About Elizabeth LaCaze
Blending Psychotherapy With Spirituality To Offer You Holistic Healing
“If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself. If you want to eliminate the suffering in the world, then eliminate all that is dark and negative in yourself. Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation.” – Lao Tzu
Throughout my life, I’ve had a natural curiosity about the power of our minds and emotions to shape our experience. I’m deeply interested in understanding our shared human condition, especially the reasons why we suffer. Helping clients transform suffering into something beneficial fuels my passion as a therapist.
I consider myself a fellow traveler who walks alongside my clients as a companion on the journey of growth and healing. My intention is not only to work through challenges but also to help you discover and experience the innate gifts you possess within. My holistic approach integrates mind, body, emotions, and spirit, defining you as a whole person who exists beyond any current challenges you may face.
My Background And Specialties
For as long as I can remember, I have held a natural faith in addition to my passion for psychology. After receiving my clinical training, while still in my 20s, I met an Eastern meditation master. I was drawn to live and study with her in India for several years which proved to be a very transformative experience for me.
At the entrance to the ashram where I lived was a large sign that displayed this ancient wisdom: "The root of all suffering is ignorance of your true nature." My life's purpose became aligned with the quest to know my deepest, truest nature. As a therapist, my wish is to pass on to others the healing and wisdom I’ve been honored to receive.
Applying spiritual principles to psychotherapeutic practice, I specialize in helping individuals and couples explore new possibilities for navigating life. The journey we embark on together will be personalized and unique to your needs and goals as I validate and support your self-discovery process each step of the way. I aim to help you experience your most authentic and best self. Together we will expand your capacity to feel balanced, resourceful, and resilient while achieving lasting positive transformation.
I focus on somatic, experiential, emotion-focused therapy—a “here-and-now” approach that is embodied, heart-centered, collaborative, and guided by practical wisdom. By placing value on the integration of evidence-based practice with timeless ancient wisdom, your therapeutic sessions will be enriched.
As a certified practitioner of Somatic Experiencing (SE), I utilize a psycho-biological approach to healing trauma. Additionally, I am trained in EMDR, a profound approach to trauma healing. I am also certified in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) and have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples (EFT) — all evidence-based modalities proven to be highly effective. [1],[2]
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
AEDP is a therapy for individuals remarkable in its ability to not only provide relief from an array of symptoms and life traumas but also increase your emotional resilience, expanding your capacity to live fully. By tapping into your ability to connect with the authentic experience of your heart, your innate resources for healing become more available to you.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT for couples is a revolutionary therapy that creates new heart-based possibilities for relationships. Based upon the principles of attachment theory, EFT for couples helps you move away from emotional reactivity and distress to forge a deeper bond that becomes a warm and secure haven, even amid life’s stressors. By identifying negative patterns that form between you and your partner, EFT therapy can help you avoid emotional disruption and establish an attuned, reliable, and nourishing connection.
My Practice
I have long been interested in the intersection of spirituality and psychotherapy. Being a lifelong learner has allowed me to gain knowledge from experts in the psychology field as well as from wise spiritual teachers. Each day as a therapist allows me to bear witness to the courage and resilience of fellow human beings, continuing to learn and understand anew what we are each capable of. I find working together to identify the root of what troubles you and make something good come out of suffering deeply fulfilling.
While I am fascinated by the mysteries of life and the expansiveness of every human being, I'm also extremely practical and can zero in on what your personal and unique needs and gifts are. I would describe myself as having a “glass half-full” philosophy when it comes to therapy as well as life in general. Adopting a strength-based approach that highlights your gifts and talents over perceived weaknesses will help you claim your talents in addition to solving whatever issues you may be dealing with personally or professionally.
In addition to helping clients, I continue to be dedicated to my own emotional and spiritual growth. I have worked to heal my own developmental trauma and have a 'no stone left unturned' approach to self-growth. My desire to find a deeper meaning has led me to spiritual searching, looking at life from Eastern, Western, and indigenous perspectives, which has been a deep source of nourishment. I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned along the way with you.
Elizabeth LaCaze is a therapist based in Santa Barbara, CA. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Elizabeth went on to receive a master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Louisiana State University. She gained experience while working in a variety of settings including child abuse, adoption, and hospice. Elizabeth became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California in 1989 (LCS14397) and has been in private practice for over 20 years, specializing in couples counseling and individual psychotherapy.
[1] https://iceeft.com/eft-research/
[2] https://aedpinstitute.org/publications/research/