Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Santa Cruz, CA covered by Cigna

If you are feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or caught between various obligations, you are not alone. I offer my clients with support to navigate their way through life challenges.

My focusI specialize in working with adults and families that need assistance in navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD symptoms, and relationship stress. My focus is on assessing how clients' circumstances stem from various life challenges- especially immigration and intergenerational experiences.

Hey hey hey, I’m Ariel Wilson Gbenedio, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, transformational speaker, and author dedicated to helping people heal, grow, and step into their power.

I have nearly a decade of experience in the mental health field, working across a wide range of settings including crisis residential treatment, outpatient care, and program development. I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My work is rooted in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care—blended with a deeply human, compassionate approach.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California and have served in both clinical and leadership roles, including Clinical Director. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and safe enough to do the real work of healing.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, empowering, and honest. I believe healing isn’t about “fixing” you—because you are not broken. It’s about understanding your story, shifting limiting beliefs, and helping you build a life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and authentic. I specialize in working with high-achieving women, individuals struggling with self-worth, trauma recovery, and those feeling stuck in cycles that no longer serve them.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or ready for something more in your life, you don’t have to navigate it alone. My goal is to help you develop the insight, tools, and confidence to create lasting change—and to remind you of the strength that already exists within you.

Hello!My name is Lisa Thiel and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of individuals from all backgrounds. I started my career working with children and families focusing on attachment and family relations. I currently work with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, addiction, and personality disorders.

I am a person-centered therapist who creates a warm, nonjudgmental space where you are seen and heard. Together we will build practical coping skills and explore your values and strengths so you can navigate life's challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and resilience

With 47 years of experience and a deep commitment to my clients' well-being, I'm dedicated to providing a supportive and effective therapeutic experience. I graduated from Chapman University with departmental honors in both Sociology and Social Work, and I hold a graduate degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy. My core strengths as a therapist are sincere empathy and deep listening, which I believe are the most powerful tools for fostering growth and healing. I am dedicated to continuous learning and am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, allowing me to tailor my methods to each client's unique needs.

I believe therapy is a journey, one in which the client is the navigating driver. As a Licensed marriage and family therapist, I take the passenger seat and support my clients in the direction they chose to go with in their therapeutic journey. I tailor each session to meet the unique needs of my clients, drawing on empathy, respect, and transparency to create a safe and nonjudgmental environment.