Self-Harming Therapists in Aptos, CA

I offer virtual, phone and nature walk therapy to teens and adults. I provide a calm, non-judgmental, supportive space to help clients process depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, stress, relationships and life transitions. In doing so, my clients develop self awareness and work through difficult emotions to find their peace and joy! 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 am passionate about supporting couples, families, adolescents, and adults to nurture their strengths and to discover areas where growth and healing is possible. My holistic approach to therapy aims to empower you to make peace with past traumas, to clear obstacles in the pursuit of happiness, and to become more fulfilled in life!

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Co-Founder of A New Hope Family Counseling & Consulting Inc. (A New Hope). I have an extensive history of service to the mental health community, specializing in treatment of Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, OCD, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, and Borderline Personality Disorder. My work is informed by CBT, DBT, Narrative, and Solution-Focused modalities. I look forward to working with you!

I want to hear what you have to say, supporting you with compassion and insight. Who are you at your deepest, truest self? I use the Feeling Good model of CBT and EMDR (Flash and regular EMDR) to help bring awareness to your inner processes, effectively releasing emotion, negative thoughts, and healing trauma. Learn to offer yourself loving kindness and neutrally observe what you are feeling and thinking. Practice self care to to treat yourself as your own best friend. Enlightenment is possible and is an ongoing journey of deepening that awareness.

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.

Founder and Director of the Intimacy, Sexuality & Gender Center of California, Stephen has been providing professional top of the field Sex Therapy and Gender Identity Therapy to the Central Coast for over 32 years! ISGC, extensively serves the needs of individuals with sexual dysfunctions, those who have been sexually abused, couples struggling with sexual and intimacy issues, the Transgender/Transsexual community, the LGBT communities and the communities of all other sexual and gender minorities. Stephen also serves Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Compulsivity (Out of Control Sexual Behavior.)

Are you suffering from the effects of trauma in your life? Are you finding that talk therapy alone is not shifting patterns of mood and behavior? I am a holistic psychotherapist with specialized training in Somatic Experiencing and the Neuro-Affective Relational Model. You may feel as though you don't know who you are any more, that life has become burdensome, or maybe you have the sense that you were never really your authentic self to begin with. Perhaps you experience physiological and behavioral symptoms such as addiction, overwhelm, and isolation. This loss of connection to self/other is indicative of trauma. I can help you.

IN-PERSON and ZOOM appts available. My style is engaged, curious, warm, direct, and my clients tell me they enjoy my sense of humor. I love working with individuals struggling with conflicts in the family, work, or with friends, those wanting to gain insight into themselves, and individuals in the process of healing from trauma. I have specialized training in EMDR (eye movement desensitization & reprocessing), which is an evidence-based practice shown to be effective in decreasing psychological distress caused by trauma and disturbing life experiences. I also incorporate parts work/IFS. I’m neurodiversity affirming and fat positive.

Often life presents us with difficulties and painful challenges. I can help whether your intention is to heal from past or current emotional struggles or to improve relationships. Together we can explore your strengths as well as your difficulties to find solutions. I work with individuals, couples, and families to strengthen relationships and improve communication. I have a strong appreciation for diversity and believe each individual has unique gifts. I am skilled in responding to your individual needs with compassion and respect.

So glad that you are here. Whether you are struggling with something that has recently arisen, or are ready to dive into healing the past, I am here to support you in your journey. I am a Somatic based psychotherapist who works to integrate trauma through safely accessing the body and mind. LGBTQIA affirmative and diversity oriented, I aim to address underlying systems of power within and surrounding each of us. In doing so, I work in a way that supports and nurtures whatever shows up.

Welcome! My name is Heather Rodriguez, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with teens, at-risk youth, adults, parents, and families. I help with issues like Depression, Anxiety, Sexual abuse/trauma, Sexual Identity, Stress, Grief, Trauma, Relationships, Self-Harm, and Coping Skills. I incorporate many modalities including Crisis Intervention, Solution Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I recognize that seeking therapy is a difficult decision, and I am proud of you for taking the first step!

I support you in remembering yourself and allowing your inner healing intelligence to return you to connection with your wholeness.

From authenticity, compassion, and loving-kindness, I offer you a safe place to be heard and understood. Then together we can create strategies to manage your emotions, have meaningful relationships, and enjoy more your life. As a bilingual/bi-cultural psychotherapist, I can relate to ethnic and racial discrimination.

I work with couples with challenging relationship issues (including infidelity). I work with teenagers and their families (including various "addictions" drug/alc, computer/video games, social media, pornography). I work with people who have been sexually and physically abused. I work with people experiencing grief and loss. I work with couples and individuals who are conflict avoidant and provide skills to work through conflict. I also work with family of origin unresolved hurt and trauma. I help identify the origin of auto-pilot buttons and defenses. Lastly, self-esteem and personal growth challenges. Change is hard not impossible.

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.

Maybe NOW is the right time. Maybe I am the person. Do you need support and strategies to help you through a difficult time or address a particular problem? Let me help. It is an honor to connect with you and work together to help you overcome obstacles, adjust to transitions, and help you become the person, couple, or family that you want to become. Benefit from my 18+ years of experience, as well as my lifelong active and vital pursuit of knowledge and well-being. Compassionate, effective, intelligent and holistic. Let me help and support you in moving forward.

Taking the step, having the courage, to reach out for support is extremely brave. You absolutely deserve it and you do not have to face your challenges alone. I am here as a guide, a support, and a resource for accompanying you in facing whatever obstacles have been leaving you feeling depleted, overwhelmed, hopeless or exhausted. Whether or not you are managing depression, anxiety, a major life transition, loss and grief, or looking for someone to work through a recent or past traumatic event, I am here to help. I am here to offer you relief from trying to figure out a way to cope or overcome it alone.

Psychotherapist/University Lecturer in the Department of Psychology, California State University, Monterey Bay. Serving Monterey & Santa Cruz County. In office and Teletherapy appointments. Specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, personality disturbances, mood disorders, relational problems, attachment disorders, marital discord, stress, family conflict, personality disturbances, and behavior problems. Treating adults, couples, families, adolescents, and LGBQT. Fee for service $120.00 per therapy hour. Panel provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

My work centers around helping people achieve their goals. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds and I easily connect with others and believe that through relationship building you are able to facilitate positive changes in your life. My varied experience over the past twenty years as a school counselor, parent, Therapeutic Foster Parent, Equine Assisted Psychotherapist and Challenge Course Facilitator have shaped my eclectic style of working with people. Based on your specific needs and areas of desired growth, together we will tailor a plan to best meet your needs as we move forward through the therapy.