Elizabeth Skaff , LISW

Elizabeth Skaff is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) practicing in Ohio who draws on extensive clinical experience with children, adolescents, young adults and adults. After earning a master’s degree in 1999 from Case Western Reserve University - Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, she began her career on a private inpatient psychiatric unit working primarily with young people and collaborating closely with their families and school teams. Two years later she obtained an independent license and moved into private practice, where she has worked for more than two decades.

Over the past decade her caseload has shifted toward young adults and adults, with common areas of focus including transitions to adulthood, family and relationship stressors, self-control and decision-making difficulties, self-esteem challenges, depression, anxiety, and addictions. Her practice also addresses parenting and blended family issues, LGBT concerns, bipolar disorder, ADHD, anger, career questions, coping with life changes, and a range of family-of-origin and communication problems.

Elizabeth’s approach is not one-size-fits-all. She frequently incorporates themes from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to explore the connections between thoughts, feelings and behavior, and uses solution-focused techniques to build hope and empowerment. She strives to create a validating, non-judgmental environment where clients can express themselves, and acknowledges the courage it takes to begin therapy while commending those who prioritize their well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Elizabeth Skaff draws on client-centered methods that focus on understanding each person’s experience and building a collaborative, respectful relationship that supports growth and healing. This approach is useful for clients seeking empathetic listening and guidance through life transitions and relationship challenges.

She also integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps clients identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts and develop practical strategies to change behaviors. CBT is often effective for anxiety, depression, stress, and problems with decision-making or self-control.

Solution-focused techniques are used to highlight strengths and small steps toward meaningful change, helping clients cultivate hope and tangible progress when facing specific problems.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Elizabeth works together with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers flexibility and makes it easier to fit counseling into a busy life. Sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, giving clients multiple options for how and when to connect with licensed professionals and therapists to continue their work.