Therapy

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in understanding the full context of a person’s life. Rather than focusing only on symptoms or diagnoses, I strive to understand how past experiences, relationships, environments, and life events have shaped the ways individuals think, feel, and cope.

I believe that people make the best decisions they can with the tools, resources, and experiences available to them at the time. Many of the strategies that once helped us survive difficult circumstances can later become sources of distress or limitation. Therapy provides an opportunity to better understand these patterns, develop new ways of responding to life’s challenges, and build on existing strengths.

I also believe that many of the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that bring people to therapy originally developed as ways of coping with difficult life experiences. At one point, these strategies may have been helpful, protective, or even necessary. Over time, however, they can begin to create new challenges, leaving people feeling stuck, disconnected, overwhelmed, or unable to live the life they want.

For example, when we feel anxious, hurt, or emotionally exhausted, it may feel safer to withdraw from others or avoid situations that cause distress. While these responses often provide short-term relief, they can also limit opportunities for growth, connection, and healing.

Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, I strive to understand how and why particular patterns developed in the first place. Together, we explore the role these patterns have played in your life, identify what is no longer serving you, and build new ways of responding that are more consistent with your goals, values, and needs.

I view therapy as a collaborative partnership. While I bring clinical expertise and training, you are the expert on your own experiences. Through a warm, supportive, and genuine therapeutic relationship, we work together to better understand your struggles and create meaningful, lasting change. This perspective is especially important in trauma therapy, where many coping strategies developed in response to overwhelming or painful experiences.

Areas of Specialization

Trauma and Complex Trauma

  • Childhood sexual, physical, and emotional abuse
  • Neglect
  • Domestic violence
  • Relationship trauma
  • Single-incident trauma PTSD
  • Complex PTSD
  • Dissociation
  • Traumatic grief

Eating Disorders and Body Image Concerns

  • Anorexia nervosa
  • Bulimia nervosa
  • Binge eating disorder
  • Body image concerns

Anxiety, Mood, and Emotional Difficulties

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Obsessive-compulsive symptoms

Relationships and Life Transitions

  • Relationship difficulties
  • Family conflict
  • Identity development
  • Life transitions
  • Grief and loss

Treatment Approaches

Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. Dr. Ellis draws from several evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches and tailors treatment to each client’s unique needs, goals, strengths, and experiences. Rather than adhering rigidly to a single model, she integrates techniques and perspectives that best support meaningful and lasting change.

Treatment approaches include:

• Relational and Interpersonal Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
• Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
• Attachment-Based and Trauma-Informed Interventions

Clinical Services Offered Via Telehealth

Therapy sessions are available via telehealth throughout Florida and participating PSYPACT states. I offer the following services:

  • Individual therapy
  • Couples therapy
  • Family therapy

If you’re interested in learning more about therapy or determining whether we may be a good fit, please contact me for a free consultation. I offer a free consultation to discuss your concerns and determine whether we may be a good fit.