About Elizabeth Byrnes, LMHC

Therapist

My philosophy…

I want you to be receptive to therapy, so my first objective is to make you feel safe in a warm, open and honest space. My approach is grounded in clearly identifying your wants and needs and figuring precisely what we need to do to get you there together.

We’re all wired to seek pleasure (or any good, safe feeling) and avoid pain and discomfort. This framework is helpful when we think about change… and getting more of what we want and less of what we don’t!

Isn’t that why we’re here? We want to feel better and get more from our lives!

My style…

I’m an active, direct, authentic, goal-oriented therapist. I have many years of experience at this stage and have confidence in my skills and capacity to help.

I want you to get the most out of every session and see them as an opportunity to move forward. I believe that therapy should have a clear direction so there is a continuous feeling of accomplishment and growth.

Doing what works often requires an extra dose of flexibility and creativity. I fully believe in your ability to change and am excited to use keen problem-solving skills to help you clear the hurdles on your path.

My most important credentials and successes…

I have deep training and experience in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a treatment initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder but is now used to treat a broad range of challenges. DBT is a superb intervention for individuals with strong or intolerable emotions or struggle with problematic coping like self-harm, substances, or disordered eating.

My training in parent management (Kazdin Method), coupled with many years of adolescent DBT training and practice, has informed my work as a parent coach. Helping parents is one of the most rewarding areas of my work. You give me a tough kiddo, and I’ll give you a rock-solid behavior plan (and lots of support in implementing it!).

Other evidence-based treatments I’ve learned and practiced over the years include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT for adolescents and adults, Prolonged Exposure for Trauma, Family-Based Treatment for adolescent eating disorders, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Specialist Supported Clinical Management for Severe and Enduring Anorexia, DBT Solution for Emotional Eating, and Parent Management Training.

My top three qualities…

(1) Energy
(2) Patience
(3) Authenticity

Fun facts about me…

I love an estate sale! Even if I don’t buy anything, I find it sobering but intriguing to think about the lives of those who left the items behind. And if I come across old furniture with potential, I’ll refurbish it myself.

On that note, I’m pretty crafty and enjoy painting as the ultimate escape.