I have been providing therapy/counseling in various settings for almost 30 years, most recently hospital-based psychiatric emergency crisis intervention. My areas of expertise include: crisis intervention; suicide risk assessment, prevention, and safety planning; general substance abuse treatment information in Colorado; parenting (human growth & development, infants to adolescents to adults); supervised and therapeutic visitation for non-custodial parents/guardians; family conflict (not to be confused with couples counseling); couples counseling; cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for "big T" and "little t" trauma; CBT for depression & anxiety; milieu treatment of severe mental illness (affect disorders such as depression/bipolar; psychotic disorders/personality disorders; treatment compliance) for adults; solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT); culturally competent behavioral health services; psychopharmacology for therapists; women’s issues (reproductive rights, infertility, sexism, domestic violence/intimate partner violence); end-of-life decisions; grief and bereavement; and non-emergent crisis intervention.
My therapeutic approach is simple & straightforward talk therapy, formally referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Something in your life is currently causing you distress and you want help, from a neutral source, finding ways to cope with and work through the issue(s) so it no longer interferes with your ability to live your best life. This type of therapy encompasses exploration of healthy boundaries, self-advocacy, effective communication and coping skills, goal-setting, and reduction of unwanted and unhealthy automatic thoughts (catastrophizing, hindsight bias). The therapeutic relationship that will occur between us consists of identifying the issue(s) and how you've managed similar problems in the past; the outcomes of those efforts; learning what you can & can’t control; exploring your strengths; and developing new plans to manage the problem(s). My job as a therapist is to empower you to develop insight and create your own solutions, not solve the problem for you. Once you’ve created & implemented your plan, I will provide support, encouragement, and reinforcement.
In addition to CBT, I provide Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). SFBT concentrates on finding solutions in the present and exploring ways to find a quick and pragmatic resolution of one’s problem(s). This method takes the approach that you know what you need to do to improve your own life and, with the appropriate coaching and questioning, are capable of quickly finding the best solution(s). Another therapeutic modality I incorporate into CBT is motivational interviewing, which encourages clients to talk about their needs and stages of change, and talk about aspects of their personal history previously not considered relevant. I provide couples counseling using CBT and the framework of the Gottman Method. Last, I incorporate psychoeducation and mindfulness within the other modalities I practice. Psychoeducation combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, and education. The goal is to provide clients with facts about various facets of mental illness/wellness and its treatment, not pop culture distortions. This facilitates working with your therapist for a better overall outcome. I have an extensive library of resources designed to help you process and practice the issues we discuss in therapy in between sessions. Please know that I will point out misperceptions and misunderstandings about psychology, mental health, and human behavior. I don't do this to belittle my clients, I do this to educate.
I've completed post-graduate training to provide clinical supervision to new therapists pursuing licensure (LPCs only in Colorado); 10 hours of training in the Neurobiology of Trauma through the National Institute of the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM). This training will enhance my ability to provide therapy for people who are survivors of past and/or current trauma. I also completed seven hours of training to provide culturally competent behavioral health services to Native Americans and Alaska Natives. Other post-graduate training: ethics, telehealth ethics; and the effect of maltreatment on brain growth and development.
I have an extensive library of resources that include fact sheets; journals; workbooks; symptom trackers; guided mindful meditations; and worksheets so you can continue to work on your therapy in between sessions.
If, at any point in therapy, I determine that I lack the expertise to provide sufficient therapeutic assistance to you I will assist you in finding a therapist on Betterhelp who can better meet your needs. It is also not uncommon for clients & therapists to fail to make a therapeutic connection. It’s important for both of us to be forthcoming about this if it occurs. You also have the right to a second opinion and to discontinue services with me at any time.
In certain situations I will strongly recommend medication for you in addition to therapy (if you are not already taking medication). Some mental health problems are serious and require medication to reasonably manage the illness.
I look forward to working with you. Thank you for taking the time to read this rather long introduction!
