Lindsay Elledge
From working in East LA with 0-5 population to working with adults in the military and kids/teens in San Diego, I have had the privilege of walking alongside so many individuals and families in every facet of life.
I utilize the most up-to-date methods such as Polyvagal Theory and utilize methods that are not a quick fix, rather are instrumental in providing long-term results with long-term benefits.
Obtaining my Bachelor's Degree in the Midwest, studying in a foreign country, and ultimately earning my Master's in California, I embrace adaptability and have gained valuable perspectives gained through varied experiences in various locations. I specialize in utilizing an attachment-based, trauma-informed, and neuroscience lens; and I embrace every individual's story. After working with me, people tend to walk away with enhanced self-understanding, improved attunement to themselves or others, and increased self-compassion. I utilize the most up-to-date methods such as Polyvagal Theory and utilize methods that are not a quick fix, rather are instrumental in providing long-term results with long-term benefits.
First session
You can expect that I will listen to you and provide unconditional positive regard. I follow your pace and walk alongside you with a flashlight in hand. I utilize a mix of indirect and direct approaches, always following and attuning to you wherever you are in the process. If you would like to set a specific goal, we will; if you would rather just focus on the overarching picture, we will do that as well.
Strengths
I have unique experience in that I have worked with various age groups in various settings. This includes having worked with elementary school students and high school students in the school system in South LA, working with 0-5 and their caregivers in East LA, working with military adults in San Diego, and working with kiddos and teens in an outpatient psychiatric facility. I adapt to every population I work with and understand the client is the expert.
Ideal clients
The clients I serve are motivated and yearning to lean more. They are collaborative and are in a place in life where they know they want to do better, they just don't know how. They are open to the therapeutic approach and acknowledge that healing is not a quick fix, rather a lifelong journey. They may be tired of second-guessing themselves, replaying various situations in their heads, and living from a place of reactivity. They are wondering how they can get unstuck from their thoughts patterns and their big feelings, and wanting to learn how they can be more present and live a life with intention and full of meaning.
Origin story
From a young age, I longed to teach and would play school everyday after coming home from elementary school. In high school, I did an externship as a teacher's aide in an elementary school in Detroit, and while I still loved to teach, I found that so many students needed emotional support, something that a teacher is limited in being able to provide as the focus is on teaching. I used this experience to search for other opportunities that would allow me to provide this emotional support within schools. I interned at various public schools in Los Angeles and found that while school social workers are so essential and instrumental in what they do and provide for the students, they are limited in what they can provide as a mental health therapist, given resources and high student to counselor ratio. This subsequently led me to find opportunities in other settings, and drives my passion to provide short-term or long-term care, whatever the individual is needing.
Ongoing work together
At the initial session, I am transparent with the client and encourage open and honest communication throughout the process. I make it clear that the therapeutic space is very much the client's space and I am only part of the journey. If there is anything I say or do that compromises the safety of the session, I encourage the client to share this. From there we can problem-solve. I also like to check in periodically with the client, to make sure needs are being met and goals are being addressed. We will reassess every 6 months the identified goals and progress towards them, and update them as needed.
Treatment methods
Attachment-based
I use attachment-based method by examining and understanding how past attachments and particularly early attachments impact the current symptoms and relationships. I find that many symptoms are a result of past attachment ruptures whether it is insecurity, low self-esteem, or current relationship struggles. Unveiling the past helps identify the current patterns.
Psychodynamic
I utilize this approach to understand the interaction between the unconscious and the conscious. This approach focuses on early childhood experiences as well as how the unconscious is a major driver for our current thoughts and feelings. I help clients bring what is below their awareness to the surface so they can know what is present and how to address it.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I like to use components of ACT as I find that is is very validating and leans towards a more acceptance approach of various thoughts and feelings rather than trying to "fix" thoughts or feelings. It normalizes the human experience and inspires more self-reflection as well as self-understanding and compassion.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I acknowledge the privilege I hold and make an effort to create a safe and compassionate space for all individuals to speak about their culture or race, as they experience it themselves.
Polyvagal Therapy
I believe wholeheartedly that the mind and body are connected, and in order to tend to the mind, we need to tend to the body. This shows up as using somatic approaches and nervous system retraining in my practice. I am a Certified Polyvagal-Informed Provider accredited by Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Institute. I rely heavily on the Polyvagal Theory and use it to enhance my understanding of the moment-moment experience for the client and enhance their awareness so they can be more present and attuned to themselves and the environment around them. If you find yourself reacting and operating from a place of impulsivity, you are not alone; in our work together, we will enhance your awareness to be more conscious and intentional in your ways of being, ultimately creating a life with more joy, connection, peacefulness, and regulation.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
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Serves
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 96136