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Mental Health Counselor / Therapist in Santa Cruz, CA

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Penny Rayas, LMFT

Penny Rayas, LMFT | Mental Health Counselor / Therapist photo
I am here to help you live the best life you can.
34 years of experience with children and adults.
Yo hablo Espanol. I offer a sliding scale! Are you struggling with life and wondering what to do? Depressed? Are you feeling stack? Do you wake up feeling sad, stressed, lost, anxious or discouraged? Are your relationships or job causing your stress? I can help. Usted está luchando con la vida y se pregunta qué hacer? Está su niño fuera de control? Deprimido? Él se niega a hacer su tarea? Se niega a escuchar? Se despierta sintiéndose triste, estresado, ansioso o desanimado? Sus relaciones o trabajo que causan el estrés? Llámame para una consulta. Precios bajos.

I became a therapist to help others live a fuller, happier life. As a certified Positive Parenting Program Counselor, and a trained Marriage and Family Therapist, I will provide you with the skills you need to ease your emotional pain, build better relationships and change your life for the better. I have extensive experience with children and teenagers.

I view therapy as a sacred healing process built on trust, acceptance, and deep understanding. My style is warm, non-judgmental, empathetic, engaging, direct and honest. I combine a nurturing, spiritual and supportive approach with the practical skills I have gained in 20 years of training and experience. I accept most insurances.


Mrs. Penelope Rayas-Moore offers a free phone consultation

To arrange a time, send an email to Mrs. Penelope Rayas-Moore.


Treatment Approach

Treatment Orientation:
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Eclectic
Family/Marital Therapy
Forensic Psychology
Gestalt
Humanistic
Interpersonal
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Play Therapy
Psychoanalytic
Education/Training
I graduated from San Jose State with a BA in Psychology and got my masters from CIIS. I worked for San Francsico General as a dual diagnosis counselor for over 7 years. I served the GLBT community youth. I have also worked with the County of Santa Cruz Children's Dept working with children with emotional and learning disabilities. I provided individual, family and couples therapy. In my private practice I have worked extensively with individuals who have eating disorders, anxiety, depression and relationship problems
Bio
I am from Athens Greece, and live in Santa Cruz. I am married and have children and grandchildren. I enjoy travelling, reading hiking and learning about different cultures.
Memberships
BBS
Other Languages
Spanish, Greek
Payments Accepted
Cash checks, I accept Anthem, MHN, UBH
Hours:evennings weekends
Cost/Session
160-200
License:49734
Helpful Links
Recommendations
LT, Boca Raton
Ms. Penny Rayas is an excellent therapist. I have known her for over four years, and would definitely recommend her as a therapist. She has helped me with relationship issues, anxiety and depression. She has also helped me get through the grieving process from the loss of a loved one, and has been instrumental in helping me find direction in my life.
JM, San Jose
Ms. Rayas was very helpful by reinforcing my parenting skills as a single father. She is warm, but firm with my children. The kids improved their school performance and started doing more chores around the house. I would definitely recommend her as a family therapist. Fortunately she also accepts all major health insurance too.
MG, San Jose
Great therapist, very compassionate. I highly recommend to everyone. She made a difference in my life.
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy  Group Therapy
 Addiction  Herpes and STD Counseling
 Adolescents  Hypnotherapy
 Anger Management  Learning Disabilities
 Anxiety and Panic  Life and Wellness Coaching
 Asperger's Syndrome  Life Transitions
 Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)  Loneliness
 Bicultural Difficulties  Marriage & Family Therapy
 Body Image Issues  Marriage Counseling
 Caregiver Issues  Men's Issues
 Chronic Illness  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
 College Students  Online / Teletherapy
 Depression  Problem Gambling
 Divorce  Psychoanalysis
 Domestic Violence  Relationship Issues
 Eating Disorders  Self-Esteem Issues
 Educational Therapy  Seniors and Elder Care Issues
 Gay or Lesbian Issues  Stress Management
 Gender Identity / Transgenderism  Trauma and PTSD
 Gifted / Talented Issues  Work and Career Issues
 Grief and Loss
Licenses/Certifications
 Certified Family Therapist  Certified Humanistic Person-Centred Psychotherapist
 Certified Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor (MFCC)  Licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)
 Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)  Licensed Mental Health Counselor (State)
 Licensed Psychoanalyst (L.P.)  Psychotherapy (MA)
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