Elizabeth Flanagan, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
My “Why”
Since I was young, I’ve been drawn to deep conversations, chats that explore why we do what we do, what we wish for, and how we heal. I grew up having long kitchen-table talks with my mom, and as a teenager I devoured books on self-improvement, meditation, yoga, near-death experiences, and the lives of people striving toward self-actualization. I’ve always felt there’s more to life than the everyday surface.
I double-majored in psychology and English literature because I was fascinated by both the science of human behavior and the stories that express our inner worlds. For the past 20 years, I worked as a teacher, where my favorite moments weren’t about grades or tests — they were about connecting with students, listening to their struggles, and encouraging them to see their strengths. Those conversations planted the seed for my next calling.
Now, as a counselor, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. Sitting with people, listening with real care, and walking beside them on their journey is truly my joy. I love helping clients find new ways of seeing themselves, whether through gentle reflection, guided meditations, or practical tools for change. My hope is that each person I meet feels seen, supported, and empowered to move into the next chapter of their life with more ease and self-compassion.
Three Fun Facts about me:
● I still practice acrobatics — it keeps me playful and strong.
● I find joy in toys, art, and all things creative and whimsical.
● I adore nature — especially photographing little wonders like mushrooms.
My Favorite Books:
● Some of my favorite books are Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain, which has been a touchstone in my own growth, and Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson, which offers such clarity and healing for so many of us. And one day, one of my favorites will be the book I’m writing myself.
My Hobbies
1. Listening to music – Music has always been one of my favorite companions. I love how it expresses what words sometimes can’t, unlocks emotions, and shifts the energy of a moment.
2. Yoga – For me, yoga is a lot more than stretching and breathing. It’s a way to move from stress to calm in just minutes. I follow short, free YouTube sessions that help me release emotions and reconnect with myself daily.
3. Journaling – I’ve been journaling for nearly 40 years! Writing helps me process my feelings, gain clarity on challenges, and set meaningful goals. It’s both a creative outlet and a grounding practice in my life.
My Journey
My path to becoming a counselor has been shaped by both struggle and resilience. Like many people, I’ve faced experiences that left me feeling lost, questioning, and learning how to truly feel my emotions—whether sadness, anger, or joy. Through those challenges, I discovered patterns like people-pleasing and hiding behind a “happy face,” and I began the lifelong work of living more authentically.
Along the way, I’ve been a teacher, a single mom raising my darling gem of a daughter, and a caregiver for my brother with disabilities. Each role has deepened my compassion, patience, and understanding of both the struggles and the gifts that life can bring. My own healing has involved journaling, meditation, forgiveness, courage, and a willingness to keep growing through every season of life.
Today, I know I am here to be a guide—to walk alongside others as they heal their past, discover new ways of being, and step into greater joy and ease. I believe the world is ready for more kindness, more peace, and more connection, and I feel called to be part of creating that. My vision is big: I dream of supporting families with disabilities, creating healing spaces, and sharing in the movement toward a gentler, more compassionate world.
My Favorite Superhero
My favorite superhero is Maya Angelou. She embodies wisdom, resilience, and the ability to transform pain into beauty.
My Favorite Quotes
“Reality is the leading cause of stress amongst those in touch with it.” - Jane Wagner
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” - Carl Rogers
Elizabeth is currently accepting new clients for in-person and virtual sessions.
Elizabeth’s private pay rate is $120/hour. She is currently accepting new clients for in-person and virtual sessions, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. She participates with FL Blue, Aetna, and Cigna insurances and Health Savings accounts.