Catherine Elzie

Catherine Elzie is an LCSW based in Oregon who helps people facing trauma, mood challenges, relationship strain, and LGBTQ concerns. She works with depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and issues related to sexual assault and abuse. Her approach is collaborative and grounded in respect for each person's experience.

Catherine keeps sessions straightforward. She listens first, and then helps clients name goals and try practical steps. She uses mindfulness practices alongside evidence-based tools to help people manage difficult thoughts and feelings. Humor and direct talk are used when they fit the moment.

Her background includes 15 years in mental health and long experience in substance abuse work. She has a Masters of Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno and a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She holds an Oregon LCSW license.

Catherine describes her style as warm and validating while also honest and pragmatic. She affirms LGBTQ identities and uses a body-positive, Healthy at Every Size perspective when weight or body concerns come up. Clients can expect clear communication about goals and steps to practice between sessions.

In therapy she blends mindfulness, acceptance-based ideas, cognitive approaches, and practical skills training. This mix aims to reduce distress, improve coping, and help people reconnect to values and relationships that matter to them.

How mindfulness and evidence-based approaches translate online

Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices that help reduce reactivity and notice thoughts without getting swept away. It can be useful for anxiety, stress, and managing strong emotions.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and taking committed action toward them while accepting difficult feelings. ACT can help with depression, chronic pain, and problems that persist despite effort to avoid them.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behavior and tests whether those patterns are helpful. CBT offers practical exercises to change unhelpful thoughts and build new habits, which can reduce mood symptoms and improve daily functioning.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Catherine will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals, needs, and comfort. That could mean starting with mindfulness skills, adding ACT values work, or practicing CBT exercises together.

The biography does not specify session formats, so confirm available online options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let people use tools and exercises in their everyday settings. Licensed professionals can adapt mindfulness, ACT, and CBT practices to the online context to help clients build skills that carry into daily life.