Liz Walker
My ideal is to help others help themselves around mental health issue created in the past and in the present. With this in mind, I went back to school at a later age and received a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in developmental psychology at Mills College in
My ideal is to help others help themselves around mental health issue created in the past and in the present.
Oakland and then an additional master's in counseling at The Wright Institute in Berkely. These academic experiences were life changing due to knowledge gained. During my years of being a therapist I have helped others to gain similar knowledge leading to lives with increased sense of self and calm.
First session
Come as you are. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy and your goals.
Strengths
Acceptance of others and creating a space for them to explore themselves.
Ideal clients
I help clients explore trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, parenting, and daily living challenges. I work with people navigating avoidance, in need of reparenting themselves, exploring their identities and living in today's chaos. Together, we create space for understanding and growth. I follow client's lead to create a safe space where you feel safe and eventually empowered. Sessions are collaborative and centered on what matters most to you. I became a therapist to provide people with tools to build secure, safe worlds for themselves. I understand these challenges firsthand and value the power of liberation. Clients I work with I help them experience the security of a healthy relationship and unconditional acceptance. You'll gain awareness and compassion for yourself and others.
Treatment methods
Psychodynamic
A psychodynamic framework suggest looking at our original environment and how it influences current beliefs, behaviors, and patterns in relationships plus other areas. I have a background in developmental psychology along with counseling to help others with the question "How did I get here"? and "How do I make changes in beliefs, behaviors and patterns carried from the past"? These explorations take time and go at the pace you feel comfortable with.
Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma exists on a spectrum depending on the individual experience. Avoidance of past experiences creates a "bubbling under the surface" which can show up as anxiety, depression and more. Some with trauma have reoccurring memories and dream that take away from living in the present and/or create fear. I have vast experience helping others untangle the past and greater peace in the present.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is helpful in creating basic coping and calming skills. Using DBT skills of emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness has helped many
Attachment-based
Attachment theory is based in developmental psychology that applies from birth thru a lifetime. Discussing attachment statuses can help with day to day experiences, patterns and relationships.
Location
Virtual sessions