Elizabeth Stivers, LCSW

Elizabeth Stivers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 16 years of clinical experience. She practices in Maine and works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and parenting or family-related concerns. She emphasizes practical skills and clear steps to help people manage hard moments.

She trained in psychology at The University of Texas at Austin and earned a Master of Social Work from The University of Chicago. Her background includes work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, community centers, residential placements, and private practice. That range gives her a broad view of how life challenges show up in daily routines.

Her approach is straightforward and person-focused. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors. She also draws on client-centered techniques to keep the work grounded in each person's priorities.

Elizabeth helps people learn specific communication skills and build coping plans for change. She offers tools for handling grief, improving self-esteem, and managing compassion fatigue. Sessions often include concrete exercises to practice between meetings.

She also supports people dealing with adoption and foster care adjustments, caregiver stress, blended family dynamics, autism-related concerns, and separation or divorce issues. Her goal is to help people make manageable changes that fit their lives.

How therapy approaches translate to online care

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors. It often includes short exercises and homework that people can practice between sessions to reduce anxiety or manage mood.

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and making room for each person's goals. The therapist follows the client's lead and helps clarify what matters most to them, which can help with decision-making and self-esteem.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy helps people understand and express core emotions that shape relationships and attachment. It can be useful for improving communication and processing strong feelings.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. Together they choose methods and adjust them as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs. Video sessions let people use visual cues and longer conversation. Phone sessions can work when lower bandwidth is needed or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Chat and text are useful for quick check-ins, short coaching-style contacts, or when writing helps clarify thoughts. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, school, caregiving, or other commitments.