Dr. Capri Cruz

(LPC)

About Me

My first inclination that I was called to be a mental health therapist was at age 11. Since then I've gone on to receive my PhD in Mental Health Counseling, and a degree in Hypnotherapy. I completed my internship at a women's residential substance abuse facility assisting women to increase their self-esteem, self-worth, self-image, process their trauma and grief, manage their anxiety and depression, and taught various life skills. I then went on to work in an out-patient substance abuse facility with clients struggling with addiction, trauma, rejection, comorbidity (two or more diagnoses i.e. anxiety, depression, bipolar, or substance abuse, etc), and feelings of worthlessness. I've also worked in conjunction with the Division of Family and Children Services to help families regain custody of their children, facilitate adoptions, and counsel children in foster homes and in group homes.

I authored From Foster Care to FABULOUS: An Imperative Movement, Maximize Your Super Powers, co-authored Ripping Gripping Fear Out of Your Story, have several other e-books on Amazon as a result of my own life experiences, and completed rigorous research on the protective factors that evolved foster children into healthy and effective adults. Having grown up in the foster care system myself, I struggled with my own challenges ranging from being controlled by fear to overcoming abusive relationships and self-medicating. I believe it is in the transparency of my personal challenges and triumphs that I am solidified as an effective therapist, not solely by my PhD.

As a mental health therapist, public speaker, and life coach (see client feedback at www.capricruz.com), I've assisted thousands of clients in achieving greater awareness of their mind, body, and spirit connection, assisted in identifying the root of their challenges in order to regain personal power through solidifying their desired identity, created action plans to self-correct and resolve inner-conflicts, and helped my clients to identify and achieve their life goals.

My therapeutic approaches include, but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, Guided Imagery, Stress Reduction, Positive Psychology, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

As a mental health therapist what I've learned is that my greatest gift to my clients is to be non-judgmental in my listening in order to help facilitate healing. I believe people want, and often need, to be heard, validated, cared for, accepted, and assisted with feedback. I believe my clients are the experts of their own lives; and I am their guide. Together we are a team. My job is to provide a safe and trusting environment that will help bring that awareness and confidence into their consciousness to empower their ability to meet their own needs.

Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Grief
  • Self esteem
  • Depression
  • Coping with life changes
Also experienced in:
Addictions , Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Trauma and abuse , Parenting issues , Anger management , Career difficulties
Years of Experience: 8

Services Offered


  • Messaging

  • Phone

Licensing

LPC #LPC008771 (Expires: 2022-09-30)

LPCC #7086 (Expires: 2021-09-30)

LMHC #MH17905 (Expires: 2023-03-31)

Reviews

Written by J.A. on Apr 02, 2021 after counseling with Capri for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse

It has been amazing to work with Dr. Cruz. When I started therapy with her, I was overwhelmed with so many things that I had to process. Dr. Cruz has always been able to extend a listening ear and guide me through healthy ways of coping. Whenever I felt down, she was able to provide an alternative perspective that I've been able to adopt and thanks to her, I'm in a much better mental and emotional place. I highly recommend her for anyone, whether you're going through life or just want someone to vent to. She's an amazing therapist and I truly feel blessed to have been able to have her in my life!

Written by C.H. on Mar 29, 2021 after counseling with Capri for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties

Dr. Cruz had helped me realize my greatness and made me realize that I am better than my pain! This was the best decision I have ever made!

Written by A.R. on Mar 17, 2021 after counseling with Capri for 3 months on issues concerning depression, self esteem, and adhd

She listens to me, validates me, understands me but she still gives me honest input and things to work on.

Written by A.V. on Mar 10, 2021 after counseling with Capri for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd

Dr. Cruz really helped set me up for success and helped me change my life. She was there for me and listened to the issues I was having and helped me get on the path I want to be in life with my pattern of thinking. It really clicked for me with Dr. Cruz and I would recommend giving her a chance at helping you to improve your life!

Written by T.H. on Jan 31, 2021 after counseling with Capri for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and compassion fatigue

Dr Cruz is very understanding person. She listens without judging and has excellent advice and like a friend u can talk to about anything without judgment.

Written by D.A. on Jan 20, 2021 after counseling with Capri for 2 weeks

Celia has been a great resource during my challenging time

Written by P.A. on Jan 12, 2021 after counseling with Capri for 1 week on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and career difficulties

Dr. Cruz is a wonderful therapist. I’ve only had male therapists so it was nice to get a female perspective on my issues. Her sentiments are very helpful and she truly listens. I hope I’m able to continue working with her! She’s amazing.

Written by N.I. on Nov 09, 2020 after counseling with Capri for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, coaching, and compassion fatigue

Dr Cruz is one of a kind! She helped me get straight to the root of the issue and resolve with grace. I’m on a better path with less stress and anxiety about my past. I feel renewed!

