Couples therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

I arrive as a human first, therapist second. I consider myself a deeply attuned feeler and a lover of animals. My personal process deeply influences my process as a psychotherapist. Navigating complex trauma, navigating the world as a deep feeler, and returning to being in my body are core processes where I have transmuted pain into spaciousness.

Your goals are most important to me, but I do recommend goals when needed. I accept you just as you are. I will work together with you to achieve an improved quality of life. I have over 30 years experience working in mental health counseling, and 10 1/2 years as a licensed provider. In that time, I have learned to use a variety of modalities. I tailor the type of therapy to my client and to his/her needs, so I might introduce more than one type during our work together. The issues I work with most include depression, anxiety, and trauma, I am also certified in addiction recovery, and neurodivergent issues.

I enjoy working with individuals in the recovery community, first responders, and those who have experienced traumatic childhoods. I don't just talk the talk, I walk the walk.

My name is Sebastian Villaseñor, LCSW, and I hold an MSW from Cal State Fresno with ten years of clinical experience. I’ve worked with diverse populations in multiple settings, allowing me to adapt my approach to each client’s needs. I aim to create a supportive, welcoming therapy space where clients feel understood and empowered. Let’s work together toward growth, clarity, and lasting positive change.

I specialize in working with teens, young adults, and adult individuals. I work collaboratively to explore the underlying negative patterns that cause you to feel stuck. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, grief, or life transitions, therapy can be a powerful space to gain insight and feel less alone.

I have been in private practice since 2006 in TX and 2025 in CA.

I'm warm, pleasant, knowledgeable, professional, efficient and approachable.

It's a Blessing to Meet You!

I have a passion for Christian counseling during cancer or grief. I will walk alongside you to help you focus on Christ, experience peace, and build resilience so you can weather this storm. As a Christian counselor, I use Biblical principles, scriptures, and evidence-based therapy interventions to help reduce anxiety & depression symptoms, shift you into a hope-filled mindset, and add coping skills to your tool box. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist.

Hello, and welcome. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges while building resilience, confidence, and meaningful change. I earned my Master of Social Work from Arizona State University and have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families across a variety of settings.

My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, self-esteem, relationship challenges, burnout, and trauma. I also have experience supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship families, as well as individuals navigating parenting and caregiving responsibilities.

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.