DBTICI Practicum Externs

Elizabeth Fehr

Liz got her bachelor's degree in clinical counseling psychology from Colorado State University in 2019 and spent the next six years working with local Social Work agencies gaining hands on experience. Liz is in her last year of graduate school and will graduate with her master's in social work in Spring 2027. Liz values the unique lived experience of every human being and has a deep belief in our ability to grow and change.

Avery Bandstra

Avery received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Iowa in 2023 and is a third-year doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has experience working with children, teens, and young adults in both university and community settings, including providing one-on-one therapy and behavior support for youth and counseling for college students.

As a therapist, Avery aims to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where teens and families feel understood and respected. He works collaboratively with clients to identify what is most important to them, notice patterns that are no longer helpful, and practice new ways of coping in everyday life at home, at school, and in relationships. Avery is especially interested in supporting young people who are navigating stress, big emotions, attention and concentration challenges, or changes in mood and motivation.

Avery’s approach integrates mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in a practical and skills-focused way. He often works with clients to increase awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and physical reactions, and to develop tools for managing strong emotions, staying grounded in difficult moments, and communicating more effectively with others.