Business Details
Your Trusted Clinical Psychologist in Santa Cruz
As a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges. My practice in Santa Cruz, CA, offers evidence-based therapies tailored to each client's unique needs, including trauma recovery, relationship counseling, and personal growth. I utilize advanced techniques such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Enneagram coaching to address both immediate crises and long-term emotional well-being.My commitment to ongoing professional development ensures that clients receive the most effective, up-to-date care. By fostering compassion, understanding, and practical skill-building, I empower clients to achieve lasting positive change and more fulfilling relationships.
Services
Individual Psychotherapy
Couples Counseling
Family Therapy
Divorce Mediation
Trauma Recovery
Enneagram Coaching
Parent Education
Co-parenting Mediation
Substance Abuse Counseling
Collaborative Divorce Coaching
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in psychotherapy and counseling.
- Our practice offers EMDR-certified therapy for trauma recovery.
- We provide personalized Enneagram typing and coaching services.
- Our team specializes in collaborative divorce and co-parenting mediation.
- We utilize multiple evidence-based therapeutic modalities tailored to client needs.
Services
Individual Psychotherapy
Short-term and in-depth therapy sessions address immediate crises or long-term personal growth. Clients develop coping strategies for issues like divorce, trauma, or substance abuse while building self-awareness and emotional resilience through evidence-based techniques like CBT and psychodynamic therapy.
Couples Counseling
Specialized therapy helps couples understand relationship dynamics, improve communication, and rebuild intimacy. Techniques from Gottman and Imago methodologies address conflicts, family-of-origin patterns, and emotional disconnect to foster healthier, more fulfilling partnerships through structured skill-building exercises.
Trauma Recovery
Specialized trauma treatment using EMDR and Internal Family Systems techniques resolves PTSD symptoms and deep-seated fears. This evidence-based approach desensitizes traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation, typically achieving resolution in 3-10 sessions while teaching clients emotional self-regulation strategies.
Divorce Mediation
Psychologist-led mediation facilitates fair, cost-effective divorce settlements by addressing emotional dynamics that hinder negotiations. Services include collaborative divorce coaching, co-parenting planning, and child-focused mediation to minimize conflict while creating sustainable post-divorce family structures.
Enneagram Coaching
Personalized Enneagram assessments identify core personality types, motivations, and behavioral patterns. This framework enhances self-awareness and improves relationships through targeted coaching that helps clients understand their strengths, challenges, and growth pathways using structured interview methodologies.
People
Michelle Franklin
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Franklin has provided psychotherapy services in Santa Cruz since 1981, specializing in trauma recovery, relationship counseling, and Enneagram coaching. She holds multiple therapeutic certifications including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Gottman Method training.
Questions
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Enneagram-based coaching tailored to each client's specific needs and goals.
Do you specialize in trauma treatment?
Yes, I'm certified in EMDR therapy and use Internal Family Systems techniques to treat PTSD and trauma-related conditions through evidence-based, structured protocols.
What divorce support services are available?
I offer collaborative divorce coaching, mediation services, and co-parenting planning as part of the Santa Cruz Divorce Solutions team to minimize conflict during transitions.
Can you help with relationship issues?
Yes, I provide couples counseling using Gottman and Imago relationship methodologies to improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connections through structured therapeutic interventions.
How long are therapy sessions?
Standard sessions last 50 minutes, with extended sessions available for intensive therapy or specialized treatments like EMDR processing when clinically indicated.
