Rachel Elzey
Rachel Elzey
(she/her)
Welcome! I'm Rachel. You might be struggling with depression, anxiety, identity questions, or feeling overwhelmed by life changes of becoming a new parent. Maybe you’re just looking for a way to feel more centered and connected. You want a space where you can show up fully as yourself, without judgment, to work through tough feelings or confusing moments. My ideal client is someone who’s ready to explore their emotions, gain clarity, and build practical tools to feel better and move forward with confidence.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, my primary goal is to create a comfortable space where we can begin building a genuine connection. I’ll take time to listen closely and understand your unique perspective and discuss what brings you to therapy, your experiences, and what you hope to achieve. Together, we’ll explore the whole person you are, including the many factors, like emotional, social, physical, and environmental, that might be contributing to what you’re facing right now. This session is about getting to know each other and laying the foundation for a collaborative, trusting therapeutic relationship. It’s a chance for you to share as much as you feel comfortable, and for us to start shaping a path forward that feels meaningful and tailored to your needs.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I’m a real, warm, and empathetic therapist who values creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel seen and heard. I use humor thoughtfully to help ease tough moments and foster connection, because I believe healing happens best when we can be authentic, even in the hard stuff. My foundation is built on a strong clinical knowledge base from my Master’s training at Columbia University, complemented by specialized training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and perinatal mental health. This allows me to offer evidence-informed care that’s both effective and tailored to your unique needs. I also bring lived experience to my work, which deepens my empathy and understanding of the challenges my clients face. My approach is collaborative and flexible. I blend empathy and validation with a gentle push when needed to help you move toward meaningful change. Therapy with me is about building a trusting relationship where we work together to find practical tools and new perspectives that support your growth and well-being.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Although I work with a wide range of clients, I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ individuals and new and expectant parents. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices and mindfulness. We’ll work together to understand your unique experience and find the right tools to help you feel more at ease and connected to yourself.
About Rachel Elzey
I identify as
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I often integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. Together, we explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck, like self-criticism, avoidance, or anxiety, and build practical tools to shift them. I use CBT flexibly and collaboratively, always honoring your lived experience, identity, and values. Whether you're navigating identity questions, postpartum stress, or the impact of systemic oppression, CBT can support you in developing more self-awareness, emotional resilience, and meaningful change.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients navigate intense emotions, build healthier relationships, and stay grounded during challenging moments. DBT offers practical tools for emotion regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and setting boundaries especially useful when you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck in patterns, or struggling with self-criticism. I use DBT in a compassionate, nonjudgmental way, always centered around your unique needs, lived experiences, and values.
Gender-affirming therapy
Gender-affirming therapy is a core part of my practice. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals to explore their identities, navigate transitions, and process the impact of living in a world that often misunderstands or marginalizes them. Whether you're questioning, coming out, seeking letters for medical care, or simply wanting a space where your gender is respected and celebrated, I’m here to walk alongside you. My approach is grounded in affirmation, informed by lived experience, and shaped by a deep commitment to social justice and liberation.
Trauma Informed Care
My trauma-informed approach ensures that therapy is a safe, respectful, and empowering space where your experiences are honored and your pace is prioritized. I understand how trauma can affect your emotions, physical health, and relationships, and work collaboratively with you to build resilience and healing. I also utilize Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an evidence-based technique that helps reprocess traumatic memories and reduce distress more quickly than traditional methods, often leaving clients feeling better after one session.
Grief Therapy
Grief is a deeply personal and often complex experience that can show up in many forms, whether from loss, life changes, or unmet expectations. Having navigated my own experience with loss, I provide a compassionate and validating space to explore your unique experience of grief, helping you process emotions, honor your losses, and find ways to move forward with resilience and hope.