Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn is a distinguished Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Compliance Auditor who earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Her passion for understanding the human psyche and aiding those in need led her to Florida Atlantic University, where she completed both her Master’s and Doctorate in Social Work. This extensive educational background has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a profound impact in the field of social work and substance abuse treatment.
Elizabeth’s professional mission is deeply rooted in her desire to guide individuals of all ages, as well as couples and families, toward achieving their fullest potential. She is committed to fostering new perspectives on both current challenges and past experiences while amplifying the inherent strengths of her clients. Understanding that each person’s journey is unique, Elizabeth tailors the therapeutic process to align with each individual’s specific treatment objectives – a personalized approach that stands at the heart of her practice.
In her therapeutic work, Elizabeth employs a diverse array of evidence-based strategies to facilitate healing and growth. She is well-versed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and also utilizes Motivational Interviewing and trauma-informed care approaches. These methodologies are chosen with great care to ensure that each client finds the balance and wellness they seek.
Elizabeth’s expertise spans a wide range of areas, including substance abuse treatment, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety and panic-related disorders, grief, depression, self-esteem issues, trauma, and conflict resolution. Her work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families is a testament to her versatile and compassionate approach to therapy.
Currently, Dr. Blackburn serves as Human Service Program Director for the Office of Substance Abuse Licensing at the Department of Children and Families, where she oversees licensure functions to ensure providers remain in compliance with Florida Statutes. Her extensive background includes leadership roles as Program Director of Discovery Mood and Anxiety and Lead Clinical Director at Gulfstream Goodwill, where she oversaw a multidisciplinary team in a Housing First program utilizing harm reduction philosophies and motivational interviewing.
Dr. Blackburn currently maintains a private practice at Breakthrough Trauma Therapy, where she provides telehealth EMDR therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults. She has also practiced at The Banyan Group since 2019, providing individual and family therapy and crisis intervention.
Her dedication to advancing the field is evident through her research on addiction-focused EMDR therapy in adults with substance use disorder, which appeared in the Journal of Evidence Based Social Work in 2023. She has also shared her expertise as a speaker at The Summit on Breakthrough Therapies for Addiction.
Dr. Blackburn remains steadfast in her goal to empower individuals to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace, always striving to match each person with the therapeutic approach that best facilitates their path to healing and personal fulfillment.
Credentials
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Certified EMDR Therapist
- Qualified Supervisor
- Expert Witness
- Doctoral Degree, Department of Social Work, Florida Atlantic University
- Master’s Degree, Department of Social Work, Florida Atlantic University
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Palm Beach Atlantic University