About Dr. Liz...
I have been in the helping profession for over 15 years now. I have a unique personable style that's been described as "warm, wise, funny, and focused." I became a Psychologist to deeply understand people, their distressing symptoms, and positively impact the quality of their life in a profound way.
I am a Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) and am currently licensed to practice as a Psychologist in the state of California (PSY24204). My degree means that I have been trained to provide all types of psychological care but my specialties include working with adults, young adults, adolescents, college and graduate students, athletes, health psychology (physical issues that arise from psychological distress), health crises, behavioral medicine, domestic violence, identity issues, life transitions, mood disorders, personality disorders, trauma, depression, and relationship difficulties. I am an eating disorder treatment specialist and have helped clients struggling with eating disorders for the past decade.
I am a Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) and am currently licensed to practice as a Psychologist in the state of California (PSY24204). My degree means that I have been trained to provide all types of psychological care but my specialties include working with adults, young adults, adolescents, college and graduate students, athletes, health psychology (physical issues that arise from psychological distress), health crises, behavioral medicine, domestic violence, identity issues, life transitions, mood disorders, personality disorders, trauma, depression, and relationship difficulties. I am an eating disorder treatment specialist and have helped clients struggling with eating disorders for the past decade.
A testimonial...
This letter was written by a former client. It is reprinted with the client's permission.
"Elizabeth, you are not only my therapist but you have become a friend, a confidant and a mentor. I believe that in life you meet special people that are brought into your world for a purpose and to me you are a guardian angel that helped me come back to life. I can honestly say I would not be sitting here today without having you as a part of this journey. You have been someone who from day one knew when to challenge me, when to hug me, when to push me and when to force me to slow down. I know it wasn’t always easy, but you have truly changed and saved my life. You have a passion for people and a love for your job like I have never seen before and it is because of that passion and love that i finally believed that I could be where I am at today, that I could go from being hopeless to hopeful. So thank you Elizabeth, for always believing in me, always pushing me and never giving up."
"Elizabeth, you are not only my therapist but you have become a friend, a confidant and a mentor. I believe that in life you meet special people that are brought into your world for a purpose and to me you are a guardian angel that helped me come back to life. I can honestly say I would not be sitting here today without having you as a part of this journey. You have been someone who from day one knew when to challenge me, when to hug me, when to push me and when to force me to slow down. I know it wasn’t always easy, but you have truly changed and saved my life. You have a passion for people and a love for your job like I have never seen before and it is because of that passion and love that i finally believed that I could be where I am at today, that I could go from being hopeless to hopeful. So thank you Elizabeth, for always believing in me, always pushing me and never giving up."
Dr. Esalen's Resume
EDUCATION:
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, January 2008 Argosy University, Atlanta, Georgia (APA Accredited) Dissertation: “The Use of Exercise with Obese Patients in Psychotherapy”
M.A. in Clinical Psychology, June 2004 Argosy University, Atlanta, Georgia (APA Accredited) Specialization: college counseling, psychodynamic therapy
Argosy University Honolulu, Hawai’i (APA Accredited), 2000-2002 Specialization: diverse & marginalized Populations, humanistic therapy
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Education, August, 1998
University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Concentration: individual differences & quantitative personality research
CURRENTLY:
The Lotus Collaborative, Santa Cruz, California
Founder and Executive Director
An intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization program for adults and adolescents in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay struggling with eating disorders, body image, and compulsive exercising. Please visit the website for more information:The Lotus Collaborative
Dr. Esalen sees clients in Private Practice on a limited basis. Please contact her office for more information: 831-600-7103.
PREVIOUS CLINICAL EXPERIENCE:
La Ventana Treatment Programs, San Jose, California
Founder and Clinical Director
Dr. Esalen founded and managed La Ventana's San Jose branch. She opened their Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that served adult and adolescent men and women struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and compulsive exercising.
La Ventana Treatment Programs, Calabasas, California
Program Director
PHP and IOP for adult and adolescent men and women struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and compulsive exercising.
The Eating Disorder Center, Brentwood, California
Clinical Director
PHP and IOP for adult and adolescent men and women struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and compulsive exercising. Owner and CEO: Carolyn Costin, National E.D. Expert
Center for Eating Disorders, Baltimore, Maryland
Postdoctoral Fellow
Psychology Fellow at Sheppard Pratt, a 22-bed inpatient and 12-hour-a-day partial hospitalization eating disorder treatment facility serving adults, adolescents, and children. Provided individual psychotherapy utilizing cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, motivation to change and trauma therapies. Led psychoeducation, body image, self-esteem, CBT, DBT skills training, and relationships groups.
Tri-City Mental Health, Boston, MA
Southeast Regional Manager
Managed a women’s shelter, a Boston homeless outreach team, and various employees in shelters throughout the state. Provided individual and group supervision to social work clinicians and employees in the Boston metro and Southeast region.
