Integrative and Nature-Based Mental Health Care
Elizabeth Harvey Abrams, LPCC, NCC
About
Desert Therapy Center offers mental health counseling throughout the state of New Mexico via telehealth (video-based therapy) and in-person counseling through Nature Walk and Talk ecotherapy in Las Cruces. This practice embraces an integrative approach: a consideration of the whole person and the broad range of factors that influence wellbeing, from physical, mental, and emotional health, to social connection and community, environment, and spirituality.
Therapist
Elizabeth Harvey Abrams, LPCC, NCC
Nature offers much in the way of healing, from a quieter place to reconnect with feelings, to a guide for experiencing the seasons of life, and a chance to observe and relate to wildlife and the landscape. Connection with the natural world in therapy is fundamental to my approach in creating the Desert Therapy Center. I offer Nature Walk and Talk Therapy in the Las Cruces, NM area, and provide classes and talks on how connection with nature supports wellbeing.
I believe that having the opportunity to tell our stories and be truly heard holds so much power for healing and growth. As a counselor, I incorporate concepts and techniques from narrative therapy. This is a way of working together to better understand where your story came from and where you want it to go. This strengths-based approach helps with envisioning a new way forward, and may include a framework of post-traumatic growth.
I am a relational and person-centered therapist: it’s important to me to be present and provide a steady, supportive environment for processing life’s challenges and difficult experiences.
I draw on various theories as needed, incorporating mindfulness-based approaches including meditation and other supportive methods. A holistic and integrative approach means to me that we consider what's going on in all areas of a client's life, and look at what it means to build a foundation of sustainable wellbeing for the long term.
Clients are welcomed in bringing up spiritual topics and meaning-of-life questions for exploration together. I incorporate a trauma- and grief-informed approach to therapy based on my clinical training and experience.
I look forward to talking with you about how we can work together in the way that is most supportive for you.
Credentials
License
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Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC), New Mexico, No. CTB-2023-0709
Degrees
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MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
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BA, Romance Languages (Spanish and French), Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA
Clinical Internships
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Sexual Assault Crisis Center
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Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Program
Certifications
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National Certified Counselor (NCC) through National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
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Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, Leslie Korn, Ph.D./PESI
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Compassionate Bereavement Care, MISS Foundation, Sedona, AZ
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Ecopsychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute, Carpinteria, CA
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Animal-Assisted Therapy, Harcum College, Bryn Mawr, PA
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
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Sexual Assault Volunteer Advocate
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Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)-Knowledgeable Therapist via Dr. Elaine Aron
Prior Career
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Federal government and related positions