Elizabeth Owen O’Brien, M.A., LPC, EMDR-trained
I like to work with individuals and couples who are seeking insight into why their lives and relationships aren't working well, and who are willing to address the emotional obstacles that are keeping them stuck. I believe that the mind and body are intricately connected and that people become depressed, anxious, and physically ill when they keep their anger, fear, shame and resentment inside and too much to themselves. I see depression and anxiety as “wake-up calls” and opportunities to address clients’ deeper issues. I believe that human beings do not exist in a vacuum, but as participants in various systems: families, social groups, work groups, church groups, and the culture at large. Understanding the client’s contexts, particularly his or her role in the family, is crucial in helping him or her gain the self-knowledge necessary to move forward.
Often, the defenses we create in childhood to protect ourselves not only don’t work later in life but in fact hinder our progress as productive and happier adults. Finally, research bears out that we are "wired to connect," and that people who become too isolated "fail to thrive." Therefore, I see my key role as supporting clients in building and maintaining healthy relationships.
My practice has been influenced by Attachment Theory; Family Systems Theory; the Humanistic, "person-centered” model of Carl Rogers; Eric Erikson’s eight developmental stages; and Existential therapy, particularly the work of Viktor Frankl, in the service of helping clients discover their authentic life paths. Developing emotional intelligence is one of the fundamental goals of my work. With appropriate clients, I utilize writing therapy as a vehicle for psychological exploration and emotional expression.
I see a wide variety of clients, and specialize in midlife women’s and men’s issues and parenting concerns. Key areas include:
ParentingLaunching Young Adults
Love and Relationship
Separation/Divorce
Empty Nest
Grief and Loss
Illness
Pet Bereavement
Career Transition
Retirement
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, sharing office space at the Austin Counseling Center in Westlake.
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 young adult children and have lived in the Westlake area for 17 years.
Contact
Elizabeth O'BrienMaster of Arts in Counseling (M.A.)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Austin Counseling Center
1000 Westbank Drive #6-250
Austin, TX 78746
512-680-7379
elizobrien@gmail.com