University of Massachusetts, Mental Health Services, Amherst, MA
Doctoral Resident
Psychotherapist at a college and graduate student counseling center. Specialized in Eating Disorder treatment and Behavioral Medicine. Utilized Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Biofeedback, Clinical Hypnosis, Multicultural, and Feminist therapies. Co-led groups “Stress-Management Mindfulness Meditation” and “Women’s Issues (Mind-Body-Spirit)”
Kennesaw State University Counseling Center, Atlanta, GA
Therapy Intern
Provided brief and long-term therapy, career and academic advisement to college students. Utilized Relational, Psychodynamic, Multicultural, Feminist, Cognitive-Behavioral, Gestalt, Existential, and Solution-Focused Treatment modalities. Co-led Women’s Therapy group. Performed clinical interviews, objective assessments, career testing, and disorder screenings. Clinical Focus: Diversity, Domestic Violence, Group therapy, Women’s issues, Eating Disorders, Relational therapy.
Dr. Marvin Acklin, Forensic Psychologist, Honolulu, Hawaii
Psychometrist
Performed clinical interviews, intellectual, objective, and projective assessments for families referred by Children Protective Services, Transplant Donors & Recipients, Maui Police Department, Child Custody Evaluations, and Private Referrals. Specialization: Rorschach Inkblot Test
Jo Johnson Mental Health, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Therapeutic Foster Care Specialist
Provided services to Level II state custody children in therapeutic foster homes. Child advocate in school, health, and court systems.
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS:
"Eating Disorder Information for Medical Professionals"
January, 2013- Dominican Hospital, Grand Rounds
“Healthy Eating, Healthy Bodies”
November, 2009- Calabasas High School, Featured Speaker for FYI and Taboo Clubs
“Eating Disorders 101 for Chemical Dependency Treatment Providers”
November, 2009- Sober College, Clinical Staff Training
“Therapist training: Eating Disorder Treatment Specialization”
October, 2009- Casa de Las Amigas, In-service Educador
“Eating Disorders 101 for Chemical Dependency Treatment Providers”
October, 2009- Angel Villa Sober Living, Clinical Staff Training
Featured Speaker
October, 2009- La Ventana Treatment Programs
The 6 Phases of Specialized Eating Disorder Treatment
November, 2009- Monthly Professional Roundtable Educator
“Clinical applications and case examples of CBT with ED clients”
September, 2009- Eating Disorder Center of California, Featured Speaker
“The use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with eating disorder clients” August, 2009- Eating Disorder Center of California, Featured Speaker
“Taking care of our bodies: healthy eating, exercise, and body image” September, 2008- Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences, Featured Speaker
“Homelessness & Domestic Violence: fundamentals in case management.” June, 2007- Shelter Inc., Annual Retreat, Featured Speaker
“Homelessness & Domestic Violence: the role of case managers working with victims of violence.”
April, 2007- Tri-City MHC 15th Annual Statewide Conference
“Treating Victims of Relationship Violence.”
July, 2006- UM, Amherst, MHS, In-Service Presentation
“Treating Victims of Relationship Violence.”
February, 2005- Georgia College Counseling Association, Conference Presenter
“Case Review: Application of psychodynamic psychotherapy”
June, 2004- KSU, Counseling Center, In-Service Presentation
“Domestic Violence”
April, 2004- KSU, Counseling Center and Community Presentation
“Women in Therapy: Gender Implications for Treatment Approaches.” February, 2004- Georgia College Counseling Association, Conference Presenter
“Check Your Bags at the Door: Finding the Female Self in Religion” February, 2003- Middle Tennessee State University Women and Power Conference
“The PsyD. Graduate Student Experience.” September, 2002- Kennesaw State University, Guest Lecturer
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, January 2008 Argosy University, Atlanta, Georgia (APA Accredited) Dissertation: “The Use of Exercise with Obese Patients in Psychotherapy”
M.A. in Clinical Psychology, June 2004 Argosy University, Atlanta, Georgia (APA Accredited) Specialization: college counseling, psychodynamic therapy
Argosy University Honolulu, Hawai’i (APA Accredited), 2000-2002 Specialization: diverse & marginalized Populations, humanistic therapy
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Education, August, 1998
University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Concentration: individual differences & quantitative personality research
CURRENTLY:
The Lotus Collaborative, Santa Cruz, California
Founder and Executive Director
An intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization program for adults and adolescents in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay struggling with eating disorders, body image, and compulsive exercising. Please visit the website for more information:The Lotus Collaborative
Dr. Esalen sees clients in Private Practice on a limited basis. Please contact her office for more information: 831-600-7103.
PREVIOUS CLINICAL EXPERIENCE:
La Ventana Treatment Programs, San Jose, California
Founder and Clinical Director
Dr. Esalen founded and managed La Ventana's San Jose branch. She opened their Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that served adult and adolescent men and women struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and compulsive exercising.
