Elizabeth Benitez
My approach is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and collaborative. Using evidence-based practices, I help clients process difficult experiences, build resilience, and develop healthier ways to navigate life’s challenges. My goal is to meet each client where they are, honoring their unique experiences and individual needs. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to build on their strengths and make meaningful changes at their own pace.
I help women heal, reconnect with themselves, and find purpose through life’s challenges. I help adolescents navigate big emotions, heal from trauma, and build confidence in who they are.
First session
My hope is that clients feel safe enough to be themselves, knowing they don’t have to have everything figured out to begin their healing journey. I want them to feel a sense of relief, renewed hope, and confidence that they have someone in their corner who will meet them with compassion, honesty, and genuine care. Most importantly, I want them to leave knowing that their experiences matter, their strengths are worth recognizing, and they don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.
Strengths
I believe healing happens through a balance of compassion, safety, and accountability. I will meet you where you are and show up in the ways you need me to, whether that means offering a listening ear, gentle encouragement, honest feedback, or support as you navigate difficult emotions. My approach is rooted in genuine care, collaboration, and respect for your unique journey. My goal is for you to feel seen, heard, and supported while empowering you to recognize your strengths, embrace growth, and create meaningful change at your own pace.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are women and adolescents who may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress, or the impact of traumatic experiences. They may be navigating life transitions, experiencing stress from day to day life, struggling to manage their emotions, experiencing relationship challenges, or feeling disconnected from themselves and their sense of purpose. I welcome clients wherever they are in their journey, whether they’re ready to make changes or just beginning to understand what they need. They may be looking for practical tools to manage their emotions, heal from trauma, build healthier relationships, or develop a stronger sense of self.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I support clients in identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, developing healthier perspectives, and building practical coping skills to manage anxiety, depression, stress, and life challenges. I empower clients to strengthen emotional awareness, build resilience, and make meaningful changes in their lives.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients develop practical skills to manage intense emotions, tolerate distress, and navigate relationships more effectively. I incorporate mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to help clients respond to challenges with greater awareness and confidence. I empower clients to build healthy coping strategies, strengthen communication, and navigate difficult situations with greater resilience and self-compassion.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I use Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to help clients, particularly adolescents, process traumatic experiences, understand how trauma affects their thoughts and emotions, and develop healthy coping skills. Through a structured, trauma-informed approach, I support clients in building emotional regulation, challenging trauma-related beliefs, and developing a greater sense of safety and control. My goal is to help clients process difficult experiences at a pace that feels manageable while strengthening resilience and supporting long-term healing.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help client explore their feelings about change, identify their personal strengths, and build motivation toward goals that are meaningful to them. Through a collaborative, compassionate, and nonjudgmental approach, I help clients explore ambivalence, recognize their own reasons for change, and strengthen their confidence in their ability to move forward. My goal is to empower clients to make choices that align with their values and feel ready to take steps toward meaningful growth at their own pace.
Location
Virtual sessions