Joe Sousa is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, practicing in the State of California. With over 25 years of experience in the Santa Cruz area, he provides compassionate counseling services tailored for adults and elders. Joe specializes in enhancing relationships, improving communication, and fostering sexual intimacy while helping clients navigate through challenges such as breakups, divorce, and the search for life purpose. His expertise extends to building self-esteem and addressing issues related to school, careers, financial stress, and family dynamics. Joe adeptly assists individuals in managing powerful emotions, like anger, anxiety, and grief, as well as in overcoming addictive or compulsive behaviors involving substances and intimacy. He has received extensive training in addressing childhood and adult trauma linked to various forms of abuse. Additionally, Joe is skilled in helping clients cope with physical difficulties, including sleep disturbances and chronic pain management. With a robust background in meditation and a deep interest in spirituality, he enjoys discussing philosophical concerns related to existence, religion, and the afterlife. Joe also engages in Socratic dialogue about broader social issues such as discrimination and global challenges, making his approach truly eclectic and impactful.

Louisa Squires is a compassionate and experienced Marriage & Family Therapist (MA, LMFT) dedicated to helping adults and elders navigate life's challenges. Many individuals find themselves feeling stuck, whether grappling with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or the stress of everyday life. In her practice, Louisa creates a safe and supportive environment, often described as a sanctuary, where clients ranging from teens to adults can seek healing and personal growth. She specializes in mindfulness-based therapies, sensorimotor psychotherapy, and integrative approaches that focus on emotional wellness. With Louisa, clients embark on a collaborative journey to identify their goals and achieve greater satisfaction and meaning in their lives. Known for her calm and mature demeanor, Louisa blends her effective treatment strategies with the latest research, fostering authentic connections with her clients. This heartfelt approach lays the foundation for a transformative therapeutic experience.

Anudeva Stevens, a highly skilled marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with an MA, offers individualized therapy sessions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. She emphasizes the importance of here-and-now presence, authenticity, and connection, believing that by accepting the entirety of who we are, individuals can lead rich and fulfilled lives despite life's challenges. Anudeva warmly supports clients facing obstacles such as stress, transitions, loss, or illness, encouraging them to seek kind and conscious guidance as they strive to be their best selves. With expertise in anxiety, depression, grief, spiritual and existential issues, and working with highly sensitive individuals, she employs a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, including art, gestalt, movement, and process work. Anudeva also specializes in facilitating authentic communication, mindful self-compassion, and attachment-oriented couples work. With 40 years of experience in yoga and meditation, she embraces music, singing, dance, movement, and the beauty of present moment awareness, fostering genuine connection in her practice.

Elena Storer, a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist with a PhD and over twenty years of experience, believes that life is meant to be enjoyed and that a little guidance can create transformative change. Specializing in working with individuals, couples, teens, and families, she employs a multidimensional approach that acknowledges the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. With expertise in Energy Psychology, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), Elena is particularly skilled at addressing marital and premarital issues, trauma and PTSD, and anxiety. Her unique use of EMDR to treat both simple and complex trauma fosters rapid, lasting change, ensuring clients spend less time in therapy while achieving their goals. Elena's warm and compassionate approach instills trust, allowing clients to feel comfortable in the therapeutic process as they embark on their journey toward personal growth and healing.

Chelsey Suttaby, LCSW, understands that asking for help can be a monumental decision requiring immense courage. She recognizes that finding the right therapist can also be a challenging journey, as a therapeutic relationship must feel safe and collaborative to become a solid foundation for healing. Chelsey aims to assist her clients in accessing their internal strengths by exploring obstacles and working through their challenges. She knows that understanding the most suitable style or type of therapy can be confusing and collaborates with clients to create personalized treatment plans aligned with their unique needs and personalities. With experience working with adolescents, young adults, and adults in diverse settings, Chelsey offers both individual and family therapy. She employs a variety of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and Psychodynamic approaches, tailored to meet the needs of her diverse clientele. Chelsey is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment and looks forward to guiding each person on their path towards healing and growth.

Vanessa Segovia is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, who specializes in assisting individuals of all ages and first responders, both active and retired, in navigating crisis situations, relationship issues, trauma, and stress. With a focus on anxiety and depression, she fosters personal growth and self-exploration for her clients. Utilizing a variety of therapeutic methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), systems approaches, and somatic techniques, she carefully tailors treatment plans to meet each client's unique needs. Vanessa's extensive experience, including her work with the Chicago Police Department, has honed her skills in addressing the specific challenges faced by first responders, including trauma, substance use, and relational issues. Additionally, she offers Therapeutic Design services, merging therapy with design to create supportive environments that enhance mood, productivity, happiness, and overall well-being. Through her integrative approach, Vanessa transforms thoughts, feelings, and intentions into positive action, making her a compassionate ally on her clients' journeys toward healing.

Kate Whittle-Utter, LMFT, is a dedicated therapist who facilitates balance, connection, and fulfillment in her clients' lives. She believes in addressing the shadow elements of life—those challenges that can lead to pain, confusion, and hinder one's pursuit of harmony and well-being. In her practice, she collaborates with clients to navigate these shadows and explore the more hidden aspects of their lives, fostering a deeper capacity for personal growth and healing. Her specialties include anxiety and depression, trauma, women's issues, codependency, and navigating relationships affected by narcissism. With a keen understanding of her clients' needs, Kate employs a psychodynamic approach to therapy, diving deep into the conscious and unconscious patterns that shape identity and relationships. Her trauma-informed perspective is enriched by attachment theory, and she utilizes emotionally focused therapy to enhance couples' connections. Kate's experience and dedication make her a compassionate ally for individuals seeking support with issues such as domestic violence, grief, stress, family conflict, and more.

