Liz Baumeister (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker #75880

CLINICAL APPROACH

If you’re looking for a therapist who isn’t afraid to be direct and challenge you to make positive change, then I would be a great fit! I take a client-centered approach and frequently use humor and humility in my work. While we may be working on difficult things, therapy can also be fun and light-hearted. My approach incorporates systems theory, attachment theory, harm-reduction, and strengths-based frameworks. I love working with couples and families where I will also pull from Gottman theories about relationships. Although I can work with any client throughout the age range, I prefer to work with older teens through adulthood. I find it incredibly rewarding to work with clients and families who have struggled to find the right fit in therapeutic providers or have been through higher levels of care. I particularly enjoy working with issues such as substance use, trauma, and transitions.

ABOUT ME

A few things about me! My favorite movie is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I cry every time I watch it, but I think it’s an incredibly powerful movie with a strong message about relationships. In my time away from work, I can be found cooking, enjoying new restaurants, traveling, doing art, or watching TV. Some of my all-time favorite shows include Sons of Anarchy, Dexter, and Game of Thrones. I even have two cats named after GOT characters: Tormund Giantsbane and Nymeria!

SERVICES I OFFER

In-person & virtual sessions for:

• Individual Therapy (Teens & Adults)

• Group Therapy

• Family Therapy

THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES & PRACTICES I USE

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

• Art Therapy

• Attachment-Based Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (trauma-informed)

• Crisis Intervention

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

• Gender Affirming Care

• Gottman Couples Therapy

• Internal Family Systems Therapy (parts work)

SPECIALTIES

• Trauma

• Substance Use

• Transitions

AREAS OF CONCERN I WORK WITH

• Abandonment

• Abuse (Emotional, Verbal, Physical, Sexual) (Offender)

• Abuse (Emotional, Verbal, Physical, Sexual) (Survivor)

• Acting Out Behaviors

• Adoption

• Aging & Geriatric Concerns

• Aggression/Violence (In Children, Teens, & Adults)

• Anger

• Anxiety (Generalized)

• Attachment Issues

• Bipolar

• Blended Families

• Bullied By Others

• Bullies Others

• Codependency

• Communication Difficulties

• Cultural Concerns

• Death

• Depression (Major, Peri/Post-Partum)

• Discrimination

• Divorce (Supporting Teens & Adults)

• Domestic Violence

• Family Conflict

• Grief, Loss & Bereavement

• Health & Medical Problems

• Identity Exploration

• Illness Within the Family

• Infidelity/Cheating

• LGBTQ+ Concerns (Anxiety, Coming Out, Depression, Discrimination from Family/Friends/Community, Gender Dysphoria, Gender Identity Exploration)

* Areas of concern in bold are areas I'm particularly passionate about working with

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Masters of Social Work with mental health focus, San Jose State University

• Bachelors of Science Psychology, Santa Clara University

• Trained in Trauma-Focused CBT

• Completed Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work with couples

Work Experience: 

• Clinical Director at Teen Therapy Center (2022-present)

• Licensed Therapist and Clinical Supervisor at Family Therapy Center (2020-2022)

• Behavioral Health Clinician II at Foothill Community Health Center - working for 2.5 years as a school-based clinician in an elementary school; working for 1 year in the behavioral health clinic working with all ages to address a wide range of mental health concerns. (2016-2020)

• Outpatient Therapist at Seneca Family of Agencies – working with children, adolescents, and families out in the community to address behavioral issues, family systems issues, and mental health concerns; collaborated with the juvenile justice system and the Department of Family and Children’s Services. (2015-2016)

• Therapist at Community Solutions – working with youth ages 6-18 for general outpatient mental health services, intensive outpatient services for youth involved with the Department of Family and Children’s Services, and low level probation.(2012-2015)

• Residential Relief Counselor at S.T.A.R. Programs – working with teens in the group home setting providing behavioral and emotional support; ensured safety, behavioral reinforcement plans, and daily responsibilities. (2012-2013)

• Crisis Support Counselor at Stephanie Young Consultants: Crisis Support Services – working with youth and adults with coexisting developmental disabilities and mental health concerns; crisis intervention, behavioral work, and collaboration with providers. (2011)

• Telephone Crisis Counselor Volunteer at the Bill Wilson Center – working with all ages calling into the crisis support line or teen chat line to assess safety, provide active listening, and assist with referrals. (2008-2010)