Elisabeth T. Lilja
[she/they] MSW LCSW RYT
Therapeutic focus: Eating Responses (Disorders):: Body Dissatisfaction :: Negative Body Perception :: Attachment Trauma or Complex Trauma :: Self-harm :: OCD :: Anxiety
Hello! I am so glad you're here, exploring if therapy is a step you might want to take.
I’m Elisabeth, the founder and owner of Salt City Therapy. As a therapist, and human, I believe we hold our stories, beliefs, and experiences in our bodies which can impact our perception of self, and ability to be in trust and connection with ourselves and our body. This can translate into patterns and behaviors that may not serve you the way they once did; even if it might feel a bit scary to consider not using them.
I aim to foster a space in therapy that invites room for curiosity, security, and also bravery in order to encourage a deeper and more compassionate connection with yourself. Real talk---this can feel incredibly challenging if self-criticism and judgment is more familiar.
In our work together we will explore what it might be like to be in feeling over dissociation, or disconnection from feelings. We will look at what it might mean to respond versus react when triggered and seeking safety through a coping mechanism (ex: binging, purging, or self-harm). We will explore what it might look like to be in connection over disconnection, trust ourselves rather than defaulting to self-doubt, meet who we are over who we might have learned to be in order to stay safe, accepted, and loved; ultimately connecting, or reconnecting with our bodies and ourselves.
I specialize in working with both young adults and adults who are experiencing never feeling enough, sometimes resulting in perfectionism, or continue to or have experienced: the eating response spectrum (eating disorders—-I don’t like the pathologizing language of disorders) from a Health At Every Size perspective, body dissatisfaction + perception struggles, self-harming behaviors, trauma, attachment trauma, complex trauma, OCD, and negative self-perception.
I am an Attachment Based, Somatic Practitioner, EMDR trained, and IFS (Internal Family Systems) informed.
For over 17-years I have taught yoga and meditation as a way for people to connect with their body. In our work together I use a mind-body approach to therapy, meaning traditional talk therapy through a Psychodynamic lens in addition to a Somatic/Nervous System approach in order to invite a greater awareness of self, body, and our responses.
I hold a Bachelors of Science in both Gender Studies, and Sociology, in addition to a Masters in Social Work.
Aside from my work as a therapist, I am a lover of butter (it is a core value of mine), breve chai lattes, the Utah desert, digging in the garden, riding bikes, swinging on swings, baking cookies, eating cookies, time outside, and reading a book in a cuddle pile of my two dogs (Bodhi and Cholula) and cat (Poppy).
Ali Kelleher
[she/her]
Therapeutic focus: Eating Responses (Disorders) :: Attachment Trauma or Complex Trauma :: Relational Struggles :: Addiction :: Anxiety :: Depression :: Self-Esteem :: Identity Work + Exploration :: Family Therapy
Hi, I’m Ali, and I’m so glad you’re here. I never fail to be in awe of individuals making the brave choice to choose themselves and step into a space that is vulnerable and new. I understand the challenges of self-doubt that often accompany the decision to trust your intuition and prioritize your needs. My passion lies in supporting others as they work towards doing the same.
I believe that all humans have a basic but imperative need to feel seen, understood, and held, but unfortunately we don’t always feel that way. Whether it is because that sounds scary, and we are protective of that, we avoid seeing it ourselves, or it seems like we’re trying and it’s difficult to get others to listen; I am here to meet you wherever you’re at. As a trauma-informed and attachment therapist, I typically operate under the assumption that most people have some kind of experience, old or new, that impacts the way they view themselves and the world around them. Some may not be ready to unpack that right away, while others are ready to jump right in. Whether this is through traditional talk therapy, exploring protectors (self harm, inner criticism, eating patterns, addiction, etc.) through Internal Family Systems, connecting with our bodies via somatic experiences, engaging in family therapy, or trying EMDR therapy, I am here to support you in this process.
I have experience in working with individuals of many diverse backgrounds. I find that the most engaging part of this work has nothing to do with the diagnoses clients are given, or the environment I see them in–I feel most fulfilled by the relationships I build and the opportunities to get to know someone’s humanness in the most raw and authentic form. I believe that all humans are deserving of being seen and accepted in their humanness and view therapy as one way to help clients build an acceptance of themselves in this same way, ultimately allowing them to be seen and held by others. My favorite work with families happens when members are able to step out of the negative cycle they have been in that keeps them from seeing each other, and finally reconnecting through vulnerability and trust.
I specialize in working with persons and families experiencing or impacted by: trauma, relationship struggles, addiction, and family dynamics. I have experience working with mood disorders, personality disorders, suicidal ideation and self harm, disordered eating, and body image struggles. I enjoy working with teens, adults and families and I feel passionately about working with individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community. I'm trained in EMDR and as an attachment family therapist. I utilize Internal Family Systems and somatic approaches, and DBT/CBT skills. As a therapist I am open, compassionate, and I value giving honest feedback to shift old patterns.
