What do you want to cultivate?

A Warm Welcome to Cultivate Creative Counseling

Hello ~ I’m Elizabeth DeFanti, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montana. Thank you for your interest in my work.

I chose the word “cultivate” for my practice because the idea of tending to, nurturing, and fostering the growth of something really resonates with me. In my experience, mental health counseling can provide fertile ground for cultivation ~ of centeredness, presence, calm, clarity, meaning and purpose, what matters most to you, a life you love… the possibilities are yours and endless.

Through a lens of creative possibility, I specialize in resilience counseling with adults to support well-being and flourishing. My approach is highly personalized to you, full of welcoming and deep curiosity about you and all that arises in our shared space. With a focus on the both/ and we can balance tending to concerns, stressors, and symptoms with your inherent resources, enhancing what’s “strong” so you can fully engage with your life and move through challenges with resourcefulness and ingenuity.

I believe my role as a clinician is to provide a safe space, honoring you with respect, nonjudgment, and compassion along your unique journey. Our time spent together will be collaborative and creative where you are the trusted expert in your life, and I a guide to assist you in achieving your desired goals.

Thank you for inviting me to share in your journey.

Approach

My therapeutic approach is client-centered and holistic, with attention to your mind, body, heart, and spirit. Depending on your unique needs, values, and goals, I draw on principles and techniques from Positive Psychology, which is strength-affirming and focuses on resiliency, living well, and meaningful fulfillment.

I also strive to creatively integrate various other therapies in my work such as Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) which places importance on attachment, emotion and its regulation, experiencing, and both internal and interpersonal dynamics or “dances.” I value Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps identify, challenge, and change unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help develop skills to better tolerate distress, manage emotions, and improve interpersonal effectiveness with others. Mindfulness, self-compassion, and breathing practices can help increase acceptance, authenticity, and presence in the here and now. The Multicultural Counseling perspective also influences my work. This means that I am aware of my own cultural identity and values. It also means that I make every effort to learn about your cultural identity and worldview, and to use culturally sensitive methods that are respectful of your values, beliefs, and goals.

Experience

As a Licensed Mental Health and Clinical Professional Counselor, I have provided care in various settings, including online telehealth platforms, intensive outpatient psychiatry, community mental health, and now private practice.

In addition to counseling, over the last several decades, my professional journey also includes roles as a dancer, artist and athlete, choreographer, designer, teacher, organizational leader, mentor, program creator, board member, and business owner. I am grateful for these various paths which have gifted me valued relationships and experiences inviting me to be a forever student.

Along the way, I have learned about people’s capacity for resiliency, deriving inspiration from those who can go through hardship and their heaviest moments and turn toward, nurture, and embody their strengths.

I have found that integrating strengths-based approaches, such as Positive Psychology, is a helpful anchor in my work as a mental health counselor. I believe that a balanced shining of light on symptoms and strengths fosters healing, resiliencies, and holistic wellness in way that a sole focus on distress alone cannot.

I feel fortunate for the continued opportunity to integrate my love of meaningfully connecting with people, learning, creating, and counseling with my dedication to help cultivate well-being and flourishing in everyone with whom I have the privilege of working.

Montana Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC #: 1415)
National Certified Counselor (NCC #: 256954)

I hold Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) Level 1, and Foundations of Positive Psychology certificates. I am also an ABT® Certified Teacher who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mental health counseling?

Mental health counseling, sometimes referred to as “counseling,” “talk therapy,” “psychotherapy,” or “therapy,” includes an array of treatments designed to reduce symptoms and foster the optimal growth and well-being of individuals, groups, and organizations throughout the lifespan. Using psychologically appropriate and culturally relevant strategies, counselors assist clients in developing effective coping skills and responses to their surroundings. Mental health counseling is an active and collaborative process between clinician and client that involves assessment, diagnosis (if indicated), treatment plans, and sessions.

Where do we start?

We will start with a free and informal consultation to answer any questions and ensure my counseling approach is a suitable fit for you. The consultation will occur online. A robust Wi-Fi connection and private space are recommended.

Are sessions online or in person?

Sessions will be held online through the Simple Practice platform.

How often will we meet?

Counseling sessions typically occur weekly on a set day and time, though you and I will discuss and determine what schedule makes the most sense for you.

What if I need help ASAP?

I do not provide crisis counseling services. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your local emergency services immediately or dial 911 or 988 on your phone.

What are your fees?

My current fee is $170 per session, regardless of length or type of session. Payment is expected at the time of the session, made via credit or debit card, including FSA and HSA cards. I am an out-of-network provider and do not accept insurance, but I can provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

Should we begin working together, you are entitled to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” that explains your session fees and estimated costs before your first session.

You can learn more about the No Surprises Act HERE.

What if need to cancel a session?

Please understand that your counseling session is time reserved just for you. I require a 24-hour notice for any session changes or cancellations. All sessions must be secured with a credit card on file. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will be charged a $75 fee, and no-shows will be charged the full session rate.

The content of this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat any condition. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your local emergency services immediately or dial 911 or 988 on your phone.