Liz Whitesides, CMHC-I - Therapist | O'Neal Counseling Utah

Liz earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications from Weber State University in 2002. She spent the next 20 years as a wife and mother of four children, and a few years ago felt inspired to return to school to become a therapist. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Concordia University Irvine’s Townsend Institute and is scheduled to graduate in December 2026. She has a deep love for people and genuinely enjoys connecting with them. She is passionate about mental health and wants to support others who are wanting to improve their own. Family Icon

Liz is a photographer and has worked with a variety of people of all ages and personalities for 16 years. Liz has four children between the ages of 14 and 21 and has gained a lot of experience with many of the typical challenges of this age group. She has worked with teenagers in other capacities and finds a lot of fulfillment with this population.

Liz has recently been through a divorce after 20 years of marriage has a passion for supporting others who are struggling in their relationships. She has experience with anxiety, depression, betrayal trauma, self-esteem issues, addiction, and narcissism. Tree Icon

Liz has enjoyed being a graduate student and learning about various aspects of mental health. She has especially valued learning how to help people navigate difficult situations.

With her background as a photographer, Liz brings a unique perspective to therapy, understanding the importance of seeing each individual’s beauty and worth. Her experience raising teenagers has given her valuable insights into adolescent challenges and family dynamics.

Her personal journey through divorce and healing has equipped her with deep empathy and understanding for those experiencing relationship difficulties, trauma, and major life transitions.

I take care of my own mental health through a variety of ways. Getting outside, exercising, listening to self-help podcasts, and meditation are top priorities for me. I also keep in touch with family and friends, which helps me feel connected and grounded.

I love people! I get a lot of fulfillment and satisfaction from my relationships with others. I love ice cream and anything chocolate. I find joy in seeing the humor in life. I like watching funny prank videos on YouTube and laughing my head off. I believe laughter makes life’s challenges feel lighter. I am a photographer and love capturing the beauty of each individual and family relationships. I enjoy soccer, organizing, painting, hiking, and watching my kids participate in their activities. I value personal growth and have found hope, healing, and courage through my own personal learning and awareness. I want to give back and help others find the same healing that I have found.

"I believe meaningful change becomes possible when people gain a deeper understanding of their experiences within a broader life context. My work is grounded in a person-centered approach, supporting clients in developing greater self-awareness around their needs, values, and goals. I value a psychodynamic perspective to healing, recognizing that our personal histories play an important role in shaping who we are today. Exploring these patterns can help us better understand ourselves and identify what may be interfering with well-being, fulfillment, and healing. I integrate techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which emphasizes acknowledging and accepting life’s realities while making intentional, values-based changes. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and other evidence-based approaches, thoughtfully tailoring treatment to meet the unique needs of each client."