Santa Cruz, CA
You deserve more than just getting by.
Santa Cruz, CA is home to so many people who are quietly carrying more than they should have to. If you're a high-functioning adult who has navigated a difficult childhood, struggles with anxiety, or finds yourself stuck in painful relationship patterns, I want you to know that real relief is possible, and it doesn't have to take years to find it.
Santa Cruz, CA attracts thoughtful, driven individuals who often appear to have everything together on the outside while struggling on the inside. Whether you're dealing with triggers that seem to come out of nowhere, relationships that leave you feeling drained, or a persistent sense that something from your past is still holding you back, I offer a different kind of therapy, one that gets to the root of what's bothering you rather than just helping you cope with it.
A Different Approach to Healing
You may have tried talk therapy before. Perhaps you spent months or even years discussing your experiences, gaining insights, and learning coping strategies, yet you still find yourself reacting the same way to the same situations. You're not alone in this experience, and it doesn't mean therapy doesn't work. It often means you need a different approach.
I specialize in Brainspotting and EMDR therapy, two modalities that powerful modalities that work at a deeper level than traditional talk therapy. Rather than simply talking about difficult experiences, these approaches help your brain actually process and release what it's been holding onto. The difference can be remarkable. Many of my clients have spent years in therapy elsewhere and are genuinely surprised by how much progress they make, sometimes in just a few sessions.
This isn't about learning more coping skills or gaining more intellectual understanding. It's about healing at the root so that the distress itself begins to fade.
Who I Work With
My practice is designed for high-functioning adults who know they're capable of more but feel held back by anxiety, painful patterns, or unresolved experiences from their past. You might be dealing with:
Anxiety that shows up as racing thoughts, constant worry, or a body that won't relax, even when there's no immediate threat.
Phobias that limit your life in ways that feel frustrating or embarrassing, whether it's fear of flying, public speaking, or something else entirely.
Codependency that leaves you prioritizing everyone else's needs while losing touch with your own, often rooted in what you learned to survive as a child.
Narcissistic abuse recovery from relationships that left you doubting yourself, struggling to trust, or wondering how you ended up there in the first place.
Burnout that goes deeper than being tired, a sense of emptiness or cynicism that rest alone can't fix.
Stress that has become chronic, affecting your health, your relationships, and your ability to enjoy your life.
If any of this resonates, I'd be honored to support you.
What Working Together Looks Like
I believe that therapy should be tailored to you as an individual. There's no script or one-size-fits-all approach here. When you reach out, we'll start with a free consultation so we can both get a sense of whether we're a good fit. This is simply a conversation, with no pressure or commitment.
If we decide to move forward, our first session focuses on understanding your story, your challenges, and what you're hoping to achieve. From there, I create a personalized plan based on your specific needs and goals.
One thing that often surprises my clients: I don't assign homework. The deep processing work we do together in session is what creates lasting change. My goal is to help you reach a place where you no longer need strategies to manage your distress, because the distress itself has genuinely lessened.
For those who want to accelerate their healing, I also offer intensive therapy options with longer or more frequent sessions over a shorter period. This can be especially helpful during life transitions or when you're simply ready to commit fully to your growth.
Specialties
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Anxiety Therapy
Quiet your racing mind and calm your nervous system so you can feel grounded, present, and in control again.
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EMDR Therapy
Release trauma and anxiety at the root—so painful memories lose their power and you can finally feel safe, calm, and free.
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Brainspotting Therapy
Heal what talk therapy couldn't reach by clearing trauma at the root—so you can let go and move forward.
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Performance Anxiety
Find the grounded confidence and ease you need to excel at speaking, performing, sports, or tests.
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Phobia Therapy
Find freedom from fear and stop avoiding or enduring things that stress you out, so you can enjoy what you’ve been missing.
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Codependency
Reclaim your identity and establish healthy boundaries, so you can love others without losing yourself in the process.
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Narcissistic Abuse
Heal from your trauma so you can rebuild your sense of self and trust your own reality once again.
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Burnout and Stress
Get relief from demands and pressure (from work, school or parenting) so you can quiet your mind, and restore your energy.
Serving Santa Cruz County
I work with adults throughout Santa Cruz County, including Capitola, Aptos, Soquel, Scotts Valley, Felton, Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek, Davenport, Pescadero, and surrounding communities. I offer both in-person sessions and online therapy, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for your life and schedule.
Many of my Santa Cruz clients appreciate the convenience of online sessions. No commute, no parking, just meaningful connection from wherever you feel most comfortable. Whether we meet in person or virtually, you'll receive the same attentive, personalized care.
Taking the Next Step
If you're tired of managing symptoms without seeing real change, if traditional therapy has helped but hasn't fully resolved what you're carrying, or if you're simply ready to invest in yourself, I'm here.
You don't have to keep doing this alone. Relief is possible, and often sooner than you might expect.
I invite you to reach out for a free consultation. Let's talk about what's been weighing on you and explore whether my approach might be the right fit for your healing journey.