Elizabeth Wolfson, Ph.D., LCSW, has been a licensed practicing psychotherapist helping individuals, couples and families for over twenty five years. In addition, she has held positions teaching and advising Psychology and Social Work graduate students at Columbia University (New York) and Antioch University (Santa Barbara, California). She has also served as a mentor and role model in managing family service agencies and, has developed award winning programs aimed at inspiring individuals to reach their potential, which have received national attention for their innovative design and pioneering impact.

In her capacity as Vice President of Professional Development on the board of the National Association of Social Workers, Santa Barbara, Dr. Wolfson convenes seminars and workshops for therapists to enhance their practices and learn from one another. She is the author of several professional articles on psychotherapy including; an exploration of the language of psychotherapy is a transformative bridge between therapist and patient which brings healing.

In addition to her practice as a therapist, she currently serves as full time faculty in the Master’s in Clinical Psychology Program at Antioch University, Santa Barbara and is a co-editor for the Psychotherapy section of the website All Things Healing which invites exploration of the interaction of mind, body and spirit.

Message from Elizabeth Wolfson, PhD, LCSW

Alternative Counseling was the name I chose for my private practice because I wanted to explore approaches that could be alternatives to those that are traditionally relied upon in the field of psychotherapy. The exquisite uniqueness of every human being in his/her situation calls for interventions that will resonate for that particular person at a specific moment in time. My approach is “client centered,” so that I draw from the vast wealth of knowledge available in the field of psychotherapy, to creatively and flexibly apply what might be most useful in meeting the unique needs of that person. We are each one of a kind and what works for one person; works for one person! One innovative approach that has been recommended for some clients and is showing dramatic results, is the integration of bodywork treatment with psychotherapy.

While a relatively simple concept (since we all know the mind and body are one), this is a pioneering approach that is not being used anywhere in the Santa Barbara vicinity. Western medicine and psychotherapy professionals have only recently begun to embrace what Easterners have always known: we cannot separate the mind and the body. Consequently, when we treat emotional or physical symptoms, we must proceed with that consideration. With this perspective, a specialized bodywork treatment is provided immediately prior to the counseling session by my colleague Claudia Brachtl, L.Ac, a highly trained and licensed practitioner immediately prior to participating in a psychotherapy session (reached at Claudia@beyondacupuncture.us or 805-560-9727). The results have been impressive in that clients report experiencing not relief from body discomfort, pain, injury and tension but, they are more emotionally open in session, relaxed and willing to engage in the deeper exploration and accessing of thoughts and feelings necessary to address their concerns. The result has been quicker, smoother progress in psychotherapy, actually shortening the length of treatment and enhancing quality of life.

Another component of “Alternative Counseling” is that the role of the therapist is to help uncover "alternatives” to what has already been tried and is likely not working. Anyone who has made that first call to a therapist knows that it can be one of the most difficult steps to take, partly because most of us believe we should be able to solve problems on our own. We need to know that, not only is it ok to ask for help, it can be extraordinarily helpful to invite a “third eye” to shed light on new alternatives to what has been tried. With the help of the therapist as a neutral observer, in the context of a safe and supportive environment, the stage is set for overcoming life’s challenges and finding balance.

As an experienced psychotherapist I use a blend of traditional and holistic psychotherapeutic methods to help families and individuals achieve their goals and experience their lives as fully and joyfully as possible. Because each one of us is unique, there is no set formula to help find solutions. Instead I focus on the particular circumstance presented by each person and attend fully and non-judgmentally to what is presented. The process is supportive and interactive, so a safe environment is provided which allows for exploration of who you are and what you need. I focus on the positives inherent in all of us and stay mindful of your goals as we proceed with overall attention to how the mind, body and spirit are being nourished. This results in a positive approach to every day life enhancing work, play and relationships.

Safety and trust in the competency of a therapist are basic and crucial components for getting the most out of therapy. but the approach that works best for you with the right therapist can only be determined in person.