Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, HH & Co. has become a pillar of support for those seeking therapy and consulting services. As the demand for mental health services continues to rise, HH & Co. has expanded its team to meet the community’s needs. Focusing on their commitment to being part of the solution to the ebbing access to care — they greet this challenge with humility and warmth, one smile at a time.
As we step into the new year, it’s impossible to ignore the growing mental health crisis that continues to impact us here in Santa Cruz and the surrounding areas. The need for care has never been greater, and with overwhelming numbers of people seeking support to navigate life stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges, it’s more important than ever to foster safe, supportive spaces where we can heal, grow, and thrive.
A welcoming environment to begin your therapy journey
From the moment you walk into HH & Co., it’s clear that this is a different kind of therapy practice. The team connects with one another and their clients with a spirit of humility and empathy – these small moments of connection, though seemingly simple, are an intentional part of the practice’s approach to improving health outcomes. Studies show that engagement in healthcare improves when we feel welcomed and valued, and HH & Co. takes this philosophy to heart.
“We believe that the therapeutic relationship begins long before the first session starts,” says Holly, the founder of HH & Co. “By offering genuine connection and openness from the very start, and as part of our organization’s mission, we create an environment where therapy can feel more natural and results can occur more effectively.”
The team creates space for people to be seen and heard so they can work through the hard stuff together, while making time for laughter, too. Clients share that they feel ready to improve their relationships with family and friends, meet professional goals, and start living out their potential.
Meet the expanding team: A diverse and talented group of clinicians
As the practice grows to meet the increasing demand for therapy, the team at HH & Co. has expanded to include a diverse group of talented therapists, each contributing their distinct skills, experiences, and viewpoints to enrich the collective services provided.
- Amber Thuston (she/her), Clinician: Amber has been a therapist since 2018 and is passionate about guiding individuals toward wellness and self-discovery. Integrating spirituality with evidence-based therapies, she partners with clients as they work through grief, trauma, and personal growth. Amber’s compassionate approach supports individuals through their most vulnerable moments, fostering an environment of healing.
- Marlen Garcia (she/her), Associate Clinician: Marlen enjoys work with adults and older adults, and believes in listening with empathy and providing a judgment-free space for clients to explore their feelings, experiences, and goals for change. She works at each person’s pace, utilizing a strength-based approach to partner with people toward empowerment to set and achieve their goals. Whether navigating life’s ups and downs or processing trauma, Marlen’s warmth and understanding fosters safety in the therapeutic journey. Marlen proudly offers therapy in English and Spanish.
- Neha Rathaur (she/her), Clinician: Neha brings a multicultural, anti-racist, and LGBTQIA+ affirming lens to her work with adults and couples. She believes in the power of genuine, nonjudgmental connections to help individuals identify their true desires and overcome obstacles standing in their way. With expertise in modalities Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), and more, Neha supports clients in breaking negative patterns and creating meaningful change in their lives and offers therapy in English and Hindi. (Find her phone above)
- Anjuli Corzine (she/her), Associate Clinician: Anjuli enjoys meeting with both adults and youth, focusing on offering support for trauma, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. With a holistic, trauma-informed approach, she creates a compassionate space for clients to explore their beliefs, patterns, and behaviors. Anjuli’s person-centered values encourage clients to feel empowered in their own healing journey, while she maintains a deep commitment to providing consistent, empathic support.
- Amy Ferasci, Associate Clinician: Amy is passionate about helping people and making the world a better place, which is why, after some years in other sectors, she decided to change career paths and become a therapist. She especially enjoys working with people with neurodivergent experiences, people identifying as LGTBQI+, families with children who have special needs, and more generally, with couples, young adults, and teens. She uses IFS, Narrative Therapy and Gottman approaches to care. She loves partnering with people to enhance motivation to find the best version of their life. (Photo coming soon at www.hollyhughesandco.com)
These awesome clinicians are joining long-standing team members Vanessa Magee, Clinician and Director of Clinical Operations, and Holly Hughes, Clinician and Clinical Supervisor who are trained in EMDR. (Associates at HH & Co. are working under LCS #22877.)
The HH & Co. approach to therapy & consulting: Fostering sustained change
At HH & Co., therapy is not just about talking through problems—it’s about creating lasting change. The core values of the practice are agency, autonomy, and integrity and the team embodies those values using empathy, humility, curiosity, and courage.
“These values and ways of being guide every interaction, and they came about for HH & Co. because when any one of us engages in therapy, these are the core principles that come through, especially when we’re experiencing improvement! We didn’t develop the mission so much as the mission emerged as a result of many years in partnership with people as they make changes in their lives.” Holly says.
The HH & Co. team believes that real growth happens when we experience genuine connection and the kind of support that feels exactly right to us as individuals. Whether through individual, couples, or family therapy, specific models like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma, or coaching for care providers and executive leaders, HH & Co. is dedicated to fostering an environment where sustained change is possible.
Looking toward the future: Expanding to offer a soft landing spot
Whether you’re seeking therapy for trauma, loss, or self-discovery, or you’re looking for guidance in leadership and organizational health, HH & Co. is here for it! At HH & Co., the team is kind, open, grounded, and fiercely committed to community. They proudly say, “our approach is different — and we like it that way.” Come just as you are without making any changes. Simply bring an open heart and a curious mind.
Contact HH & Co. at info@hollyhughesandco.com or by visiting hollyhughesandco.com
740 Front Street Suite 370
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
