Batten Connie MFT

Welcome to Connie Batten Psychotherapy, a sanctuary for those seeking clarity, aliveness, and wholesome connections in their lives. Our mission is to help you uncover your inborn sources of creativity and vitality, enabling you to foster healthy relationships with yourself, your friends, your partner, your family, and the world in general.

Connie Batten, the founder of Connie Batten Psychotherapy, is a seasoned psychotherapist with extensive experience and training. She holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University and a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from San Jose State University. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT#36050) with a private practice in Santa Cruz, California, where she has been helping individuals, couples, and families since 1999. Connie's approach to psychotherapy is influenced by relational principles, somatic and mindfulness-based theories, and her personal experience with Zen sitting practice.

Services Offered

At Connie Batten Psychotherapy, we understand that everyone's journey is unique, and we are committed to providing personalized services that cater to your specific needs. Here are some areas we specialize in:

1. Life Transitions: As we navigate through life, we encounter various transitions that can be challenging and overwhelming. We offer support and guidance to help you adapt to these changes and find new meaning in your life.

2. Spiritual Crisis: We provide a safe and non-judgmental space for those experiencing a spiritual crisis or questioning their purpose in life. Our approach integrates both psychological and spiritual perspectives to help you find inner peace and clarity.

3. Grief and Loss: Grieving the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a significant aspect of your life can be a long and painful process. We accompany you on this journey, offering comfort, understanding, and tools to help you heal and move forward.

4. Relationship Distress: Relationships can be a source of great joy, yet they can also be a source of pain. We help individuals and couples identify patterns that contribute to distress and work collaboratively to enhance communication, empathy, and compassion in their relationships.

5. Search for Meaning: We work with those who are seeking to understand their life's purpose and create meaning in their experiences. By exploring your values, passions, and strengths, we help you cultivate a sense of fulfillment and direction.

6. LGBT Issues: We provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for members of the LGBT community. We are knowledgeable about the unique challenges faced by this community and are committed to promoting understanding, acceptance, and empowerment.

7. Anxiety and Depression: Anxiety and depression are common mental health concerns that can significantly impact one's quality of life. We use evidence-based therapies to help you manage symptoms, develop coping strategies, and enhance your overall well-being.

8. Life-Threatening Illness: A life-threatening illness not only affects one's physical health but also impacts emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. We offer compassionate support and guidance to help you and your loved ones navigate this challenging experience.

9. Unresolved Traumatic Experiences: Trauma can have lasting effects on one's mental, emotional, and physical health. We use trauma-informed approaches to help you process and heal from unresolved traumatic experiences.

Healing and Approach

At Connie Batten Psychotherapy, we define healing as entering with mercy and awareness those areas we've withdrawn from in fear and judgment. We believe in the innate impulse toward wholeness and the healing power of mutuality, compassion, and empathy. Our approach is grounded in creating a sense of safety and understanding your experience from your perspective, collaboratively working toward enhancing your sense of choice, increasing your capacity for self-awareness, and widening your access to compassion and empathy for yourself and others.

If you are seeking a supportive, experienced, and compassionate psychotherapist, Connie Batten Psychotherapy invites you to call us for a free half-hour phone consultation at 831-425-4432.