Family therapy and counseling in Santa Cruz, CA

My role is to work alongside you to understand your experiences and develop a treatment plan that truly fits your life

Hi, I'm Travis Buchanan, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC). I know that reaching out for help can be one of the hardest steps a person takes, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside clients as they navigate life's challenges.

Over the years, I've worked with individuals facing a wide range of struggles, including relationship difficulties, addiction and recovery, grief and loss, anxiety, stress, and the impact of unhealthy or abusive relationships. My experience has taught me that while our challenges may shape us, they do not define us.

I believe that every person has the capacity for growth, healing, and meaningful change. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your unique story. Rather than offering quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions, I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you can feel understood, gain insight, and discover new ways of moving forward.

Drawing from Adlerian principles and other evidence-based approaches, I help clients identify patterns that may be keeping them stuck, strengthen their relationships, build resilience, and develop practical tools for lasting change. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, struggling with addiction, or simply seeking a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment, therapy can provide a path toward a healthier and more meaningful life.

My goal is to help you not only overcome obstacles but also build the confidence, connection, and sense of direction needed to thrive. Wherever you are in your journey, you don't have to face it alone.

I’m a bilingual (English/Spanish) LCSW who helps individuals navigate anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. I will strive to meet my client's needs. Life tends to take us on various journeys. Not all clients are the same, and everyone has the right to their healing process. We will work as a team to overcome challenges. I will strive to meet my client's needs. Life tends to take us on various journeys. Not all clients are the same, and everyone has the right to their healing process. We will work as a team to overcome challenges. My goal is to maintain a safe and confidential environment to help overcome adversity.

I work with kids, teens, adults, couples, and families across the lifespan, and I’m especially drawn to people navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship and family stress, self-esteem struggles, and co-occurring diagnoses. I use evidence-based therapies and, when it’s a good fit, creative and expressive tools to help you explore what you’re going through. Together, we’ll build a thoughtful, collaborative, and personalized space that supports real growth and meaningful change.

In addition to my work as a licensed therapist, I have over 15 years of experience supporting children, adults, couples, and families in a variety of mental health and community settings. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with teens, adults, couples, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. My passion is helping cycle breakers heal old wounds, build healthier relationships, and create lives that feel more connected, intentional, and authentic.

I can understand first-hand how difficult it can be to reach out for help for the first time. I believe in the importance of "practicing what you preach" and I have been the client in the room who needs extra support. I invite you to give yourself a chance, try something new, and gain a healthy perspective on how to address complicated moments in your life.

I believe therapy works best when it’s grounded in understanding who you are as a whole person. Everyone comes to therapy with their own story, background, and way of communicating, and I take time to really get to know each client as an individual. My goal is to create a warm, non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable being yourself, sharing openly, and feeling genuinely heard and supported as we work through what brought you to therapy.

I hold a Doctorate in Social Work and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I’ve been working as a therapist since 2015 and independently licensed since 2018. I primarily work with adults (18+) and support individuals navigating concerns such as anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, brief grief experiences, life transitions, and women’s issues.