Liz Chelak, MSW, CCTSI, CRPS

Clinical Counselor With First-Hand Insight Based on Lived Reality

Liz Chelak, MSW, CCTSI, CRPS is a highly experienced and compassionate clinical social worker based in West Palm Beach, Florida. With a focus on trauma, substance use, and mental health, Liz has extensive experience working with individuals who are struggling with:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Personality disorders
• Mood disorders, and more.

University and Clinical Trained Professional

Liz attained her Bachelor's degree, majoring in psychology with a minor in biology, at Baruch College. She then earned her Master's in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. Subsequently, Liz underwent specialized trauma training for individuals at the Arizona Trauma Institute and received training in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) through EMDR Connect. Additionally, she holds the designation of Certified Recovery Peer Specialist, accredited by the Florida Certification Board.

She has honed her expertise through work in a variety of settings, including:

• Brooklyn Hospital where she worked with cardio-pulmonary patients
• Selfhelp where she provided support to Holocaust survivors
• Rebel Recovery where with a harm reduction perspective, she served individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders.

Most recently, Liz worked at an outpatient program where she provided clinical therapy to patients with dual diagnoses. Through these experiences, Liz has developed a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of trauma, substance use, and mental health, and is committed to using her expertise to help her clients achieve lasting wellness and healing.

Authentic Perspective Informed by Lived Reality

What sets Liz apart from other therapists is that she has a personal understanding of the challenges her clients may face.

Liz's own life experiences include:

• Struggling with with opioid use disorder and currently living in recovery for multiple years
• Complex trauma and PTSD
• Homelessness
• Grief loss issues
• Mental health challenges

Healing through these experiences has given Liz a unique perspective and empathy for those who are also dealing with these issues.

Through her own journey to recovery and healing, Liz has gained valuable insights that she applies to her practice today. She has been in recovery for many years and has successfully navigated her own healing process.

Liz's personal journey of overcoming addiction inspires her work and allows her to connect with her clients on a deep level, and provide a safe and supportive environment for them to heal and grow.

An Empowering and Relatable Approach

Liz's approach to therapy is focused on empowering her clients to create meaningful and lasting change in their lives. She believes in helping clients find their own answers and path by providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment where they can explore and discover all parts of themselves.

Through this process, clients are able to:

• Identify the areas of their lives that they love and those that need improvement
• Develop the tools and resources they need to make better decisions for themselves and create the life they want
• Set and achieve goals
• Develop coping skills
• Improve relationships

Throughout your entire journey, Liz will work with you to develop a personalized plan for success.

Creative and Charitable Pursuits

In addition to her professional work as a therapist, Liz is a visionary individual who enjoys developing new projects and expressing herself through art. She has channeled this passion into co-founding the Sam Risso Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing resources, guidance, and support to individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental health diagnoses.

Liz is also the owner and operator of several halfway houses that provide a safe abd comfortable environment for individuals in early recovery. These houses offer a supportive community, as well as accountability and structure, to help individuals build a strong foundation in their recovery journey.

Through these endeavors, Liz is making a positive impact on the lives of those in her community and demonstrating her commitment to helping others achieve lasting wellness and recovery.

Self Expression

In her free time, Liz enjoys expressing herself through art and finds joy in painting and creating digital art. She also has a passion for learning and can often be found engrossed in a good book or exploring new topics.

Additionally, Liz loves to dance and uses movement as a form of self-expression and stress relief. Through these activities, Liz nurtures her own creativity and personal growth, which informs her work as a therapist and enriches her life as a whole.