​My approach is rooted in Gestalt therapy, which focuses on present-moment awareness to illuminate relational patterns. We'll observe what’s happening between you and your loved ones in the moment. For example, you might notice how a particular statement from your friend makes you withdraw, or how a family member's silence triggers frustration. By bringing these reactions to conscious awareness, you can learn to respond differently rather than just reacting automatically. This creates an opportunity for new outcomes.

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I also work from a Buddhist-informed stance to help you develop a compassionate awareness of suffering—both your own and others'—especially in those moments where it might not be obvious. I also bring my expertise in Nonviolent Communication (NVC) into our work to provide you with practical skills for navigating conflict and fostering deeper understanding. You can expect to learn how to communicate your needs more directly, listen more deeply, and work through disagreements in a way that honors everyone’s experience. Together, we'll focus on repairing disconnections, healing old wounds, and building a foundation of understanding and mutual respect.

 

Therapy provides an opportunity to effectively address relationship difficulties, limiting stories and ideas, and challenging transitions. Some seeking therapy feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve their personal needs and goals, while others simply desire a more meaningful life. Often when the strategies that used to work for you no longer serve their purpose, you start to struggle and suffer. When we identify these patterns and you feel supported in trying something new, there is relief. ​

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​Benefits of therapy are plentiful, and include:

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• Identifying personal changes you would like to make

• Coping with and navigating physical and emotional pain

• Developing a stronger relationship with yourself and with others

• Feeling more empowered and hopeful

• Generating awareness around destructive patterns and replacing them with healthier ones

• Identifying and satisfying your wants and needs

• Learning to skillfully navigate difficult situations

• Becoming more connected to your body

• Living more genuinely and confidently

• Addressing "unfinished business" 

• Being supported in moving through grief and loss​​

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Individual Therapy

 

Individual therapy provides a dedicated space for you to explore your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences without the presence of others. This can be a powerful first step, particularly if you are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or struggling with specific personal challenges like anxiety or grief. By focusing on your unique internal landscape, we can identify unhelpful coping strategies and deepen your self-awareness.

My approach to individual therapy is a blend of Gestalt therapy and Buddhist-informed principles. Gestalt therapy focuses on present-moment awareness and helps us notice how we are experiencing things, which allows us to let go of patterns that no longer serve us. This is enriched by a Buddhist-informed perspective, which emphasizes mindfulness, compassion, and the understanding that all things are impermanent. Together, these approaches can help you cultivate a non-judgmental awareness of your suffering, allowing you to move through pain with greater ease and resilience. The goal is to help you find relief from suffering by making peace with your present moment and developing a deeper sense of inner connection.

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Couples, Family, and Friendship Therapy​

Relationships are central to our lives, yet they can also be a source of significant pain and frustration. Friendship, couples, and family therapy provide a dedicated space to address these dynamics. It isn't about finding a single person to blame, but rather about exploring the patterns of communication and interaction that are causing distress. This can be especially true in long-term friendships where a shared history is valuable but the way you connect has changed. It also applies to the complex relationship between adults and their aging parents, where roles are shifting and new challenges arise. Many of our relational habits are deeply ingrained, often inherited from our families or formed in early friendships. These patterns can lead to a cycle of misunderstandings, unmet needs, and unresolved conflict. The goal is to move beyond these cycles and cultivate a new way of relating to one another.

My practice is focused on working with adult relationships, including adult children and their parents, rather than with minors. To ensure the best possible support, I am currently working with diads (two people) for friendship and couples therapy. For family therapy, I see a maximum of four people at a time, with the possibility of including additional family members later on if it's deemed appropriate for your goals. To best support your journey and help you make meaningful progress, I recommend a commitment to at least six sessions. This provides enough time for me to understand the unique dynamics of your relationship and for you to start building new skills and seeing a shift toward your goals as a friendship or family unit.

 

​​See more about Liz Cloud, and for available services