I started getting very interested in counseling as a profession after volunteering as a "grief buster" for the local Hospice. I completed their training in 1999 and worked with several kids who had lost a loved one with an expressive art kit and good listening skills. Around this time, I immersed myself in meditation, yoga and then later came Reiki energy work, silent retreats, art explorations and dance. It was a time of growth and healing. This continued with the Hakomi (mindful experiential therapy) Comprehensive which I completed in 2007. I felt a strong affinity for the mindfulness-based somatic psychology work and assisted the training while I began my graduate studies. I received my clinical psychology degree with a somatic emphasis in 2011.
Other approaches I integrate in my practice are Solution Focused Brief therapy, Mindful Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Family Systems, Gestalt, Play Therapy, Existential psychology, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and R-CS (Re-creation of the Self). R-CS is an amazing map of the SELF as well as therapeutic model that focuses on shifting clients to their preferred expansive Self states.
I may use mindfulness, breath, and the moment-to-moment experience, to invite the adult client to deepen awareness as they gain insight working the mind-body continuum. New neural pathways emerge, connect and groove, assisting the client to consciously choose new ways of being and relating. Much of my work is relational, with particular attention to how limiting beliefs may affect our relationship as well as the client’s experience in the outer world.
I have worked with adults in my Hakomi practice and with adults in crisis as an intern and in my private practice. I have extensive experience working with children (some conjoint with family therapy). I have led various groups for children such as social skills/empowerment and domestic violence. I have also led DUI groups for youth ages 15-17 yrs.
Other approaches I integrate in my practice are Solution Focused Brief therapy, Mindful Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Family Systems, Gestalt, Play Therapy, Existential psychology, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and R-CS (Re-creation of the Self). R-CS is an amazing map of the SELF as well as therapeutic model that focuses on shifting clients to their preferred expansive Self states.
I may use mindfulness, breath, and the moment-to-moment experience, to invite the adult client to deepen awareness as they gain insight working the mind-body continuum. New neural pathways emerge, connect and groove, assisting the client to consciously choose new ways of being and relating. Much of my work is relational, with particular attention to how limiting beliefs may affect our relationship as well as the client’s experience in the outer world.
I have worked with adults in my Hakomi practice and with adults in crisis as an intern and in my private practice. I have extensive experience working with children (some conjoint with family therapy). I have led various groups for children such as social skills/empowerment and domestic violence. I have also led DUI groups for youth ages 15-17 yrs.
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Qualifications
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Issues
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Alternative Languages: Conversational Spanish
Age
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I would be honored to work with you, your friends and family. Please contact me at your earliest convenience.
Work Experience:
Marriage and Family Therapist, Carolyn Vitale, LMFT, Santa Cruz, CA.
Feb 2016 - present.
Psychotherapist in private practice at Santa Cruz Wellness Center.
Clinical Supervisor, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Inc, North Monterey County, CA.
Jul 2017 - Jan 2020.
EPSDT Counselor, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Inc, North Monterey County, CA.
Jan 2014 - Aug 2018.
Bilingual individual counseling for kids mainly age kindergarten -8th grade (some h.s.) that have Monterey Co. Medi-cal.
Yoga Teacher, Private Group Yoga Teacher, and Partner Yoga Teacher, Santa Cruz, CA.
Sept 2000 - present.
Sticks and Stones Counselor, Harmony at Home, Salinas, CA.
Aug 2013 - Jun 2014.
Provided group therapy to kids that have trauma in a Salinas elementary school. Provided bullying prevention presentations to the classrooms.
Assistant Director, Senior Programs, City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA.
Jan 2010 - Jan 2014.
Provided, organized and instructed senior activity classes.
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern (MFTI), SC County Mental Health Services, Santa Cruz, CA.
Nov 2011 - July 2012.
Provided one-on-one counseling to low-income adults in crisis. Completed annual assessments and service plans for clients.
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern (MFTI), Westlake Elementary via Youth Services and SC City Schools, Santa Cruz, CA.
Sept 2011 - Jun 2012.
Provided one-on-one counseling to youth and their families at an elementary school site. Led and co-facilitated social skills and girls empowerment groups to 4th and 5th graders.
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee, Youth Services (Affiliate of SCCC), Santa Cruz, CA
Sept 2010 - Aug 2011.
Provided one-on-one counseling and telemedicine services to youth and their families. Assessed and wrote clinical reports for paid and Medical clients. Led 8-week mandated DUI group for adolescents.
Testimonial
Caro Vitale is an exceptional therapist who exudes patience and understanding in every session. Her deep knowledge and expertise in both sexual abuse and anxiety focused therapy is evident in the way she approaches each unique need I brought up session-to-session. Caro's dedication to constant exploration and studies into new therapeutic techniques showcase her commitment to always providing the best care for her clients. Talking with Caro feels like talking to a friend or relative; someone who you want to seek out for advice, who listens to you, and who cares for you. I highly recommend Caro to anyone seeking a compassionate and skilled therapist to guide them on their healing journey. J.C.
Work Experience:
Marriage and Family Therapist, Carolyn Vitale, LMFT, Santa Cruz, CA.
Feb 2016 - present.
Psychotherapist in private practice at Santa Cruz Wellness Center.
Clinical Supervisor, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Inc, North Monterey County, CA.
Jul 2017 - Jan 2020.
EPSDT Counselor, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Inc, North Monterey County, CA.
Jan 2014 - Aug 2018.
Bilingual individual counseling for kids mainly age kindergarten -8th grade (some h.s.) that have Monterey Co. Medi-cal.
Yoga Teacher, Private Group Yoga Teacher, and Partner Yoga Teacher, Santa Cruz, CA.
Sept 2000 - present.
Sticks and Stones Counselor, Harmony at Home, Salinas, CA.
Aug 2013 - Jun 2014.
Provided group therapy to kids that have trauma in a Salinas elementary school. Provided bullying prevention presentations to the classrooms.
Assistant Director, Senior Programs, City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA.
Jan 2010 - Jan 2014.
Provided, organized and instructed senior activity classes.
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern (MFTI), SC County Mental Health Services, Santa Cruz, CA.
Nov 2011 - July 2012.
Provided one-on-one counseling to low-income adults in crisis. Completed annual assessments and service plans for clients.
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern (MFTI), Westlake Elementary via Youth Services and SC City Schools, Santa Cruz, CA.
Sept 2011 - Jun 2012.
Provided one-on-one counseling to youth and their families at an elementary school site. Led and co-facilitated social skills and girls empowerment groups to 4th and 5th graders.
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee, Youth Services (Affiliate of SCCC), Santa Cruz, CA
Sept 2010 - Aug 2011.
Provided one-on-one counseling and telemedicine services to youth and their families. Assessed and wrote clinical reports for paid and Medical clients. Led 8-week mandated DUI group for adolescents.
Testimonial
Caro Vitale is an exceptional therapist who exudes patience and understanding in every session. Her deep knowledge and expertise in both sexual abuse and anxiety focused therapy is evident in the way she approaches each unique need I brought up session-to-session. Caro's dedication to constant exploration and studies into new therapeutic techniques showcase her commitment to always providing the best care for her clients. Talking with Caro feels like talking to a friend or relative; someone who you want to seek out for advice, who listens to you, and who cares for you. I highly recommend Caro to anyone seeking a compassionate and skilled therapist to guide them on their healing journey. J.C.