About Me
Welcome to Better Help! I applaud you for taking this difficult step to seek help for yourself. I know it is not easy to open up to someone that you don't really know, but you have the courage to do something important for you.
My name is Stephanie Ellis. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am licensed in the state of California and North Carolina. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from NC State University in 2012. My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing which I received from NC Central University in 1998. I practiced as a Registered Nurse for almost 10 years in the U.S. Navy. I did various forms of counseling even as a RN with my enlisted personnel, junior officers and specifically counseling newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. After leaving the Navy, I attended a Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate Program to become trained in helping individuals with addictions. I have worked in many different settings over the years working with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, veterans, the homeless and medically complex care patients with a variety of personal issues such as anxiety/depression, substance use disorder, relationship/marital problems, grief and loss, family conflict, PTSD, anger management, and more. My approach to therapy is understanding, empathetic and interactive. I believe in validating your feelings and being non-judgmental. My approach combines person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, family systems, solution focused and attachment theories.
I recognize that it can be difficult to find a therapist you can connect with and feel comfortable sharing your inner most thoughts and feelings, but I believe that comfort is crucial to a successful outcome in therapy. I also believe that developing trust within the therapeutic relationship is critical and one of the very first things I begin to develop with my clients. I feel that we all need someone that we can share our true selves with in a safe and non-judgmental environment. I am extremely open-minded, understanding and non-judgmental when someone is sharing their private thoughts, feelings and experiences with me. It is important to me that individuals feel not only safe, but better after meeting with me. It is a pleasure to be able to help others on their journey to happiness and peace. Let me be that person for you.
Specialties
- Addictions
- Grief
- Parenting issues
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
Stress, Anxiety , LGBT , Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Trauma and abuse , Intimacy-related issues , Sleeping disorders , Anger management , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Coping with life changes , Compassion fatigue , Read more...
Clinical approaches:
Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
Services Offered
Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video
Licensing
LCSW #LCSW83676 (Expires: 2022-06-30)
LCSW #C009955 (Expires: 2021-06-30)
Reviews
I have really enjoyed my sessions with Stephanie. She always listens and offers great advice. I can tell my anxiety has been getting better by using the tools she’s given me.
So far talking with Stephanie has been wonderful. I wish I had participated in therapy long ago
Stephanie has been amazing so far.
I felt comfortable talking and connecting with Stephanie from the very first conversation! She is extremely personable, provides a wealth of resources, and was able to quickly give me guidance to put into practice that helped me make strides in a short amount of time. Perhaps most importantly, Stephanie validated my experiences and emotions, making me feel capable in learning more about myself and the challenges I'm working to overcome.
Great !
I am a few sessions in with Stephanie and could not be happier with the experience. She is incredibly open and has made me feel comfortable sharing things I’ve never been able to share before. Stephanie provides an incredibly safe space and is willing to roll up her sleeves and get to work WITH you. I truly feel like she’s walking alongside me, cheering me on as I do the work. Simply put, before I started with her, I read a review saying she was “born to counsel.” I couldn’t agree more.
In just a short time Stephanie has been able to get a lot of ideas out of me and focus on several of my core issues. She is in contact often and sends useful information. This is still new but I am really looking forward to what it could do for me.
She’s great she has helped me get tremendously and I have made great progress. She has helped me heal and learn about me first and foremost.
Stephanie has been amazing at getting me started with treatment.