Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in Washington, DC. I am a little older than most, in my early 60s, but am an open-minded optimist. I have over 20 years of experience working in Mental Health and Child Welfare settings so there aren’t too many issues that I haven’t dealt with. I have worked with couples, families, individuals, and children with a variety of issues to include physical and emotional trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship challenges and life transitions.
I would describe my approach to therapy as eclectic, drawing on a variety of modalities to best serve a client’s needs and goals. The modalities that I feel have proven most useful are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I typically meet with my clients once weekly for 45 minutes. We begin by getting to know each other so that I can learn about the issues that brought them to seek counseling. You can expect me to walk with you through whatever difficulties you are facing and help you learn more about yourself and the way you interact with the world. I view the therapeutic alliance as a partnership requiring mutual trust, respect, honesty, communication, and commitment to do the work.
I can interact with you in whatever manner you are most comfortable. I find it helpful initially to participate in video sessions so that we can get to know each other better; however, I am also available to you via phone and text if that is more comfortable for you. Much of my availability is in the mornings and on the weekends, although I do have a high degree of flexibility. I check messages at least once during each weekday.
Taking the first step in seeking help can be challenging, however it is important to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with and can trust. I look forward to working with you and your journey!
SPECIALTIES
• Trauma and abuse
• Grief
• Self esteem
• Depression
Also experienced in:
Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Intimacy-related issues , Parenting issues , Anger management , Career difficulties , Coping with life changes , Compassion fatigue , Caregiver Issues and Stress , Commitment Issues , Communication Problems , Child abuse and neglect, Emptiness , Family Problems , Forgiveness , Guilt and Shame , Hospice and End of Life Counseling , Mid Life Crisis and Posttraumatic Stress
Clinical approaches:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
Years of Experience: 29
SERVICES OFFERED
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LICENSING
LICSW #LC300783 (Expires: 07/31/2021)
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Depression, ADHD, Abandonment, Adoption and Foster Care, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Blended Family Issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication problems, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster, Divorce and separation, Domestic Violence, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Post-traumatic stress, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
DC LICSW LC3000783
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Ellen Walker. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Ellen is an amazing therapist and person. I appreciate her forthrightness, humor, and kindness. More importantly, I value her insight and wisdom.
Written on Dec 20, 2022 after therapy with Ellen for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Ellen is incredibly understanding, thoughtful, and honest. She is consistently ready to meet me wherever I’m at, and is always prepared to dive into whatever topic I’m thinking about. I value her honesty and ability to have difficult conversations, while also making sure I feel supported. Could not recommend Ellen enough!
Written on Nov 18, 2022 after therapy with Ellen for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Ellen is my girl. She has similar values to me, and always knows how to get to the point with me. She’s funny and respectful and I can’t say enough good stuff about her. She is the first therapist I have been able to stick with for a long time and feel like she’s really helping me on multiple fronts of my life.
Written on Jun 06, 2022 after therapy with Ellen for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Ellen is an amazing therapist. I am very thankful for her.
Written on Apr 23, 2022 after therapy with Ellen for 1 year on issues concerning relationship issues
Ellen has a way with questions. She is talented at getting to the root of a problem by asking core questions which unveil what’s really going on. I appreciate her candidness and ability to get straight to the point.
Written on Oct 05, 2021 after therapy with Ellen for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
I have been working with Ellen for a few months now and she is wonderful and comforting but pushes me to address issues I may be avoiding . I truly look forward to talking to her and she has become a light during what has been the most difficult time in my life for my mental health.
Written on Sep 28, 2021 after therapy with Ellen for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and career difficulties