Integrative and Nature-Based Mental Health Care
Elizabeth 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.
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Therapist
Elizabeth 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.
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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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La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services
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Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Program
Certifications and Training
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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
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30+ hours of group training and individual coaching with intuitive psychiatrist Judith Orloff, MD
Prior Career
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Federal government and related positions