LGBT therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

I bring 20 years of experience in many areas of therapy including LGBT specializations, drug/alcohol issues specialization, and a client centered approach

I have been a counselor for more than 30 years. I remain passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that genuine caring is an essential element to an effective counseling relationship. Over the years I have worked with clients with significant trauma and loss. I consider it a privilege to stand with another individual as he or she resolves great pain. I specialize in treating clients with trauma, relationship issues, and borderline personality disorder.

I'm here to support you every step of the way! This is a non-judgmental space to collaborate, learn to trust, and heal in relationships. Together, we can navigate through the jumble in your mind, explore past traumas, and understand their current impact on your life. I integrate CBT, DBT, and somatic therapy to help you find peace.

Life can be challenging, and in those moments we may lose touch with our true selves. Reaching out for support takes courage and is an important first step. With over 18 years of experience, my approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each individual’s needs. I work primarily with adults using an integrative approach that includes Psychodynamic Therapy, CBT, EMDR, and Mindfulness. I have extensive experience supporting individuals in creative and caregiving fields, helping them reconnect with themselves, build resilience, and find balance. I also work with adult children of caregivers who struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues such as Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by my own personal experiences and my interests in human behavior, attachment theory, and social justice. My nearly six years of experience working in community mental health have strongly influenced my therapeutic lens. I am LGBTQIA+-affirming, committed to working from an antiracist lens, and deeply value inclusivity of all kinds. I have been fortunate enough to serve a socioculturally diverse population, including adults living with severe and persistent mental illness, undocumented individuals, survivors of trauma, LGBTQ+ folks, and differently-abled children and adolescents.

I work with teens, adults, and couples. I believe that true wellness comes from integrating all aspects of ourselves—spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and creative. As a California-certified sexual assault counselor, fully trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, I provide trauma-informed care with empathy and expertise. I also specialize in psychedelic therapy preparation and integration, guiding clients through their profound journeys with care and intention.

My name is Dr. Lentz and I have been practicing in the mental health field for over 10 years. I strive to help those acquire skills to overcome challenging situations that are tailored to a person's specific need. I am a goal oriented therapist that works diligently to achieve goals that are identified by the individual and myself. Life is full of situations that do not always have clear and definitive answers, which is a process the therapeutic approach I utilize can assist with.

Hello! My approach is centered in the belief that authentic connection with ourselves and others heals. Therapy is an opportunity to dive deep, to develop greater self knowledge, to come into wholeness, accepting and integrating all of our parts and aligning our lives with our Truth and the fullness of who we are. I look forward to the opportunity to support you.

I'm a licensed psychologist who works with people who generally are holding it together in life, but feel stuck in certain areas. I believe that shame- this thing we all have- is what keeps us small, separate from others, and disconnected from our true selves.

What I bring to the room is warmth, directness and a true desire to understand all of you. I'm honest, not easily shocked, and I don't judge. I take your potential seriously, and I truly believe in the innate goodness and potential of all human beings- no matter where we have been or what we're holding on to.