Meet Elizabeth Easton, PsyD | Clinical Psychologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Easton, PsyD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
It’s interesting to think about risks, because some of the biggest moves I have made in my career have been deeply rooted in my intuitive sense of what is right for me. So, although they may be ‘risky’, it was more personally risky or taxing to not do them. Shifting into working with emotion-focused family therapy, somatic therapy and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy are great examples. The mental health field needs this work, and I would regret not supporting the field and my clients if I didn’t take the risk of moving in these direction.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have spent the majority of my career working within multidisciplinary teams in hospital settings treating severe mental illness. It was humbling, challenging and inspiring. I had mentors who believed in me; at times before I fully believed in myself. I had colleagues who walked beside me; together creating, adapting and growing as professionals. I had supervisees who gave me the honor of impacting their careers in big and small ways. I would not be who I am and where I am as a clinician without all of them.

After 15 years of being a clinical supervisor and hospital director, I missed working directly with clients. I wanted to connect with individuals to impact their lives in a positive way – help them feel less alone through feeling more seen, understood and empowered. I ‘came home’ to myself as a clinician, hoping to foster others capacity to ‘come home’ to themselves through our work together.

Over the years I have developed a varied skill-set and found a passion for supporting individuals, families and my fellow clinicians. I started small with my own practice; only consulting for clinicians. Soon, I realized that I missed meeting with parents/caregivers. Having a loved one with a mental illness can be all-consuming and disempowering. It takes a village. Instead of just supporting my colleagues in that work, I jumped back in myself. More recently, I have folded in somatic (Hakomi) therapy and psychedelic integration therapy into working directly with adult individuals again. It is inspiring work with deep roots, and I feel it is the best expression of my gifts in this field.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have a long lineage in Colorado, so just being on this land is incredible for me. My family and I recently moved to Evergreen, which has been grounding and comforting. Walking out the door to hiking. SUPing, or just hanging out on Main Street for community events is such a joy. I would say, above all, seeing my favorite bands at Red Rocks and Mission Ballroom are my husband and my ‘ultimate’ date nights and one of my favorite things about this area.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To the women healers I have worked alongside for decades – thank you for your inspiration and support.

Website: www.EastonPsychSvcs.com