Harmony Within Counseling is a seasoned Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, with over 20 years of experience in helping individuals navigate the complexities of life. She understands that even in Paradise, life can become challenging, and seeking therapy can sometimes feel daunting. Harmony believes in a collaborative approach to therapy, working as a team to uncover solutions and overcome obstacles, while focusing on her clients' strengths to restore consolation and a zest for life. Her therapeutic style is interactive and infused with curiosity, alongside a touch of humor to lighten the weight of difficult discussions. As a firm believer in continuous learning, Harmony enjoys guiding young adults and elders through their unique life transitions, helping them to not only survive but thrive. With a dog-friendly office environment, she welcomes clients to bring their furry companions along, creating a warm and safe space to learn and grow together. Harmony holds a certification from CAMFT and specializes in mindfulness-based therapies, trauma-focused approaches, and integrative practices, ensuring each client's journey is as effective and personalized as possible.

Gail Wylde, LCSW, is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist devoted to empowering individuals of all ages to uncover their strengths and lead more fulfilling lives. Gail understands that many individuals may experience debilitating depression and anxiety for prolonged periods before pursuing treatment. Armed with an array of innovative therapies proven to alleviate these challenges, she believes that everyone—ranging from young adults to seniors—deserves to experience joy and purpose, free from the shadows of sadness and isolation. Throughout her career, she has successfully supported a diverse client base, including elderly and disabled individuals, as well as college students, witnessing remarkable transformations and personal growth in her clients. Gail's therapeutic approach is personalized, adapting her methods to suit individual needs, with many clients gravitating towards Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Cognitive Processing Therapy. Above all, she emphasizes the importance of empathy in establishing a strong therapeutic alliance, allowing the healing process to unfold naturally. Gail is dedicated to helping her clients thrive and is committed to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for their journey.

Rebecca Zulim is a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's degree and LMFT credentials. She specializes in providing support and practical feedback to clients who are facing life’s challenges, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Available for sessions on Friday afternoons and Sundays, Rebecca uses a variety of therapeutic approaches such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her interactive, solution-focused style allows her to effectively address a diverse range of emotional and behavioral issues within a comfortable and supportive environment. Whether working with individuals or couples, Rebecca tailors her personalized therapy to meet the unique needs of each client. With a compassionate and understanding demeanor, she empowers individuals to build on their strengths and fosters personal growth, helping them to lead richer, fuller lives while integrating their past experiences into the present.

Kat Zwick is a dedicated counselor with 15 years of experience in the counseling and psychology field, providing compassionate and skilled support to gender expansive, queer, and neurodivergent adult clients. Specializing in ADHD and Borderline Personality Disorder, Kat employs a solutions-focused approach that incorporates various therapeutic modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Their sessions blend humor with deep compassion, fostering an environment that is non-judgmental and dedicated to client empowerment. <br /> <br /> In her practice, Kat offers tailored strategies to enhance executive functioning, improve distress tolerance, and facilitate behavior change, ensuring clients can overcome short-term hurdles while developing long-term organizational skills and emotional regulation. Moreover, she provides individualized 'tune-up' sessions for clients who have received DBT skills training but are navigating specific challenges. <br /> <br /> Kat emphasizes the importance of understanding each individual within their unique contexts, driven by a commitment to social justice and awareness of systemic frameworks. This holistic approach nurtures self-compassion and diminishes shame, guiding clients toward the changes they aspire to achieve. With a focus on rapport-building and discernment, Kat assists clients in identifying barriers and collaboratively finding effective strategies for lasting transformation, no matter the length of their journey.

Dennis Patton is a dedicated marriage and family therapist with credentials including an MS, LMFT, and ABD, fueled by a passion for supporting couples in achieving more loving and fulfilling relationships. He understands that many couples, after falling in love, often lose their way as they exhaust themselves trying to change their partner's behavior—a path that typically leads to frustration. With Dennis's guidance, couples shift their focus inward, learning to take responsibility for their own actions and emotions. He expertly helps them develop strategic plans for their next steps in the relationship, initiating the healing process that cultivates a loving, trusting, and safe romantic environment.<br /> <br /> With a client-centered approach, Dennis meets couples and individuals exactly where they are in their journey. His extensive experience enables him to offer authentic support and insightful guidance, helping clients uncover purpose, stability, safety, and clarity in their lives. Recognizing that life and relationships can be challenging, Dennis emphasizes that seeking help is a courageous step towards peace, rest, and hope. Partnering with him in their healing journey may be the key to experiencing a renewed sense of connection and fulfillment.

Dr. Selene Kumin Vega, a seasoned Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT, PhD), believes in the profound potential inherent in every human being to embrace interconnectedness and achieve their fullest potential. Her therapeutic approach is centered around the ongoing journey of healing psychological wounds, fostering a stronger connection between mind and body, and nurturing self-awareness. In her practice, Dr. Selene skillfully guides clients through challenges in life by embracing creativity and consciousness, incorporating modalities such as expressive arts, somatic therapy, transpersonal techniques, and hypnotherapy. Her work emphasizes the importance of developing healthy relationships not only with ourselves but also with the world around us, recognizing the significance of our shared existence. For individuals, couples, and groups seeking personal growth, Dr. Selene provides support in exploring neglected aspects of the self, understanding dream symbolism, and addressing behavioral patterns. Additionally, she imparts her knowledge as an educator at the College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences at Saybrook University, enriching her clients and students with her extensive expertise.