Written by B.E. on Oct 30, 2020 after counseling with Capri for 4 years and 4 months on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and career difficulties

Dr Cruz is amazing and has helped me through some extremely trying times

Written by C.H. on Oct 07, 2020 after counseling with Capri for 2 weeks

Dr. Cruz feels like a friend when I’m talking to her and not a stranger. She has insightful answers for all of my problems that always make sense. Almost like she’s lived in my shoes. I would highly recommend her to anybody looking for a therapist and even use her services again in the future if I needed her.

Written by K.A. on Oct 05, 2020 after counseling with Capri for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and trauma and abuse

She’s so compassionate

Written by A.N. on Sep 22, 2020 after counseling with Capri for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, and bipolar disorder

To start out Dr. Cruz was good. She was positive and uplifting listening to me. I feel she takes poor notes or has too large of a client list because I was constantly repeating details of very difficult times of my life. One of them being a recent rape. I was victim blamed by Dr Cruz on the situation. I was told that if I wasn't still friends with an ex (we broke up in 2013 after 4 months of dating and he was a family friend) than maybe I wouldn't have been raped and that I clearly lack boundaries. She also puts a large emphasis on her Christian faith and believes it is what will help me.

Written by G.A. on Aug 17, 2020 after counseling with Capri for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and self esteem

Dr. Cruz and amazing! I am so glad I matched with her because her ability to help me unpack my thoughts and emotions is far above any other counselor I've had. So grateful for her knowledge and expertise!

Written by S.A. on Aug 17, 2020 after counseling with Capri for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes

We have only had one session. But overall she listened and seemed helpful and encouraging. Giving me some ideas of what to do that would be helpful to me.

Written by B.R. on Aug 05, 2020 after counseling with Capri for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues

Dr. Cruz is a gem, not a ruby but an entire collection of diamonds. She is amazing. I could not be happier nor do I feel I could be progressing so well and so quickly if it wasn't for her.

Written by L.I. on Jul 21, 2020 after counseling with Capri for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and career difficulties

Dr. Cruz is truly a God-send. She is the best therapist I’ve ever had. She treats you like a human being and not a patient in a long list of patients. She really listens to what you are saying, and tells you what you need to hear in the nicest way possible. She actually breaks down why someone feels a certain way and how you can go about fixing it in specifics and details! She is very inclusive in planning your treatment and really wants to know your goals and intentions and not just pushing what she wants upon you! I can not recommend this woman enough!!

Written by M.O. on Jun 01, 2020 after counseling with Capri for 2 weeks

She's extremely helpful and very personable. I don't feel like I'm talking to a therapist more so of a friend or mother figure. It's refreshing and I greatly appreciate her doing what she does to help people.

Written by M.I. on May 31, 2020 after counseling with Capri for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, and adhd

Dr.Cruz is a very understanding and compassionate lady. I have full confidence in her expertise.

Written by K.I. on May 08, 2020 after counseling with Capri for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd

I never expected to connect so well with Dr Cruz and it’s amazing how much of an impact she’s making on my life speaking with her has helped me realize so much more she is the type of woman that makes you feel heard and acknowledged and throughout tough times that is the best gift you can provide and she provides it so well.

Written by J.A. on May 02, 2020 after counseling with Capri for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety

Very positive, listens to clients, and supportive.

Written by O.L. on May 01, 2020 after counseling with Capri for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and sleeping disorders

She is amazing!

Written by A.N. on Apr 27, 2020 after counseling with Capri for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety

I felt she really listens to what I was saying, and she understood me, and at the same time confidence in my self.

Written by K.R. on Apr 25, 2020 after counseling with Capri for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes

Dr. Cruz has positively impacted my life in many different ways in only 2 sessions. I am so grateful to have discovered this service and to have been matched with her. I feel a lot more hopeful about life than before I began this service!

Written by J.I on Mar 25, 2017 after counseling with Capri for 3 weeks on issues concerning addictions

Dr. Cruz has been extremely professional and yet has been challenging in her approaches, which has been extremely effective. I recommend her skill and expertise very highly.

Written by J.O on Jan 22, 2017 after counseling with Capri for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship, family, self esteem, anger, and career

Dr. Cruz is an incredibly insightful and encouraging counselor. She is discerning and supportive of what I experience in my life and offers practical wisdom on how specific situations and issues may best be navigated or changed.

Written by K.E on Oct 24, 2016 after counseling with Capri for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship, family, self esteem, anger, and career

Dr. Cruz is so inspirational, honest and caring. She really does give sensible solutions and includes you in finding ways to help you navigate through your life. She's so positive and I'm so lucky to have her as my therapist.