Couples therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

Bonnie Phillips is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience. She earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University in 2005 and began her career working in schools, group homes, hospitals, and private practice. This diverse background allows her to support clients through a wide range of life challenges with compassion and understanding.

Creating a trusting and supportinve relationship is Bonnie’s top priority. She values genuineness, empathy, and active listening, and considers it a privilege to walk alongside clients as they build practical skills, access their inner strengths, and move toward greater emotional balance and well-being.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Dance from San Francisco State University and my Master’s degree from Antioch University in Santa Barbara. I am a licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals and families as they navigate life’s complexities.

My practice focuses on trauma, ADHD, and mood disorders, while also providing support for parenting challenges and relationship stress.

My clients should know that I truly care about their well-being and take the time to listen. I want them to feel comfortable, respected, and never rushed. I believe in providing care that is compassionate, thorough, and personalized to their needs. I also value honesty, trust, and clear communication, so clients feel informed and supported every step of the way.

I am a compassionate and client centered therapist who works with individuals facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. My approach is collaborative and strength based, focusing on helping clients develop insight, coping skills, and confidence to create positive change. I have experience working with concerns such as substance use, anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I believe treatment should be practical, respectful, and tailored to each individual's goals. My goal is to provide a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to take steps toward a healthier and more fulfilling life.

I’m a warm, direct, and down-to-earth therapist with over seven years of clinical experience. I believe therapy works best when you feel genuinely understood and comfortable being yourself. I have a deep connection to the Jewish community and a particular interest in helping people navigate faith, culture, and identity, while welcoming clients from all backgrounds. My goal is to meet you where you are and create a space where you can be honest, supported, and heard.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. As a culturally competent therapist, my mission is to empower individuals to harness their inner strength and create transformative change in their lives.

I’m a first generation Latinx/e, bilingual, and LGBTQ+ affirming therapist creating space for clients to experience radical self-compassion and express themselves fully. I invite clients to discuss, in English, Spanish, or spanglish, how their worldview and relationships are influenced by their culture. I believe radical self-compassion involves affirming all types of identities. I value authenticity, knowing neither clients nor myself, need to be perfect.

I graduated with a master's degree from Chapman University in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2019. Since 2018, I have worked with clients in community mental health and private practice settings. Clients have been a part of the Latinx/e community, young adults in college, and young professionals.

I am a board certified, doctoral prepared PMHNP. I completed my post graduate at National University in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my DNP from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from CSUSB MSN program. I have been a faculty at CSUSB since 2014. Extensively trained and a certified Trauma-Informed specialist. I diagnose and treat mental disorders including medication-assisted treatment along with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.

My goal is to create a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported. I believe healing begins through connection, and I strive to build a therapeutic relationship that helps you better understand yourself, navigate life's challenges, and create lasting change.

My experience spans crisis intervention, individual counseling, and a variety of therapeutic settings, giving me a broad foundation to draw from. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I meet each client where they are and tailor therapy to their unique needs, goals, and strengths.

I believe the best work happens when you feel comfortable, understood, and supported. My goal is to create a space where you can be yourself—no pressure, no judgment, and no need to have everything figured out before you start. We’ll work together to explore what’s bringing you in, what matters most to you, and what you’d like to change or better understand.

I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. Each person is different, so our work will be tailored to your needs, your goals, and your pace. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, going through a transition, or simply wanting to better understand yourself, I’m here to help you move forward in a way that feels manageable and authentic.

What I Bring to Our Work

• A welcoming, nonjudgmental space
• Thoughtful listening and honest, compassionate feedback
• A balance of insight and practical tools you can use outside of sessions
• Support that’s personalized to you, not a preset formula

If you’re looking for someone who is easy to talk to, genuinely supportive, and invested in your growth, I’d be glad to work with you and see if we’re a good fit.