Who is Elizabeth?
CSW-PIP LCSW; Certified Coach
Everyone in life experiences stress, grief, loss and pain in various ways and I have been honored to work alongside individuals to help navigate the storms of life. While pain and stress are inevitable, it has always been my goal to help discover ways of coping and mitigating the pain and struggle to help people find and live out their purpose happily and healthily; and it’s exciting to pivot from therapist to coach!
My close family and friends would say that I have been counseling my whole life; beginning with being elected the peer helper of my 4th grade class. I continued to follow that calling throughout my path and graduated from the University of South Dakota with my Bachelors in Social Work and American Indian Studies; followed by my Masters of Social Work from the University of Minnesota – Duluth in 2007. I immediately began working at the Sioux Falls VA hospital, serving veterans of all eras in various clinics including Traumatic Brain Injury, Polytrauma and Geriatrics. Serving our nations Veterans solidified my dream of also serving in the military, so in 2011 I joined the Army as a Behavioral Health Officer; serving in Kansas, Afghanistan, North Carolina as well as in the Montana National Guard. In conjunction with serving clients, in 2020, I completed the PhD coursework for Clinical Social Work in Chicago to obtain my Advanced Practice Certificate. After returning to my home state of South Dakota, I continued my clinical career focusing on psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapies.
Why Therapist turned Coach?
It was through my work with clients in treating trauma(s), depression, anxiety, relationship problems, family dynamics, sleep disorders and military stressors that further led me to coaching. Ideally, in one’s clinical treatment, we reach a point where there is still a benefit of having someone to speak and consult with that provides accountability but not meeting or needing clinical interventions. As I continued to see this, I also was aware of colleagues, friends and family who sought out or benefited from the expertise of a coach for “counseling or mentorship” with targeted life goals, completely separate or without the presence of a mental health diagnosis. This set a spark in me, as I want to help anyone who has the drive to create a healthier, more balanced life for themselves.
And while there are many coaches, I believe I am set apart by because of my educational background, personal and professional life experiences. Throughout my career, I have trained in a variety of methods and theories, which helps me understand the psyche behind “motivation,” goal setting and accountability; which shapes my expertise as a qualified, experienced and certified coach. This allows me to better hear and understand your needs and goals; all while working along side you to set attainable milestones to achieve the life you are yearning for.
Aside from individual coaching; I am also available for organizational consultations, presentations, trainings, seminars or educational workshops for a variety of topics
Why Little Bird?
Originally, Little Bird (Zitkala Cickcik’ala) is a name that was given to Elizabeth by classmates and community members of her Native American Studies in Vermillion. Over time the meaning and depth of this name has grown and it has become a foundation of Elizabeth’s professional practice and business.
What does it mean now?
In today’s society, we have a constant flow of information, “research,” noise and opinions surrounding us. Pressures through culture, social media, government, medical providers, etc. all tell us what to think, how to act, what to be and how to feel. There are so many “little birds” in our ear. But how often do we stop to really pay attention to our own little bird? What do I want? Who am I? What do I need? How do I feel? Elizabeth believes in growing awareness and moving to one’s thoughts, dreams, goals by tapping into our own little birds. Tapping into your own little bird can be the spring board to creating the life you seek and crave.