Elizabeth Barto, MHC-LP

Therapy with me is about creating a warm, accepting space for collaboration where we can work creatively to find new ways to approach the challenges you’re facing, all while forming a real relationship. I’ll never pretend to be perfect, because I don’t expect you to be either. In therapy with me, there’s room for humor, relating, and zooming out to acknowledge that we don’t struggle in isolation–we’re all existing in tandem with our relationships, communities and greater systems, which have the power to heal and support us…or to throw us off balance even as we try desperately to maintain our progress.

While our work together might take us to challenging or uncomfortable places, I’ll be right there with you to help find your way back to solid ground.

My style is based on Person-Centered and Strengths-Based modalities, while integrating aspects of CBT, DBT, IFS, ACT, and Narrative Therapy to tailor our work to best fit your needs. I like using those extra modalities to keep things productive in therapy, so we can move beyond simple "talk therapy" and give you some concrete new approaches, tools, and ways of thinking.

I work best with folks exploring challenges with neurodivergence, people-pleasing, overthinking, and substance use, as well as those facing major life changes and interpersonal issues. In the past I've worked at another private practice, a middle school for neurodivergent kids, a methadone clinic and a crisis hotline. I also grew up overseas for much of my childhood, so taking care to make space for my client's rich multicultural identities (which we all have!) is always an important part of my practice as well.

Outside of sessions, I love reading novels, playing music, and walking my part-goblin, part cuddle-bug Boston Terrier around Brooklyn. As a former army brat and transplant from Northern Virginia, I also love socializing with the incredible, diverse range of people who also call New York City home.