Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
Dana Schlick
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I specialize in trauma resolution, embodiment, honoring and transforming grief, and cultivating intimacy & authentic connection.
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 specialize in trauma resolution, embodiment, honoring and transforming grief, and cultivating intimacy & authentic connection.
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.
Veronica Rose Varner
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
My expertise includes trauma, sexuality, self-esteem, anxiety, grief, and relational issues.
Welcome! I commend your strength in taking this step. As a therapist, I believe my role is to serve as a mirror that reflects all of your strengths and humanity. As relational beings, we hurt, heal, and grow through relationships; the therapeutic relationship is no different. I foster a safe space to explore and understand your patterns and experiences. We look towards the present to find what you would like to change to step further into your authenticity and fullness. Together we cultivate the tools and skills that will help you find healing and ease.
My expertise includes trauma, sexuality, self-esteem, anxiety, grief, and relational issues.
Welcome! I commend your strength in taking this step. As a therapist, I believe my role is to serve as a mirror that reflects all of your strengths and humanity. As relational beings, we hurt, heal, and grow through relationships; the therapeutic relationship is no different. I foster a safe space to explore and understand your patterns and experiences. We look towards the present to find what you would like to change to step further into your authenticity and fullness. Together we cultivate the tools and skills that will help you find healing and ease.
Monika Martynska
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
In addition to psychotherapy my background includes meditation, nutrition and weight loss.
Congratulations for taking a step towards creating change. Finding a therapist can be challenging and it is important to find one who is right for you. I offer a free introductory session which we use to get to know each other. Clients often come into my office feeling hopeless or nervous, but usually leave feeling more hopeful and relaxed. I love to see people grow and thrive with the support of therapy. My style is warm, empathic, and collaborative. In our work together we draw on your strengths and wisdom and my goal is to empower you to create a more joyful and fulfilling life.
In addition to psychotherapy my background includes meditation, nutrition and weight loss.
Congratulations for taking a step towards creating change. Finding a therapist can be challenging and it is important to find one who is right for you. I offer a free introductory session which we use to get to know each other. Clients often come into my office feeling hopeless or nervous, but usually leave feeling more hopeful and relaxed. I love to see people grow and thrive with the support of therapy. My style is warm, empathic, and collaborative. In our work together we draw on your strengths and wisdom and my goal is to empower you to create a more joyful and fulfilling life.
Laurel Marie Andres
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Starting therapy takes courage. By the time my clients begin working with me they have grown tired of what's not working in their lives. I help them develop new perspectives, work through grief and loss, and choose their path forward. I base my practice on direct style, good humor and close attention to the subtle dynamics that have kept them stuck until now. Tools: Somatic, Narrative, Gestalt and Mindfulness approaches. Specialties: Trauma recovery, challenging life transitions, working with finances, sexuality and parenting.
Starting therapy takes courage. By the time my clients begin working with me they have grown tired of what's not working in their lives. I help them develop new perspectives, work through grief and loss, and choose their path forward. I base my practice on direct style, good humor and close attention to the subtle dynamics that have kept them stuck until now. Tools: Somatic, Narrative, Gestalt and Mindfulness approaches. Specialties: Trauma recovery, challenging life transitions, working with finances, sexuality and parenting.
Joe Sousa
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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.
Katie Jacobson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflict, body image, disordered eating, confusion or overwhelm, together we can work to uncover the root of what is holding you back and find new pathways and possibilities.
It takes courage to make it here, and I’m so glad you did.
We all hit points in life where we feel stuck or uncertain of how to cope and move forward. As humans, stress and pain is inevitable, but you don’t have to work through it alone. I'm here to help you navigate your challenges and experience greater ease, satisfaction, and intimacy with life. My work is focused on supporting you to connect with your inner wisdom, shift how you relate with yourself, and remember your unique gifts. With a holistic approach, honoring mind, body, spirit, I believe that you are whole, resilient, and capable of growing and healing.
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflict, body image, disordered eating, confusion or overwhelm, together we can work to uncover the root of what is holding you back and find new pathways and possibilities.
It takes courage to make it here, and I’m so glad you did.
We all hit points in life where we feel stuck or uncertain of how to cope and move forward. As humans, stress and pain is inevitable, but you don’t have to work through it alone. I'm here to help you navigate your challenges and experience greater ease, satisfaction, and intimacy with life. My work is focused on supporting you to connect with your inner wisdom, shift how you relate with yourself, and remember your unique gifts. With a holistic approach, honoring mind, body, spirit, I believe that you are whole, resilient, and capable of growing and healing.
Krista Gallagher
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
I help couples create more loving, connected, and healthy relationships, recognizing that intimate relationships often expose our deepest wounds as well as our greatest chance for growth and healing. I specialize in supporting couples in exploring communication challenges, intimacy issues, emotional distance, and the impact that significant life events (pregnancy, post-partum, parenting, grief, chronic illness, financial stressors) can have on a relationship.
