Liz Szilagyi, LCMHC, LCPC, Licensed Psychotherapist
We all approach life in our own way, unique to our life experiences. Therapy is a conversation with a student & a teacher. It is a means to further our self-awareness, a platform to learn how thoughts and behaviors can both help and hurt us. Having a better understanding of ourselves, our thoughts, our habits, and how we make choices, improves our perceptions and quality of life.
What I wish to impart: Developing self-awareness to meet one’s needs while living authentically.
Many years ago, when I adopted my rescue pup, Lucy, I consistently spoke to her respectfully & lovingly & I recognized I never did with myself! Every day, multiple times a day, I transitioned from hearing intensely harsh things in my head to “You’re a good girl. You’re a good girl…good girl…good girl.” Can you imagine how you’d feel hearing praise all day long!?
My internal narratives were unhealthy, therefore my thinking & self-esteem were unhealthy. When I applied repetition, muscle memory, I started to feel better. The focus became pointing out positive experiences. The effort was placed on my cooling system (parasympathetic system) & I took the heat off my fight or flight thinking (sympathetic system).
EXPERTISE
BA in Econ & Psych & an MS in clinical Mental Health Counseling. Licensed in NH & ME.
The professional experiences I’ve had, have proven to be the absolute best means of education & skill development imaginable.
Prior to starting private practice, professional settings have included: neurorehabilitation center, group & residential facilities, community outpatient agencies, with substance treatment programs, Child/Adult Protective Services, court diversion programs, jail systems, in conjunction with inpatient facilities, assisted living & nursing facilities.
Holistic approach with integrative care – consideration of environment & habits, mind/body, conventional & alternative disciplines
Training in Yoga
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), IFS (Internal Family Systems), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
“I have a soft spot for mental health providers. I had panic disorder … I tried dealing with it by myself for 2 years- I’d be dead had I not sought treatment. State of panic from wake to sleep. Afraid to leave my house. Trapped inside my head. No one understood because it wasn’t visible. But I’m happy to report that I have not had a panic attack since sept 2012. I think it actually made my life better. It put things in perspective for me. I realize what’s important and what’s not… I just want others to know that it’s not taboo. If my story helps one person then its all worth it.”
