Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
Micah Hammond
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Welcome! As a wilderness therapist, I integrate body-centered and strength-based psychotherapy with wilderness interventions to offer a holistic and creative approach to working with you. I focus on supporting clients addressing eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression and gender/sexual identity exploration. I am passionate about supporting gender diverse, non-binary and transgender clients from a gender-affirmative approach. I work with you to understand patterns and help you create a new relationship with yourself. I am calm and grounded, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for exploring thoughts, feelings & behaviors
Welcome! As a wilderness therapist, I integrate body-centered and strength-based psychotherapy with wilderness interventions to offer a holistic and creative approach to working with you. I focus on supporting clients addressing eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression and gender/sexual identity exploration. I am passionate about supporting gender diverse, non-binary and transgender clients from a gender-affirmative approach. I work with you to understand patterns and help you create a new relationship with yourself. I am calm and grounded, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for exploring thoughts, feelings & behaviors
Stephen L Braveman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, DST, CST, CST-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
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.)
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.)
River Ornellas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
I am passionate about providing gender & neurodivergent affirming care to individuals who are trans, non-binary, gender-expansive, gender-questioning & queer. My priority is to create a safe and supportive space to help you heal from past wounds and find a path toward embodying your most authentic self. My work aims to dismantle white supremacy, capitalism & ableism & help you unlearn harmful internalized beliefs instilled by these systems of oppression. I guide you in learning to care for your unique wellbeing in order to live with less suffering & more freedom. I believe in and hold space for each person's potential to heal & grow
I am passionate about providing gender & neurodivergent affirming care to individuals who are trans, non-binary, gender-expansive, gender-questioning & queer. My priority is to create a safe and supportive space to help you heal from past wounds and find a path toward embodying your most authentic self. My work aims to dismantle white supremacy, capitalism & ableism & help you unlearn harmful internalized beliefs instilled by these systems of oppression. I guide you in learning to care for your unique wellbeing in order to live with less suffering & more freedom. I believe in and hold space for each person's potential to heal & grow
Penelope Rayas-Moore
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
Has live become overwhelming? I can help!. 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, body and mind awareness, empathy, deep understanding and compassion. My practice is body centered and body positive. I only take Anthem Blue Cross and Alliance/ Calderon and UBH. I only offer telehealth services.
Has live become overwhelming? I can help!. 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, body and mind awareness, empathy, deep understanding and compassion. My practice is body centered and body positive. I only take Anthem Blue Cross and Alliance/ Calderon and UBH. I only offer telehealth services.
Bridges Therapy Group of California
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCSW, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
At Bridges Therapy Group of California, we’re dedicated to matching you with the perfect therapist for you and ensuring that your insurance will truly pay for your sessions. We are contracted, in-network providers with all the insurers listed below. We verify your benefits before you start so there are no surprises to you.
At Bridges Therapy Group of California, we’re dedicated to matching you with the perfect therapist for you and ensuring that your insurance will truly pay for your sessions. We are contracted, in-network providers with all the insurers listed below. We verify your benefits before you start so there are no surprises to you.
Lisa Woffington
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
As a holistic therapist, I will utilize a blend of cognitive and somatic approaches, paying particular attention to breath and mindfulness. I can assist you in self discovery, teach you new tools for self acceptance, and help you build stronger self-esteem, and resiliency. I believe in the power of change and the positive impact a supportive therapeutic connection can have in promoting growth and transformation. I offer compassionate caring to clients seeking tools for increased coping, greater self-understanding and relief from emotional distress.
As a holistic therapist, I will utilize a blend of cognitive and somatic approaches, paying particular attention to breath and mindfulness. I can assist you in self discovery, teach you new tools for self acceptance, and help you build stronger self-esteem, and resiliency. I believe in the power of change and the positive impact a supportive therapeutic connection can have in promoting growth and transformation. I offer compassionate caring to clients seeking tools for increased coping, greater self-understanding and relief from emotional distress.
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.
Hannah Idalia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
Your healing can start today! In addition to being an LMFT, my approach extends beyond talk therapy to include holistic/integrative methods. I help individuals get to the root of their problems that lie hidden outside of awareness. My approach is highly influenced by mindfulness practice. You will be guided in each session to build your capacity for present moment focus using breath and body awareness and radical acceptance. This liberates heavy energy and/or pain associated with thoughts and feelings that may have been hidden or stuck. Are you ready to discover what's possible in a collaborative healing relationship? Reach out!
