion focused, depending on what they need. It has been incredibly fulfilling for her to see clients make progress and reach their goals for therapy.

If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, a challenging transition, loss, trauma, or relationship issues, call me for a free 20 minute psychotherapy consultation. Along with being a licensed marriage family therapist, I am also a certified hypnotherapist. I am compassionate, and skilled to help you move through your path of healing. My sessions are through HIPPA compliant "TeleMentalHealth" technology or online therapy, so I'm as close as your phone or computer.

I believe that every individual possesses the strength and resilience to overcome life's challenges. My passion and commitment lies in helping you discover your inner resources and guiding you on a path towards healing and personal growth. I have experience working with diverse individuals facing various issues including anxiety, depression, personality disorders, grief and both acute and cumulative trauma. My approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the unique journey each person undertakes. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I am here to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can explore.

Entering into the right therapeutic relationship is the first step toward healing and change. Working collaboratively we will explore the origins of any problems or pain you have be struggling with, at a pace that is safe and comfortable for you. As mental and emotional material is explored, the ability to experience greater freedom and enjoyment in your relationships, work, and family life will become more readily accessible and tangible in daily life.

Has life taken an unexpected turn? Are you faced with difficult life changes? You may feel unprepared for the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing, and you may find that your ability to cope is greatly challenged. You may have decisions to make in the midst of it all and feel confused, overwhelmed, and alone. I would be honored to support you through this difficult time and to help you make sense of your thoughts and feelings; access your inner wisdom; find clarity; and feel better.

Do you have life relationship challenges and and can’t seem to figure out a solution? Or do you feel overwhelmed in your life? I will help you to discover the solutions in your internal world and in so doing the everyday world you live in changes also. I use cognitive behavioral skills, communication skills, active and reflective listening Skills. I believe you can work to find solutions to your issues.

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.

My commitment to all my clients is to provide empathy, compassion, and curiosity in order to support authentic expression of feelings and needs. The path towards authentic expression is unique to the individual depending on their background, their experience with therapy and their specific therapeutic goals and so I offer various therapeutic interventions, to support authentic self expression and healing. I value both the exploration of one's past as well as here and now functioning through mindfulness practice. Using a holistic approach and focusing on the client's strengths and insights, the journey towards wholeness begins.

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.

2024 Specializing in couples and adult child and family work. If you are suffering in your relationship, or if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, therapy can provide immediate relief so that you can move beyond simply getting by. Being truly heard and offered evidence based tools to make change are available to you in therapy. Busy working professionals, new parents, the newly retired, of all genders and orientations are welcome in my practice. I can offer you a safe place to be witnessed, rest, restore and heal. Contact me for a free 20 minute session today.