Aetna Therapists in Missoula, MT

Hello and welcome. My name is Elizabeth, I'm licensed therapist in Missoula, Montana. Although it may feel like it at, we are far from alone in our spectrum of struggles. Stress, trauma and past wounding may leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and others. I believe our unique values, beliefs, and cultivated sense of purpose are the roots to connect us to who we are and how we wish to experience life. Taking time to care for ourselves through therapy is a radical act in the world we live in.

Bridger Peaks Counseling is a multidisciplinary therapy practice based in Missoula and Bozeman, Montana dedicated to helping transform individual wellbeing and community mental health. We support individuals, couples, and groups through online and in-person therapy with a collaborative, compassionate, and evidence-based approach. We believe in a connected, compassionate world in which everyone has the resources and support to heal from trauma and lead happier, healthier lives. We are allies and advocates for all identities, backgrounds, and mental health needs.

I thrive on helping others heal and get to where they want to be in life. I feel that people usually come to therapy because something is not working in their life and change needs to happen but they are not sure how. I am passionate about my work and strive to help others every day. I am flexible with my approach as we are all different and I will follow your lead with what works best for you. I think that humor and connection are very important in a therapeutic relationship so that we can laugh and cry and I am able to push you at times to help you reach your goals.

I approach each client with the careful unpacking of present distress—whether symptoms arise from an unexpected crisis or loss, a difficult transition, or erosion due to long-term suffering. I form strong relationships with clients to explore these present concerns while integrating the past and building insight. Many of my clients seek support in navigating difficult emotions; reworking frustrating patterns; strengthening relationships; facing places of tension; and finding greater satisfaction in their lives.

Therapy at its best, is a transformative and deeply meaningful experience. I work with anyone who is called towards better understanding themselves, their behaviors, and their suffering so that they can live a more soulful life. As a trauma-informed therapist, I help clients process emotional and physical pain so that what is stuck within their body can have an opportunity to be released. This process gives clients a chance to become more present and free to live the life they desire. If you'd like to set up an initial session or call, please feel free to send me an email or click on my website.

I believe healing happens through connection—with ourselves and others. As a relationship-first therapist, my goal is to help you find safety and love within yourself and the world around you. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, self-doubt, existential angst/depression, and changing life circumstances. I also work with endurance and mountain athletes who want a therapist that understands their lifestyle on the trail and beyond—from barriers to performing their best to body image/eating struggles, from navigating injury to burnout, and more.

Discover how therapy can enlighten your outlook on life and aid in the discovery of your best self. It is my goal is to create a safe and open environment for couples, individuals, families, and athletes to explore and conquer the many challenges life often brings. Some of the common issues I work with clients on include relationship challenges, trauma, couples and marital counseling, performance enhancement for athletes, life transitions (e.g. marriage, new baby, retirement, empty nest), self-empowerment, and increasing confidence. You do not need to walk this journey alone.

I believe we all have the ability to live meaningful lives. And that we all have the potential to heal past traumas, develop new strategies for coping, and grow into the people we want to be. As a therapist, I meet you where you are and, without judgment, maintain a deep sense of curiosity about you and where you want to go. Therapy can play a critical role in unearthing patterns and fully exploring the path that led you to this moment. It can also help you map the way forward through understanding, discovery and clarity. I consider it a privilege to help you along this journey.

I have an inclusive practice where I care for clients presenting with diverse issues. These include elderly, adults, young adults, youth, and families. In my 30+ years of experience, I have worked in a variety of settings engaging in diverse practice using an eclectic approach with individualized interventions. I believe that individuals have the ability to heal and grow within the context of relationships. I emphasize a framework of building a strong relationship of trust and safety.

In my therapeutic practice, I prioritize building strong and compassionate relationships with each of my clients. I work with adults, teens, and couples across their lifespan on topics of present distress to prolonged hardship. My clinical experience includes working with individuals on issues and experiences surrounding depression, grief and loss, sexuality and gender, family and intimate relationships, religious trauma, and anxiety. I am currently in speciality trainings for Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. My approach incorporates Attachment & Emotionally Focused Therapy.

I counsel people and families. I have 4 specialty areas, (1) trauma recovery, including PTSD and loss, (2) couples, (3) emotions like anxiety, anger, depression, and (4) children and teens. (1) When dealing with trauma, grief and heartbreak, I encourage adults to heal again to be lovers with a heart of a warrior, see www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjdICFdnkhE (2) I counsel couples by myself or with my wife, Julie Ann Nardi, LCC--a couple counseling couples. See gardencitycouples.com. (3) emotional healing brings about new ways of thinking and acting (CBT). (4) Play, art, family, and music are for great ways for kids.

A broken heart. It is what finally brings many people to counseling. If you have experienced a traumatic event, it is likely that most of your relationships have been affected. Some may be estranged or have ended. The pain of the original trauma compounds with each loss: relationships, jobs, motivation to participate in activities you used to enjoy. Perhaps your health has suffered.

Are feeling stuck in one or more areas of your life? Are you in the midst of a major life transition? Working with a psychotherapist will allow you to explore yourself and your relationships with someone who is objective and nonjudgmental.

We are all inherently worthy, resilient, and hard-wired to be connected to others; we also inevitably face suffering in life which can create barriers to these aspects of ourselves. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my mission is to work alongside you - to be present, deeply listen, and assist you in coming back to the core parts of who you are; to help you transform your suffering into contentment and wholeness. I will be present for whatever you bring to our therapy space and support you in harnessing your power to create the change you want to see in your life.

I invite adults and adolescents into my private practice. I have experience working with individuals that have experienced trauma, abuse, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, attachment disorders, and struggle to maintain relationships with family members and others. I am very knowledgeable in human development and can work with adult family members that are struggling with children's/ family behaviors at home and are seeking a positive change in daily life. I focus on helping client's find the personalized emotional regulation and self-care techniques that actually work for your individualized needs.

We as humans experience life’s highest highs, lowest lows, and everything in between. I work collaboratively with clients to make meaning out of whatever life sends your way- my clients and I create a trusting relationship to explore any emotions, thoughts, or sensations that arise. I believe everyone has the capability to build resilience and make meaning of the world and our place in it. By drawing on the connection with ourselves, others, and the natural world, everyone can experience healing. No matter what you've faced, we will work together towards your goals and personal growth.

Odds are that you are reading this because you are frustrated with at least one aspect of your life. And…you are sick of feeling helpless, hopeless, and stuck. Perhaps your stress has gotten so severe that you have begun experiencing actual medical symptoms, panic, depression, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or a grief reaction. Finally, you are now ready to roll up your sleeves and make some changes. Of course, change isn’t easy. But, inherently, we all know that if we don’t change we…calcify. Are you ready for positive change now?

Couples and families struggle with a vast array of challenges. These challenges can cause depression and anxiety and affect even the strongest relationships. Although couple and family relationships can be complex and emotionally charged, I can help you gain insights and clarity that will help you understand and improve your relationships.

I believe that life is not so much about the good or bad breaks we get compared to others, but rather our responses to the challenges that virtually everyone faces. These responses add up to the story of our lives. My approach is to help individuals, couples and families to respond to life's challenges in ways that promote health and provide for one's story to move forward in a hopeful and productive way. Depression, anxiety, relational problems and/or trauma are as common as breathing and the good news is that there is hope for everyone.