- Guilt and shame
- DBT and ACT methods
- LGBTQ affirming
About Catherine
Catherine Elzie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Oregon with 15 years of mental health experience. She works with people facing mood disorders, trauma and abuse, relationship concerns, LGBT issues, bipolar disorder, depression, and related problems such as guilt and shame. She describes therapy as collaborative, with the person in the lead on what matters most to them.
Her approach includes practical skills and straightforward conversation. She uses methods drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to help people notice patterns, make small changes, and manage intense emotions. Sessions may include learning grounding skills, tracking thoughts, or experimenting with values-based action.
Catherine brings prior work in substance abuse treatment as part of her background and attends to cultural and identity concerns, including LGBTQ+ matters and veteran experiences. She follows a Health at Every Size perspective and is sex positive in her practice.
She aims to be direct and occasionally humorous when that fits. People tend to find the style validating and nonjudgmental, and Catherine balances support with practical tools to handle daily struggles such as chronic pain, communication problems, and family of origin issues.
Educationally she holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno and a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her work includes PTSD, post-traumatic stress, and issues tied to prejudice and discrimination.
How ACT, CBT and DBT shape online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and make choices based on personal values rather than getting stuck in self-judgment. It is often used for guilt and shame that keep someone from taking meaningful steps in life.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing them with small experiments or behavior changes. It can help when guilt or negative beliefs about the self fuel depression or anxiety.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches concrete skills for managing strong emotions, tolerating distress, and improving communication. Those skills can be useful for reacting less impulsively to shame and for repairing relationships.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss methods, listen to what matters to the client, and try approaches that fit the person’s goals and preferences. That collaborative process helps decide whether to emphasize skills training, values work, or thought-focused techniques.
The biography does not specify session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, allow shorter focused check-ins, or avoid being on camera when that helps. Licensed professionals can use these practical advantages to keep therapy manageable while working on guilt, shame, trauma, and mood concerns.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Oregon
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of guilt or shame does she address?
She works with guilt and shame tied to relationships, identity, trauma, and life choices. The profile lists guilt and shame alongside trauma, relationship issues, and mood disorders.
How does she approach feelings of guilt?
Her approach combines ACT, CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to notice unhelpful thinking, practice new behaviors, and reduce intense emotional reactions. Sessions mix skill practice with reflective conversation.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 15 years of professional experience in mental health and additional years in substance abuse treatment. That background informs work with trauma, mood disorders, and related concerns.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an LCSW and practices in Oregon. The profile also notes licensure in New Mexico historically.
Can I work with her if English is not my first language?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not accepted at this time.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list session formats. Please confirm the current session options before booking.
How are costs handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing depends on your chosen plan and region.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to start the process.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.