Elisa Swartz-Larson, MS, LPC-I
Education
- BA Theatre Arts San Jose State University
- MA United States History San Francisco State University
- MS Counseling and Development Texas Woman’s University
Licenses and Certifications
Certified Professional School Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern
Licensed Secondary School Teacher: Social Sciences
After several wonderful years as a middle and high school teacher, I began to feel that I needed a career change. While I was ready to leave teaching, I was not willing to give up the thing I loved best about it—forging meaningful, joyous relationships with the adolescents and teens with whom I worked. After considering many options, it dawned on me that several of my students over the years had already pointed me in the new direction of my life—“Ms. Swartz-Larson, you would make a great counselor!” I quickly realized they had been on to something.
As I began working on my counseling degree, I found it was the perfect opportunity for me to continue to have the kind of working relationships I loved and to have a much deeper impact on the lives of those with whom I worked. While completing my degree I learned that I also loved working with adults. I spent my time with clients at the TWU University Clinic and at The Samaritan Inn, our local homeless shelter. By the time I graduated, I found myself deeply grateful for the choice I had made and for the privilege of being part of the personal development and positive life changes made by my clients.
When I work with people, I create a safe, peaceful environment where they can feel heard and understood. In general, I allow the client to shape the process to meet their specific needs. My clients feel comfortable confronting difficult issues and being authentic with me as they work through the process of becoming the person they truly are meant to be. I also see a place for levity and humor in our work. I believe there are many ways to successfully practice therapy, and I let my clients dictate the way their sessions will look. I enjoy using art in my work with clients and working with both teen and adult groups.
After my experiences as a school counselor and at the shelter (where I still work part time) I am thrilled to be practicing at CCA. I am interested in working with clients from early adolescence through adulthood. Some of the challenges I have faced in my own life allow me to understand and appreciate the struggles of my clients. I look forward to working with people who are feeling personally “lost” (it is so exciting to rediscover the person you were meant to be!), depressed or overwhelmed. I understand the pain of difficult relationships, career challenges, divorce, infertility, and addictive behavior. I appreciate the challenges of being a parent. If you are feeling sad, overwhelmed, lonely, frustrated, or lost, I would love to help guide you through the wonderful changes that therapy can make possible. I offer services on a sliding scale.
On a personal note, I have been married for 19 years, and I am the proud mom of a spirited adolescent daughter. I also live with a golden retriever and a shepherd mix; hugging them is one of the best forms of therapy!
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” Mary Anne Radmacher
