Testimonials
The search for a counselor after a loss can be an intimidating process. Not all good therapists are specifically qualified to work with people who are grieving. Elise’s unique practice is informed by many years of compassionate and professional work in the areas of death, dying and bereavement. I would not hesitate to recommend her to adults or young people who are facing loss and seeking guidance and support through their journey.
I first met Elise Gaul when she was the director of Camp Erin, a weekend bereavement camp for 5-17 year old children. Elise has such a quiet calming way of handling situations and making one feel at ease and comfortable when situations would arise. She knows what to say and really hears what is being said to her. I had such confidence, while volunteering for the camp, knowing when Elise was in charge that she would handle any situation calmly and effectively arriving with a needed result.
As a professional colleague, I appreciate all of that which Elise brings to her clinical practice. Not only is she empathetic and understanding, but she also grounds herself in significant theoretical perspectives and current research including: Attachment Theory, Rogerian Theory, mindfulness, and neurophysiology of the brain. Especially in the realm of grief and loss, Elise possesses both clinical expertise as well as practical experience with grieving children, teens and families. Her capacity for authentic presence and sincere listening, her keen sense of attunement to the needs of her clients, and her ability to create the safety and security necessary for therapeutic growth all make Elise a superior clinician. I have referred numerous children and families to her with the utmost faith and confidence in her talents and abilities. It is a pleasure to collaborate with Elise and an honor to know her as a peer!
Elise is a wonderfully kind and gentle soul. She works tirelessly to create and continually foster an environment of safety and support. I appreciate her attentive listening style and ability to provide empathic encouragement. The fact that her treatment techniques are guided by current research combined with her natural calming presence truly elevate her as a therapist in this field.
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I endorse Elise Gaul as a therapist. I have known Elise professionally for several years, beginning in 2005, when she served as the Executive Director of Peter’s Place, a Center for Grieving Children, in Radnor, PA. As a professional in the field of grief, I realize the importance of finding a therapist who specializes in grief and issues related to grief, rather than a general therapist. Ms. Gaul’s “healthy mind” approach, incorporating mindfulness, stress reduction and brain-based techniques sets her apart as an innovative therapist who constantly researches new approaches to helping her clients. Her integration of various psychological disciplines makes her a pioneer in the field of grief and mood disorders.
I have had the good fortune of working with Elise for two years. In that time, she exhibited a steady character that provided comfort and security when I was most frazzled. She is receptive to input in a way that demonstrates great flexiblity and respect for the concerns of others. She was a great support to a friend of mine who had experienced a sudden loss. She was able to give the guidance and understanding my friend needed so much at the time. I would strongly recommend Elise to those who need a clear, calm presence in the face of grief, transition and distress.
I have known Elise for over 4 yrs. During that time, I have come to appreciate the many wonderful qualities she has as a person, and while performing her role as a Director of Camp Erin Philadelphia. Myself, a volunteer for the camp, I can attest to her dedication, expertise and commitment in working with the children as well as the coordination of the other volunteers.
Of my other experiences with Elise, I’ve always found her to be approachable and wielding a gracious and good-natured disposition.
It’s apparent that she has the gifts of insight, understanding and compassion… And this is quite rare. No matter how badly you may feel, once you converse with her, you will feel totally understood and accepted. If I were ever in need of an excellent therapist, there is no one else I would want to see.
I had the pleasure of working at Camp Erin when Elise Gaul was in charge of the camp. Elise’s leadership skills made for a most successful camp. She was always positive, professional and friendly with staff and campers.
I was also impressed with Elise’s level of awareness, her sense of humor, her strong spirit, along with her excellent judgment and maturity.
Elise has a way of interacting with people that brings out the best in those around her. She has a positive effect on any group situation. The staff always felt her support and respect and this resulted in very high motivation. Needless to say she was greatly respected by the entire staff.
I always felt like our camp was in excellent hands when Elise was in charge. We missed her and there was a real loss for Camp Erin after Elise left.
I have worked with Elise Gaul in a professional capacity for approximately two years. In our work together, Elise has provided high-quality supervision that has helped me grow as a mental health therapist. When I first began supervision, I was very new to the field and felt nervous about my skills and abilities in a professional setting. With Elise’s support and supervision, I am eligible to become a Licensed Professional Counselor and feel much more confident in my approach to therapy.
Elise uses a Healthy Mind approach that has been beneficial in both helping me understand and treat my own clients, as well as how to handle common therapist concerns (i.e. burnout, countertransference, etc). She provides positive feedback and support while also encouraging you to develop your own skills, thoughts, and approaches. Each supervision session is thought-provoking and I have found myself using a similar “healthy mind” approach in my own work. Based on my interactions with her, I believe that she makes an excellent therapist who works collaboratively with clients and builds upon their strengths and abilities.
I have found my time with Elise to be very rewarding, and I will miss working with her on a regular basis once I obtain my LPC. I cannot recommend her enough!
I have known Elise Gaul for over a year and a half. She has had a significant impact on me as a clinician. As a clinical supervisor, Elise is warm, attentive, and flexible with scheduling and payment arrangements. She has a natural ability to transfer to her supervisee, evidenced-based skills and education that she has acquired over her years in practice. This takes place with ease during face to face sessions. Elise invested a great deal of time and energy into getting to know me as an individual, and her person-centered approach helped with my own discernment of clinical areas in which I would like to specialize based on my strengths and experience.
Elise is well-read and always has a relevant resource/research article for further discussion on behavioral health topics. I greatly appreciated this as a supervisee. Her expertise in mindfulness, grief & loss, interpersonal neurobiology, and ADHD was especially helpful to me. Elise’s supervisory style instilled a confidence within myself and my own clinical judgment. Our sessions motivated me to think creatively about interventions and my future professional goals.
Elise offers caring, consistent, and constructive feedback which inspires resiliency and self-care for the practitioner. Elise is also very familiar with the state licensing requirements and process and can offer supportive advising on this matter. I highly recommend Elise Gaul as an LPC supervisor!