About
Hey, I’m Elizabeth Avant
My purpose as a therapist is to help others see meaningful change in their lives and feel freedom from what’s been holding them back. Whether that is individually or in a relationship, my hope is to get people feeling better and able to maintain their new change outside of therapy.
What it’s like working with me
My approach to therapy can best be described as dynamic and collaborative. I love to remind people that you are the expert on you. I’m here to respect your autonomy and knowing while providing interventions, skills, and exploration in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
I want you to feel comfortable in therapy and know that you are talking to a real person with genuine interest in your healing. Your job is to show up as you (even when that’s scary) and my job is to provide the emotional space and lead the healing process.
I also want to highlight my incorporation of the body in therapy. Therapy with me is definitely not just talking, we actually move and breathe regularly. The research showing the significance of connection with brain and body is remarkable, and shows healing is more than just thinking happy thoughts. It would be nice if that’s all we needed, but if you’ve ever tried to think positively to only find it still doesn’t feel right, then you already have experience in this approach.
And in case you’re wondering what the letters behind my name mean or how they affect therapy, here you go. LMFT stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, this does not mean I only see couples and families. It does mean that I see each person as more than just an individual with a problem. I look at a person’s entire system and context to get the fullest picture and initiate holistic healing for all parts of life.
How I Help
I often incorporate several therapy approaches together in our work to best help you. My primary goal in using different treatment modalities is that we are working through issues in a way that makes sense for you and our relationship. Here are some my commonly used theories:
Attachment-Based
Attachment therapy explores how childhood experiences might affect a person’s ability to form meaningful bonds as an adult.
Experiential
Experiential therapy is a collection of techniques and activities to help people re-experience past events and emotions to find healing.
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on uncovering the psychological roots of emotions and behaviors. This creates greater understanding of self for individuals.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT’s main goals are to teach people how to be mindful, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate their emotions, and manage their relationships with others.
Family Systems
Family systems therapy approaches the individual as part of the greater family unit to create healthier more effective dynamics.
Somatic
Somatic therapy is a form of body-centered therapy that looks at the connection of mind and body and works to release emotions stuck in the body.
EMDR
EMDR is a treatment that is designed to provide relief for the distress associated with traumatic memories and upsetting events.
Gottman Method
Gottman Method Therapy is used with couples. Goals include improving conflictual communication, increasing respect and affection, and increasing empathy.
Trauma Focused
Trauma focused therapy is an assortment of approaches that aims to integrate the awareness of trauma into treatment and encourage healing from past events.
Licenses & Education
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, #2366, North Carolina
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, #7025, South Carolina
Master of Science Degree, Marriage and Family Therapy, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 2013
Bachelor of Science Degree, Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 2011