Elizabeth Apkin, Psy.D.

MY THERAPEUTIC STYLE

My clinical style is collaborative, warm, and engaged. Together we will determine the best path forward to achieve your goals. I have been trained in evidence-based practices and utilize an integrated framework that consists of a blend of theoretical orientations, though I’m often approaching each case considering the following:

PRESENT (CBT, ACT, relational) - What are thoughts, feelings, and behaviors happening now that are causing you distress? How can we enact change in these domains to align with your goals? What ways are you relating to yourself, others, and the future that are impacting your life?

PAST (psychodynamic, humanistic)- What experiences from your past are informing your experiences today? What were your earlier life experiences like, primarily with early caregivers?

POSSIBILITIES (blend of the above)- What would you like your life to look like? What are your values? How can we use your values to inform your strengths? Can we cultivate new skills to make your life look more the way you want it to? How can we use our therapeutic relationship to increase a sense of security to use these skills outside of our work?

With this blended approach, I help clients identify thought patterns that may be interfering with their relationships and personal goals. I believe that our past experiences shape the way we think, feel, and behave. I draw upon the therapeutic relationship as a clinical tool to empower clients to make desired changes within their lives. I rely on a strengths based approach, meaning that I believe clients possess the ability to improve their lives either with existing knowledge and skills or simply their willingness to try new things. Let’s connect so I can hear what’s going on for you and how I can help.

CULTURAL HUMILITY

Valuing cultural humility requires a commitment to  lifelong learning process. I practice cultural humility in that I value intersectionality and have deference for each individual’s cultural background and life experiences. Intersectionality refers to the varying identities we all have, such as age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, nationality, religion, ability, etc. I consider my own intersecting identities in my practice, including ones of privilege, and regularly engage in self-evaluation and reflection through peer consultation and professional development.