Elizabeth ‘Elle’ Owens
Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker,
ACSW # 101852

Supervised by Kim Strong,
LCSW # 29475

Individual Adult Therapy
EMDR

San Francisco Office
Virtual

• Anxiety Disorders

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder 

• Social Anxiety

• Panic Attacks

• Phobias

• Perfectionism

• Trichotillomania

• Self Exploration

• Self Esteem

• Life Transitions

• Personal Growth

• Finding Purpose

• BA in Philosophy, University of Michigan Ann Arbor

• Masters in Social Work, New York University

• EMDR - Level 1

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

• Habit Reversal 

• Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation-Narrative Story Telling (STAIR - NST) 

Anyone who is willing to take the step to better their lives through therapy is an inspiration in my eyes, which is why I enjoy working with an array of different types of individuals. Some of the people I work with are looking to gain tangible skills to overcome particular challenges in their lives, such as social anxiety, phobias, and OCD. Others come because they are looking to change certain behavioral patterns and habits. Still others seek out therapy with me because they are navigating life transitions, experiencing relationship difficulties, or looking to better understand themselves and their own identity. My goal is to provide a warm, non-judgemental space where clients can authentically share their experience, feel understood and supported, and ultimately feel empowered to create the lives they want.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and flexibly structured. I strive to make each one of my clients feel safe, supported, seen and understood. In my work, I draw from a range of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), while emphasizing skills rooted in mindfulness and self-compassion. Having received training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), my specialty is in treating OCD and other anxiety-related disorders.  

I believe that deep down I have always known I wanted to do this work, but meandered a bit before answering the call. I received my Bachelor’s from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, having focused on preparing for a career in medicine. Shortly after graduating, it became clear to me that this was not my path, and that it was deep, emotionally connected work that most fueled me. After switching gears and working as a teacher for many years both at home and abroad, my pull to connect individually with people and support them as a therapist was unmistakable. Having struggled with anxiety myself as an adolescent, I found therapy to be life changing and empowering. My hope is that each person I work with feels the same. I received my Masters in Social Work from New York University and have since worked in community mental health and group practice settings. The bulk of my training has been in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), habit reversal, with a specialization in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

It’s difficult for me to think of something more meaningful than supporting people in their journeys to better know themselves and create the lives they want. Growth and self-discovery are lifelong endeavors that motivate me everyday, and I feel lucky to get to witness and support others along their own paths. 

I’m very excited to be returning back to my roots in California after having spent the last 15 years living on the east coast and in South America! I’ve loved being able to learn about other cultures and ways of life, but am thrilled to be back home, living in a place surrounded by such beautiful nature. I plan on spending my weekends hiking, connecting with family and old friends, and rediscovering the Bay Area. 

“I really value Lizzie’s ability to help me steer the conversation towards what we are trying to achieve together. She has a good balance of listening to me while also helping me stay focused on my goals.”

“I was very nervous at first to start therapy but Lizzie made me feel welcome right away and I'm starting to grow more and more comfortable with each session”

“I am really enjoying my sessions with Lizzie, she listens and asks amazing questions, I’m very happy to have found her!”