LP, 40 years of experience
I have seen people in almost all professional and community arenas (even jails). My work has been a mix of public and private sector involvement, including 11 years of community mental health service and over 30 years of individual practice. I have extensive experience in both home- and office-based psychotherapy, program development, clinical supervision, and clinical innovation. Special populations have included people with developmental disabilities, children and adolescents at risk for out-of-home placements, people with substance abuse issues, and geriatric populations; all have experienced various forms of grief, loss, and trauma while navigating the simple task of living and surviving. If you modify the title of Johnny Cash's song I've Been Everywhere to I've Done Everything (except prison work), that pretty much sums up my years of professional experience.
Our work together will resemble a running conversation. During the first session, I may ask questions about your presenting problem(s), your reason for choosing Grow Therapy, your psychotherapy expectations and goals, and your understanding of what psychotherapy can and can not provide for you. I may also request relevant background history that you think is important to share at the outset. Plus, I will answer questions that you might have about me. By the end of the session, we will decide whether we are a good fit for each other or if it will make sense for you to seek a different provider.
I have often heard that I am open, responsive, and straightforward but respectful. I believe that your life is yours to live, and that I am a relatively short-term support with some extra knowledge and experience that might be helpful for you. From experience, I've learned that you are the true expert in your life; I am only as good as the questions I ask, the knowledge I bring, and the listening and observing I do. If I perceive that something you're concerned about "ain't broke," I will likely advise you not to try fixing it. Or if I perceive that the break is something different than what you think it is, I might ask if you had considered looking at the issue from a different perspective. If I say or do something offensive to you, I'll trust you to tell me so we can work it out together.
Most of my earlier career focused on children, adolescents and families, but I believe that I've since aged out due to the profound social and cultural changes of the past 20 years. I now prefer to work with adults of all ages and particularly elder adults. Overall, I am best positioned to serve clients who are (or were) living full lives and currently struggling with issues or complication(s) that have thwarted their dreams, goals, and/or plans (e.g., a progressive or chronic illness, a death, a divorce, financial changes, and/or or a significant family challenge).
We all carry stories of our lives that we believe to be true, even when they may have been bestowed on us by others. My goal is to help you reframe your stories into characterizations that fit your health, welfare, and goals. For instance, if you tell me that you “always” do something in a certain way, I may ask you how you learned to do it that way, how it helps you, and whether you want to keep doing it that way. Those questions will help you determine what practices and behaviors you want to keep and what you want to change. I use a combination of behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, dialectic, existential, and reality-oriented approaches to help you reach your goals.
The crux of our work is a simple question: "This is Your Life (with your presenting problem). How do you want to live it?" The work we do together incorporates cognitive-behavior and supportive techniques to help you determine the direction of your life. We will focus on choice, responsibility, pragmatic solutions, change, and growth.
2 ratings with written reviews
June 16, 2025
Each session I have with Dr. Carol Ellstein brings me closer to finding solutions in areas that I'm struggling with. I'm learning to recognize and accept that working through emotional challenges strengthens and makes me stronger. I'm being promoted to a higher level of understanding; to take and accept responsibilities for the way I am and the way I want my life to be. I'm willing to allow and be a part of the process to make it happen.
May 12, 2025
I was feeling somewhat anxious when I began my first session with Dr. Carol Ellstein. However, after talking and interacting with her for a few minutes, I felt totally relaxed. I'm looking forward to speaking with her during our next appointment.