From the Desk of Elizabeth Hanson, MSW, RCSWI, CTRS-C
Hello! I'm Elizabeth, and I'm dedicated to helping individuals and families thrive by understanding how their relationships, communities, and environments shape their well-being. My practice is built on a systems approach, meaning we look beyond individual issues to see how everything connects.
As a Certified Trauma and Resilience Specialist (CTRS-C), I focus on practical, solution-focused strategies. We emphasize building healthy routines, improving communication, and reinforcing positive actions for lasting, measurable change. Therapy with me is about gaining practical skills you can use every day.
Whether you are an adult seeking emotional regulation, a family struggling with parenting challenges, or a child needing help with executive functioning, I offer compassionate, direct support to help you feel confident and empowered. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey to growth.
Philosophy and Approach
Core Philosophy: Systems & Solutions
Elizabeth utilizes a systems approach, recognizing that mental health is always shaped by family, relationships, work, school, and community. She is strongly solution-focused and behavioral, emphasizing practical skills, healthy routines, and reinforcing positive actions for lasting change.
Key Therapeutic Modalities
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Behavioral Therapy
- Family Systems Therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Parent Coaching/Behavior Management Training
- Mindfulness-Based Strategies
Credentials and Specialization
Elizabeth holds her Masters in Social Work (MSW) and is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern (RCSWI), currently working toward her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential. She is also a Certified Trauma and Resilience Specialist in Clinical Application (CTRS-C).
Primary Areas of Specialization
Works with Children (ages 0-12), Adolescents (ages 13-18), Adults, and Families.
- Anxiety
- Parenting Challenges
- Stress Management
- Maladaptive Behaviors / Executive Functioning
- Emotional Regulation
- Family Conflict
The Client Experience: Growth and Confidence
Ideal Client Profile: Elizabeth works best with individuals and families who are motivated to change, ready to shift existing coping patterns, open to honest feedback, and committed to practicing new skills outside of sessions.
Before & After
Before: Clients often feel stuck in cycles of stress, conflict, frustration, and miscommunication. Children may struggle to express emotions, while adults feel unsure how to set boundaries, leading to overwhelming unhelpful coping patterns.
After: Clients develop the ability to confidently manage their emotions and communicate effectively. They learn practical strategies, gain confidence, and create routines that support connection, understanding, and growth for the whole system.
Measuring Progress and Passion
Progress is Measured by reviewing the frequency, duration, and intensity of target behaviors. Any measurable improvement in these quantifiable areas indicates success. Elizabeth is passionate about dispelling the misconception that discussing feelings must be painful; she teaches that working through that discomfort is where real healing and growth begin.
*A common scenario is a child or adult caught in a cycle of conflict/stress. Through honest, compassionate feedback and skills training, they develop new routines and gain a sense of empowerment to break the unhelpful pattern.*
Focus on Family Systems and Parent Coaching
Elizabeth's work often centers on strengthening the entire family system. She believes that teaching young children feelings language and healthy coping skills leads directly to significant improvements in behavior. Parent Coaching/Behavior Management Training is a core component of her practice, giving parents and caregivers the confidence to navigate conflict and build connected, peaceful home environments.
Ready to Build Lasting Change?
Elizabeth Hanson is accepting new clients. Start your journey toward effective communication and confidence by filling out the New Client form below and selecting Elizabeth Hanson as your preferred clinician.