About Thistle Hofvendahl, ASW (they/them)
CA #113666

I believe that…

You are the expert on your own life and experience. As a therapist, I support you as you deepen your relationship with yourself and explore the core values that connect you to who you want to be. In therapy, you’ll acquire the tools to address your challenges and move toward a more joyful, connected way of life.

My approach is…

… accepting, embodied, and collaborative. I use techniques from Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, attachment theory, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and nonviolent communication. I like to be creative about formatting therapy sessions to best meet your needs. If traditional talk therapy is your jam, that’s great. If not, I’m just as happy to break the mold. We can use various materials to make a collage, or we can meet at the beach so you can sink your toes in the sand as we talk. We can meet in person at the office, do walk-and-talk therapy throughout Santa Cruz County, or meet online anywhere as long as you’re in California.

Specialty areas

I help teens struggling with family conflict and attachment disruptions. When parents separate, a family member dies, or family dynamics shift as a natural part of getting older, teens often experience anger, grief, and anxiety about their changing roles and relationships.

I use narrative therapy, somatic and attachment-focused techniques, and expressive arts activities to help teens understand themselves and their relationships. They’ll learn to identify and express emotions as they develop healthy coping skills for when they feel overwhelmed. As a result, their self-esteem improves, they feel less anxious, and they have an easier time communicating with the people in their lives.

I also help LGBTQ+ youth and families explore how their identities and expressions inform who they are as individuals and in relationships. I also work with queer couples facing challenges like family-building or exploring different relationship structures. With a focus on communication, my clients learn to understand one another’s perspectives and reconnect with their shared values.

My credentials

I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) under the supervision of Sara Anderson, LCSW. I completed my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in 2022 at the University of Southern California with a concentration in advanced clinical practice with children, youth, and families.

I also have a certificate in Climate Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies (completed in 2023) and am a member of the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America.

I love…

… making waffles, hiking with friends, knitting, kayaking, live music, picking out library books with my toddler, gardening, and big cups of tea on foggy mornings.