About

William Norteye

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist # 130980 |Santa Cruz, CA

Change is inevitable, but taking action is a choice. Embrace the shift, and let each step forward be a reflection of your strength and courage.

William Norteye

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist # 130980 |Santa Cruz, CA

“In some ways, the mind is much like a garden. It needs your care, attention and effort. Left to its own devices it will soon become overrun with weeds. And where there are too many weeds, flowers struggle to grow.”

Change is inevitable, but taking action is a choice. Embrace the shift, and let each step forward be a reflection of your strength and courage.

My journey as a therapist began long before I
earned my license to practice Marriage
and Family Therapy in California.

My journey as a therapist began long before I earned my license to practice Marriage and Family Therapy in California.

It started with a deep-rooted desire to understand people—their stories, their struggles, their hopes. That desire led me to Palo Alto University, where I earned my M.A. in Counseling Psychology, a chapter of my life that shaped both my knowledge and my passion for this work.

After graduating, I began practicing in community counseling and mental health settings, working with individuals from all walks of life. Each day brought new lessons, new challenges, and new rewards.

 I found myself not just learning how to help others, but also learning from them. Every client taught me something about resilience, the human spirit, and the complexities of our shared existence.

Those years in community counseling were invaluable. They honed my skills and gave me the chance to connect with people in ways that were transformative for both of us. But as time went on, I felt the pull to create something more personal, a space where I could continue this work on my own terms, with the flexibility and focus to truly dive deep into the lives of those I serve.

Finding Balance and Growth in the Heart of Santa Cruz

That’s when I decided to open my private practice in the vibrant, coastal community of Santa Cruz. Here, I’ve found the perfect balance—an opportunity to work with individuals seeking healing and growth, while also staying rooted in a place that nourishes both my professional and personal life. Santa Cruz, with its diverse and dynamic energy, has become more than just the location of my practice—it’s part of the therapeutic journey I share with my clients

A Journey of Discovery and Support

Together, we navigate life’s challenges, drawing from the richness of this unique place and the wisdom we uncover along the way

This practice is the culmination of everything I’ve learned, both in the classroom and in life. It’s a space where people can come as they are, and I’m here, ready to walk with them, every step of the way.

Finding Balance and Growth in the Heart of Santa Cruz

That’s when I decided to open my private practice in the vibrant, coastal community of Santa Cruz. Here, I’ve found the perfect balance—an opportunity to work with individuals seeking healing and growth, while also staying rooted in a place that nourishes both my professional and personal life. Santa Cruz, with its diverse and dynamic energy, has become more than just the location of my practice—it’s part of the therapeutic journey I share with my clients

A Journey of Discovery and Support

Together, we navigate life’s challenges, drawing from the richness of this unique place and the wisdom we uncover along the way

This practice is the culmination of everything I’ve learned, both in the classroom and in life. It’s a space where people can come as they are, and I’m here, ready to walk with them, every step of the way.

Embracing Every Journey

But my work isn’t limited to one set of issues or one kind of person. Every person who enters my practice is different, and I love that. I also work with those on a journey of self-discovery, people who are not necessarily in crisis but are eager to learn more about themselves and the world around them. Whether it’s understanding their inner landscape, unearthing hidden strengths, or creating space for personal growth, I’m there for the curious as much as I am for those in pain.

I truly enjoy working with a wide range of people and concerns, there is also something special about partnering with others who are truly ready to heal. The energy changes when someone steps into therapy with an open heart, an open mind, ready to embrace the process of transformation. I feel the most alive, the most connected to the work, when I meet someone who is on the verge of exploring the depths of who they are and make the courageous leap toward change.

That’s the heart of the work for me—the journey we take together

Walking Together with Empathy
and Understanding

Walking Together with Empathy and Understanding

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of sitting with individuals who carry the weight of many different life challenges—anxiety, depression, struggles with substance use, self-esteem, conflicts in their relationships, and the deep pain of grief. These aren’t just words or diagnoses to me. They are the lived experiences of people who arrive at my door looking for relief, understanding, and guidance. And I feel honored every day to be someone they trust to help lighten that burden.

As an African American man, my own story adds a layer of depth to the work I do. I’ve walked paths where questions of racial identity, gender, and sexuality aren’t just theoretical ideas—they’re real, lived experiences. I know what it means to carry the weight of race-based stress, and this insight informs how I support clients who face similar struggles. There’s a shared understanding, a recognition that goes beyond words, and it allows me to walk alongside clients with a unique sense of empathy and care.

Reach Out To us

Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or to schedule a consultation. We’re here to support you on your journey toward healing and personal growth, and look forward to connecting with you.
Scroll to Top