I’m a well-trained trauma therapist—certified as a Clinical Trauma Specialist, EMDR-trained, and a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist. But more than that, I’m someone who has lived through and healed from trauma myself. I love helping my clients not only find relief from the pain of their past, but also reconnect with themselves in a deep way—so they can feel grounded, supported, confident, and able to trust themselves fully in every part of life.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, my main goal is to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and understood. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in, what you’re hoping to work on, and any concerns or questions you have about therapy. I’ll ask about your history—not just the hard parts, but also your strengths, your values, and what’s important to you—so I can get a full picture of who you are. There’s no pressure to go deep right away unless you want to. This session is about building a foundation of trust and beginning a process that moves at your pace.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
What makes me different as a provider is that I deeply get what it’s like to feel disconnected from yourself, weighed down by the past, and unsure if things will ever truly change—because I’ve been there. I’m not just clinically trained (as a Licenced Clinical Social Worker, Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, EMDR-trained, and Certified Recovery Peer Specialist); I’ve also done the real, messy, transformative work of healing myself. That lived experience allows me to show up with compassion, honesty, and zero judgment. Clients tell me they feel safe with me—like they can finally exhale. I’m skilled at helping people untangle old patterns, release shame, and reconnect with the parts of themselves they’ve had to hide or shut down. My greatest strength is guiding you back to you—the version of you that feels confident, grounded, whole, and in charge of your own life.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
You’re high-achieving, thoughtful, and self-aware—but deep down, something still feels off. Maybe you’re tired of feeling disconnected, second-guessing yourself, or carrying the weight of old wounds that never fully healed. You’ve done a lot on your own, maybe even tried therapy before, but you still don’t fully feel safe being yourself. You want more than just coping—you want to feel confident, grounded, and at home in your body and your life. I work best with women like you— women who are ready to do the deeper work of healing. You don’t just want to talk about what happened—you want to shift how it lives inside you. You’re ready to build a strong, trusting relationship with yourself, to set boundaries without guilt, and to finally feel free, supported, and powerful in your own skin.
About Liz Chelak
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Trauma Informed Care
I approach every session with a trauma-informed lens, meaning I prioritize safety, choice, and empowerment. I meet clients exactly where they are, moving at their pace, and honoring their story without judgment. This approach helps clients feel seen, validated, and more open to reconnecting with themselves.
EMDR
When clients are ready, I guide them through processing specific traumatic memories using evidence-based techniques like bilateral stimulation or visualization. This helps them release the emotional charge tied to the past and experience more freedom in the present.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
CPT is a specific form of CBT designed for treating trauma and PTSD. I use CPT to help you gently explore how trauma may have impacted the way you see yourself, others, and the world. We’ll identify painful or stuck beliefs—like self-blame, guilt, or mistrust—and work together to understand where they came from and how they’ve been affecting you. I’ll guide you in challenging these beliefs and replacing them with more balanced, compassionate truths that support your healing and self-trust.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I help clients explore and understand different parts of themselves—especially those shaped by trauma—so they can develop a more compassionate and trusting relationship with their inner world.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Using EFT I help clients access, experience, and transform their emotions in a safe, supportive way. It supports reconnection with self, emotional integration, and a deep sense of inner coherence.