I help couples create more loving, connected, and healthy relationships, recognizing that intimate relationships often expose our deepest wounds as well as our greatest chance for growth and healing. I specialize in supporting couples in exploring communication challenges, intimacy issues, emotional distance, and the impact that significant life events (pregnancy, post-partum, parenting, grief, chronic illness, financial stressors) can have on a relationship.
Charlotte Warren
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Common themes that I work with include attachment wounds, traumatic life experiences, self-esteem and identity issues, cultural and societal impacts, difficult life transitions, grief, codependency, narcissistic abuse, Nonviolent communication and assertiveness training, and understanding/improving our relationship with ourselves and our body.
We are not defined by what has happened to us, but what we choose to become in response to it. I see therapy as a very collaborative process; I aim to assist clients in walking their path to healing and wellness while striving to allow them to teach me about who they are and what they may need. My approach to therapy is integrative and humanistic; tailored to the needs and preferences of each individual, and in support of their desired goals. I am currently on sabbatical for the time being but accepting clients to be added to my running waitlist upon my return.
Common themes that I work with include attachment wounds, traumatic life experiences, self-esteem and identity issues, cultural and societal impacts, difficult life transitions, grief, codependency, narcissistic abuse, Nonviolent communication and assertiveness training, and understanding/improving our relationship with ourselves and our body.
We are not defined by what has happened to us, but what we choose to become in response to it. I see therapy as a very collaborative process; I aim to assist clients in walking their path to healing and wellness while striving to allow them to teach me about who they are and what they may need. My approach to therapy is integrative and humanistic; tailored to the needs and preferences of each individual, and in support of their desired goals. I am currently on sabbatical for the time being but accepting clients to be added to my running waitlist upon my return.
Hope Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I use Guided Meditation, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Parts work, Gastault, Psychotherapy, Deep Feelings Work, Grief Support and Non-Violent Communication to help guide us.
I enjoy helping both individuals and couples to navigate the multi-directional obstacle course of life in order to help you feel more confident and connected. As a non-binary, gender expansive, masculine person I walk the middle ground of societies claim of male and female roles and intentions. I offer my experience to others to find their specific and unique understanding of their gender and sexuality. I am offering my lifetime of experience and intuition to assist others in finding their own path for living authentically.
I use Guided Meditation, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Parts work, Gastault, Psychotherapy, Deep Feelings Work, Grief Support and Non-Violent Communication to help guide us.
I enjoy helping both individuals and couples to navigate the multi-directional obstacle course of life in order to help you feel more confident and connected. As a non-binary, gender expansive, masculine person I walk the middle ground of societies claim of male and female roles and intentions. I offer my experience to others to find their specific and unique understanding of their gender and sexuality. I am offering my lifetime of experience and intuition to assist others in finding their own path for living authentically.
Maya Sol Dansie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Hola! My name is Maya Sol. I am a Xicana activist, dancer, educator, therapist, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated towards raising awareness, political consciousness and empowering our community. I am dedicated towards increasing culturally grounded and decolonial mental health access in California and Colorado with an emphasis on Spanish-speaking & BIPOC communities. I am proud to have a long history in addressing disparities within the community with an intersectional lens and inclusion for LGBTQ2 and Communities of Color.
Hola! My name is Maya Sol. I am a Xicana activist, dancer, educator, therapist, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated towards raising awareness, political consciousness and empowering our community. I am dedicated towards increasing culturally grounded and decolonial mental health access in California and Colorado with an emphasis on Spanish-speaking & BIPOC communities. I am proud to have a long history in addressing disparities within the community with an intersectional lens and inclusion for LGBTQ2 and Communities of Color.
Lorenia Parada Ampudia
MA
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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.
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Lauren Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
You are uncomfortable - Something is bothering you. You need resolution about an issue, event, experience or relationship. I work in a collaborative/relational model with people who have had experiences that they have not fully integrated yet. I use talk therapy, imagery, metaphor, hypnosis, EMDR, Positive Psychology, and Sensorimotor. Often clients report being disinterested in a formerly distressing topic after treatment. I'm comfortable working many types of issues including trauma, PTSD, ACA, sexual abuse, panic attacks or phobias, anxiety or depression, losses or relationship breakups, people with mysterious physical ailments.
You are uncomfortable - Something is bothering you. You need resolution about an issue, event, experience or relationship. I work in a collaborative/relational model with people who have had experiences that they have not fully integrated yet. I use talk therapy, imagery, metaphor, hypnosis, EMDR, Positive Psychology, and Sensorimotor. Often clients report being disinterested in a formerly distressing topic after treatment. I'm comfortable working many types of issues including trauma, PTSD, ACA, sexual abuse, panic attacks or phobias, anxiety or depression, losses or relationship breakups, people with mysterious physical ailments.
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Shannon M Healer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Hello and welcome! You have taken the first step toward becoming a better version of yourself. It's not easy to reach out for help, yet here you are. I'm glad you landed here. I am ready to listen with an open heart and mind to help guide you on your journey. I offer tools that we can practice in the office together, and ones that you can take with you to help you navigate in the world.
