Elizabeth Bates, LCSW

Finding a therapist is a profoundly personal way to begin the process of addressing whatever obstacle or issue you're facing. It's not that you have "issues or problems", but rather how you respond to them that's important. I am committed to working together to find an approach that's right for you with the ultimate goal of helping you find better ways of coping with the inevitable obstacles we all face-- in life, in relationships, in our careers, personal goals, crises, destructive patterns of behavior--and the list goes on., etc.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and received my degree from the State University of New York at Albany, in 2004. I have over 20 years of working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. My approach has been influenced by many contemporary theories and therapies. My background is in Gestalt Therapy, a holistic approach that builds on awareness of oneself and one's relationships with others. I often draw from other approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Response Treatment Therapy, mindfulness and psycho-education, depending on what we decide will be most beneficial for you. I will work collaboratively with you to help bring meaning and understanding to your life, resulting in a richer fuller life in the present. I embrace all people and have many years of experience working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Patients find me to be genuine, approachable, inclusive, warm and interactive. In my experience, humor and lightheartedness can be very helpful in developing that secure bond between patient and therapist. I believe an open-minded atmosphere creates the safe space you need in order to speak about truly personal matters.