Gina Elston

LISW, 16 years of experience
Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
VirtualAvailable

Hello, I’m Gina — and I’m glad you are taking the next step! If you’re navigating life with complex challenges, know that you don’t have to do it alone. You’ve found a safe, affirming space. I offer a trauma-informed, affirming space to process complex emotions, reduce stress, and build resilience. My approach is compassionate, real, and personalized — drawing from evidence-based practices and years of hands-on experience. You deserve a therapist who truly sees you. Let’s work together to create healing and growth on your terms. With over 16 years of experience, I specialize in working with people who often feel overlooked or misunderstood in traditional mental health spaces. My approach is compassionate, straightforward, and tailored to your needs. I combine evidence-based practices with a strong dose of real-world experience. I believe that healing doesn’t always look the same for everyone — so we’ll work together to find the tools, strategies, and pace that feel right for you. Above all, I’m here to offer a space where you can feel truly seen — not judged.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

The first session is going to be the most structured—think of it like an interview. You’re figuring out if I’m the right fit for your team before we dive into deeper work. I’ll ask a lot of foundational questions to get to know you, your background, and what you want to get out of therapy. You can expect a space that’s open, nonjudgmental, and curious—where we’re building a foundation for trust, honesty, and growth.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What sets me apart is that I’ve lived it. I bring not just clinical experience—from hospitals to community settings—but a deep, personal understanding of the challenges my clients face. I’m down-to-earth, honest, and not afraid to be direct (or crack a well-timed, slightly dark joke). I’ll go the extra mile to make sure our work together is meaningful, and I’ll always keep it real—because that’s how real change happens.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I’m especially drawn to working with queer and trans clients, people living with HIV, and foster or adoptive parents navigating the complex terrain of identity, family, and healing. My ideal client is someone who’s open to talking, ready to grow, and not afraid to laugh—even if that laughter is a little dark. If you’ve ever thought, “Is it okay to say this out loud?”—the answer is probably yes, here. You don’t have to show up perfect—just curious, real, and ready to get unstuck.

SpecialtiesTop specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

In my practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients recognize how their thoughts influence their emotions and behaviors. Together, we explore patterns that may be holding you back and develop practical, evidence-based tools to shift those patterns. I aim to create a safe, supportive space where you feel empowered to challenge negative thinking and build healthier, more effective coping strategies. Whether you're managing anxiety, depression, or life transitions, CBT can offer structured guidance and measurable progress toward your goals.

EMDR

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a type of therapy that helps people process upsetting or traumatic memories so they stop feeling so intense, overwhelming, or “stuck.” EMDR is like running a system update on painful memories so they stop hijacking your emotional CPU and become just that — memories, not ongoing threats.

, 40 ratings

4 ratings with written reviews

October 9, 2025

She has knowledge that's going to help me heal! Feeling is healing

Verified client, age 45-54
Review shared after session 1 with Gina

October 3, 2025

Honestly its very refreshing to have someone challenging me and asking me questions I may not be asking myself. I also liked that she seen certain things from a different angle then I was which was nice

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with Gina

August 16, 2025

My first session went great. I loved it. I loved the understanding and the questions asked. I felt better after talking to Gina. I felt like I am not alone and that there is someone that understands what I am going through especially with and autistic child. And the suggestions for help with the children. She is the best!

Verified client, age 45-54
Review shared after session 1 with Gina