Liz Johnston, MSW, PhD Fellow
Are You Struggling with Addiction, Trauma or Stress?
Therapist in San Luis Obispo
Hello, I am a therapist in private practice in San Luis Obispo, CA.
If you are dealing with trauma, I can help. I am trained in EMDR, an eye movement therapy which works quickly to relieve trauma and post traumatic stress.
If you are struggling with alcoholism or other addictions, I can help. I have 28 years experience working with people in recovery. I support members of 12 step groups. I also work with people who do not use 12 step groups in their recovery.
If you are struggling with chronic illness or recovery from a stroke, I can help. I currently work as a medical hospital social worker and previously worked for 6 years on a stroke rehab unit. Thus I understand the issues facing older adults.
I facilitate a monthly stroke support group for stroke survivors and their caregivers.
I provide brief counseling and longer-term psychotherapy using individual, couples, and family therapy. My office is in downtown SLO, near the bus transit center, has off street parking, and is accessible for people who use wheelchairs.
Education/Training
MSW 1984 Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, MA
PhD Fellow Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, MA
Bio
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
California Polytechnic University
San Luis Obispo, CA
Lecturer
Taught SOC 413: Social Work Methods Spring 2010, 2011, 2012
Taught SOC 413: Social Welfare Institutions Fall 2011, 2012
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Private Practice 8/87-Present
San Luis Obispo, CA and Stamford, CT
Therapist in private practice. Specializing in alcohol, eating, gambling, and sexual addictions. Treatment modalities include brief and long-term psychotherapy utilizing individual, couples, and family therapy. Obtained initial CA supervisory training in January 2000. Have completed follow-up coursework as required and supervised a total of fourteen trainees / interns. Completed second level training in EMDR.
Twin Cities Hospital 12/03-Present
Templeton, CA
Sole social worker for 110 bed hospital with 10 bed ICU. Provide counseling to patients and families, including crisis intervention and trauma therapy in Emergency Room. Member of Interdisciplinary Practice and Ethics Committees. Liaison to hospital chaplains. Responsible for coordinating staff response to patients with combined medical and psychological issues. Evaluate patients for transfer to psychiatric hospital. Assist families in making end-of-life decisions.
Designed and implemented innovative program to reduce staff stress during two year process of moving high risk medical units, ICU, ER and OB, to new hospital facility.
Rehab Care/Sierra Vista Hospital 4/98-12/03
San Luis Obispo, CA
Medical social worker. Provided counseling and case management to patients on rehabilitation unit. Diagnoses include stroke, TBI, and post-surgical complications. Ran support groups for patients and families. Provided in-service training to hospital staff on psychological topics. Supervised MSW. Responsible for streamlining department procedures and forms.
Community Counseling Center 1997-1998
San Luis Obispo, CA
Intake coordinator for family service agency. Performed initial intake interviews, assessment, and placement for individuals, families, and children. Responsible for updating intake procedures and forms.
Kaiser Permanente 1989-1990
Stamford, CT
Primary therapist for HMO. Responsible for initial intake, assessment, and outside referrals. Conducted brief psychotherapy using play therapy and individual, couples, and family therapy. Led workshop for adult children of alcoholics.
Memberships
NASW -- National Association of Social Workers
EMDRIA -- Association of EMDR Therapists
Payments Accepted
Cash, check, credit cards, accept payment from most insurances
Hours:Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri. -- 4pm to 9pm; Sat. 8am to 1pm
Cost/Session
$120 (some sliding scale fees available)
License:LCS -- California
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy
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Loneliness
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Addiction
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Adolescents
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Marriage Counseling
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Anger Management
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Anxiety and Panic
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Online / Teletherapy
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Body Image Issues
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Psychoanalysis
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Caregiver Issues
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Relationship Issues
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Chronic Illness
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Religious Counseling
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Couples
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Depression
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Divorce
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Stress Management
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Eating Disorders
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Trauma and PTSD
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Grief and Loss
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Work and Career Issues
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Life Transitions
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Licenses/Certifications
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Certified EMDR Therapist (EMDRIA)
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
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