Practice
My practice is based on the person-centered model of the late psychotherapist Carl Rogers, who espoused the Humanistic philosophy of empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard for the client. I believe in meeting the client where he or she is, and supporting the client in negotiating life crises and transitions. I consider myself an ally in this process, helping the client explore psychological issues and obstacles and joining with him or her in seeking personal insight.
Depending upon the client and the particular issues, I will use appropriate techniques from other models, including Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-Focused and Strategic therapies. My practice is also informed by Attachment Theory; by Eric Erikson’s eight developmental stages; and by Existential Therapy, particularly the work of Viktor Frankl, in the service of helping clients discover their authentic life paths. Developing emotional intelligence is a fundamental goal of my work.
I specialize in Life Transitions. Key areas include:Love and Relationship
Adjusting to College/Life After High School
Pregnancy
Separation/Divorce
Empty Nest
Grief and Loss
Illness
Pet Bereavement
Career Transition
Retirement
"I also offer early-morning hours, for clients on their way to work.
"With appropriate clients, I will utilize writing therapy as a vehicle for psychological exploration and emotional expression.
Elizabeth O'Brien's Biography
Elizabeth O'Brien holds a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from the University of Tennessee/Knoxville; and a Master of Arts in Counseling degree from St. Edward's University in Austin. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern (LPC-I), working under the supervision of Sunny Lansdale, Ph.D., at Treaty Oak Psychotherapy.
Ms. O'Brien worked as a journalist for many years in Florida and New York City before moving to Austin to raise a family. She is the co-author, with her husband, photographer Michael O'Brien, of The Face of Texas, a book of portraits and stories of Texans, both famous and "ordinary."
Ms. O'Brien has done a great deal of volunteer work in the community, as a Stephen Minister, a Therapy Pet Pal partner with her dog, writer and editor of the Mobile Loaves & Fishes newsletter, and an active soccer parent. She and her husband have three children and have lived in the Westlake area for 15 years.
Treaty Oak Psychotherapy
Treaty Oak Psychotherapy is a group of professional therapists who are supervised by founder Dr. Sunny Lansdale. Dr. Lansdale, Ms. Emily Roberts, and Ms. O'Brien are located in Westlake at 5524 Bee Caves Road, Bldg A, Suite 2, Austin, Texas 78746.
Dr. Sunny Lansdale, Ph.D, LPC, has been in the field of mental health for over 30 years and has been in private practice for 24 years. She currently works with individuals, couples and families. Her approach encompasses a number of theoretical approaches. "However, over the years, the emphasis in my approach has become primarily developmental, significantly influenced by a systems perspective," says Dr. Lansdale. "The theories emanating from these schools of thought inherently make sense to me. I also have observed that when in-depth therapy is pursued over time, questions of purpose, self worth, and existence inevitably arise, so occasionally existential psychotherapy can become a part of the mix. Since trauma is often the agent that eventually brings clients to therapy, I have included in my training those modalities, including EMDR (Eye Movement De-sensitization and Reprocessing), which addresses the human consequences of unfortunate events. I am always willing to discuss my theoretical understandings with my clients. My approach to clients is generally collaborative, which means we work together-my theoretical education, clinical experience, and intuitive skills, in combination with the innate expertise in the clients' authentic response and honest self-examination." Dr. Lansdale can be reached at (512) 329-0332.
Ms. Emily Roberts, M.A., LPC-I has been working with Treaty Oak since 2008 and has been a student of Dr. Lansdale's since 2005. She is a specialist in children, young adults, parents, and families. "My mission is to assist clients and families achieve balance," says Ms. Roberts. For more about Emily, click here: www.emilyrobertsma.com
Ms. Juliane Taylor Shore, M.A., LPC-I, LMFT-A strives to join with clients to address their concerns and needs with empathy and compassion. She specializes in couples counseling, family therapy and trauma recovery. For more about Juliane, click here: www.julianetaylorshore.com
Contact
Elizabeth O'BrienMaster of Arts in Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern (LPC-I)
Supervised by Sunny Lansdale, Ph.D.
Treaty Oak Psychotherapy
5524 Bee Caves Rd., Bldg. A
Austin, TX 78746
512-680-7379
elizobrien@gmail.com