Grief counselors and therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

Brandy earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Sociology from California State University of Long Beach in 2006 and earned her Masters of Social Work from California State University Fullerton in 2013. Brandy brings with her over twenty years of experience working in diverse clinical settings.

Some seasons of life ask more of you than you ever expected, and somewhere along the way you stopped feeling like yourself. I work with teens, parents, and adults who are moving through anxiety, depression, grief, relationship strain, and the heavy stretches that come with big life transitions. I care deeply about supporting LGBTQIA+ and transgender clients, and families who want to understand and show up for one another a little better. So much of this work is simply remembering that you do not have to carry any of it alone.

Helping people find joy and meaning in their lives is my biggest passion in my work. However, life has its difficulties, including painful experiences, and when you need help solving what is in the way of getting from one day to the next or pursuing dreams, I want to help you figure out what is happening and help you develop tools to empower you to manage what seemed impossible and to create the life you desire.

I work with individual adults and certain families who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, sad, lonely, sensitive, anxious, or defeated. If you're feeling heavy by everything going on, or feeling frantic, or having conflict in your relationships or are just feeling lost in any way, I would love to see if I can help! I also work with family units going through transition or strain, such as conflict between a parent and their adult child, or supporting parents who are experiencing difficult things with their child or teen.

I have a lot of experience helping people through loss, whether it's a breakup, losing a job, or a loved one - including loss of a pet, which is a specialty of mine. I have special interest in supporting other therapists, and also community organizers and activists who are engaged in social justice work. Many of my clients are trans or NB, and others are gay, lesbian, or queer. Poly and kink affirming.

I offer telehealth services to clients in California, Idaho, Washington, or Virginia.

Are you an adult feeling stuck after difficult experiences, a major life change, or a season of self-doubt? I support adults working through trauma, life transitions, stress, and questions of identity and self-worth. Together, we can make space for what you have been carrying and reconnect with your strengths. I believe you are capable of healing and building a life that feels meaningful to you. My role is to listen with care, meet you where you are, and help you discover what works for your whole self.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters from San Diego State University in Clinical Social Work, and have been practicing for over four years. I provide bilingual (Spanish/English) and bicultural psychotherapy services to individuals 18+ struggling with mental health challenges and trauma-related disorders regain self-control and power.

I look forward to talking with you about what needs to change in order for you to have the life you want & deserve. I believe most of our problems are usually short-term issues.

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or facing challenges that seem difficult to navigate alone?

I believe life is a continuous journey of growth, resilience, and learning. I specialize in helping individuals work through relationship challenges, parenting concerns, life transitions, grief, crisis, and interpersonal conflicts. Together, we'll explore the emotional, psychological, social, and personal factors influencing your wellbeing while building practical tools for meaningful change.

With more than 22 years serving Los Angeles and Riverside Counties in social services and mental health, along with over a decade in private practice as an LCSW, I bring extensive experience and a compassionate, solution-focused approach. My goal is to help you uncover the root causes of your struggles, build on your strengths, and create a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Hello, I’m Charles, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) dedicated to helping adults build healthier, more fulfilling lives. I work with individuals and couples facing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, and major life transitions. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in trauma-informed care. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can openly explore your experiences, gain insight into patterns that may be holding you back, and develop the tools needed to heal, grow, and move forward with confidence.

Growing up near a national park, I am consistently reminded of and influenced by the importance of nature on our physical, mental, and emotional health in my mental health practice. As an LMFT, I've worked with a variety of populations, most of whom experienced major trauma or complex trauma, and aid them in reconnecting to their sense of self and safety. I received my MS from California Lutheran University with a specialization in trauma and BA from CSU Chico. I have been licensed for 4 years and have provided therapy for the last 8 years including an associate and traineeship.

I enjoy helping clients who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or relationship challenges and want a safe space to feel understood. My ideal client is someone looking to improve communication, deepen self-awareness, and create healthier patterns. I offer warmth, authenticity, and practical tools to help you navigate what’s holding you back. Together, we build clarity, resilience, and meaningful change so you can move through life with more confidence and balance.

Create and live the meaning of your life, whether by improving relationships, thriving within your career, enduring struggle, or saying goodbye. We can help you overcome limiting beliefs or patterns. We can help you embrace new perspectives and solve the problems that need solving. We can help you transcend any setbacks you have experienced, and determine how you can best serve others. Therapy does not have to be rigid; humor is encouraged. We can have fun while applying the best techniques psychology has produced.