Licensed Therapist

Elisa loves the process of therapy. She truly enjoys coming alongside people  as they choose to focus on themselves and create congruence within their actions, thoughts and values. Based on the individual needs of her clients, Elisa uses creative interventions, collaborative treatment goals, and challenging reflections. Whether it be with individuals, couples or families, Elisa aims to foster interpersonal growth through self-esteem, emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills. Most importantly, Elisa remains compassionate, kind, direct and lighthearted. With specialization and extensive training in EMDR therapy, addiction and trauma disorders, Elisa’s 10-years of experience effectively creates safety, containment and collaboration in all of her therapeutic interactions.

Licensing and Education

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, #103978
• Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and Addiction Studies, Western Seminary
• Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an Emphasis on Public Speaking, Hawaii Pacific University

Clinical Experience

• Licensed Therapist at TherapyWorks
• Clinical Director at New Life Community Services & The Gemma Transitional Housing Program
• Clinical Supervisor at New Life Community Services
• Clinical Director at Janus of Santa Cruz
• Outpatient Services Director at Janus of Santa Cruz
• Group Therapist / Individual Therapist at Janus of Santa Cruz
• Therapist at Christian Counseling Center
• Therapist at Stratton Counseling Center
• Gender and Justice Task Force at Santa Cruz County
• Clinical Liaison at Dominican Hospital

Specialization & Advanced Training

• Addiction and Chemical Dependency Treatment
• Trauma and PTSD 
• EMDR – Eye movement desensitization reprocessing
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – A skills based approach
• Reentry Specialist

Associations & Memberships

• California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Other

• Speaker, Writer, Clinical Consultant

On a Personal Note

Elisa enjoys long beach days with her family and friends, coffee… at any time of day, coaching soccer, rigorous exercise to feel strong and healthy, reading a good book, spending time with her grandparents and any opportunity she can get  to enjoy a date with her husband.