How do I know if therapy is right for me?

You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many of my clients are high-functioning people who are tired of feeling stuck in the same patterns, overwhelmed by anxiety or shame, struggling with food or body image, navigating chronic illness, or carrying the weight of difficult life experiences. If something in your life isn’t working the way you’d like it to, therapy can provide a supportive space to explore, heal, and grow.

I’ve been to therapy before. How is working with you different?

Every therapeutic relationship is unique. My style is collaborative, compassionate, and direct. Clients often tell me they appreciate that I help them see things from a different perspective while also offering practical tools for change. I integrate evidence-based approaches like EMDR, DBT, and self-compassion practices to address both the symptoms you’re experiencing and the deeper patterns that may be keeping you stuck.

Do I have to talk about my trauma or painful experiences right away?

Not at all. Building safety and trust is an important part of the therapeutic process. We’ll move at a pace that feels manageable for you, and you’ll never be pressured to discuss anything before you’re ready. Healing isn’t about forcing yourself to relive difficult experiences, it’s about creating enough safety and support to process them in a way that feels empowering.

How long does therapy take?

The answer depends on your goals and individual needs. Some clients come to therapy for support through a specific life challenge, while others choose longer-term work to address patterns that have developed over many years. Together, we’ll regularly check in on your progress and adjust our work to ensure therapy continues to meet your needs and goals.

What if I’m too hard on myself or feel like I’m “too much”?

You’re not alone. Many of the people I work with struggle with perfectionism, shame, self-criticism, or the belief that they should be able to handle everything on their own. Therapy offers an opportunity to step out of those patterns and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself. I believe our struggles do not define us, and healing often begins when we learn to meet ourselves with kindness instead of judgment.

Elizabeth Dodson, LPC

Helping you make sense of your story and reclaim your strength.

Schedule with me

Welcome

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting, and I’m honored you’re considering it. I often think of the therapeutic process as putting together a puzzle: sometimes life’s experiences leave the pieces scattered and it’s hard to make sense of the whole picture. Together, we’ll gently sort through those pieces, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and build a life that feels more aligned with your authentic self. I believe that our struggles do not define us and that healing begins with compassion and the understanding that you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Why I Do This Work

My path to becoming a therapist is deeply rooted in my own journey. As a reformed perfectionist, I spent years believing that being harder on myself was the only way to succeed or cope with difficult emotions. Over time, I discovered through self-compassion practices, yoga, and Eastern philosophy that true resilience comes from treating ourselves with kindness, especially when life is hard.

I was drawn to the helping profession after witnessing and experiencing loss, hardship, and the many ways people struggle to carry life’s burdens alone. My own experiences taught me that suffering is a universal part of being human, but we don’t have to navigate it in isolation. As a therapist, I’m passionate about helping others cultivate self-compassion, challenge old patterns, and find practical, meaningful ways to heal and move forward.

Who I Work With Best

I work best with teens, young adults, and adults who are tired of being stuck in shame spirals and harsh self-judgment. Whether they’re navigating an eating disorder, trauma, chronic illness, neurodiversity, or major life transitions, they’re ready for lasting change. Together, we combine practical strategies with deeper healing to help them move toward a life guided by self-compassion rather than self-criticism.

My Approach

My approach to therapy is rooted in self-compassion, authenticity, and evidence-based care. I draw heavily from Dr. Kristin Neff’s work on self-compassion, helping clients move away from self-criticism and toward greater understanding and resilience. I also incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to build practical skills for managing emotions and navigating life’s challenges, and EMDR to help process trauma and other stuck points rooted in deeply held negative beliefs. Above all, I tailor therapy to your unique needs, blending these approaches to support healing and lasting change.

What a Session Feels Like

I strive to create a therapeutic space where you feel safe and genuinely understood. Sessions are collaborative and nonjudgmental, I believe you are the expert on your own life and together we’ll explore the challenges you’re facing at a pace that feels right for you. I believe growth happens when we can approach ourselves with curiosity rather than criticism, so I’ll gently help you examine unhelpful beliefs and patterns while building on the strengths you already possess. My style is both compassionate and direct, offering honest feedback and new perspectives while ensuring you feel heard and respected.

Areas of Focus

Eating Disorders & Body Image

At the heart of many eating disorders and body image struggles is a desire for control, safety, or relief. I work with adolescents and adults who feel exhausted from fighting their bodies or consumed by food, weight, or self-criticism. Together, we explore what is underneath these struggles and work toward a healthier, more compassionate relationship with food, body, and self.

Trauma

Trauma can leave you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in survival mode. You are not broken. I help clients understand the impact of difficult experiences, develop healthier coping skills, and move toward healing without being defined by the past.

Chronic Illness

The emotional toll of navigating chronic illness, including uncertainty, grief, identity shifts, and loss of independence, is often overlooked. I work with individuals managing chronic health conditions to process these challenges, develop effective coping strategies, and reconnect with a sense of meaning and self-compassion.

Neurodiversity

I believe neurodiversity is a natural and valuable part of human diversity, not something that needs to be fixed. I work with autistic individuals and those with ADHD and other neurodivergent experiences, helping them navigate relationships, self-advocacy, burnout, masking, anxiety, and identity with an affirming, strengths-based approach.

Body Image & Self-Worth

Many people struggle with feeling at war with their bodies. Body image concerns affect self-esteem, relationships, eating behaviors, and overall quality of life. I help clients explore and challenge these messages, develop greater body trust and self-compassion, and work toward a relationship with their body that is rooted in respect rather than criticism or shame.

Outside the Office

Outside of the therapy room, I recharge by spending time in nature, whether that’s hiking, camping, or simply enjoying the outdoors. I also love live music and exploring new restaurants and cuisines. I believe that curiosity, connection, and making space for joy are essential parts of a well-lived life, and I try to bring that same spirit of openness and balance into my work with clients.

Clients often describe me as direct, compassionate, and insightful. One of my strengths is helping people step outside of entrenched thought patterns and view themselves and their circumstances through a new lens, creating opportunities for meaningful and lasting change.