Thank you for taking the time to learn more about how I may be able to help you. Call me "Elana" please. Through experience, I have been able to help individuals overcome the overwhelm of "life" stressors, anxiety, depression, relationship patterns and move forward to a MUCH better "place" in life. My style is very natural, conversational, engaging, attentive, and warm (according to what past clients have said). I combine several techniques to create a very solution-based approach. Using my counseling style, and experience, I want to get you to the point of thriving (not just surviving). I started working in the mental health field in 1997. Since that time, I have held various roles as a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, manager, and agency director. Decades in at this point, and I still love being a part of people changing their lives for the better. Life can bring challenges that at times feel like just too much to sort through or overcome on your own. It brings great fulfillment to me to be a part of helping you to move beyond pain - beyond overwhelming stress - beyond not knowing -– beyond feeling confused. Walking WITH you through the tunnel, all the way to the other side, I learned long ago, that helping people 'change' is what I was called to do. I am humbled to be able to help you.
In our first session together, we'll begin with a brief introduction, I'll cover a few 'housekeeping' items so that you feel informed, and then we'll dive right in to the specific challenges that you are having. This will help us, together, create a plan unique to you, for us to work through in our follow-up sessions.
I enjoy helping people figure out what is REALLY going on --- like a detailed and focused investigator. Meaning, you have been to many providers and still feel like you aren't getting better. Anxiety 'looks' and feels different for everyone, as does depression. For example, you are being treated for IBS, but upon further exploration, you find out its actually anxiety-related. You feel agitated and irritable, but had no idea that this could be related to anxiety or depression. Break unhealthy relationship patterns that continue contributing to stress: patterns with intimate partners, family, and friends. Change is a process, Change CAN happen for you.
I work with individuals who are feeling challenged with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Adults & Adolescents ages 16 - 99
The real change happens between sessions, that is why at the beginning of our work together, I will define homework for you to work on between sessions. The central technique of CBT is the homework that helps you move forward to feeling and functioning better.