LCSW, 14 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi, I’m Elissa—a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s most challenging moments. I specialize in trauma-informed therapy, working closely with military personnel, first responders, and members of the general community who are navigating betrayal, grief, anxiety, chronic pain, and relationship transitions. My practice is built on warmth, authenticity, and deep respect for your lived experience. Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or simply a space to be heard, I offer evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and couples counseling—all tailored to your unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back and uncover the strengths that can move you forward. Therapy with me isn’t about fixing—it’s about understanding, growing, and reclaiming your voice. If you’re ready to begin, I’m here to walk alongside you.
Your first session is a gentle starting point. It’s not about diving into everything all at once—it’s about creating a space where you feel safe, seen, and supported. Here’s what we’ll focus on: - Getting to know you: I’ll ask about what brings you in, what you’re hoping for, and any concerns or questions you have about therapy. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you’d like. - Exploring your story: We’ll begin to look at patterns, stressors, or experiences that may be impacting your well-being—whether it’s trauma, betrayal, anxiety, relationship challenges, or something else. - Setting goals together: We’ll talk about what healing or growth might look like for you, and how we can work together to get there. Therapy is collaborative, and your voice matters every step of the way. - Answering your questions: I’ll explain how therapy works, what approaches I use (like CBT, ACT, MI, or couples counseling), and make sure you feel comfortable with the process. You don’t need to prepare anything. Just come as you are. Whether you’re feeling nervous, hopeful, or unsure—that’s okay. This is your space, and I’m here to walk alongside you.
What sets my practice apart is the way I blend clinical expertise with deep compassion and cultural sensitivity. I don’t just offer therapy—I offer a space where people feel safe enough to be honest, brave enough to heal, and supported enough to grow.
I work with individuals, couples, and families who are ready to explore healing, growth, and meaningful change—even if they’re not sure where to begin. My ideal clients may be navigating: - Trauma or betrayal that still echoes in their relationships or self-worth - Chronic stress, anxiety, or pain that feels overwhelming or isolating - Life transitions—such as military service, retirement, parenting, or loss - Relationship challenges including communication breakdowns or rebuilding trust - Identity shifts—rediscovering who they are after hardship or change They may come in feeling stuck, guarded, or unsure—but they’re open to reflection, curious about their patterns, and willing to take small steps toward something better. Many are high functioning on the outside but quietly struggling on the inside. Some are seeking clarity; others are seeking peace. All are seeking connection—to themselves, to others, and to a life that feels more aligned.
With over 13 years of clinical experience, I’ve found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to be one of the most empowering tools for helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I use CBT to support clients in identifying and reshaping the thought patterns that influence their emotions and behaviors—especially when those patterns are rooted in past pain or betrayal.
In my practice, CPT is never one-size-fits-all. I tailor it to meet each client where they are, integrating it with trauma-informed care and culturally sensitive approaches. Whether I’m working with military personnel, first responders, or members of the general community, CPT helps us build insight, foster resilience, and move toward meaningful change.
I’ve found ACT especially effective for individuals navigating betrayal, chronic stress, and identity shifts—whether they’re military personnel, first responders, or members of the broader community. ACT invites us to accept what we cannot change, defuse from painful thoughts, and commit to actions that align with our deepest values.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, client-centered approach I use to help individuals explore ambivalence, strengthen their inner motivation, and move toward meaningful change. In my practice, MI is woven into every conversation. It’s not about convincing someone to change—it’s about creating a safe space where they can hear their own voice more clearly.
Couples counseling is a deeply meaningful part of my practice. Whether partners are navigating betrayal, communication breakdowns, life transitions, or simply seeking deeper connection, I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where both individuals feel heard, respected, and supported.