Elizabeth Petrisca, Ph.D.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” –Aristotle

Therapeutic Approach: I believe therapy provides a great tool in enhancing your self-awareness and shedding light on how you cope with difficult situations. My therapeutic approach is guiding you to discover your strengths and areas you would like improvement. I utilize an integrative approach combining psycho dynamic, mindfulness, art/narrative therapy, family systems, and cognitive behavioral treatment individualizing to the needs of my clients. I believe in building a supportive therapeutic alliance in which the individual feels comfortable in expressing his/her thoughts and feelings. I work on a strength based individualized approach where I consider your unique situation, skills, and background. My approach is empathic and warm. I work with children, adolescents, and adults in both individual and group therapy. I work with clients from different cultural backgrounds and I have experience with the following issues: anxiety, depression, trauma, family/relationship issues, acculturation issues, spiritual issues, identity development, life transitions, college/graduate stressors, eating disorders, social anxiety, grief, stress management.

Background: I received my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the APA-accredited California School of Professional Psychology. I completed my post-doctoral residency training at Child and Family Guidance Center, where I received extensive training in psychodiagnostics assessment and forensic evaluations. I have provided psychological assessments to all ages, including at Los Angeles Valley College and Child and Family Guidance Center. Following my post-doctoral residency, I worked in community mental health for the past five years, receiving training in many evidence based practices, including trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and positive parenting program. I also provided therapy treatment to children, adolescents, families, and young adults. Completed EMDRIA Accredited Training in EMDR Therapy.