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.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Clients over the years have described me as "you keep it real," warm, honest, trustworthy, genuine, transparent, humorous, a teacher, and able to quickly move them forward. I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt. I look forward to working alongside you as you change and grow. I’ve learned that the real change happens in between each session, so I enjoy teaching skills and strategies for you to practice; building upon your successes to reach your goal.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
As I work with individuals, each person is wonderfully unique and requires your own unique approach. So, I don’t box anyone into a specific approach. – you are unique Working from the frameworks of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Solution-Focused Therapy, I create a therapeutic approach that is right for YOU. I am person-centered.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
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.