Elizabeth Spanburgh LCMHC, LCAS-A, NCC, EMDR Certified

I’ve spent much of my life feeling ashamed and weighed down by societal standards, church rules, and personal expectations.

When I was growing up, I was surrounded by people who told me that I needed to apologize for being me, for having my own opinions and ideas for my future. I was often labeled as lazy and careless, too sensitive, with people telling me I just needed to pay more attention. As a young girl with undiagnosed ADHD, no one recognized or acknowledged what I was going through.

I became exhausted by constantly worrying about what others thought of me—whether I was thin enough, exciting yet docile enough or whether I was living up to the image of “the ideal woman”. These pressures led me down a tough road. I looked for relief and validation in external sources like alcohol and substances as well as in shitty people who took advantage of my biggest insecurities.

Through my journey of healing, I’ve learned that it’s okay to embrace who I am, without apology. I’ve come to see that the church system I was raised in, while problematic, doesn’t define my entire spiritual path. Therapy, the right medication, and discovering a love for weight lifting have been crucial in helping me recognize my intrinsic value and heal from past traumas. The road hasn’t been easy—struggling with my internal beliefs, addiction, and misunderstanding of my own Neurodivergence has been a complex and sometimes daunting process. Yet, it’s also been a journey filled with growth and transformation.

I became a counselor because, for me, being in a non-judgmental space with someone who just wanted to listen, proved to be transformative and incredibly validating.

I want to help other women like me navigate all the pressures, build self-compassion, and redefine what it means to be enough. You don’t have to be everything to everyone—we can find balance and self-acceptance.

As a counselor, I’m dedicated to creating a non-judgmental space where we can have honest conversations and you can explore your own inner strength. My approach is person-centered, focusing on your unique resilience and potential. I know being vulnerable can be scary, but together, we can face these challenges and find balance.

I also offer EMDR therapy, which was a game-changer for me. It helped me re-process past traumas and find relief from their lingering effects. EMDR uses specific bi-lateral movements to help process and heal from painful experiences. I have found that EMDR can shift personal negative narratives to more adaptive, positive beliefs of self. If this sounds like something you’d like to explore, I’d be glad to discuss it with you. My goal is to help you recognize your worth and support you in your journey toward healing.

Outside of therapy, you can find me lifting weights with my partner, re-watching ‘The Office,’ ‘Parks and Rec,’ or ‘Brooklyn-99,’ or enjoying a swim in the ocean—sharks and all! I also adore my three fur babies: Apollo and Rollo, my playful pups, and Torvi, my sweet kitty. They are my world.

Call or Text today for your FREE 15-minute consultation.