Lizzy Brubaker LCMHC-A, MS

I am experienced in working with anxiety, and understand it can manifest in many ways - anxious thought spirals, somatic symptoms like nausea, avoidance, irritability, and restlessness, among many other signs. Different coping skills work for different people, and I find that working to understand the source of anxiety and having compassion for yourself can do wonders in lessening anxiety.

I enjoy discussing the positive aspects of religion & spirituality as well as the negative impacts, such as religious trauma. Religion & spirituality can be a source of great joy and community, but for many individuals (particularly in the queer community), religious spaces can create exclusion, harm, and lasting trauma. Whether you're deconstructing from faith, reflecting on what spirituality means to you, or discussing how your religious practices bring you peace, I am happy to work with you.

I have experience working with grief, both in terms of bereavement or in mourning another significant change or loss. Sometimes life transitions, divorce, or interpersonal stress can come with its own kind of grief. Losing people, pets, or ways of living can weigh heavy on us, and I consider it an honor to hear about a loved one who has passed, or a substantial loss that has affected how someone views the world or goes about their day.

I find Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to be an empowering modality, as a major tenet of ACT is that any behavior can only be understood in the person's specific context, and that behaviors are not categorized as 'good' or 'bad.' I use ACT to help clients recognize experiential avoidance, which is when we try to change or suppress unpleasant internal experiences, discern what their values are, and to defuse (or separate) themselves from their thoughts.

I am trained in person-centered therapy (PCT), which is founded on the belief that the client is the expert of their own experience. I maintain unconditional positive regard - a total lack of judgment, and a genuine, empathetic presence - for clients to help them gain insight into themselves. However, pure PCT involves minimal structure or directness, so I provide therapy through the lens of PCT while utilizing techniques from other modalities to tailor therapy to the client.

I enjoy discussing the positive aspects of religion & spirituality as well as the negative impacts, such as religious trauma. Religion & spirituality can be a source of great joy and community, but for many individuals (particularly in the queer community), religious spaces can create exclusion, harm, and lasting trauma. Whether you're deconstructing from faith, reflecting on what spirituality means to you, or discussing how your religious practices bring you peace, I am happy to work with you.