I feel most connected with myself when I am outdoors, and find nature to be the most healing tool that I have. When not working as a therapist, I do my best to get outside when I can and enjoy things like skiing, climbing, biking, fishing and backpacking. I will never grow tired of dancing with friends! I find a lot of joy in wood carving, (attempting) other art forms, and reading. I spend a lot of time with my partner and our cats, and also love traveling when I can.
Brie Gonzalez
[she/her] ACMHC
Therapeutic focus: Black-BIPOC community :: Attachment Trauma or Complex Trauma :: PTSD :: Racial Identity :: Anxiety :: Eating Responses :: OCD
Who could you be if you were able to manage your emotions skillfully and without self-criticism?
The fact that you are reading these words right now tells me you’re on the path toward discovering the answer to that question. It takes strength to seek support and I am so happy you have found yourself here.
Hi, I’m Brie.
I specialize in working with self-identified “people pleasers” who experience low self-esteem, high self-criticism, and a struggle to feel connected to themselves and others. Whether you learned these responses from societal messaging or as a result of traumatic experiences, I am here to support you in developing the skills you need to feel more empowered in yourself, your connections, and your choices.
As a therapist, I am person-centered, somatic based, attachment-informed and EMDR trained. I am committed to understanding your unique internal emotional process, addressing the emotional responses you experience in your body, and exploring the quality of relationships throughout your life and how they impact your connections today.
I operate from the following beliefs:
- People have the capacity to grow and thrive when they safe and valued.
- Our minds and body are delicately connected and too often we lose sight of how to bridge the two together.
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We are all doing the best we can with the skills we have.
In my office, I offer a space free from judgment and criticism (I imagine you already give yourself hefty amounts of these things!) and aim to support you with loving-kindness and compassion. I strive to help you build self-understanding, self-trust and an increased ability to ride the waves of emotions that we can often get lost in. This process requires vulnerability, consistency, and a willingness to get messy. Healing is not linear. During our time together, we will experience the ebbs and flows of your anxiety, stress, frustration and successes.
As a human, I am just like you; flawed, imperfect, and striving for a life of joy and fulfillment. I seek happiness through connection with people, nature, and delicious food. When I’m not in my therapist-chair, you can find me enjoying live music, exploring the vast desert and mountains via bike, skis or feet, or snuggled up reading a book or watching ample amounts of HBO.
Mariah Rouse
[she/her] MSW CSW
Therapeutic focus: Attachment Trauma or Complex Trauma :: PTSD :: Anxiety :: Depression :: Body Image :: Eating Responses :: Religious Trauma
Do you often feel like you are not enough or unworthy? Do you lack a strong sense of self? Do you feel trapped in past experiences and find moving forward difficult? You are not alone! I am so glad you're here. Reaching out for help can sometimes be overwhelming, and I am pleased you are taking a step outside your comfort zone to invest in yourself.
I'm Mariah, a fellow human who has also struggled with the many challenges that life can present. Through my healing journey, I discovered a passion for helping others on a similar path. I am passionate about helping you learn about yourself and understand your experiences so you can thrive!
We often get stuck in past distressing experiences and develop coping skills that helped us at the time but no longer serve us in the best way possible. In our work together I aim to understand these experiences and help to provide tools and supportive space to help you face whatever challenges arise. I use a team approach to therapy, meaning----you do not have to go through this process alone and your voice matters. I will walk with you every step of the way so that you can return home to yourself! I aim to foster a shame-free and safe space for you to explore those deep emotions and experiences that have left a lasting impact.
I specialize in working with young adults and adults who struggle with feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. Those who despite their best efforts (maybe even perfectionism) feel as though they are just never enough or simply feel stuck. Those experiencing attachment wounding, complex trauma, PTSD, struggling with body image and eating responses, and life after high demand religion.
I believe in providing specialized, trauma-informed services. I am trained in Othmer method Neurofeedback, EMDR, and the Gottman method (Levels I & II). I also use a great deal of Internal Family Systems (IFS) or parts work in my clinical approach.
I am indigenous (Cherokee), LGBTQ+ affirming, body-positive, sex-positive, and anti-diet culture. I am deeply committed to helping marginalized communities and doing anti-racism work. I care about inclusion and am committed to humbly and fiercely learning how to do better. A quote by Maya Angelo summarizes some of who I am and how I approach the therapeutic space! She states, "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with passion, compassion, humor, and style."
Outside the therapy space, I am often outdoors with my partner and two fur babies! I enjoy hiking, skiing, and yoga! I love art, music, and good food. I will always say yes to a concert and love joyful movement through dance! If I am not outside, I bring nature inside through my ever-growing plant collection (you will see it extends into my therapy office). I love snuggling up on the couch with a drink, a snack, and a good show!
Natalie Montañez
[she/they] MA CMHC
Therapeutic focus: Black-BIPOC community :: Substance Use :: Complex Trauma :: Racial Identity :: Eating Responses :: Depression