Hello, my name is Ellen. I would like to begin by acknowledging your courage in seeking someone to share your personal story with, and more importantly, your insight into recognizing you want your story to be different and/or better. Because of this, it is my primary goal to provide an environment of psychological and emotional safety for you to tell your story as well as do the necessary work to heal, grow, and develop healthier coping skills for you to better manage your personal concerns and life challenges.
I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology and Master’s degree in Community Counseling, both from the University of South Alabama. I have been licensed and in the therapeutic field for almost 25 years and have worked in many therapeutic settings including psychiatric hospitals, suicide crisis response, drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities, sexual assault programs, teen group homes, and active-duty military and veterans (primarily Special Operations Command).
I believe struggling with mental health issues is 100% normal. Some days are great, and some days make you wish you could dig yourself into a hole and hide from it all. Everyone has those days (even your therapist). I also believe that humor can play an important role in the therapeutic process and journey. I believe a good sense of humor is an invaluable personality characteristic and I, at times, use humor as a therapeutic technique for helping others see problems in a new light. When your mental health is at its lowest, getting the care you need should be as easy to access as possible. I am here to provide you with that support: a real person walking alongside you through life’s wildest moments.
I primarily use a Person-centered/eclectic treatment style. Therapy is about you, not me, so I will be where you are on your path because you are the expert on you. With this treatment style I utilize techniques to assist you in developing improved self-talk statements, challenge negative self-talk, changing maladaptive behaviors to positive and beneficial ones, and recognizing your strengths. Overall, my responsibility as your therapist is to assist you in becoming the person you want to be.
I utilize several treatment methods including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy and I provide therapy services to young adults/adults, couples, and families. I am certified in Mindfulness Practice, Advanced Critical Stress Debriefing, and a Master Resilience trainer. Some of my specialty areas include depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, suicidal ideations, addiction trauma and PTSD, sexual abuse, grief and loss, communication skills, and relationship issues. Some of my specialty populations include couples, active duty military, veterans, and trauma victims. I want to thank you in advance for allowing me the opportunity to join you on your journey in creating a greater you.
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