Sophie Layman, MA

Sophie (she/her) is based in Santa Cruz and was born on the Big Island of Hawaii. Growing up, she traveled the world with her family, living in Indonesia, the Mojave Desert, and the central coast of California. Her parents shared with her their profound sense of awe and curiosity as they explored the natural wonders and local traditions of each destination. These experiences gave her a deep appreciation for different cultures, environments, and ways of living. Sophie is a compassionate and dedicated practitioner with a background deeply rooted in counseling. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from UC Santa Cruz and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a holistic specialization from John F. Kennedy University. She is passionate about expressive art therapies, eco therapy, and humanistic psychology, as well as yoga and mindfulness meditation.

Sophie’s professional journey reflects a genuine passion for empowering adolescents and young adults to find fulfillment in their lives and communities. She has thrived in positions working as a residential counselor for foster youth, as a guide and activities coordinator for international students, and as a therapeutic coach for teens with autism and developmental delays. Sophie celebrates neurodiversity and honors the strengths, perspectives, and challenges of each individual as unique and valuable in our world. She strives to empower clients of all backgrounds to reach greater levels of confidence, self-compassion, and harmony in the differing realms of their lives and relationships.

In her personal life, Sophie’s interests align closely with her professional pursuits. She values self-expression through art, music, dance, and other creative outlets. She finds solace in her meditative practices as well as time spent outdoors and with loved ones. Sophie is inspired by Wonder’s collaborative and holistic approach, and is glad to be part of an organization that integrates so many important facets of a person’s life into their healing journey. Her empathic nature and commitment to integrity make her a trusted ally and advocate for those she serves.