Some of us grow up in families in which love is real and pain is also present - passed from one generation to the next. I know this territory first-hand; it’s a big part of why I became a therapist.
I take a holistic approach to my own healing, drawing from my love of nature, animals, good books and nurturing relationships to aid me on my path. I also hold dear the belief that a sense of wonder - an openness to the mysteries of life and connection to something larger than ourselves - can be instrumental in the journey toward wellness.
who i am
I'm Elise Holland, a licensed psychotherapist practicing in-person in Mill Valley and San Francisco, and online throughout California.
I grew up in England and moved to the US when I was thirteen. I have lived in the midwest, on the east coast, and now in northern California’s beautiful Bay Area.
I am also a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister an author and a business owner. All of this informs how I work.
My Approach
I work collaboratively with my clients to find the approach that works best for them. Some clients prefer more direction, others prefer more contemplation. I tend to favor a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach, drawing from Richard Schwartz’s theory that we have “no bad parts.”
The clients with whom I work best are motivated and willing to do the deep work of self-discovery. Many of the people I support are familiar with their inner critic and ready to explore those internal voices with curiosity and compassion.
The Dalai Lama said that the purpose of life is to be happy. This doesn’t mean we go through life trying to escape from the myriad emotions that feel bad to us. If we are to experience happiness, we need to feel safe contacting all of our emotions.
It is my intention to create the space in which clients can do this.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduate degree:
MA, Counseling Psychology
California Institute of Integral Studies
License:
LMFT #154343
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Undergraduate degree:
BA, Psychology
University of Michigan
Clinical experience:
North Marin Community Services
Children, teens, adults & couples