Business Details
45 Years
experience
Your Trusted Psychologist in Santa Cruz for Therapy & Counseling
With over three decades of dedicated practice, I have established myself as a trusted clinical psychologist serving Santa Cruz and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. My practice focuses on empowering individuals, couples, and families to navigate life's challenges through evidence-based therapeutic approaches. I specialize in short-term crisis intervention and long-term personal growth, utilizing modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR to address trauma and foster resilience.My expertise extends to relationship dynamics, having trained with leading institutions like the Gottman Institute and EMDR Institute. I bring a wealth of experience from academic roles at UCLA and Pepperdine University, combined with specialized certifications in co-dependency treatment, divorce mediation, and Enneagram coaching. My approach emphasizes compassion, personalized care, and equipping clients with practical tools to achieve lasting emotional well-being and improved relationships.
Services
Individual Therapy
Couples Counseling
Family Therapy
Divorce Mediation
Trauma Recovery
Enneagram Coaching
Parent Education
Co-parenting Mediation
Substance Abuse Counseling
Collaborative Divorce
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in clinical psychology and relationship therapy.
- Our trauma recovery programs utilize EMDR and Internal Family Systems techniques.
- We provide certified divorce mediation and collaborative parenting solutions.
- Our practice integrates Enneagram coaching for deeper personality understanding.
- We combine academic expertise with practical therapeutic approaches for lasting change.
Services
Individual Psychotherapy
Short-term and long-term therapy options address immediate crises and lasting personal growth. Techniques like CBT and EMDR help clients manage divorce, trauma, and relationship issues while building emotional resilience. Sessions focus on goal-setting, skill development, and deep psychological healing tailored to each client's needs.
Couples Counseling
Specialized therapy improves communication and intimacy through evidence-based methods. Using Gottman and Imago techniques, couples learn to navigate differences, heal emotional wounds, and rebuild connection. Sessions address family-of-origin patterns and develop practical tools for maintaining healthy relationships.
Trauma Recovery
Advanced trauma treatment combines EMDR and Internal Family Systems therapy. This approach effectively addresses PTSD symptoms by reprocessing traumatic memories and reducing emotional triggers. Clients typically experience significant improvement within 3-10 sessions, gaining greater emotional regulation and peace.
Divorce Mediation
Psychologist-led mediation facilitates fair divorce settlements while minimizing emotional distress. Collaborative approach with legal professionals helps couples navigate custody agreements and financial divisions. Focuses on maintaining respect and cooperation during the dissolution process.
Enneagram Coaching
Personalized Enneagram typing identifies core motivations and behavioral patterns. Coaching sessions help clients understand their personality type and those of significant others. This knowledge improves relationships through enhanced self-awareness and communication strategies.
People
Michelle Franklin
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Franklin has practiced clinical psychology for over 30 years, specializing in individual and couples therapy. She holds advanced certifications in EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and collaborative divorce mediation. Her academic background includes teaching positions at UCLA and Pepperdine University.
Questions
What therapeutic approaches do you specialize in?
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and Gottman Method techniques tailored to each client's specific needs.
How long are typical therapy sessions?
Sessions typically last 50 minutes, with extended sessions available for intensive treatment needs.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes, virtual therapy sessions are available for clients who prefer remote access to treatment.
What experience do you have with divorce mediation?
I've served as a collaborative divorce coach since 2009 with specialized training in co-parenting mediation and family dynamics.
How does Enneagram coaching benefit clients?
Enneagram typing helps clients understand their core motivations and improve relationships through personalized personality insights.
What continuing education do you pursue?
I maintain over 1,000 hours of continuing education in areas including trauma treatment, family therapy, and divorce mediation techniques.
