Elizabeth Stivers

It was during my years in college that both my desire and capacity to walk with others through deep suffering toward healing began to emerge. And in that I had found my calling. It was still another twelve years before I could finally open my practice and say I had the job I always wanted.

I opened my practice in Franklin, Tennessee in 2009 and moved it to Brentwood, Tennessee shortly thereafter. Today I specialize in working with adolescents, adults and families. In my practice I provide specialized services and genuine compassion to the individuals and families seeking assistance. I have worked as a clinical social worker across a variety of settings (i.e. homes, schools, hospitals, community centers, private practice). These along with many other experiences have allowed me to work with people from diverse backgrounds facing a multitude of issues.

I feel privileged each time a client or family walks in to my practice. Choosing to invite someone new into your inner life or that of your child is a big deal and it should be. Deciding to engage in the therapeutic process will be one of the most important steps you take toward healing whether it be for yourself, your child, or your family A lot of thought and effort should go into finding the therapist with whom you are going to work. I have been through this process for myself, my children, for my entire family. I understand what's involved. I understand the faith and trust required to arrive at your first therapy session. Because I know this, I cherish each opportunity you offer me to walk beside you on your journey toward healing. In my practice the healing journey includes hope, encouragement, safety, empowerment, and discernment. Together we can nurture your strengths, heal old wounds, and find the help you are looking for.

The therapeutic process is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the personalities of the therapist and the client and the particular concerns you bring forward. The best therapists understand this process is as much art as it is science. I design my therapy sessions to feel relaxed and conversational. In our early therapy sessions I will be getting to know you, and determining how I may be of the most help to you. There are many different methods I may use to deal with the concerns you hope to address. Therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, so you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, or frustration. On the other hand, therapy has also been shown to have benefits for people who go through it. Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress. But there are no guarantees of what you will experience in therapy. The therapeutic process requires an active effort on your part. In order for therapy to be the most successful you will have to work on things we discuss in our sessions both during our time together and on your own between therapy sessions.

Our first few therapy sessions will involve an evaluation of your needs. By the end of the evaluation, I will be able to offer you some first impressions of what our work will include and identify possible treatment goals for our work together. You should evaluate this information along with your own opinions of whether you feel comfortable working with me. Therapy involves a significant commitment of time, money, and energy, so you should be very careful about the therapist you select. If you are uncertain or have questions about my process, we should discuss them whenever they arise. You can have your questions answered at any point during a session. If your doubts persist, I will be happy to help you set up a meeting with another mental health professional for a second opinion. My top priority is getting you the help you need.