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
Addictions , Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Trauma and abuse , Parenting issues , Anger management , Career difficulties
Services Offered
Messaging
Phone
Licensing
LPC #LPC008771 (Expires: 2020-09-30)
LPCC #7086 (Expires: 2021-09-30)
LMHC #17905 (Expires: 2021-03-31)
Reviews
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.
Dr.Cruz is a very understanding and compassionate lady. I have full confidence in her expertise.
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.
Very positive, listens to clients, and supportive.
She is amazing!
I felt she really listens to what I was saying, and she understood me, and at the same time confidence in my self.
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!
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.
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.
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.