EFT Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Identity and Transition, Grief and Loss, Self-Esteem, Anxiety, Depression. Works with adults age 18+.

How I Work

As a young person, I wondered why people often seemed to bury painful emotions rather than talking about them openly. When I was 12, my parents divorced, and I remember being sent to a therapist to talk about the impact it was having on me.. There, I found a unique space—a sort of inner sanctum—in which openness and honesty were encouraged and nurtured. I never forgot the sense of magic and possibility I felt in that therapy room, and I feel honored to offer that same invitation to others.

I work with individuals and couples around relationship issues, life transitions, loss, grief, identity, self-esteem, relational trauma, personal empowerment, depression, and anxiety.

I use a trauma-informed approach to support my clients as they turn toward their fearful, hurt, and stuck places and painful ways of relating. I create a warm, safe, and non-judgmental environment for clients to bring hidden aspects of themselves into the light to be experienced and honored.

As a couples therapist, I support each client as well as the relationship itself. Clients who reach out for couples work often feel frustrated, hopeless, and alone with their painful patterns. I help couples move out of their negative cycles and open up clear channels of communication with one another. When differences arise, I provide validation and guidance for each member of the couple, enabling them to access and express their unmet fears, needs, and longings.

Education/Training

Masters in Integral Counseling Psychology – California Institute of Integral Studies

Bachelors in Arts – Harvard University

Externship and Core Skills Training in Emotionally Focused Couple’s Therapy (EFCT)

What Brings Me a Sense of Ease

During my first meditation retreat in college, I found a sense of homecoming in the peaceful stillness of silent meditation. I have a personal practice that I carry with me throughout my daily activities using self-compassion, self-inquiry, and the ever-present background of silence as my touchstones. I feel restored by quiet time, walks in nature with my dog, involvement in local groups, and close connections with friends and family.

EFT Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Identity and Transition, Grief and Loss, Self-Esteem, An... Read More

EFT for Couples, Grief and Suicide Loss, Loneliness, Boundaries, Childhood Trauma and Neglect, Identity Exploration, Processing Experiences Related to Oppression/Marginalization

Languages Spoken: English, German

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Working with Ellen

We need each other as human beings. So it hurts when we experience loss, loneliness, isolation, or marginalization. We don’t always ask for the transitions life hands us, and it is normal to struggle with unwanted or unanticipated change.

When we hurt, when we struggle, we also have an opportunity to look at how we respond. In therapy, we will look into your patterns of relating together – patterns of relating to yourself and to others. We start by making sure there is a good connection between us, so that you can feel safe to open up and share your world. As a bicultural, bilingual immigrant, I know what it’s like to feel that part of you does not fit. If there is one sentence that summarizes my approach to therapy, it’s “All of you is welcome here.” There is strength in how you learned to protect yourself and we will honor that together. It is vulnerable work to invite all of yourself to the table, especially your lonely, anxious, angry, self-critical or hurt parts. It is worth it though.To see what loving eyes have not yet seen, and to say what was once unsayable is nothing short of transformative. This is the road from shame to connection, self-empowerment, and ease. Whether it’s just the two of us, or you come with your partner or family, therapy can help you get unstuck and reconnect with who you are and who you love.

Of particular interest to me is working with individuals who have experienced relational trauma and/or who are exploring their identities – whether their gender or sexual identity, their role in their family or their social circle, or their cultural and social or political identity, especially in the context of immigration.

Education/Training

Masters in Counseling Psychology – California Institute of Integral Studies

Masters in Cultural Anthropology and Social Transformation (with a concentration in Gender, Ecology, and Society) – California Institute of Integral Studies

Bachelors in Cultural Anthropology - Mount Holyoke College

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship and Core Skills Training

What brings Ellen a sense of ease

I absolutely love rock-climbing and go climbing 3-4 times per week. I love the combination of skill, stamina, and strength that is needed to send a route and it makes me feel like a badass to top out on an especially difficult climb. Climbing clears my head and helps me feel strong. I also love baking and really take my time with it – although the results may disappear quickly.

I feel at ease when spending quality time with loved ones, especially on walks or hikes.

EFT for Couples, Grief and Suicide Loss, Loneliness, Boundaries, Childhood Trauma and Neglect, Id... Read More