Counselor Profile
Elizabeth Willson
Resident in Counseling
“Perhaps life is not just about “getting yourself together” like you have been told…but about learning to embrace all of the many pieces, the fragments that make the whole.” — Morgan Harper Nichols
As a counselor, I am deeply committed to providing a space in which clients feel seen, heard, and supported along their path of self-inquiry, growth, and healing. I strive to highlight the strengths of each client while providing a warm, non-judgmental, and open space for them to explore and connect with themselves. The development of self-awareness is essential to this process and with an extensive background in teaching yoga, I often utilize breathwork and mindfulness modalities to equip clients with tools for self-regulation, self-compassion, and tending to the ever-changing needs of their body, mind, and heart.
My experience lies in supporting adolescents and adults facing a variety of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and issues pertaining to relational conflicts, life transitions, identity development, emotional dysregulation, and low self-esteem. I work with clients of all cultural backgrounds and remain open to integrating faith/spirituality and other cultural traditions into sessions upon request.
To meet the unique needs of each client, I pull upon several counseling theories, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), all through a trauma-informed lens. I believe that the complexities and obstacles of the human experience can serve as launching pads for transformational growth and healing. I also believe deeply in the mind-body connection and am open to incorporating yogic tools into my work with clients as feels relevant to their journey.
Cultivating and maintaining a supportive and trusting therapeutic relationship is of my highest priority. It is my goal that each client walks away better equipped to face life’s challenges while experiencing an increased sense of personal empowerment, peace, well-being, and fulfillment in their life.
MORE ABOUT ME:
I was born and raised near Annapolis, Maryland. When I’m not counseling or teaching yoga, you can find me sipping on a warm drink, traveling to new places, or soaking in time in nature with my partner, baby boy, and two rescue pups!
EDUCATION:
- Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The George Washington University
- Bachelor’s degree in Communication from University of Maryland, College Park
Client Population:
- Adolescent (14-17)
- Adult (25+)
- Young Adult (18-25)
Primary Modalities:
- Emotion Focused
- Attachment Based
- Humanistic
- Mindbody
- Mindfulness Based
- Multicultural
- Narrative
- Person Centered
- Solution Focused
- Strengths Based
Specialties:
- Body Image
- Depression
- Emotional Regulation
- Family Dynamics
- Grief and Loss
- Life Transitions and Adjustment
- Parenting
- Relationship Conflict
- Self-esteem / Personal Growth
- Social Skills
- Stress and Overwhelm