Elida Oettel

Welcome to my practice, Embracing Transition. I trust you will find that my education and professional experience combined with my life experience will bring some comfort and healing to you and/or your loved ones. I earned a License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW) in 1995, have raised 3 children to adulthood, and am currently a caregiver for parents in their 90's. I enjoy being in nature, lifelong learning, and connecting with others.

My education has included Psychology with a biological emphasis at UC, Davis; a Masters in Social Work from University of IL, Chicago; a Masters in Public Administration from SF State University; and a certificate in Alcohol and Other substances from College of San Mateo.

My work experience has included working for San Mateo County Behavioral Health where I gained valuable training and experience with parents and children 0-18. More recently, I have worked with adults with severe Mental Illness in Alameda County, and have maintained a virtual private practice working with adults as well. I currently work with UCSF Lung Health, supporting adults with serious pulmonary disease.

An important first step is to understand the current situation from your point of view and to assess together if I am the right person to provide the service. I have been trained in many approaches to therapy and will utilize different modalities based on an initial assessment finding and mutually agreed upon service planning.

However, my experience (and over 30 years of research), indicates that the relationship between a therapist and the client is the most important facilitator of healing.

I hope you find that I am not judgmental and am warm and easy to talk to. I am transparent and honest, can use a sense of humor, and can relate to you given my professional and personal experience. I assume you have wisdom and talents yourself, and together we will highlight your strengths and ensure we build on those.

Each situation is different. The initial consultation of 15 minutes is free of charge. The goal of the initial consultation I see as two-fold: 1) Assess if my scope of practice is appropriate for your situation, and 2) An opportunity for you to assess me, the therapist.

Should the agreement be made that an initial evaluation/intake would be helpful, an appt. can be scheduled.