Aaron Marks, MA, APCC

Aaron is a Registered Associate Clinical Counselor (APCC) supervised by Dr. Thomas Lucking. Aaron holds a BA in Neuropsychology from Washington State University, an MA in Clinical Counseling from The California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant University, and is currently enrolled at Saybrook University working toward his PhD in counseling. Aaron also has a CADT certification in drug, alcohol, and addiction treatment.

Aaron is a strengths-based and trauma-informed psychotherapist that employs an integrative style to therapy that is evidence-based, research supported, and rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existentialism, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Person-Centered approaches that explore the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, relationships, and experiences. Aaron is an empathetic, kind, and intuitive counselor with a communication style that is genuine, non-judgmental, and centered on exploring potential areas for growth, positive change, relief from psychological distress, and overall emotional healing. Aaron makes effort to individualize treatment with consideration for the cultural, interpersonal, and developmental influences that shape world-view and impact the way we interpret the world around us.

Aaron has expertise working with people on the Autism spectrum. He works under the supervision of Dr. Thomas Lucking, PhD who is a published author, speaker, and expert in the field of Autism and Neurodiversity. Aaron uses the Island of Shared meaning model that Dr. Lucking created to teach nonviolent communication and promote mutually nurturing relationships. In addition he incorporates Dr. Lucking’s book on social skills as part of a comprehensive treatment process.

Aaron’s professional employment history includes over 20 years of experience in hospital patient advocacy/rights, social and family services, outpatient therapy, and various roles within community mental health and social justice. His non-professional interests include decades of experience as a jazz/rock/funk musician, portrait and landscape artist, photography, wood-working, outdoor sports, and 3D design.

Specialties & Practice Areas:

• Anxiety Disorders Including: Panic Attacks, Social Anxiety, and General Phobias
• Autism (Adults and Teens)
• Depression and Suicidal Ideation
• Trauma and PTSD
• Substance Abuse and Addiction
• Anger Management
• Grief and Loss
• Men’s Issues
• Stress Management
• Existential and Interpersonal Concerns
• Career Counseling and Burnout

Clients: Adults, Teens, Veterans

Modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Existentialism/Humanistic/Person-Centered, and other appropriate evidence-based practices, Trauma-informed, Neurofeedback

Locations:

• Santa Cruz Office
• Santa Cruz Walk and Talk
• Telehealth (video / audio)

Aaron is a member of Therapy InMotion