
Elizabeth Abbruzza
MA, LMHC, LPC, CCPS
Clinical Director
Meet Elizabeth Abbruzza
Elizabeth, the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of the Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center, brings a wealth of experience from her work in pediatric hospital care, residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, and private practice. With a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gonzaga University, she is licensed to practice in both Washington and Colorado. Elizabeth specializes in helping individuals and families recover from trauma, with a focus on relational trauma and betrayal.
As a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist through the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS), Elizabeth has advanced training in understanding and treating betrayal trauma, particularly for partners of those struggling with sex addiction. This certification equips her to provide targeted, compassionate care to clients dealing with betrayal’s complex emotional and psychological impact.
Elizabeth’s approach is grounded in her deep understanding of how trauma affects both the mind and body. Certified in Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT), she utilizes this cutting-edge treatment to facilitate rapid trauma integration. Her clinical work emphasizes rebuilding trust, fostering personal growth, and creating a secure space for healing.
Elizabeth also specializes in treating problematic sexual behaviors, understanding the profound impact these issues can have on relationships. Her dual expertise in both sex addiction and betrayal trauma ensures that she can help individuals and couples rebuild trust and restore balance in their relationships.
Alongside her clinical work, Elizabeth leads webinars and speaking engagements focusing on the neurobiology of betrayal and other traumatic events.
As Clinical Director, Elizabeth is responsible for designing client programs, training new staff, and ensuring the highest standards of care through continuous research and advanced training. She also supervises and supports her team, promoting a collaborative and effective therapeutic environment.
In addition to her leadership role, Elizabeth is a primary therapist in the Resilience Through Betrayal intensive programs. She guides clients through the complexities of betrayal trauma, using a practical and compassionate approach to help clients heal and regain strength after betrayal.
Elizabeth is dedicated to helping clients rebuild their lives and find their path to recovery. Her commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and transformative therapeutic environment ensures that every client receives the personalized care they deserve.
Education & Credentials:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State (LMHC)
Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado State (LPC)
Washington State Approved Clinical Supervisor
Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 1
APSATS Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS)
Certified ETT Complex Trauma Therapist
Certified ETT Somatic Psychotherapist
Certified ETT Addictions Therapist
Speaking Engagements:
03/2023
Restoring Hearts Women’s Conference: The Impact of Emotional Transformation Therapy and Reducing Betrayal Trauma Symptoms
03/2024
The Society for Advancement of Sexual Health: Emotional Regulation and the Treatment of Betrayal Trauma Symptoms
02/2025
The Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS) Conference: The Neurobiology of Betrayal and Strategies for Increased Emotional Regulation