Elisabeth Bennett

Elisabeth "Lisa" Bennett, Ph.D. is a Professor of Counselor Education at Gonzaga University's College of Education, where she has taught for 29 of her nearly 40 years in education. She specializes in clinical counseling with a focus on attachment theory and innovative therapeutic techniques.

Education:

• Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, University of Utah
• M.S., Counseling Psychology, University of Utah
• B.S., Clinical Psychology, Brigham Young University

Dr. Bennett's research centers on adult attachment theory, with a unique focus on comparing human attachment behaviors with those of elephants. Her work explores creative counseling techniques, evidence-informed treatment approaches, and couple therapy efficacy through attachment theory. She has developed specialized interventions for diverse populations including deployed military families, teenagers, and couples experiencing relationship challenges. Her approach integrates theoretical grounding with practical application, emphasizing the importance of attachment security in therapeutic relationships.

Her extensive publication record shows consistent focus on practical counseling techniques, with recent work emphasizing burnout prevention for counselors, movement-based interventions, and innovative approaches for specific populations. Bennett frequently presents at national and international conferences, demonstrating ongoing scholarly engagement in the counseling field.

While maintaining her academic position, Dr. Bennett also operates a small private consultation practice, emphasizing that she "grows as much as her clients" through this work. She has developed numerous specialized techniques for challenging counseling situations, particularly around attachment issues, airtime distribution in family sessions, and engaging resistant populations like teenagers.