La Ventana Treatment Programs, Calabasas, California
Program Director
PHP and IOP for adult and adolescent men and women struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and compulsive exercising.
The Eating Disorder Center, Brentwood, California
Clinical Director
PHP and IOP for adult and adolescent men and women struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and compulsive exercising. Owner and CEO: Carolyn Costin, National E.D. Expert
Center for Eating Disorders, Baltimore, Maryland
Postdoctoral Fellow
Psychology Fellow at Sheppard Pratt, a 22-bed inpatient and 12-hour-a-day partial hospitalization eating disorder treatment facility serving adults, adolescents, and children. Provided individual psychotherapy utilizing cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, motivation to change and trauma therapies. Led psychoeducation, body image, self-esteem, CBT, DBT skills training, and relationships groups.
Tri-City Mental Health, Boston, MA
Southeast Regional Manager
Managed a women’s shelter, a Boston homeless outreach team, and various employees in shelters throughout the state. Provided individual and group supervision to social work clinicians and employees in the Boston metro and Southeast region.
University of Massachusetts, Mental Health Services, Amherst, MA
Doctoral Resident
Psychotherapist at a college and graduate student counseling center. Specialized in Eating Disorder treatment and Behavioral Medicine. Utilized Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Biofeedback, Clinical Hypnosis, Multicultural, and Feminist therapies. Co-led groups “Stress-Management Mindfulness Meditation” and “Women’s Issues (Mind-Body-Spirit)”
Kennesaw State University Counseling Center, Atlanta, GA
Therapy Intern
Provided brief and long-term therapy, career and academic advisement to college students. Utilized Relational, Psychodynamic, Multicultural, Feminist, Cognitive-Behavioral, Gestalt, Existential, and Solution-Focused Treatment modalities. Co-led Women’s Therapy group. Performed clinical interviews, objective assessments, career testing, and disorder screenings. Clinical Focus: Diversity, Domestic Violence, Group therapy, Women’s issues, Eating Disorders, Relational therapy.
Dr. Marvin Acklin, Forensic Psychologist, Honolulu, Hawaii
Psychometrist
Performed clinical interviews, intellectual, objective, and projective assessments for families referred by Children Protective Services, Transplant Donors & Recipients, Maui Police Department, Child Custody Evaluations, and Private Referrals. Specialization: Rorschach Inkblot Test
Jo Johnson Mental Health, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Therapeutic Foster Care Specialist
Provided services to Level II state custody children in therapeutic foster homes. Child advocate in school, health, and court systems.
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS:
"Eating Disorder Information for Medical Professionals"
January, 2013- Dominican Hospital, Grand Rounds
“Healthy Eating, Healthy Bodies”
November, 2009- Calabasas High School, Featured Speaker for FYI and Taboo Clubs
“Eating Disorders 101 for Chemical Dependency Treatment Providers”
November, 2009- Sober College, Clinical Staff Training
“Therapist training: Eating Disorder Treatment Specialization”
October, 2009- Casa de Las Amigas, In-service Educador
“Eating Disorders 101 for Chemical Dependency Treatment Providers”
October, 2009- Angel Villa Sober Living, Clinical Staff Training
Featured Speaker
October, 2009- La Ventana Treatment Programs
The 6 Phases of Specialized Eating Disorder Treatment
November, 2009- Monthly Professional Roundtable Educator
“Clinical applications and case examples of CBT with ED clients”
September, 2009- Eating Disorder Center of California, Featured Speaker
“The use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with eating disorder clients” August, 2009- Eating Disorder Center of California, Featured Speaker
“Taking care of our bodies: healthy eating, exercise, and body image” September, 2008- Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences, Featured Speaker
“Homelessness & Domestic Violence: fundamentals in case management.” June, 2007- Shelter Inc., Annual Retreat, Featured Speaker
“Homelessness & Domestic Violence: the role of case managers working with victims of violence.”
April, 2007- Tri-City MHC 15th Annual Statewide Conference
“Treating Victims of Relationship Violence.”
July, 2006- UM, Amherst, MHS, In-Service Presentation
“Treating Victims of Relationship Violence.”
February, 2005- Georgia College Counseling Association, Conference Presenter
“Case Review: Application of psychodynamic psychotherapy”
June, 2004- KSU, Counseling Center, In-Service Presentation
“Domestic Violence”
April, 2004- KSU, Counseling Center and Community Presentation
“Women in Therapy: Gender Implications for Treatment Approaches.” February, 2004- Georgia College Counseling Association, Conference Presenter
“Check Your Bags at the Door: Finding the Female Self in Religion” February, 2003- Middle Tennessee State University Women and Power Conference
“The PsyD. Graduate Student Experience.” September, 2002- Kennesaw State University, Guest Lecturer