Hello and welcome! You have taken the first step toward becoming a better version of yourself. It's not easy to reach out for help, yet here you are. I'm glad you landed here. I am ready to listen with an open heart and mind to help guide you on your journey. I offer tools that we can practice in the office together, and ones that you can take with you to help you navigate in the world.
Men's Issues - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Breann Sampson
RN
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Everything you desire to accomplish, become and embody in your one precious life is available to you right now, but not as the version of who you currently are today. The version of you today is an accumulation of your life experiences, your beliefs about yourself, the stories you abide by and familiar programming from your family, culture, and the greater society. I support my clients in becoming more attuned to their inner landscape, more aware of where and why they are getting stuck in repeating the same behaviors and patterns so they can make everlasting change to becoming the version they desire.
Everything you desire to accomplish, become and embody in your one precious life is available to you right now, but not as the version of who you currently are today. The version of you today is an accumulation of your life experiences, your beliefs about yourself, the stories you abide by and familiar programming from your family, culture, and the greater society. I support my clients in becoming more attuned to their inner landscape, more aware of where and why they are getting stuck in repeating the same behaviors and patterns so they can make everlasting change to becoming the version they desire.
Cas Chamberlain
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
My specialty is supporting humans on their path of healing and thriving. I offer a safe space to explore all parts of yourself so you can uncover deeper meaning and access inner peace. I work in the realms of intimacy/relationships, managing stress and anxiety, personal growth, adult ADHD, healing from trauma, holistic wellness (mind/body/spirit) and integrating expanded states of consciousness (spiritual, psychedelic). My clients are often free-thinkers, seekers, passionate and sensitive souls, trying to find balance. I work with individuals and couples in creating more balanced and fulfilling lives.
My specialty is supporting humans on their path of healing and thriving. I offer a safe space to explore all parts of yourself so you can uncover deeper meaning and access inner peace. I work in the realms of intimacy/relationships, managing stress and anxiety, personal growth, adult ADHD, healing from trauma, holistic wellness (mind/body/spirit) and integrating expanded states of consciousness (spiritual, psychedelic). My clients are often free-thinkers, seekers, passionate and sensitive souls, trying to find balance. I work with individuals and couples in creating more balanced and fulfilling lives.
Liberty Flidais
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Relating with people and witnessing growth is what I love most. It is my honor to support you when you’re feeling stressed out, anxious, invisible or depleted. I hold a somatic (body-based) perspective that is empathetic, patient and curious. I am receptive to that which naturally emerges through thoughts, emotions, sensations, images and memories in each session. I approach personal narratives with openness & compassion.
Relating with people and witnessing growth is what I love most. It is my honor to support you when you’re feeling stressed out, anxious, invisible or depleted. I hold a somatic (body-based) perspective that is empathetic, patient and curious. I am receptive to that which naturally emerges through thoughts, emotions, sensations, images and memories in each session. I approach personal narratives with openness & compassion.
Norman Malcolm Brown
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Never have life challenges been as great as now for you and your future. For we must improve relations with each other and our planet or perish. As a man you may feel frustrated in either work or intimate relationships or both. Yet the personal skills needed for work are usually opposite from those for intimacy. There may seem to be no way to the success you yearn for. As a woman you may cope with anxiety or depression and succeed best at friendship. Yet coupling has meant losing track of yourself, and good men are hard to find. The way forward involves increasing our emotional skills and love for ourselves, others and our planet.
Never have life challenges been as great as now for you and your future. For we must improve relations with each other and our planet or perish. As a man you may feel frustrated in either work or intimate relationships or both. Yet the personal skills needed for work are usually opposite from those for intimacy. There may seem to be no way to the success you yearn for. As a woman you may cope with anxiety or depression and succeed best at friendship. Yet coupling has meant losing track of yourself, and good men are hard to find. The way forward involves increasing our emotional skills and love for ourselves, others and our planet.
Zoe Gordhamer Garcia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Sliding scale and some pro bono sessions for front line workers. Video and phone are currently available. Feelings of anxiety and stress need support at this time. My approach is based on the belief that you are naturally intelligent and resourceful. Connect to strengths within you. The quality of your relationship with yourself and others leads to greater freedom, clarity, and peace. Free yourself from stress and conflict that so often occurs in relationships and work. Compassion, insight, and intuition represent my style. Building inner resources and tools to manage emotions improve professional and personal relationships.
Sliding scale and some pro bono sessions for front line workers. Video and phone are currently available. Feelings of anxiety and stress need support at this time. My approach is based on the belief that you are naturally intelligent and resourceful. Connect to strengths within you. The quality of your relationship with yourself and others leads to greater freedom, clarity, and peace. Free yourself from stress and conflict that so often occurs in relationships and work. Compassion, insight, and intuition represent my style. Building inner resources and tools to manage emotions improve professional and personal relationships.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
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Grief Therapists
How long does therapy take for grief?
There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.
When should you seek therapy for grief?
Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.
Can grief be managed without therapy?
Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.
What happens if grief is left untreated?
Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.