Larry Cruz

My name is Larry Cruz, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee dedicated to helping individuals, couples, teens, and families navigate the complexity of human relationships and emotional life. My therapeutic style centers on compassion, clarity, and deep respect for the internal world each client carries. I believe that meaningful change happens when people feel safe enough to explore their stories, understand their patterns, and discover healthier ways of showing up for themselves and others.  

Before beginning my training as an MFT, I spent many years working in education—as an instructor, advisor, and student support professional—which taught me the importance of patience, listening, and meeting people where they are. My work with diverse students and families helped shape my strength in understanding human behavior, communication styles, and the challenges people face during times of transition or distress. These experiences naturally inform my therapeutic lens today, especially when supporting adolescents and young adults who are learning to find their voice, identity, and direction.  

In therapy, I take an integrative approach. I often draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Family Systems, trauma-informed work, and Clinical Resource Model (CRM) grounding techniques. I practice with the belief that people do not need to be “fixed”—they need guidance, insight, and tools to understand themselves and their environments more clearly. Many clients appreciate my ability to balance empathy with honest reflection, helping them both feel supported and challenged in meaningful ways.  

I have experience working with concerns such as relationship conflict, communication issues, family tension, trauma responses, emotional overwhelm, identity development, substance-related stress, and adolescent behavior. I enjoy helping clients recognize patterns that may no longer serve them and guiding them toward new ways of thinking, relating, and responding. For couples, I encourage understanding, de-escalation strategies, and mindful communication—helping partners break cycles of misunderstanding so they can reconnect with intention rather than reaction.  

My work with teens and young adults is also a strong part of my practice. I help them explore their emotions, choices, and personal goals with respect and authenticity. Many young clients describe me as relatable, grounded, and easy to talk to—a therapist who listens without judgment but offers guidance when needed.  

For clients who wish to incorporate spirituality into therapy, I support them in exploring their personal beliefs and values. I’ve seen that faith, mindfulness, and a sense of purpose can be meaningful sources of strength for many individuals.  

Ultimately, my mission as a therapist is simple: to help you feel understood, supported, and empowered to move forward. Whether you're working through relationship difficulties, healing from past experiences, or simply trying to understand yourself more deeply, I am here to walk alongside you at a pace that feels right.  I look forward to supporting you on your journey.