Meet Ellen
With 40+ years in the field of social work/psychotherapy, reducing suffering and promoting healing, Ellen is a dedicated and licensed clinical social worker who has made significant contributions to various communities. Her extensive career spans working with veterans at the VA, supporting individuals with disabilities at Westside Center for Independent Living, assisting domestic violence survivors and their children through the Family Violence Project of Jewish Family Service and providing therapy in a residential treatment program for individuals with mental health issues and trauma (Bridges to Recovery).
For the past 30 years, Ellen has focused primarily on her private practice, offering compassionate and expert care to individual adults and couples. Her deep interest is in understanding how people get hurt, how it manifests in their lives and how they can heal.
Ellen is highly trained in several therapeutic modalities
EMDR
Somatic Experiencing
The Trauma Resilience Model
Brain Spotting
Emotional Freedom Technique(EFT)
TRE (Trauma Release Exercises)
A holistic approach to therapy
Ellen is well versed in the field of addiction and has been influenced by the work of Gabor Mate’. Additionally, a significant aspect of Ellen’s work involved the integration of polyvagal theory and nervous system regulation, The work of Peter Levine and Stephen Porjes alongside her practice of Buddhism has had a tremendous impact on her professional and personal development.
Ellen’s holistic approach to therapy is enriched by her diverse personal interests. She holds a black belt in karate, taught self-defense to women, practice yoga for 15 years and maintains a Zen Buddhist practice. She is deeply committed to issues of personal and group liberation, bringing a sense of empowerment and resilience to her clients.
When she first became a social worker, Ellen aimed to “change the world”. Over time, she has embraced a more “humble” perspective, recognizing her unique gifts and understanding that helping individuals and families heal and change is how she can make a meaningful impact in the world.