The HCTR Team
A Group of People Who Care
There are a lot of options out there. In fact, over 68% of the nations mental health professionals work and reside here in California. And with so many choices, it can still be difficult to find the right fit.
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Looking for a therapist is similar to assessing any relationship. We are often starting with seeking out someone who cares. Thankfully we are a team of people who do what we do because we love it. We love the opportunity to join your journey and move things towards something that looks and feels like change.
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Caring about what we do and who we work with makes all the difference, and we invite you to come and meet us and see what kind of difference that may make in your life or the lives of those you love.
How Working as a Team Benefits Everyone
We know how important it is to find the right counselor; someone you can connect with, enjoy, and trust to direct you or your loved ones towards change. What we have discovered is the benefit to doing this as a team.
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At the Healing Center for Trauma & Relationships, we believe that working together is invaluable. Not only does it allow for collaboration and ongoing communication, but we get to model what healthy relationships actually look like. Whoever you choose to work with, know that a great deal of time and consideration has gone into developing this team. We are kind, insightful, skilled, and honest, and we all engage in the process of change because it is what we love.
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We look forward to meeting you.
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Meet The Team
WISE, GROUNDED, & WARM
TERESSA WILCOX
Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Hello, I’m glad you’ve taken this step to find support and reach your goals. We all have problems in our lives, sometimes big, sometimes small. Having a place to find support, gain tools, and better yourself can lead to having a healthier, more fulfilled life. I have experience working with a wide array of individuals, families, and couples of all ages with all types of concerns. Whatever your goals are, wherever you are at in your life, I am confident that I can provide the support you need. I specialize in treating anxiety/depression, trauma, couples, and stress-related issues. I treat kids, teens & adults.
I utilize a wide array of therapy models to assist in meeting my clients needs including CBT, Attachment, EFT and solution-focused. I also have special training in EMDR for trauma, phobias and stress-related issues. I am an EMDRIA Certified Consultant.
Trainings in trauma-resiliency model and trauma-focused CBT help to provide a rounded approach to trauma and attachment work. I’m also trained in levels 1&2 of Gottman therapy for couples, certified in prepare and enrich for premarital therapy needs and certified in new ways for families therapy to address family related issues.
DILIGENT, EMPATHETIC, & CARING
W. JACOB KAVANAUGH, MA
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
We often want so badly to do a better job of caring for ourselves and each other, but we’re not sure how. We can see the ways that our own pain, fear, and trauma stands in our way, but we’re not sure what to do about it. I offer a warm, safe, and compassionate space in which you and I can explore your hopes, heal emotional wounds, and empower you to live and love more freely. My approach to therapy is gentle and understanding. I believe that growth happens in relationships and that even when we don’t like our own patterns and behavior, we can work together to understand them and create authentic change.
As a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, I am dedicated to providing culturally sensitive treatment and continuing to develop my own multicultural competence and humility. I have worked with a diverse spectrum of clients, and I have experience addressing issues including grief, life transitions, depression, anxiety, identity formation, trauma, communication, anger, and end of life issues.
I received my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope International University, and I have completed supplemental training focusing on couples counseling, trauma recovery, and LGBTQIA+ issues.
INSIGHTFUL, RELATIONAL, & COMPASSIONATE
HEIDI PATCHEAK, MA
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Life can throw some tough stuff our way, and it’s not uncommon for that to show up as anxiety, depression, loneliness, confusion or even struggles with substance use and relationships. What we all need in those moments is a space where we can take a breath, dig deep, and reflect—with someone who genuinely has our back. That’s where I come in. I’ve found that a lot of what weighs us down often comes from old, relational wounds. When we get curious about those deeper roots, that’s where true healing begins—and lasts.
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I’m passionate about helping clients not just get by, but really thrive. My approach? A little bit of everything, because no two people are the same. Whether it’s EMDR for processing trauma or some other tailored approach, we’ll figure out what fits best for you. We’re in this together, crafting a plan that feels right for your journey.
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I believe kindness makes a big difference, and I bring that warmth into the therapy room. Though the healing process can feel overwhelming at first, we’ll create a safe, supportive space to explore your inner world. My goal is to help you gain insight, build confidence, and develop a renewed sense of direction—and perhaps share a laugh or two along the way.
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EMPATHETIC, THOUGHTFUL & SUPPORTIVE
CARLY SANTOS, MA
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
It takes immense courage to seek support when you need it most. When life's circumstances become challenging, therapy can offer a crucial opportunity to pause from our busy lives, reflect, gain support, and ignite change. It is my privilege to be entrusted with my clients' stories and to walk alongside them in their pursuit of hope, growth, and healing. My empathetic approach provides a safe space for you to share your story without judgment.
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With seven years of experience in the mental health field, I have worked with teens and adults focusing on anxiety, depression, boundaries, spirituality, self-esteem challenges, and trauma-related issues. I’ve enjoyed working with couples facing relationship issues, communication, and conflict resolution.
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I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. I have a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope International University with an additional certification in Prepare and Enrich, a premarital and marriage assessment tool to help strengthen and enhance relationships.