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Mental Health Counselor / Therapist in Santa Cruz, CA

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Erik Barnes, LMFT

Erik Barnes, LMFT | Mental Health Counselor / Therapist photo
Transformational Psychotherapy
In my work with individuals, couples, children, teens and families I strive to
create a warm, nurturing and compassionate environment for personal
exploration and healing. In this space all parts of you are welcome.
I see therapy as a collaboration where you and I partner to create an
achievable plan to improve your relationships, increase your sense of
vitality, and work towards your personal goals.


I utilize a wide variety of therapeutic modalities including:

Internal Family Systems
Expressive Arts
Mindfulness
Somatic Techniques
Cognitive Behavioral
Play Therapy
And many others

I tailor our sessions and the techniques used to best fit your desires, needs and goals.

I feel so blessed and grateful to get to live my passion. On a daily basis I have the honor of witnessing and helping facilitate healing and transformation of my clients toward greater freedom, peace, and embodiment of who they truly want to be.
Education/Training
I have my M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a Specialization in Holistic Studies from John F. Kennedy University.

I have a B.A. in Race, Class and Gender Studies from University of Rochester.

I'm a trained mediator through two forty-hour programs at the Univ. of Rochester and Univ. of Maine

I'm a Certified Breathwork Practitioner through the Soulwave Institute

And I am in the process of being certified as Internal Family Systems therapist.

Over the past eight years I have worked to help individuals, couples and families
address life’s challenges. This work includes assisting people living with chronic
illnesses, addictions, depression, grief & loss, anxiety, relationship problems,
self-esteem, trauma, and much more. Locally I have worked with a variety of
non-profit agencies such as Family Service Agency, Santa Cruz Community
Counseling Center, Hospice Caring Project, and Santa Cruz County CARE
Team to improve the lives of many.
Bio
I believe that every person has the capacity for healing and the ability to
live a rich, joyous, and purposeful life. I see healing as a holistic process
that takes place on physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and relational
levels. I have a profound respect for the seed of wisdom that resides in each
of us and knows exactly how to manifest our unique potential.

In my work, I have witnessed how life's challenges can create emotional scars
that then consciously or unconsciously run our lives. These scars can manifest
as anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship problems, low self-esteem and
a variety of others issues.

My style of therapy focuses on first getting to know these places of hurt with
compassion and respect. Numerous clients have reported profound changes
in their lives by simply beginning to relate to themselves with more compassion
and curiosity. Next, we work to gently and safely release these scars to bring
greater vitality and peace to your entire internal system.
Memberships
Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Payments Accepted
Cash, check, insurance
Hours:Monday 6p-8p, Tuesday 10a-7p, Thursday 6p-8p, Friday 9a-6p
Cost/Session
$80 (sliding scale offered)
License:49128, California
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy  Gender Identity / Transgenderism
 Addiction  Grief and Loss
 Adolescents  Life Transitions
 Anger Management  Loneliness
 Anxiety and Panic  Marriage & Family Therapy
 Arts Therapy (Expressive)  Marriage Counseling
 Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)  Men's Issues
 Body Image Issues  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
 Caregiver Issues  Online / Teletherapy
 Children's Counseling  Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
 Chronic Illness  Relationship Issues
 Couples  Self-Esteem Issues
 Depression  Seniors and Elder Care Issues
 Divorce  Stress Management
 Domestic Violence  Trauma and PTSD
 Eating Disorders  Work and Career Issues
 Gay or Lesbian Issues
Licenses/Certifications
 Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)