Elizabeth (Liz) Donahue Marucheau was born and raised in Monroe, Connecticut. She ventured across the country to attend San Diego State University, where she received her bachelor's degree in Psychology and her master's degree in Social Work. She has been licensed by the State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences since 1991.
Liz has taught couples therapy to graduate students at San Diego State University. She has also taught human development, social work practice, assessment, and DSM 5 diagnoses for the School of Social Work and the Child and Family Development Department at SDSU. She has been inspired by her students and finds delight in continuing to teach new graduates by providing supervision as they obtain hours for their state license.
Liz has operated her own private practice since 1991, providing direct psychotherapy services for couples, infants and their caregivers, children, adolescents, and adults, with a focus on attachment theory and regulation. All of her work is grounded in Neuroscience principles, Steven Porges' Polyvagal Theory, Attachment Theory, and various Developmental Theories. She specializes in working with couples who may experience anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and/or health issues; her approach works to eliminate symptoms that can interfere with living a life that is worth celebrating. Liz incorporates the latest research into her therapeutic approaches while developing an individualized plan for each client. She also draws from her daily practice of meditation and mindfulness.
Ms. Marucheau has been actively involved in policy development, helping to improve an integrated approach of service delivery through her work as a Consultant for Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, and with SAMHSA. She was the lead in developing the San Diego Children System of Care Training Academy (another SAMHSA grant), which was designed to advance federal and state initiatives throughout San Diego County’s child serving agencies (probation, mental health, child welfare). In addition, Ms. Marucheau has worked with all of the local school districts providing mental health assessment for students, currently known as ERMS. Ms. Marucheau took a lead role in advancing the implementation of California Infant Family & Early Childhood Mental Health Guidelines & Personnel Competencies throughout San Diego County.
On a personal note
Liz is active in her local church and she served on the First Five Commission of San Diego County Technical and Professional Advisory Board (TPAC) from 2008 to 2015. In May of 2015, TPAC moved to an ad hoc committee, and Liz continues to make herself available to the advisory board as needed. She is currently serving as a commissioner on the Solana Beach City Counsel for the Parks and Rec committe. Liz is an outdoor enthusiast and finds great pleasure in the beauty of nature; she enjoys most activities in the mountains as well as traveling with her family.
“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.”