Rediscover Yourself with a Person Centered Therapist

Who is Elana & who does she primarily work with? 

Elana is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and has been working in the mental health field for 6 years. She provides a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for all clients to begin their wellness journey. Elana primarily works with adolescents and adults, supporting those struggling with depression & anxiety, past trauma, life transitions, and relationship issues. Elana’s approach involves building strong rapport with clients by offering a non-judgmental space for them to navigate the complexities of their lives. Together, she believes they can work through challenges, tap into transformative experiences, and foster personal growth. 

She is also EMDR trained and certified. (She does individual EMDR sessions at this time, not intensives.) 

What does it feel like to be in the therapy space with Elana?

Sessions with Elana look collaborative, flexible, and always supportive. She likes to check-in with clients at the start of each session to see how their week has been and if there is anything that they are needing to address and work through. She values the collaborative process, encouraging her clients to be honest about what they are wanting/needing in session and allowing them the freedom to actively take part in their treatment plan.

Each session will be tailored to the clients needs with the intention of helping them become more aware of their own behaviors and thoughts. During a session, you may hear Elana say things like, “I’m curious about that,” or “I wonder how it would look to have a conversation with them” or ‘try and focus on what is in your control’.

Recognizing the fluidity of goal setting, Elana is adept at adjusting or changing plans week to week with her clients. Elana encourages and welcomes clients to go at their own pace - respecting their comfortability with sharing. There is always room for flexibility in the therapy room, slowing down and speeding up as the client sees fit. 

What does a Trauma session with Elana look like? 

Elana knows from her own growth experience how important it is to have a safe space where client’s feel seen, heard, and supported. Elana provides that and more- offering an empathetic and open space to dive into healing. 

She understands the complexities of managing trauma - how isolating and overwhelming it can feel at times. With that knowledge, she works closely with her clients to develop tangible goals, always meeting them where they are at and focusing on taking things one step at a time. She will never push her client beyond their limits and takes care to build safety, trust, and open communication with them. Elana openly provides validation and encouragement to her clients through her collaborative, person-centered, and strength based approach. No matter how ‘far out’ or ‘unconventional’ a client’s thoughts or feelings may be, Elana is going to approach them from a place of curiosity and compassion. 

During a trauma session Elana may incorporate EMDR - guiding clients to tap into their emotional and intellectual strength to process and overcome the emotional anguish that is associated with distressing life experiences. She also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help clients challenge and reframe negative thoughts and beliefs, regulate emotions, manage stress, and build healthy relationships. Elana is aware that each client’s experience of and response to a traumatic event will differ and commits herself to truly meet clients where they are at - careful not to push them to be anything other than what they are ready for. 

What are some of Elana’s leisure activities and hobbies? 

Elana is an active person who enjoys yoga, walking, biking, rollerblading, and spending time at the beach. She finds joy in caring for animals and currently dog sits in her spare time. 

When it comes to relaxation, she has been immersed in thrillers and romance novels. Elana is passionate about supporting others and cherishes her close relationships with family and friends. Traveling and exploring new places are also among her favorite things to do!

growgood psychology has a team of therapists that are committed to creating a safe, collaborative environment to heal. 

Working through some of the most vulnerable experiences can be difficult and uncomfortable, but the transformation that comes from that work can be liberating. Here at growgood, our therapists are ready to walk with you as you move from one version of yourself to another. We aim to create a safe place for you to work through those stages of transformation by meeting you where you are at - wherever that stage may be, our therapists are ready to sit with you and help you better understand yourself. Connect with us today to embrace the road to healing and recovery!