Professional experience
27 yrs in practice
Family conflictsTrauma, AbuseBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Grief, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Avoidant personality, Blended family issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Commitment issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dependent personality, Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, HIV / AIDS, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Mood disorders, Narcissism, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality disorders, Phobias, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Elizabeth McKinley. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I am enjoying the sessions and profiting from them. Elizabeth is stern when needed and perpetually compassionate and understanding.
Written on Feb 22, 2025 after therapy with Elizabeth for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Elizabeth is helping me greatly, thank you so much for your assistance.
Written on Dec 11, 2024 after therapy with Elizabeth for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and bipolar disorder
As somebody that was completely nervous about talking to somebody from the second I met Elizabeth I knew I had someone in my corner. I appreciate her more than words could ever explain. Thanks doc…
Written on Nov 23, 2024 after therapy with Elizabeth for 4 weeks
I enjoy my sessions with Elizabeth and feel they are greatly productive. She does a fantastic job listening and empathizing, and I appreciate her sending me resources and exercises to do outside of our sessions to address my concerns
Written on Nov 13, 2024 after therapy with Elizabeth for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem
Elizabeth has been a very helpful through a challenging time. She is level headed, her counseling is pragmatic. Highly recommend.
Written on Aug 29, 2024 after therapy with Elizabeth for 9 months on issues concerning lgbt, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
She is excellent
Written on Aug 11, 2024 after therapy with Elizabeth for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I enjoy my sessions with Elizabeth. I feel heard, understood and respected and receive helpful advice, and resources.
Written on Jul 12, 2024 after therapy with Elizabeth for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, and coping with life changes
Elizabeth listens to me and gives me room to talk through my problems. She gives me different resources and ways to think through my issues. She's been very helpful in helping me navigate life's problems and, as this is my first attempt at therapy, has made the process a positive and sometimes fun one.
Written on Jun 25, 2024 after therapy with Elizabeth for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and parenting issues
She has been wonderful and helpful
Written on May 20, 2024 after therapy with Elizabeth for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
I feel like we connected well, and I will continue to use her for my therapy
Written on Mar 18, 2024 after therapy with Elizabeth for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
Elizabeth is an engaged and knowledgeable therapist. She cares about the outcomes of my therapy and is kind and passionate.
Written on Feb 20, 2024 after therapy with Elizabeth for 4 months on issues concerning relationship issues, grief, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
She’s a lovely human being
Written on Nov 21, 2023 after therapy with Elizabeth for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
Elizabeth has been extremely helpful in supporting me while I unpack a lot of "stuff" - Her patience and expertise have been very much appreciated. Very professional and very engaged in my healing, and helping me build a toolbox to handle a variety of things that I've struggled with over the years. Truly grateful BetterHelp has made therapy accessible for those of us who need help - and that's ALL OF US.
Written on Nov 07, 2023 after therapy with Elizabeth for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
Elizabeth was very kind and supportive. She offered tips to help me cope with challenging situations and gave me strength and courage to stay calm during rough times. I highly recommend her for support, guidance and encouragement.
Written on Oct 27, 2023 after therapy with Elizabeth for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
An excellent listener and absorber of emotionally complex topics. Her input is well thought out and obviously informed.
Written on Oct 02, 2023 after therapy with Elizabeth for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and anger management
She’s great, I’ve only had 3 sessions but she listens when I need it, she gives me great advice and is always positive.
Written on Sep 05, 2023 after therapy with Elizabeth for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and grief
This is my first time trying therapy and Elizabeth has been extremely helpful and wonderful to speak too.
Written on Aug 24, 2023 after therapy with Elizabeth for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
I have been on BetterHelp for a little over a year now and Elizabeth is the reason I keep renewing my membership. Her unwavering support and guidance have become an integral part of my life, and I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like without her by my side.
