Welcome
I’m Elizabeth Gessel and I’ve been practicing psychotherapy in the Los Angeles area since 1995. I see adult individuals and couples who are striving not only for symptom relief but for greater purpose and meaning to their lives.
What I’ve discovered over the years is that often behind symptoms of anxiety and depression are significant problems or traumas endured as children. The coping mechanisms that a child uses to help survive are not adequate to navigate the burden of adult responsibilities.
Part of the challenge experienced as an adult is that childhood experiences and reactions are effectively hard wired into our bodies. Current situations activate these hard wired responses even though we often feel we should know better. Those hard wired experiences may take the form of confusion, overwhelm, avoidance, powerlessness, withdrawal, helplessness and/or isolation.
Having these feelings or behaviors come to the surface can be unsettling and end up causing symptoms of depression, anxiety or rage. Not only does this create suffering for you but causes distress for those who care for you. It’s these experiences that begin to feel intolerable and usually make a person seek therapy.
In a comfortable and respectful environment I work with you to safely explore the underlying issues of your current symptoms or relational conflicts. Through a variety of techniques, both practical and creative, we will work towards relieving your symptoms and conflict resolution so you may begin to experience greater peace of mind and clarity.
