Meet East Bay Therapist:
Elizabeth Dausch
I’m passionate about this work because I’ve been personally changed by it.
When I went to therapy the first time, I felt plagued by anxiety, self-criticism, and obsessive thinking.
But I also feared that my issues and personal history weren’t “bad enough” to warrant getting help. I thought my counselor might be irritated at me for even being there. Happily, I was very wrong about that.
Eventually, I found my way to parts work, and it was one of the best choices I ever made to do it. I got to experience transformational healing at my roots and learn how to care for my inner world in a lifelong way.
My goal is to help clients do the same and keep putting myself out of a job: do the work of healing together, feel better equipped to meet the future, then get back to the business of enjoying life.
How I Work:
Clients and colleagues describe my presence as gentle, warm, and engaged.
The parts work we do in session is primarily drawn from Internal Family Systems, an evidence based psychotherapy model. I also incorporate somatic and mindfulness practices. Therapy with me is highly collaborative, so I will integrate your feedback and tailor the space to your needs.
Many of my clients come in wanting help with anxiety, but I also support with grief, depression, codependency, childhood trauma, and relationship issues.
As an East Bay therapist, I live and work on traditional Lisjan Ohlone land. I strive to continually consider the influence of privilege on my perspective and the power that comes with the role of healthcare provider. I welcome conversations together about these invisible dynamics and the forces that shape our experiences in the world like race, gender, money, sex, religion, politics, etc.
Q & A with Elizabeth:
What do you enjoy outside of your work?
Dance, off-leash walks with my dog, stand-up comedy, podcasts and beautiful films are the activities that bring me the most joy.
What are your favorite places in the East Bay?
I love being near redwood trees, especially in Joaquin Miller Park. The New Parkway for movies. And Julie’s Coffee & Tea Garden on Alameda is a total oasis for reading, relaxing, and warming up with a hot drink.
What did you do before becoming a therapist?
I worked in video production, filming/editing short profiles for nonprofits and businesses. The most fun piece of the work was getting to interview people and listen to their stories.
If you could take one book, one album, and one item to a desert island, what would you choose?
Currently: Anything by Anne Lamott, Slugs of Love by Little Dragon, and a coat (I’m always cold!)
What are some of your still-want-to-do’s in life?
Visiting Turkey and Brazil. Writing/performing a short stand-up set. Making tiramisu at home.
How would you identify yourself using a personality system?
I’m a 5 on the Enneagram: “The Observer.”
This is Mena 🐕
my 5ish year old chihuahua/mini greyhound pup. I love her to bits. She’s often in the room with me during virtual sessions, and you may see her curling up for a nap.
More about East Bay Therapist Elizabeth Dausch
Education & Experience
Center for Mindful Psychotherapy, Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist # 130432 (supervised by Sasha Wright, LCSW # 70802)
Heart in Balance Counseling Center, Trainee in Practicum
California Institute of Integral Studies, M.A. in Integral Counseling Psychology
CAAP Counseling & Pre-Vocational Services, Peer Counselor
Richmond Area Multi-Services Inc., Peer Specialist Mental Health Certificate
Fordham University, B.A. in Visual Art Photography
Trainings
Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS) Certification Course
Befriending Death and Dying in Therapeutic Practices
IFS Immersion: Integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) Across Clinical Applications
The Couples Center: Love Made Simple
Professional Affiliations
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
