Elizabeth Santana LCSW, CASAC, PC
Psychotherapy
How I Work
I am most comfortable using an integrative approach to therapy, which means I use a range of therapeutic techniques from various theoretical orientations to help clients reach their goals. These include: Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, EMDR, Strength-Based Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Interventions are aimed to fit the needs of the individual, increase self-awareness, and self-understanding.Psychotherapy is an interactive process between the therapist and the client. We work together to help you achieve a healthier and more satisfying life by focusing on improving your relationship with yourself and others.
I believe in empowering clients with information and so in our initial sessions, I use a psychoeducational approach to explain the connection between your thoughts, emotional symptoms, and behavior. I help you to see that what you are feeling is based on what you are thinking, and the outcome is the behavior. In contrast, when working with an individual in addiction recovery, I encourage them to look at how a change in their behavior, leads to altered thinking and feeling differently.
As therapy progresses, we expand our focus by also looking at the past and how it impacts the present and this becomes a major focus of treatment.
As a therapist, I engage in a warm, straightforward, and encouraging manner. I embrace a strength based perspective which means I focus and build on your strengths and resilience to promote change and growth.
I understand that people begin therapy at different levels of motivation to change. Therefore, my approach is always to start where the client is at. I facilitate the process of change from a place of empathy, support, and respect for the client.
I believe wholeheartedly in the words of the great Maya Angelou, "When you learn, teach, when you get, give." In other words, what I know, I pass on. As a therapist, I reflect on what I see happening and present back to the client in a way that can be heard. I am guided by the belief that, "Whatever good we have, we share for the benefit of others." The giver benefits as much as the receiver and it is this collaborative work style along with simple presence between both of us that brings about healing and wellness.
© 2025 Elizabeth Santana LCSW, PC.
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to offer mental health advice. The blog is a self-help tool that expresses the opinion of the writer and is there for your own use. It is not intended to replace mental health counseling / psychotherapy. You should consult a licensed mental health professional for specific guidance regarding your concerns.