- Collaborative partner
- Goal oriented
- Compassionate guide
About Ellen
She favors a collaborative style. Early sessions focus on getting to know each person and identifying the problems that matter most. Ellen typically meets once weekly for 45 minutes and frames progress as a partnership that requires honest communication and steady effort.
Her work draws from a blend of methods, including cognitive behavioral approaches, solution-focused techniques, and motivational interviewing. In plain terms this means setting clear goals, working on patterns of thoughts and behaviors, and finding actionable steps to move forward.
Ellen’s background includes long experience in mental health and child welfare settings. That history informs her understanding of trauma, grief, addiction concerns, and relationship challenges. She describes herself as an open-minded optimist who walks alongside people through difficult transitions.
She is comfortable starting with video to establish rapport and is also available by phone and text when that fits better. Sessions are scheduled mostly in the mornings and on weekends, with flexibility depending on individual needs. Ellen accepts clients internationally and communicates in English.
How therapeutic approaches work online
Ellen commonly draws on cognitive behavioral work and solution-focused strategies in her sessions. Cognitive behavioral methods look at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to help people reduce anxiety, manage depression, and change patterns that interfere with daily life. Solution-focused work narrows in on goals and small, achievable steps so people can notice progress quickly and build momentum.Choosing the right approach is collaborative. Ellen aims to learn what matters most to each person, then blends techniques that fit their goals and preferences. Clients and the therapist decide together which strategies to try and adjust them over time based on what helps.
Her biography indicates she often begins with video to build rapport and also uses phone and text when that better matches a person's needs. Before booking, confirm the current session formats she offers. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and let people meet from locations that are more convenient for them. Those practical benefits can help therapy become a regular part of life without promising any specific result.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems can Ellen help with?
Ellen works with concerns such as family and relationship stress, parenting difficulties, career changes, grief, trauma and abuse, anxiety, depression, addictions, and issues around intimacy and self-esteem.
What is her general approach to therapy?
She uses a collaborative, client-centered style that combines cognitive behavioral ideas, solution-focused work, and motivational interviewing. Sessions emphasize clear goals and practical steps.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 30 years of professional experience, including extensive work in mental health and child welfare settings.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a licensed clinical social worker, LICSW, practicing in the District of Columbia.
Can sessions be scheduled if I live outside the United States?
She does accept international clients. Sessions are conducted in English.
Which session formats does she use?
The biography notes she begins with video and is also available by phone and text. Confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.