About

How I approach therapy

The mental marathon

I look at therapy as a change mechanism. We are really trying to change not only actual physical habits, but also mental habits.

So, therapy is about changing habits of mind.

Think of it this way. If suddenly you decide that running a marathon is on your bucket list, you would start by creating a training schedule and a strategy to meet the challenge of a 26-mile race.

You might change your eating habits and pay more attention to a solid sleep schedule. You’d probably make sure you had good running shoes and maybe even a buddy to keep you accountable for sticking to your training schedule.

In essence, you’d thoughtfully prepare a strategy for change – and a roadmap for meeting your goal.

The transformative trainer

Working with me is like working with a trainer. I help to get you pointed toward running that marathon… not just struggling through it – but embracing the experience and the process.

The first thing we do is figure out what you want to do. What needs to be done – or changed – or addressed? What prompted you to type “therapists near me” in your Google search today?

As with training for any challenge, there will be ups and downs, times when you want to quit and go back to your old self, the familiar ways of doing things.

But, just as with training for your marathon, the only thing that brings change and accomplishment is changing our approach.

We can’t do the same old things and expect that something new, magical, and wondrous will happen, borne from these same old unhealthy habits and patterns of thinking.

The challenging path

Is therapy hard? Ummm… yup, it can be. It’s never easy to change habits, even when we know they aren’t healthy habits.

It’s much easier to keep doing the same thing over and over. That’s the way human brains work.

We go for what is familiar and, on some level, comforting – even though we know it may have very unpleasant consequences.

The miracle mile?

Elizabeth, do you guarantee miracles…how do I know this is going to work?

Honestly, you are in charge of your own miracles here. Or even subtle yet lasting change.

Therapy works only when you’re all in – meaning you expect to work hard, hold yourself accountable, and be honest with yourself.

I’m your guide – helping you shine the flashlight into the dark corners – and helping you figure out the path you want to take.

Cogito Ergo Sum

I’m happy to ponder the great questions of life with clients, and the nitty-gritty of how to establish and maintain a healthy daily routine. I have experience working in grief/loss and am very comfortable dealing with topics surrounding death, dying, and what’s next questions for those who wish to travel this path.

The finish line

I can’t make you change; I can’t create change for you.

But I can – and I will – commit to helping you create change for yourself.

Deep down, you know what you want. And even if you think you don’t, if you can’t quite put your finger on it, then we’ll work on that together.

I’m excited to get started!