Ellen Scollins
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) based in Illinois. I received my Master's degree from Loyola University, and have been practicing primarily in residential settings for 15 years. I am EMDR trained and a Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT-200), Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor, and a Yoga for 12-Step Recovery (Y12SR) Leader. I incorporate these somatic-based treatments as well to help adolescents and adults overcome eating disorders, addiction, and trauma responses to re-emerge as the best versions of themselves.
First session
I want to hear about all aspects of your current struggles, as well as your history of experiences. I will complete a very thorough assessment and we will begin to shape a treatment plan for what our would like to focus on first. I love questions, and want you to feel free to ask anything about how we will work together so this process feels comfortable.
Strengths
I am gentle but direct. I want to make sure your time is well-spent in therapy, so we will jump right in to build a roadmap to help alleviate any symptoms you are dealing with so we can get to the "how-to" of lasting recovery.
Ideal clients
I love working with Eating Disorders, Addictions, and Trauma. Your courage and willingness to change are the most vital components of your healing journey through therapy.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I have been providing ACT in both individual and group therapy for 7 years. Identifying our strongest values allows us to make changes that would otherwise feel overwhelming. As we make a commitment to change, we are able to understand and tolerate barriers (e.g, fear, avoidance and maladaptive behaviors) as we use our values as a compass to guide this process.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
For the past 7 years, I have been weaving DBT into all of my individual and group sessions, most notably in emotion regulation skills building and mindfulness. I work with my clients to build a strong repertoire of replicatable and reliable DBT skills in order to provide a strong framework for symptom relief and active therapeutic work.
EMDR
I am EMDR Trained and very enthusiastic about incorporating this modality into my clinical practice. Identifying disturbing experiences and utilizing bilateral stimulation to diffuse the uncomfortable memories associated with trauma or emotionally charged experiences gives us space to incorporate new coping skills without remaining "stuck" in a loop of painful memory activation, emotion, and low motivation for change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been utilizing CBT throughout my career to help clients navigate their intrusive thoughts and negative beliefs. Perception is fluid and can be used for our highest good. When our beliefs about ourselves change, so do our lives!
Polyvagal Therapy
I am a Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT 200), Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor, and a Yoga for 12 Step Recovery (Y12SR) Leader. Polyvagal is a therapeutic approach that helps you understand and manage your body's response to stress and trauma, offering both immediate symptom relief and long term healing. My understanding of the mind-body connection is something I help all clients utilize as they begin or continue their healing journey.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Serves
Licensed in
- IllinoisLicense 180013730