Your healing can start today! In addition to being an LMFT, my approach extends beyond talk therapy to include holistic/integrative methods. I help individuals get to the root of their problems that lie hidden outside of awareness. My approach is highly influenced by mindfulness practice. You will be guided in each session to build your capacity for present moment focus using breath and body awareness and radical acceptance. This liberates heavy energy and/or pain associated with thoughts and feelings that may have been hidden or stuck. Are you ready to discover what's possible in a collaborative healing relationship? Reach out!
Cyndi Case
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Sometimes life throws us situations we never imagined for ourselves. The death of a parent, spouse, or best friend. Frequent calls from your child’s teacher about their “bad behavior." A surprise announcement from your teen that they’re not comfortable in the gender you always thought they were. You’re not alone, and you or your child don’t have to go through these experiences alone, either. Together, we’ll find ways to cope with the days where it feels too hard to get out of bed, to explore what feelings are coming up when you’re crying alone in the shower, or to come up with strategies to see the “good” in your child.
Sometimes life throws us situations we never imagined for ourselves. The death of a parent, spouse, or best friend. Frequent calls from your child’s teacher about their “bad behavior." A surprise announcement from your teen that they’re not comfortable in the gender you always thought they were. You’re not alone, and you or your child don’t have to go through these experiences alone, either. Together, we’ll find ways to cope with the days where it feels too hard to get out of bed, to explore what feelings are coming up when you’re crying alone in the shower, or to come up with strategies to see the “good” in your child.
Lisa Black
Psychologist, PsyD, BCN, BCB
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Dr. Black specializes in trauma, TBI/concussion, insomnia/sleep issues, anxiety, depression, and coping with chronic illness. The therapies Dr. Black specializes in are biofeedback, ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), existential therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).
Dr. Black specializes in trauma, TBI/concussion, insomnia/sleep issues, anxiety, depression, and coping with chronic illness. The therapies Dr. Black specializes in are biofeedback, ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), existential therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).
Dayna Lea
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
There's nothing hurt that can't be healed and there's nothing broken that can't be fixed. With insight, compassion and humor, I will support you on your journey towards right relationship with yourself and others. I am comfortable sitting with people who are having a challenging time and will create a safe space for us to move together towards deep healing and change. I invite a co-creative experience where together we hold the vision of your highest good and best possible life.
There's nothing hurt that can't be healed and there's nothing broken that can't be fixed. With insight, compassion and humor, I will support you on your journey towards right relationship with yourself and others. I am comfortable sitting with people who are having a challenging time and will create a safe space for us to move together towards deep healing and change. I invite a co-creative experience where together we hold the vision of your highest good and best possible life.
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Carolyn A Vitale
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified 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.
Kevin M Weiland
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Suffering comes in many forms. It is personal and intimate and often times overwhelming and sometimes debilitating. But you don’t have to face it alone. Many people have sought my help for feelings of anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and an out of balance work-life; others, for unresolved trauma , PTSD, and other stress-related disorders which keep people trapped in disregulated states of being; still others because they were unhappy with their life and the spark of their passion was dim.
Suffering comes in many forms. It is personal and intimate and often times overwhelming and sometimes debilitating. But you don’t have to face it alone. Many people have sought my help for feelings of anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and an out of balance work-life; others, for unresolved trauma , PTSD, and other stress-related disorders which keep people trapped in disregulated states of being; still others because they were unhappy with their life and the spark of their passion was dim.
Rebecca Roth
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Sometimes life presents us with difficult, painful, or even seemingly unbearable challenges. Sometimes we, ourselves, can be a source of the pain and challenges. Either way, we must be able to access our resources -- inner and outer -- to cope with the pain, the imbalance, the overwhelm, the stuckness ... and, ultimately, to learn, heal, and grow from our experiences..... My job is to help you best utilize resources you already have and to offer you more tools to help you change undesirable patterns in yourself and your life.
Sometimes life presents us with difficult, painful, or even seemingly unbearable challenges. Sometimes we, ourselves, can be a source of the pain and challenges. Either way, we must be able to access our resources -- inner and outer -- to cope with the pain, the imbalance, the overwhelm, the stuckness ... and, ultimately, to learn, heal, and grow from our experiences..... My job is to help you best utilize resources you already have and to offer you more tools to help you change undesirable patterns in yourself and your life.
Kaleo Kalani Kaluhiwa
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Are you in emotional pain, numbed out, or in conflict and want to change that? We all learn patterns of relating to ourselves, others, and the world that may no longer work. This can show up as relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, grief, emptiness, confusion, or a lack of direction and meaning. I help folks experience more ease, joy, connection and the ability to live the life of their dreams. I am a relational therapist, curious and compassionate. I facilitate exploration, healing and growth, as we uncover your powerful, authentic self from which you are able to live your best life and contribute your unique gifts.
