Elizabeth Essner, LCSW

I believe every person and every couple has the potential for change, and I am honored to be part of the growth and healing that happens as a part of therapy.

As a IFS informed therapist, I honor and respect the courage that it takes to seek help. I provide a supportive and nonjudgemental environment in which you can safely explore your feelings, thoughts, and emotions. I will support you with issues related to struggles with relationships, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, loss, substance use, and if you are going through a crisis. I can help you overcome obstacles in your life as well as to find more meaning in your life. My goal is to help you feel empowered to create your best life, however that looks for you.

I believe every person, and every couple, has the potential for change. I have witnessed tremendous growth and healing, whether it is around life issues, relationship issues, past experiences and traumas, or substance use issues. I believe in a strengths-based, client-centered approach to counseling, and I value creating a partnership with you to help you achieve your goals. I provide counseling to individual adults, couples and adolescents.

Couples: Do you argue about the same things over and over again? In couples work, I help you learn or enhance your communication skills, supporting you in expressing your needs and wants in ways that can be heard. I create an environment where you, as a couple, can work on discovering or renewing emotional and/or physical intimacy. I can work with you around issues related to infidelity, safety, vulnerability and trust, helping you repair and rebuild your relationship. I provide a safe environment to discuss issues related to sexuality, including discrepancies in desire, and am kink and poly-sensitive.

Are drugs or alcohol a problem? I help people with substance use issues begin to live better lives. If you are overwhelmed by alcohol or drug use, including opioid addiction or marijuana overuse, and it is creating problems for you in your life, I can help you begin to address these problems and find a way out of the pain and despair. I will provide you with a safe environment, free from judgment, to deal with your substance use issues. I help with these issues, whether you want to quit completely or cut down and control your drinking or using. If you are already in recovery, I will respect and support your efforts as you participate in therapy.

Formerly a therapist at Kaiser Permanente Addiction Medicine and Recovery Services (previously CDRP), I have extensive experience in the field of substance use. I utilize different models of treatment to address drug and alcohol issues. I honor the way therapy and recovery dovetail to support you in your change and growth. I have years of experience working with women in recovery, helping them navigate life on life's terms.

I feel privileged to help everyone who I see - virtually or in person. If you are ready to feel relief, I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can help you create a better life.