Is Murphy’s Law all too familiar lately? Several years ago, I changed my middle name to Murphy as a tribute to Murphy’s Law. This decision wasn't solely based on comic relief and the irony of my new initials doubling as a personal warning label - EMS! It also serves as a reminder that even though we may not be able to control certain situations (e.g. trauma, job loss, divorce, family, diagnosis, etcetera), we can control how we respond to them. My name is Elizabeth Murphy Scott and I'm excited to welcome you to my practice, EMS Counseling, offering convenient Telehealth counseling services throughout the state of Virginia. With over 20 years clinical experience, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). My life's work is dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome life's hurdles, particularly in areas related to trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, interpersonal relationships, and stress management. I adopt a solution-oriented and open-minded therapeutic approach, challenging my clients to explore new perspectives and develop strategies that promote healing, growth and balance. I am passionate about helping you navigate your unique challenges to enjoy your most authentic and fulfilling life.
Welcome to EMS Counseling LLC, a safe, relaxed, judgment-free, and confidential space! The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and establish a foundation for our work together. We will review or complete required pre-session documents, discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your goals, and any concerns you may have. I will ask questions to better understand your background, experiences, and current challenges. Together, we will begin developing a personalized plan considering your unique needs and personal therapeutic goals to guide your individualized treatment. This session is also a time for you to ask questions and express any apprehensions you might have about the therapeutic process. I want you to feel comfortable and safe sharing your experiences, so I create an authentic, relaxed and non-judgmental space where you can be yourself.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my authenticity. Personal traumatic and complicated life experiences offer me invaluable insight instrumental to my intuitive, practical, evidence-based, highly individualized, and dynamic therapeutic perspective blending firsthand knowledge with over 20 years of clinical skill acquisition. I create a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard and understood. My solution-oriented approach helps clients identify and implement practical strategies to address their unique challenges. I am known for my open-mindedness and willingness to explore diverse perspectives, which allows me to connect with clients from various backgrounds and experiences. My ability to challenge clients in a compassionate and constructive manner encourages growth and self-discovery. Additionally, my extensive experience in trauma-focused therapy equips me to support clients dealing with complex trauma and/or challenging stressors.
I specialize in helping people just like you overcome obstacles to restore balance and improve quality of life. I value your individuality and unique circumstances, so I take a personalized approach to therapy that's tailored to your unique needs and goals. I am best positioned to serve Virginians who are ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. My clients often face challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, multiple diagnoses, missed or inaccurate diagnosis, relationships, academic or work-related concerns, life transitions, burnout, grief, or similar issues. They are individuals who may feel overwhelmed by symptoms, recent changes, stress, or life in general and are seeking a compassionate yet structured and evidenced based approach to therapy. My clients value a therapeutic space that is both safe and challenging, where they can openly discuss their experiences and emotions without judgment. They are eager to engage in a collaborative process, exploring new coping strategies and concepts to enhance their quality of life. Whether you are dealing with historical or recent trauma, overwhelmed by compiling stressors, struggling to manage symptoms, seeking improved relationships or self-actualization, and/or need assistance with unique impositions, I am here to guide and support you every step of the way.
⏺ Eclectic Therapy in practice: Flexible and adaptive therapeutic approach; combines various therapy concepts and techniques to treat a wide range of mental health conditions; facilitates personally tailored, customized, and effective treatment; based on unique individual circumstances, symptoms and therapeutic goals; eliminates “cookie cutter” therapeutic approach; utilized by highly skilled and competent therapists to maximum therapeutic outcomes; aka integrative or multimodal therapy ⏺ Experience: 20+ years clinical experience, specialized ongoing training/Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
⏺ CBT in practice: Teaches how to manage a variety of mental health symptoms by modifying thinking and behavior patterns, improves emotional regulation and coping skills, leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life ⏺ Experience: 20+ years clinical experience, specialized ongoing training/Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Trauma-Focused CBT ⏺ TF-CBT in practice: Evidence-based treatment approach; focuses of traumatic experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or natural disasters; reduces impact of trauma and related symptoms; fosters healthy coping strategies ⏺ Experience: Certified Clinical Trauma Provider (CCTP), 20+ years clinical experience, specialized ongoing training/Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
⏺ Humanistic therapy in practice: Emphasizes inherent goodness, worth and potential; focuses on helping achieve self-actualization, or realization of full potential; fosters growth and self-discovery within a supportive and accepting environment; offers insight into patterns and behaviors, motivation and encouragement; improves self-awareness, acceptance, self-esteem, confidence, coping skills and problem-solving; enhances personal growth and development Key principles: Authenticity - therapist interactions are genuine and transparent Person-Centered - client is the expert regarding their experiences, treated with respect and empathy Positive Regard - therapist accepts and values the client unconditionally, regardless of circumstances Self-Actualization - helps achieve unique potential and fulfilling lives Growth and Change - encourages responsibility and positive changes ⏺ Experience: 20+ years clinical experience, specialized ongoing training/Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
⏺ ACT in practice: Develops psychological flexibility; views difficult emotions as normal part of life; focuses on learning to adapt by accepting feelings, identifying values, committing to action, and being present; detangles thoughts and feelings; reduces the threatening nature of life events utilizing cognitive defusion, the observing self, and a various techniques; effective across diverse settings ⏺ Experience: 20+ years clinical experience, specialized ongoing training/Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
⏺ Integrative Therapy in practice: Highly individualized, whole person approach - considers biological, psychological, and social factors; combines ideas and techniques from different therapeutic approaches to treat unique needs; offers a more flexible and inclusive approach to treatment than those who practice singular forms of psychotherapy; aka Holistic Therapy ⏺ Experience: 20+ years clinical experience, specialized ongoing training/Continuing Education Units (CEUs)