Get to Know Your Therapist: Elise

Elise began work with Between in 2022.

We wanted you to have an opportunity to get to know her a because she’s a really good person to know. We sat down with Elise to ask her some questions about her life and work…

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m from Maryland, so dense forests like those I grew up around on the East Coast have a special place in my heart. The affinity for nature and wildlife I developed growing up there is part of what drove me to my first career environmental advocacy. Staying engaged in climate activism remains important to me. But my shift to therapy comes from my conviction that to make positive change in any area, we need more empathy, compassion, and healthy connections with others. To me, it all comes back to a core value of leaving the world a better place than I found it.

What kind of moments light you up as a therapist?

Witnessing clients experience and express their most authentic selves. It’s then that I know they’re growing right before my eyes, and when I feel most connected to them. It also feels amazing see them “turn toward,” more than “turn away” – whether that’s toward their partner or toward a valuable emotion or sensation.

What do you wish all of your clients could know deeply after their work with you?

How truly moved I am by their courage to work on themselves, that they will continue to see the results of their work unfold in ways they can’t yet imagine, and that knowing them has helped me grow, too.

What are some lesser known facts about you?

I’m big on music - immersing in it, allowing it to move me emotionally or physically (dancing is one of my very happy places), or creating it. My instrument of choice is my voice. I’ve enjoyed singing since I was little, through choirs, musicals, and even a stint in a band in my D.C. days. In recent years I’ve been trying to learn ukulele to accompany myself, but there’s something extra special about harmonizing with others.

Getting a little more vulnerable, now: I come from a family of divorce and have first-hand experience with anxiety and depression. So, I have personal insight into how attachment disruption and mental health challenges can color our worldview and influence our relationships with ourselves, friends, and romantic partners.

In what ways are you growing right now?

So many! First, I’m learning (sometimes begrudgingly) that usually my most sustainable growth is slooww and bumpy.

Some other ongoing growth areas: Being more presently mindful and body-aware. Slowing down. Deepening self-acceptance. Trusting my intuition. Embracing the awkward. Unlearning unhelpful perfectionist tendencies. Learning from uncomfortable emotions like anger and grief rather than suppressing or shaming myself for them.

Rapid fire! Name a couple movies/shows you love …

That uplift you:

Ted Lasso; Queer Eye

That crack you up:

Broad City; Big Mouth

That tell an unconventional love story:

The Before Sunrise trilogy; Lost in Translation; Big Fish

That capture friendship:

Grace & Frankie, Stranger Things

That inspire awe:

Arrival; Chef’s Table

About music:

Almost Famous, 20 Feet from Stardom