It is a feat that you have managed to stand with all that has happened to you. To move forward from grief, loss, and transition does not mean we forget. It means we recognize parts of ourselves that need nurturing. Our strengths often emerge in the deepest shadows. These strengths help us to navigate the waves of life.
Hi, I am Elizabeth and I want to know your story.
An individual carries pieces of experiences with them. These pieces become interwoven and can influence perspective of oneself, relationships, and the world. Life roles and changes to life roles due to circumstances and events can create challenges that may lead to stress and anxiety. As we move through chapters in our lives, we are sometimes met with uncertainty as to how to write new beginnings. Perhaps grief and loss have paused our words and shifted our ideals. By seeking help, you have already begun your path to finding peace amid the noise.
The Process of Change:
When we absorb the impact of things we cannot control, the process of change can feel hopeless and difficult. Exploring the roots of our responses can be both rewarding and painful. During this time, we often discover what is behind our primary emotions like anger, sadness, joy, and excitement. Patience and flexibility are key during the process of change and self-understanding.
How do we know when we have achieved change? We have changed when we can steady ourselves against the strongest waves. We can accept that each experience will shape us while simultaneously accepting we hold the power to change the cycle of our response to what is outside of our control. We don’t expect perfection of ourselves or of the world. We accept that healing and learning are a lifelong journey that can be challenging and exhilarating.
My Therapeutic Approach:
Your story is the greatest teacher. Using an integrative and person-centered approach that includes appropriate evidence-based techniques such as attachment, CBT, IFS and somatic approaches, I will walk with you through each chapter. Together we will tailor each step of your therapy journey to support your holistic health. This may mean making connections between past and current relationships and events to patterns of thinking, feeling, and being. Finding the parts of yourself that need care, reassurance, and encouragement might also be a part of your journey. Rediscovering your strengths and creating balance with healthy boundaries and goals can help you repair fractures in your self-perspective and relationships.
About Me:
I completed my Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling/Military and Veterans at The College of William & Mary. Additionally, I hold a Master of Arts in Teaching and Literacy from Queens University of Charlotte.
My personal and professional experiences led me to the path of being a therapist. I am a former educator who helped students and their families navigate social, academic, and emotional challenges. I am a military spouse of over twenty-five years in both the Active Duty and Reserve components. I understand first-hand the difficulties absence, separation, and starting again can bring. The joys and heartaches of my experiences have given me a special understanding of seeing versus noticing and listening versus hearing. This understanding has defined the true meaning of presence.
Animals, nature, music, and being by the water and with loved ones bring me joy. Being present in these moments bring me peace.
A writer and thinker by nature, I have a deep interest in the human condition. I feel honored to walk alongside of you in your healing journey. I am committed to helping you navigate grief, loss, transition, and anxiety. I welcome adults and couples who are committed to taking active steps in healing.
Areas of Focus
I work under the supervision of Isabel Kirk, LPC
To schedule an appointment, please send email to info@dcvacounseling-psychotherapy.com
