Elizabeth Stivers

Compassionate, practical therapy rooted in experience

LCSW Maine

Experience: 16 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Parenting
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth Stivers is a licensed clinical social worker with 16 years of experience who offers thoughtful, experience-informed care from her Maine practice.

Background and approach

She draws on a broad clinical background that includes work in homes, community centers, hospitals, residential settings, outpatient clinics, and independent practice, bringing perspective gained across many service environments.

Her training in psychology and social work supports a practical, skills-based approach to common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, relationship difficulties, parenting and family challenges, and issues related to adoption and foster care. Her style emphasizes collaboration and clear skill-building, with attention to both individual needs and the wider family context.

Elizabeth uses approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered therapy, emotionally-focused work, existential ideas, and EMDR to tailor plans to each person’s situation. She focuses on helping people improve communication, manage emotional reactions, cope with life changes, and build self-compassion and resilience.

Prospective clients can expect a clinician who combines practical strategies with compassionate attention to what matters most to them.

How therapy approaches translate to online care

Elizabeth commonly draws on cognitive behavioral therapy and emotionally-focused therapy when working remotely. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying thought and behavior patterns that contribute to distress and teaching practical skills to change those patterns, which can help with anxiety, depression, and stress. Emotionally-focused therapy centers on understanding emotional responses and strengthening interpersonal connections, making it useful for relationship and family-related concerns.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each client to assess needs, goals, and preferences and then adapt techniques from these approaches to fit the person’s situation and the online format. Together they decide which methods feel most helpful and adjust as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These options allow clients to engage in therapy around work, caregiving, or geographic constraints while maintaining continuity of care and applying therapeutic exercises and communication skills between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?

Elizabeth works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, relationship and family difficulties, parenting challenges, LGBT concerns, compassion fatigue, and related areas such as adoption and foster care.

How would you describe Elizabeth's therapeutic approach and style?

Her work blends client-centered collaboration with practical techniques; she often uses cognitive behavioral strategies alongside emotionally-focused and existential perspectives to help clients develop skills and insight.

What is her professional background and experience?

She has 16 years of professional experience and has provided services in multiple settings including hospitals, residential placements, community centers, outpatient clinics, and independent practice.

What credentials and location are associated with this clinician?

She holds the LCSW credential and practices in Maine; her license details are ME LCSW LC21760.

Which languages are available for sessions and are international clients accepted?

Sessions are offered in English, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.

What session formats does Elizabeth offer for online work?

She provides several remote formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different preferences and schedules.

How are costs and payment structured for sessions?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working together?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression Coping with life changes

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse Grief Self esteem Compassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shame Impulsivity Isolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks PhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Sexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Solution-Focused Therapy

Experience

16+ years

Licensed

Maine

Languages

English