Elizabeth Grzesik, PhD

Welcome to CAPS! I am a Staff Clinician and Counseling Psychologist who earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kansas in 2026, Rock Chalk! I completed my APA-accredited predoctoral internship at the Kansas City VA Medical Center, where I trained in both the PTSD and General Mental Health Clinics. Additional practicum experiences included the Baker University Counseling Center, the University of Kansas Medical Center Counseling Center, and the Kansas City VA. Prior to my doctoral training, I earned a Master of Science in Sport Leadership with a concentration in Sport Psychology from Miami University in 2016 and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sport Studies in 2014. From 2016 to 2019, I worked as a contractor with the U.S. Army in San Antonio, Texas, delivering resilience and performance psychology programs to service members before moving to Lawrence to begin my doctoral training.

My therapeutic style is collaborative, relational, and strengths-based. I strive to create a supportive environment where clients feel understood, respected, and empowered to explore challenges while building on the strengths they already possess. I believe that meaningful change occurs through a strong therapeutic relationship and through helping clients develop greater understanding of themselves, their experiences, and the patterns that shape their lives.

I conceptualize concerns from an integrative perspective that draws primarily from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed care, and Individual Psychology (Adlerian theory). I work with clients to increase psychological flexibility, clarify personal values, and develop new ways of responding to difficult thoughts, emotions, and life circumstances. Consistent with a trauma-informed approach, I recognize the impact that past experiences, culture, identity, and systems of influence can have on well-being. I also value the Adlerian emphasis on belonging, purpose, strengths, and social connection. Throughout therapy, I tailor interventions to each client's goals and may incorporate mindfulness, psychoeducation, coping skills, interpersonal exploration, and insight-oriented work to support growth and lasting change.