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				| Email me | 
			
			
				| 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.
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				| Licenses/Certifications | 
        
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		|  Certified EMDR Therapist (EMDRIA) |  
		|  EMDR Part 1 and 2 (EMDRIA) |  
		|  Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) |  | 
      
			  
				  | License Info | 
        
				  | LCS -- California | 
      
			  
				  | Education | 
        
				  | MSW 1984     Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, MA 
 PhD 2013    Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, MA
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				  | Bio | 
        
				  | ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE 
 Associate Professor of Social Work
 California Polytechnic University
 San Luis Obispo, CA
 
 CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
 
 Private Practice	8/87-Present
 San Luis Obispo, CA and Stamford, CT
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				  | Memberships | 
        
				  | NASW -- National Association of Social Workers 
 EMDRIA -- Association of EMDR Therapists
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          | Recommendations | 
        	
				  |  1 recommendation | 
        	
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				  | Payments Accepted | 
        
				  | Cash, check, credit cards, accept payment from most insurances | 
      
			  
				  | Cost/Session | 
        
				  | $150 (some sliding scale fees available) | 
      
			  
				  | Recommendations | 
        
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								   Maya, Portland 
								  Always providing a safe, nonjudgmental, comfortable environment to share, cry, yell or beat-up a pillow, she understands the range of emotions and welcomes you with a warm smile. Liz helped me to get out of my negative thinking, and start to see the light while living with PTSD. She practices a variety of therapy and coaching techniques, so as to offer the best fit for each client. Driven by patient wellness and quality of life enrichment rather that an ambition to be rich. She was a breath of fresh air, when I felt like there was no way out. The time I spent in sessions with her made me start to trust therapy again.Whoever you are, and where ever you are on your healing or self-care journey, if you have goals to purse or are just trying to keep your head above water Liz Johnston will walk that path with you, help and give you insights or ask questions, allowing you to decide your treatment. An all around awesome human, she helped me on my way to the happier and more engaged person I am today
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				| Practice Areas/Issues Treated | 
      
        
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		|  Therapy |  
		|  Addiction |  
		|  Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) |  
		|  Caregiver Issues |  
		|  Chronic Illness |  
		|  Depression |  
		|  EMDR |  
		|  Grief and Loss |  
		|  Life Transitions |  
		|  Loneliness |  
		|  Online / Teletherapy |  
		|  Relationship Issues |  
		|  Religious Counseling |  
		|  Self-Esteem Issues |  
		|  Seniors and Elder Care Issues |  
		|  Stress Management |  
		|  Trauma and PTSD |  
		|  Work and Career Issues |  | 
      
      
    
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				  | Nearby Cities | 
        
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