Lorine Estelle Bay
My approach integrates Person-Centered Expressive Arts Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing, mindfulness, DBT, CBT, motivational interviewing, active imagination, systems theory, and solution-focused therapy. I believe healing involves more than changing thoughts alone. Research on neuroplasticity shows the brain and nervous system can form new pathways throughout life, creating opportunities for meaningful emotional and behavioral change. Therapy can support not only insight, but also emotional regulation, self-compassion, nervous system balance, creativity, and resilience. I work collaboratively and compassionately, welcoming all parts of you into the therapeutic process. Together, we may explore thoughts, emotions, body awareness, imagination, patterns shaped by past experiences, and practical tools that support lasting growth and healing. You do not need to be “artistic” to benefit from expressive arts therapy.
First session
During our first session, we will discuss your current challenges, relevant personal history, relationships, stressors, strengths, coping patterns, and what you would like support with moving forward. I also pay attention to how stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, or life transitions may be affecting your nervous system, emotional well-being, relationships, creativity, and sense of self. My approach is collaborative and individualized. Depending on your needs and comfort level, sessions may include traditional talk therapy along with mindfulness, expressive arts, body awareness, parts work, nervous system regulation tools, or practical coping strategies. There is never pressure to use art in therapy, and no artistic experience is needed. Many clients tell me they feel relieved to have a space where all parts of themselves are welcomed with curiosity and compassion rather than judgment. My goal is to help you feel emotionally safe, understood, and supported while we begin identifying realistic goals and building a therapeutic relationship that supports meaningful and lasting change.
Strengths
Clients often appreciate that I welcome both emotional depth and practical change. I can help clients process trauma and difficult emotions while also supporting concrete goals such as improving communication, reducing anxiety, building healthier relationships, increasing motivation, setting boundaries, and creating healthier daily habits. Another strength of my work is my focus on the connection between the mind, body, nervous system, and creativity. Research on neuroplasticity shows that meaningful change is possible throughout life, and therapy can help create new emotional, behavioral, and relational pathways. I often help clients move beyond self-judgment and survival patterns toward greater resilience, flexibility, authenticity, and connection. Clients frequently describe my style as warm, grounded, intuitive, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I strive to create a therapeutic space where people feel emotionally safe enough to bring forward the parts of themselves that may have previously felt unseen, overwhelmed, ashamed, or misunderstood.
Ideal clients
My way of working relies on my client's intrinsic motivation to set goals and move toward creating their best life and Authentic-Self-Actualization. I love working with clients who are willing to participate, accept support and talk about the real problems, issues and obstacles they need to overcome in order to reach their goals. I love working with clients who are interested in working with any creative process, expressive arts and sand play.
Treatment methods
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I integrate IFS, Person-Centered Expressive Arts, and Systems approaches to help clients understand their inner experiences, express emotions creatively, and recognize how relationships and environments affect well-being. I draw from Solution-Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to identify strengths, clarify goals, and support meaningful change. Mindfulness and meditation build present-moment awareness, while DBT and CBT provide practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, effective communication, and changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions340 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060