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Hi, I'm Louise. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Santa Cruz, California, and work with clients statewide via Telehealth and in person. I work with children, families, and adults using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to help my clients learn healthy behavioral patterns. I specialize in treating anxiety, trauma, and transitional and relational life experiences.
My approach
My approach to therapy uses a client-centered perspective to support my clients with their unique needs and goals. I often combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to support my client in developing healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate their emotions, and improve their relationships with others.
My focus
I center my therapeutic practice towards children and adults who are facing life transitions. These challenges often present with symptoms of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and negative behavioral patterns. I help my clients to gain self-acceptance, insight, agency, and resilience; the necessary skills for personal growth and happiness.
My communication style
My communication style is supportive and unconditionally accepting of my clients so that they may experience emotions as they arise in the safety of a therapy session. Here, they can discover for themselves the value of awareness and more flexible management of emotions.
My journey to mental healthcare
My background as a Visual and public artist gave me the opportunity to lead projects that included intergenerational and multi-cultural bridging. I have over 30 years of experience working as an art teacher and preschool teacher, serving individuals, children, and families of diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. This background in expressive arts work allows me to offer extra dimensions of therapy that foster experiential growth. My accumulated skills and background provide greater opportunities to offer my clients a truly multi-faceted approach to therapy.
My goals for you
My approach to therapy is collaborative and client-centered. I work with clients to foster the development of emotional intelligence and the importance of secure relationships. I believe that each person has the capacity to make positive changes in their life and that they can do so through a combination of their own insight and support from others.
My first session with you
What you can expect from our first session together is that I will create a safe environment for you to explore your feelings and what it is that you want from therapy. I will listen and support you on how to move forward and whether I am the right person to help. Together we can decide which path will lead you to a greater sense of well-being!
