Elizabeth Wolfson, Ph.D., LCSW, has been helping individuals, couples and families for over twenty five years in her work as a licensed psychotherapist in private practice and in agencies. Dr Wolfson also teaches psychotherapy at Antioch University MA program in Clinical Psychology where she is Chair of the Department. Dr. Wolfson previously taught at Columbia University School of Social Work for ten years and for two decades has provided a range of services to people of all ages and background as a supervisor and Director of family service agencies. In these settings, her work with underserved groups has received national attention for innovative design and for inspiring individuals to make positive lifelong changes.

Dr. Wolfson currently services as Vice President of Professional Development for the Santa Barbara National Association of Social Workers which convenes professional seminars and workshops. She has presented nationally and internationally and is the author of several published articles on psychotherapy.

Message from Elizabeth Wolfson, PhD, LCSW

Because each person is unique, there is no set formula for helping someone find solutions and achieve goals. I focus on the particular circumstance presented by each person, carefully and non-judgmentally attending to what is being presented. The process is direct, supportive, and interactive. Therapy is a wonderful change agent when what has already been tried is clearly not working. My task is to help identify alternatives in a safe comfortable atmosphere that allows for openness and focused exploration.

Listening carefully, mirroring what I observe, offering feedback and helping formulate clear and attainable goals are examples of the kinds of interventions I provide. The goal is to enhance well-being and quality of life however that is defined and experience by you.

While my advanced degrees are important qualifications, I believe it is the receptive non-judgmental nature of my approach that helps clients get their needs met and goals reached. I am skilled at grasping what is occurring to help you move forward in a satisfying direction. 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 viewing the mind and body as inseparable is a relatively simple concept, Western medicine and psychotherapy professionals have only recently begun to embrace this concept in practice. In practice, I am always mindful of keeping the connections at the forefront and when indicated, I recommend bodywork treatment in conjunction with psychotherapy. In attending to the “whole person” who deserve an wholistic approach, I refer to my colleague Claudia Ward, L.Ac, a highly trained and licensed Acupunture practitioner. (reached at Claudia@beyondacupuncture.us or 805-560-9727). Clients who participate in the bodywork in conjunction with psychotherapy report impressive results. These clients experience relief from body discomfort, pain, injury and tension and they are more emotionally open and relaxed in session, more willing to engage in the deep exploration of thoughts and feelings necessary which enable them to fully address their concerns. The result has been a smoother progress in psychotherapy, actually shortening the length of treatment as quality of life is enhanced.

As an experienced psychotherapist I understand the a successful process is one that is supportive and interactive, in which a safe environment has been established and which allows for exploration of who you are and what you need. I focus on the positives inherent in all of us and stay attuned to your goals and purposes for being in psychotherapy as the mind, body and spirit are being nourished.