The focus of my work as a clinical psychologist for over 27 yrs has been to actively engage with my clients to help them develop a feeling of personal competency and positive self-worth, and an ability to deeply understand where they have been, where they are now, and where they want to go. I strive to provide a safe and nurturing relationship so each person can explore and expand their own creativity in resolving emotional conflicts and difficulties, understanding problems in couple, family, friendship and workplace relationships, making important life decisions and coping with issues of aging.

As a veteran, I've seen people in all forms of crises and facing all manners of difficulties in their lives. Working through marital and family crises, life transitions, career changes, severe traumas, depression, anxiety, and all manners of things was an every day experience for us and learning to cope with these issues can be difficult. Finding jobs, mending relationships, getting through depression - all things that can be worked on and I would love to help.

Creative exploration leads to inspired healing. As a dedicated mental health professional, I provide healing through counseling and art therapy services for all people regardless of age, sex, race, religion, or national origin. It is my charge to provide a safe and healing space in which my clients can explore their mental and emotional well-being, establish, and work through their goals. Utilizing counseling, art therapy, and other goal specific activities and techniques. I assist children and adults with behavior modification, social skill development, and conflict resolution in both individual and group settings.

I provide a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment for you to explore personal issues, dilemmas, and concerns in a professional setting. I utilize a highly empathic approach, always keeping in mind your comfort level & sense of security. I believe that psychotherapy can be deeply transformative and healing. I provide you the opportunity to embark upon a process of personal growth and development in an atmosphere of compassion and support. Therapy can be used to address problems as well as existential concerns, dreams, fears, and life transitions. I work with people of all races, sexual orientations, gender identities.

I am a Limited Licensed Psychologist (Doctoral Temp Educ Ltd) in practice in Michigan. The primary focus of my supervised practice is forensic psychology which includes assessment of child psychological maltreatment, parental alienation, psychological testing, child custody evaluations, forensic interview analysis, Guardian ad litem appointments, parenting coordinator appointments, and expert testimony.

Life is hard enough. Don't do it alone. You're exhausted. You're tired of holding it all together. You feel like you just need space. You're feeling stuck. And maybe a little unsure about beginning counseling. I get it. I’ve been there. We all face challenges. The bottom line is you want to feel safe - and I WANT you to feel safe. That's why I work to provide safety and support so you can share your experiences with me without judgment. I believe there is often no more profound experience than being heard, understood, and accepted. So I will listen and accept who you are – always. Let's talk and work through the hard stuff together.

I have experience working with complex cases such as depression, bi-polar, alcohol abuse, and trauma related issues. I have extensive experience working with police, fire, dispatch, EMS, and military personnel. I have been working with first responders and their families for over over five years. I have done pre-employment evaluations, in-service training, debriefings, and treatment (Individual, couple, and family). I understand the stresses placed on the individual and the family by these demanding professions. I am passionate about serving those who serve us.

***Not accepting clients***My primary modes of therapy include emotionally focused therapy, attachment therapy, narrative therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is important for me to be mindful of the uniqueness that each client brings and customize the therapeutic encounter based on what is needed. I know this may change from week to week and I strive to be flexible enough to follow the client while also providing a solid direction for change.

*Not accepting new clients at this time* I am committed to collaborating with you on a therapeutic space that draws on your strengths as we work together through difficult transitions and mental health concerns. Utilizing modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness, I strive to find a place where insight and technique meet compassion and companionship. Whether you are experiencing a difficult life transition, addressing underlying trauma and attachment issues, or coping through mental or physical illness, I believe therapy can be a vitally supportive resource.

You can't concentrate, you lack confidence, don't know what it's all for...life is a slog, and you don't want it to be this hard any longer. Whether it's an existential crisis or the long, low drone of anxiety, you want to rid yourself of the heaviness and find the joy again in living. You want meaningful connection to others and to be heading somewhere with the life you have left. You want less conflict and more satisfaction. Life is meant to be lived intentionally. That intentionality can free you from the burdens of an over-stressed lifestyle. Let's find your way forward--together!

The purpose of Starting Pointe Therapy is to provide mental health services to individuals, couples and families in southeast Detroit. As a marriage and family therapist, Ellen not only works to treat the individual, but explores their relationships, support systems, and how we "show up" for ourselves and others. It is Ellen's belief that people already posses the skills they need to overcome their roadblocks. It is her goal to highlight those strengths and bring to light their greatest potential. She believes that therapy not only leads to change, but includes acceptance, awareness, and attunement.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or panicked? Are you having difficulty getting out of bed or through your day? Is Depression a struggle? Are you feeling alone, scared, and confused? As a Psychotherapist with 19 years of experience, I can teach you many tools to help empower you to move gently and effectively past these challenges. Depression, trauma, grief, and anxiety are not just thoughts in our heads, they are physical experiences in our bodies, therefore I move beyond talk therapy to utilize techniques that address the body's needs, as well as the mind's, so relief comes quickly.

I am passionate about working with teens, young adults, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. There are so many changes taking place during these stages of life and it can feel overwhelming and scary at times. I love working with people as they work through these transitions, find themselves, and become more confident and self compassionate. **When you call to schedule, please specify that you would like to see me!**

I specialize in helping adults and adolescents thrive while living with chronic pain, severe headache or migraine, trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, or questions of a spiritual or existential nature. I tend to find the most success working with folks who are seeking more out of life than mainstream society implies is possible. If you’ve always felt that there’s some piece missing but you can’t quite put your finger on it, if you are highly empathic or highly sensitive, if you have a particular affinity for nature, or if you are on a spiritual path, we are likely a good fit for one another.

I am passionate about empowering and supporting individuals and couples as they grow and change. I recognize all of my clients as experts on their own lives and circumstances, and assist them as they learn to identify and leverage their strengths to move toward a healthier place. I have experience assisting with: anxiety, depression, issues that arise throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period, infertility and loss, parenting challenges, relationship conflict, navigating life changes, grief, attachment, personality disorders, OCD, bipolar disorder, those that identify as non-binary, and transgender individuals.

Searching for a therapist takes tremendous courage, even if you have experienced therapy before. I would be happy to walk with you on your own personal journey of life & mental health. It is a privilege to help people realize their inner strengths and innate problem-solving skills, even in the darkest of times. My past experience is working on a psychiatric inpatient unit, where I developed my ability to form relationships quickly to support people's recovery. I believe in the power of a strong therapeutic relationship to help people achieve their goals, and value relationships in all realms of life.

Have you or someone close to you seem to be experiencing mental health issues such as depression, low self-esteem, a substance use disorder, relational issues, and more, and want help to change?

I believe that all people have the ability to create the changes they have been hoping for in their lives with a supportive, non-judgmental person by their side. I enjoy working with people who join me in curiosity to understand their lives, worlds, and brains and use a non-judgmental and strength-based approach to create self-compassion and change. I believe that the answers to our mental health lies in holistic health, and use an adaptive approach and open mind to address each concern.

Our day to day lives come with many joys and struggles, and it can be overwhelming to balance everything life throws our way. Whether you need help adjusting to new life experiences, tools to manage depression or anxiety, work through unresolved current or past traumas, or just someone to listen to you as you walk through life, my goal is to provide you with a safe place to express these thoughts and emotions. Utilizing evidence-based practices I can help you learn how your thoughts and feelings can influence the way we react to these life experience and understanding this can lead to a deeper level of healing.