My Story

I grew up on the Central Coast of California, where my love for nature and the outdoors began. I spent my childhood playing outside with my dogs, cold plunging into the sea with friends, and taking nature walks with my parents and sister. While my life was filled with connection and adventure, it also came with challenges—especially navigating emotions as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), life transitions, grief, relationships, and conflict. Despite not having the tools to manage these difficulties, I found that each challenge helped me grow stronger. I learned that tough emotions are temporary, and that light always finds its way, even in the darkest moments. This journey ultimately inspired me to name my practice Solace Within Counseling and design a logo featuring both the sun and the moon, symbolizing the balance of light and darkness.

"Solace" means comfort or consolation during times of distress, which perfectly reflects my personal experience. I earned my Bachelor’s in Sociology at Sonoma State University and, after working with children at a therapeutic farm in Northern California, I realized I wanted to help people in outdoor settings. This led me to pursue a Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in Wilderness Therapy at Naropa University in Boulder, CO, where I graduated in 2022.

Since then, I’ve been committed to helping children and their caregivers in developing the tools to navigate difficult emotions and find solace, even when it feels impossible. My goal isn’t to take away or fix their pain, but to equip them with the skills and resources they need as they grow and face life’s inevitable challenges.

When I’m not supporting others, you’ll likely find me balancing my work with hiking and backpacking in new places, skiing the Ikon mountains, trying out new recipes, spending time with my people, live music, traveling, photography, running around Sloan’s Lake, walking with my partner and dog, Chief, or practicing yoga.

Testimonials

  • Parent of siblings - 4 & 7 years old

    As a parent I know reading reviews can be overwhelming. I will make this review as honest and to the point. I needed help as a mother. I could see I was struggling and the effects on my kids. I could recognize the frustrations I was having on a day to day basis with my kids but I just didn't know what to do. I was lost, frustrated, and I needed help. In came Lizzy. She was a guiding light that folded out appointment by appointment. She gave my kids a voice that I couldn't hear. There were sessions that flowed like the river. Truly awe inspiring. Then there were sessions that were just hard. Lizzy showed up for my family through all of it. Her insight was so important, it forever changed the trajectory of my family. In addition we as a family did the work. We learned we can get through the hard things. But, we needed to start somewhere. By change we started with The Bridge Center for Play Therapy and it was worth every minute, every penny, every appointment.

  • Parent of a 6 year old

    When we started the program with Lizzy, my wife and I were beside ourselves with how to handle our 6 year olds outbursts. Over time Lizzy spent the time with my wife and I along with great one on one time with our daughter. Now a year and a half later, things are great in our family and outbursts from our child still happen from time to time, but my wife and I are much more prepared to handle them before they get out of control for us and our child. Thank you Lizzy for "fine tuning" us as a family. Our daughter is much better at "self regulating" herself due to Lizzy's work with her in those one on one sessions. We are grateful for your work with us and we all couldn't be happier with the results.

  • Parent of twins - 4 years old

    My kids and I saw Lizzy for about 9 months. She helped them express and work through their feelings while providing me with tips and a toolkit of items to support them at home. I never felt alone and always like I had a partner with Lizzy. She helped me understand what was happening and even met with their daycare teachers to ensure they were getting support there as well. Lizzy was truly a breath of fresh air during a very challenging time for my family.

  • Parent of a 4 year old

    We had an excellent experience with Lizzy at the Bridge Center for Play Therapy. If you are seeking Play Therapy for your little one, I highly recommend her.

  • Parent of a 6 year old

    We absolutely had a great experience with Ms. Lizzy! She was wonderful with our daughter and helping our family! She was excellent at communicating information to us and keeping us informed on our child’s progress. Our kiddo also loved Ms. Lizzy and was sad when we had completed the process, but Ms. Lizzy made it a special celebration to end their time together. We highly recommend Ms. Lizzy to families seeking a child therapist.