Hello, my name is Liz Michaud, LMFT with DOT Center, Oakland. Welcome to my practice :) I provide both long-term and short-term psychotherapy with a specialty in Parts-Therapy to adult individuals in the state of CA.

In my sessions with clients, we have collaborative and non-judgmental conversations to address a wide variety of life challenges, including anxiety, depression, loss, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, codependency, and trauma. I assist my clients with looking inward to better understand themselves with more clarity and compassion, and empower my clients with creative and empowering strategies to work toward inner-balance and strive toward their goals. My clients experience warmth and empathy in our time together which allows for a safe space to express feelings, explore experiences with curiosity and gain clarity. This is a great fit for those who are feeling inspired to understand themselves and find new ways to best navigate life in healthy and empowered ways.

An important part of my work is to hold in mind how social and cultural realities shape our experiences of a sense of self, feelings of belonging or not belonging, and ways that we feel safe or unsafe. I look through this lens to consider how social norms and systems of power around us inform symptoms of anxiety, depression, etc. We all come into families and societies that have norms and systems in place, so from a strength-based lens, I encourage my clients to consider these factors when thinking about concepts such as self-esteem, identity and belonging.

I am able to offer a wide variety of creative and practical approaches to therapy, particularly approaches based in Parts-Therapy (IFS is a form of this you may have heard of). These compassionate and effective ways of accessing one's inner-world can strengthen self-confidence, unlock self-compassion and reveal inner wisdom. This inspires healing and personal growth. These creative strategies can include the use of metaphors, symbols, role-play exercises, writing, storytelling, and art.

My work is aimed at helping you feel seen and heard with compassion while helping you see your circumstances with more clarity, and what you can do about it. With some compassion, insight and empowerment, self-esteem can get stronger, negative patterns can be overcome, and new perspectives can offer hope and optimism.