Hi! I live in Indiana, but I graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with my Master of Social Work degree in 2001. I have been working in the field for over 25 years in many different disciplines. I worked at domestic violence shelters, with child and family services, hospital social work, vocational rehabilitation counselor with the deaf and hard of hearing, and also teaching at the college level. Now, my goal is to help others get through life's struggles, make positive changes in their lives, and become more confident in themselves.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, we will discuss what issues you are having that brought you to therapy and see if we can make a plan, together, to alleviate some of your symptoms and get you back on the track to peace and happiness.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am open to various lifestyles, and I won't pass judgement on anyone. I am a skilled listener, and I can empathize with a multitude of situations, as I have experienced many of them myself. I have quite a bit of knowledge in many subject areas, but if I don't know about something, I will take the time to do research on it in order to assist my clients to the best of my ability.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I like working with people who are going through life transitions, such as a divorce or the end of a relationship, those starting a new job or career, or those struggling to care for family members who are unable to care for themselves. Sometimes just talking things over out loud with someone helps to put things in perspective and provides relief from negative and stressful emotions.
About Laurie Elwell
Laurie Elwell offers therapy covered by Managed Health Services (Managed Medicaid), Medicaid - Managed Health Services and UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Indiana.
I identify as
Serves ages
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
We will begin with an assessment to identify the goal for treatment, work on learning how your thoughts, feelings, and emotions are related, then identify any negative thoughts that you may have and evaluate them together. We will use journaling, role-playing, problem solving, relaxation techniques, and other strategies, in the hope of reducing your anxiety or depression, increasing your confidence, and having healthier relationships.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
You will be the guide in this type of therapy. You may feel free to talk about whatever you like, and I will provide you with empathetic and judgment-free listening in order to assist you in self-exploration and growth. You may feel free to rant, cry, discuss problems, relationships,etc. Sometimes just saying your thoughts out loud helps puts things into focus and lets your make connections that would not have occurred otherwise. I will provide feedback as needed to help point you in the direction of understanding yourself and examining why you might be having certain thoughts, emotions, or behaviors.