Written on Aug 22, 2023 after therapy with Elizabeth for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
Elizabeth has a way of asking questions that make you think and gets to the bottom of what it is I am doing or needing to do. She has a no nonsense approach that is exactly what I needed. She has been good at sharing materials/articles that are relevant to me. She is a solid skilled therapist.
Written on Jul 10, 2023 after therapy with Elizabeth for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Elizabeth is always a joy to talk to. Not only is she very professional and insightful when you present her with your situations and troubles, but she just genuinely seems like a good person who wants to help you. She navigates sessions in such a way that if you have a pressing issue on your mind that you want to discuss she will allow you to release that stress and have a more open discussion type session. At the same time if you don’t have much specifically to talk about that day she will work through her prepared discussion topics which target the overarching issues that have been identified as needing worked on.
Written on May 05, 2023 after therapy with Elizabeth for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem
I have only had a few sessions with Elizabeth, but could tell almost immediately that she was skilled in her profession. The same day of our initial meeting, she sent me additional reading materials and a workbook that she thought could be useful for me in my situation. She read what I shared prior to our initial meeting so she was already familiar with the help that I was looking for when we first spoke. She asks me specific questions so she can gain a better understanding of my situation and she offers realistic solutions. I feel like she really does listen to and addresses my concerns which I have not felt with all therapists. She's very engaged and makes you feel like you really are being supported. I would highly recommend Elizabeth to anyone seeking therapy. I chose Elizabeth based on her extensive expertise and she demonstrated that to me over our limited, but helpful interactions.
Written on Mar 08, 2023 after therapy with Elizabeth for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, career difficulties, and coaching
Elizabeth has helped me through tough health issues and anxiety. She is a good listener and she offers helpful strategies to cope with anxiety and stressors in life.
Written on Jan 15, 2023 after therapy with Elizabeth for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and sleeping disorders
Elizabeth is intelligent and caring. She gives excellent advice and is great at discerning when to give advice and when to simply listen. She is by far one of the best therapists I have ever had and I would definitely reccomend her!
Written on Dec 20, 2022 after therapy with Elizabeth for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Elizabeth is great- she quickly hones in on the issues at hand and is incredibly empathetic.
Written on Nov 24, 2022 after therapy with Elizabeth for 1 month on issues concerning family conflicts
Elizabeth is amazing, she’s been so helpful and really attentive to my therapy needs and situation. It’s been a great experience!
Written on Nov 18, 2022 after therapy with Elizabeth for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, coaching, and adhd
My first phone session with Elizabeth went well. She gave me good tools to handle my problem.
Written on Nov 07, 2022 after therapy with Elizabeth for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
Elizabeth has been a great woman to speak with. I don't feel judged at all and can tell her everything going on. She really is there to listen to me and help me through my struggles. I'm so excited we matched...I wouldn't wanna talk to anyone else.
Written on Oct 05, 2022 after therapy with Elizabeth for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and bipolar disorder
She’s been great!
Written on Aug 27, 2022 after therapy with Elizabeth for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
She is very forthright and knowledgeable. Also makes the effort to make sure I feel comfortable
Written on Jul 28, 2022 after therapy with Elizabeth for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, and coaching
She’s great. Really listens to me
Written on Jun 11, 2022 after therapy with Elizabeth for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, anger management, career difficulties, and bipolar disorder
Really communicative and appreciate her advice
Written on May 29, 2022 after therapy with Elizabeth for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and anger management
Elizabeth has been great. She has provided necessary information to make me feel safe and supported during our conversations and between messages. She checks in regularly and replies timely. I am excited to continue working with her.
Written on Mar 30, 2022 after therapy with Elizabeth for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
After only a few sessions Elizabeth helped me identify some underlying fears behind my symptoms and gave me lots of helpful methods to work on them. Elizabeth is very attentive, reliable and professional and I strongly recommend working with her!
Written on Mar 24, 2022 after therapy with Elizabeth for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
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