Are you in emotional pain, numbed out, or in conflict and want to change that? We all learn patterns of relating to ourselves, others, and the world that may no longer work. This can show up as relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, grief, emptiness, confusion, or a lack of direction and meaning. I help folks experience more ease, joy, connection and the ability to live the life of their dreams. I am a relational therapist, curious and compassionate. I facilitate exploration, healing and growth, as we uncover your powerful, authentic self from which you are able to live your best life and contribute your unique gifts.
Rebecca Dark
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Life can feel overwhelming for all of us at times, and it’s important to remember you don’t have to figure it out alone. My life path in the healing arts as a yogi, massage practitioner, hypnotherapist, and clinical therapist has led me to the belief that we all have within us the intelligence and resources to navigate through life’s challenges and transitions, and the therapeutic relationship offers space and guidance to bring forth that inner wisdom. Whether addressing anxiety, relational conflict, trauma, or a general sense of disconnection, my approach is rooted in mind and body and spirit all integrating in our work together.
Life can feel overwhelming for all of us at times, and it’s important to remember you don’t have to figure it out alone. My life path in the healing arts as a yogi, massage practitioner, hypnotherapist, and clinical therapist has led me to the belief that we all have within us the intelligence and resources to navigate through life’s challenges and transitions, and the therapeutic relationship offers space and guidance to bring forth that inner wisdom. Whether addressing anxiety, relational conflict, trauma, or a general sense of disconnection, my approach is rooted in mind and body and spirit all integrating in our work together.
Jeanne Willis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Waitlist for new clients
Are old relationship patterns, experiences of trauma and neglect, or stuck ways of thinking interfering with your ability to step more fully into your life? Therapy can and should go beyond achieving a reduction in distress. In my work I aspire to facilitate development of a deeper connection with inner strength, vision, passion and conviction while addressing your issues of concern.
Are old relationship patterns, experiences of trauma and neglect, or stuck ways of thinking interfering with your ability to step more fully into your life? Therapy can and should go beyond achieving a reduction in distress. In my work I aspire to facilitate development of a deeper connection with inner strength, vision, passion and conviction while addressing your issues of concern.
Marlon A Guarino
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CCHT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you stuck in patterns of fears, confusion, indecision, or painful relationships? This stuckness and suffering hinder you from accessing the empowered, expansive, creative, organic self within; this essential part of you wants to express the unique gift that you are, and the gifts you bring to the world. Imagine beyond your struggles or limitations to become who you are truly meant to be, being more authentic, having more fulfilling relationships and manifesting your passions. Whether you are looking for further understanding, or personal tools or deeper change, I am here to support your journey.
Are you stuck in patterns of fears, confusion, indecision, or painful relationships? This stuckness and suffering hinder you from accessing the empowered, expansive, creative, organic self within; this essential part of you wants to express the unique gift that you are, and the gifts you bring to the world. Imagine beyond your struggles or limitations to become who you are truly meant to be, being more authentic, having more fulfilling relationships and manifesting your passions. Whether you are looking for further understanding, or personal tools or deeper change, I am here to support your journey.
Self Discovery Jungian Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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.
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.
Pearl Chaiyarat
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I believe healing happens with a holistic integration of mind, body, and spirit. I support each person to express their authentic selves and needs, through several therapeutic modalities, including Expressive Arts, Somatic Techniques, CBT, EMDR, Parts Work, and Mindfulness. I am also trained in Brief Therapy methods for those who want support with a specific challenge or prefer therapy in small pieces at a time. My style is directive- I give feedback, ask questions to evoke clarity of where/how current maladaptive reactions/patterns came from, utilize reflective and active listening, and give weekly homework assignments.
I believe healing happens with a holistic integration of mind, body, and spirit. I support each person to express their authentic selves and needs, through several therapeutic modalities, including Expressive Arts, Somatic Techniques, CBT, EMDR, Parts Work, and Mindfulness. I am also trained in Brief Therapy methods for those who want support with a specific challenge or prefer therapy in small pieces at a time. My style is directive- I give feedback, ask questions to evoke clarity of where/how current maladaptive reactions/patterns came from, utilize reflective and active listening, and give weekly homework assignments.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
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Transgender Therapists
As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?
A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.
What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?
Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.
How can I recognize a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?
An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognize a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?
Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.