Elizabeth Terry, PhD
Psychologist
Los Angeles, CA
Online & In-Person
Free initial consultation
About me
As a clinical neuropsychologist, I assess both children and adults with a specialty in pediatric neuropsychological assessment. My psychotherapy practice with tweens, adolescents, and adults draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).
In both assessment and therapy my approach identifies barriers and builds bridges to success. I want my clients (and, if appropriate, their parents) to trust that we will effectively explore their needs and goals, and that the work we do together will be useful in their lives. As a “neuro”psychologist, I apply my knowledge about how the brain works (and child development) to help understand a client’s thinking, behavior and feelings. For assessments, I introduce myself to (especially younger) children as a “brain detective” whose job is to find out what kinds of things are easy for them and what is harder for them. By pulling together information from formal tests, informal observations, and, for children, the adults who know the child best (e.g., parents, teachers, doctors, therapists, tutors … ), I can describe the client's relative strengths and weaknesses and provide recommendations to help them achieve success.
With therapy clients, we focus on what is going on in your current life, rather than what has led up to your difficulties. A certain amount of information about your history will help us understand some of the “why” behind your current behavior and feelings, but our focus will be primarily on moving forward in life. We may evaluate your personal values, what makes your life meaningful, and how to help you live more according to your values. Goals are individual, of course. Examples of large goals might be: to improve sleep habits; to decrease procrastination; to relieve depression or anxiety; to improve relationships. We then identify smaller steps to achieve these goals.
Because of my neuropsychological expertise, I am also particularly qualified to help families navigate sometimes confusing behaviors of their loved ones. Why does my loved one with [ADHD/autism/brain injury/anxiety/depression/learning disabilities...] behave in ways that I don't understand? What changes can we make in our household to help our loved ones be as successful as possible? I help families recognize that (some) undesirable behaviors do not reflect their loved one's intentions. This helps families support their loved ones better, even when frustrated. With this perspective, it becomes easier to respond proactively, rather than reactively, and thereby create a nurturing, fulfilling environment.
My ultimate goal: to make myself obsolete. I want you to learn to apply the tools and skills we practice — essentially, to become your own therapist. Through activities in and between the sessions, we will work to help you develop coping skills to achieve shared goals such as: learning to change your own thinking; having feelings without letting the feelings (be) have you. Feelings are real and important AND sometimes they are not helpful team players. Sometimes, actions based on feelings interfere; one goal may be to help you make more conscious decisions about behavior rather than letting difficult feelings decide for you.
Fit and rapport are among the best predictors of success in psychotherapy. If my approach sounds compatible with your needs, give me a call! I am happy to have a conversation without charge to see if we may be a good match.
N.B. Contacting me does not constitute the formation of a professional relationship of any kind. Please do not send confidential information to me until a professional relationship is formally established.
License
License(s)
Professional certifications
Professional associations
Education
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
University of Chicago
Fees and insurance
Cost per session
$300 - $300Accepted payment methods
- Cash
- Check
- Zelle
Specialties and clinical interests
- ADHD
- Adoption & Fostering
- Anger Issues
- Anxiety
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Bipolar & Other Mood Disorders
- Chronic Illness
- Chronic Pain
- Depression
- Developmental & Intellectual Disorders
- Grief & Loss
- Law Enforcement/First Responders
- Learning Disabilities
- Neuropsychological Issues
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Parenting & Parent-Child Relationships
- Pet Loss
- Phobias & Fears
- School Performance
- Self-Esteem
- Sleep Disorders
- Stress/Stress Management
- Trauma & PTSD
- Traumatic Brain Injury
Therapy types
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
Community specialties
- LGBTQIA+
- People with Disabilities
- Military Families
- Autism
- Veterans
- Trauma Survivors
Images and videos
Location
Elizabeth Jerison Terry, Ph.D.
2211 Corinth Avenue
Suite 309
Los Angeles, CA 90064 US
Office is ADA Accessible
Licensed to see clients in
Years in practice
Service types
- Psychological Testing
- Therapy / Counseling
Types of clients
- Kids & Tweens (5-12)
- Adolescents (13-17)
- Adults (18+)
- Older Adults (65+)
- Individuals
- Couples
- Parents & Caregivers
Languages
- English
Website and social media