Find a therapist in Santa Cruz, CA — covered by insurance

I have been a licensed MFT for 17 years and have worked in many settings including but not limited to: non-profit, community college, outpatient drug and alcohol treatment, group home and private practice. I got my Masters at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology and I’d definitely describe my orientation as eclectic and I honestly taylor my work to each client.

Do you carry the weight of your responsibilities home? Does it impact your relationships, your sense of peace, or your ability to recognize yourself beneath the demands of daily life? Growth and healing take courage, and I admire your willingness to prioritize your well-being.

My practice focuses on three areas:

• Individuals in high-pressure helping and public service professions, including first responders and those working in EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement, Corrections, Dispatch, Judicial settings, Healthcare, Mental Health, and Education. My dual Master’s degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Trauma & Related Conflict, combined with lived experience, allow me to offer a culturally informed understanding of the unique challenges these roles carry. Together, we address operational stress, strengthen resilience, and support sustainable well-being.

• Adults navigating identity, authenticity, creativity, and life transitions, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those seeking to reconnect with themselves, clarify their values, and build lives that feel meaningful and aligned.

• Older adolescents and emerging adults preparing for graduation and the transition into college, vocational paths, or adulthood as they explore who they are, what matters to them, and how they want to move through the next chapter of their lives.

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My Training

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and a graduate of the PGSP–Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, a program known for its rigorous academic training and emphasis on evidence-based care. There, I received instruction and mentorship from some of the leading clinicians and researchers in the country. My practice draws on specialized training and extensive experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, and comprehensive psychological assessment.

My Approach to Therapy

My clinical approach is focused, compassionate, and results-oriented. I work actively with clients to identify what’s holding them back, and to build the tools and insight needed to move forward with clarity and confidence. For individuals, I use CBT to help shift unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. For couples, I use EFT to deepen emotional connection, improve communication, and restore trust. Whether I’m working with a client facing anxiety, burnout, or relationship conflict, my aim is always the same: to help you reconnect with your strength, values, and capacity for meaningful change.

My Professional Background

Before becoming a psychologist, I served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Leading diverse teams in high-stress environments taught me how to connect across differences—with people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and personalities. That experience continues to shape my work today. I bring a grounded, nonjudgmental presence to therapy, and I take seriously the responsibility of earning each client’s trust. My passion—both then and now—is helping individuals become the strongest, most authentic version of themselves.

My therapy style is compassionate and supportive. Clients find me engaging, warm and friendly. I've been a licensed psychotherapist since 1987 and I have experience with a variety of clients from differing age groups, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. During my career I've helped clients with relationship challenges, the expression and management of emotion, and improving their quality of life.

I completed my undergraduate degree from the University of San Diego, double majoring in business administration and psychology. I then continued my education and graduated with honors from Pepperdine University with a master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. I completed my traineeship through the YWCA, working at a middle school and at YWCA sexual assault/ domestic violence clinic. Post graduation I started my job with LGTC and spent two years in the adult and teen mental health IOP and PHP program as a group and individual therapist . I recently transitioned to working at the outpatient level of care, and I am so excited about this new chapter

I'm an open minded individual and welcome any topics in treatment

With over 15 years of experience, I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and other emotional challenges. My approach is grounded in compassion, mindfulness, and neuroscience, and I am certified in trauma-informed care.

I came to therapy first as a client, hoping to get rid of difficult feelings. Instead, I discovered that healing comes from learning to understand and make space for them. That experience deeply shaped the way I work today.

My style is active, collaborative, and experiential. Rather than only talking about problems, we'll pay attention to what is happening in the present moment—including thoughts, emotions, and body sensations—to create meaningful and lasting change. I believe therapy should help you build a different relationship with yourself, not just gain insight.

I'm passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves, cultivate self-compassion, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling. I also maintain a regular mindfulness practice, which supports the grounded and attentive presence I bring to my work. It is a privilege to accompany clients through the process of healing and growth.

Pamela Hughes received her Undergraduate Degree in Psychology and her Masters Degree

in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, California.

Pamela has worked with individuals, couples and families improving their relationships

using the Collaborative Communication Skills as an Instructor. Pamela specializes in Addictions, ADHD, Family Systems and Hoarding.

Sheila C. Brown has extensive experience working with teens and adults, providing a safe space where individuals can be themselves and feel heard and valued, Sheila has lived experience with ADHD and late in life diagnosis.

Eclectic approach that integrates a variety of modalities based on each clients needs.

Feeling lighter and leaving with tools & skills to utilize between sessions to better navigate.

Hello,

I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. My goal as a therapist is to support you in your journey to regain trust in your unique strengths and overcome life's challenging situations, and help you make your life happier and more meaningful. My style is warm, collaborative, and culturally sensitive.

I have been in practice for over a decade, and work with a wide range of conditions including trauma, depression and complex life transitions.

Being a therapist and helping people overcome feelings of isolation and conflict is one of my life's greatest joys. I specialize in helping individuals, families, and couples work through depression, anxiety, grief, and relationship issues. I also provide critical assistance through domestic violence and rape counselling. It is important to me to help patients along on their journey through professional, evidence based counselling.

I have my Master's in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I began working my clinicals in 2005, 19 years ago, pre- license. I graduated in 2006 and was licensed in 2006 as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I currently hold licensure in California as well as Arizona. I have experience working with children, teens and adults.