Elena Saldana
Hello, my name is Elena, which means “shining light.” I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing since 2015, when I earned my Master’s in Social Work.
Throughout my career, I have worked in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, domestic violence shelters, foster care, addiction treatment centers, and jails.
Throughout my career, I have worked in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, domestic violence shelters, foster care, addiction treatment centers, and jails. These diverse experiences have helped me discover what I value most in my work: making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people I serve. Whether I am supporting someone through depression, helping them manage anxiety, processing long-held trauma, or simply offering a safe space to be heard, I find deep fulfillment in walking alongside others on their healing journey. True to the meaning of my name, I strive to be a source of hope and light for those I meet, believing that even small moments of connection can create lasting change.
First session
In our first session together, I will begin by sharing a bit about who I am and answering any questions you may have about therapy as a whole. From there, I’ll invite you to share what brings you to therapy and what you’re hoping to gain from our time together. This initial session is meant to feel like two people meeting for coffee—relaxed, conversational, and comfortable. My hope is that you leave feeling at ease and supported as we begin working together.
Strengths
I believe one of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to truly listen and remain observant. I strive to give my clients my full, undivided attention while also noticing subtle cues such as body language, shifts in emotion, and details they may not even realize they are sharing. Clients often tell me things like, “I can’t believe you remembered that,” or “How did you know?” Moments like these remind me how important it is for people to feel seen, heard, and deeply understood—and it’s incredibly meaningful to me to be able to offer that experience.
Ideal clients
The clients I most enjoy working with are those who feel “tired of being tired.” By that, I mean individuals who are ready to look inward and begin creating a more positive and fulfilling life. While change can feel uncomfortable at times, these clients are open to growth and motivated to move forward—even if they’re not exactly sure where to start.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in both individual and group settings. I enjoy educating my clients on his treatment since I feel it is easy to learn with lasting positive effects. With this treatment, I start with educating clients identify their own negative thought patterns which is usually an eye opening moment for most clients since they did not realize how these patterns have impacting them throughout their entire life. Once negative patterns have been establish, I then assist clients on creating healthy ways on how to challenge those patterns in their everyday lives.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I enjoy working with clients on Solution Focused Brief Treatment because it is goal-oriented which focuses on building solutions while using the client's own personal strengths. Sometimes clients come to treatment for one specific goal in mind and they are not interested in learning or analyzing their past, therefore this treatment works best since they are goal-centered. This treatment is also short-term, so I personally enjoy this treatment since I help push the clients to achieve their goals while also focusing on their strengths.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Hispanic / Latinx
Woman
Top specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
Other specialties
Crisis Intervention
Domestic Violence
Grief
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Doesn't specialize in
Autism
Child or Adolescent
Couples Counseling
Eating Disorders
High Clinical Acuity
Licensed in
CaliforniaLicense 91106