Dr. Liz Gustafson, Clinical Psychologist

In sixth grade, a teacher mentioned the book Sybil, a now debunked biography of a woman who supposedly developed dissociative identity disorder in response to childhood trauma. She immediately warned us we were too young to read it. Naturally, I went straight to the school library and had finished it by 2 a.m.

Reading Sybil sparked a lifelong fascination with how the mind can simultaneously defend and defeat itself. That curiosity grew through adolescence and ultimately led me to pursue a career in psychology.

I began working at a suicide hotline, spending two years taking calls and training new operators. From there, I earned my PhD in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University in Brooklyn, working with children in foster care, 9/11 first responders, patients on psychiatric inpatient units, and college students navigating everyday pressures. I also led a research lab at a college counseling center and worked on a study exploring the neurological underpinnings of borderline personality disorder.

During the decade I lived in Los Angeles, I built and ran a group practice. That experience gave me firsthand understanding of the pressures of leadership, creativity, and tough decision-making. It also gave me the opportunity to mentor younger clinicians. Both continue to shape how I support clients balancing personal growth with professional demands.

My therapy style is curious, collaborative, and tailored. I draw from psychodynamic therapy, DBT, CBT, ACT, and mindfulness practices to create an approach that fits your needs. My goal is to help you better understand your patterns, navigate challenges in the present, and build a life that feels more authentic, grounded, and sustainable.

If you’re ready to start that process, I invite you to reach out and schedule a consultation call so we can discuss what you’re looking for help with and whether we might work well together.