- Practical behavior work
- Thought pattern help
- Goal oriented sessions
About Elena
Elena Spanos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 25 years of clinical experience. She focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strains, anger, grief, sleep issues, ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, and life transitions. Her aim is to find practical steps that make daily life feel more manageable and meaningful.
Elena listens closely to what matters most and helps people notice the thoughts and habits that get in the way. She uses straightforward strategies to shift unhelpful thinking and to build new everyday routines. Sessions are conversational and goal oriented, with an emphasis on small, doable changes that fit into real life.
Her background includes an Associate in Science in Human Services Technology from Hillsborough Community College, a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. Elena became a licensed therapist in 2000 and has worked in private practice since 2002.
Clinical approaches she commonly uses include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and the Gottman Method. She draws on these methods to address thought patterns, behavior habits, communication problems, and coping skills.
Elena aims to collaborate with each person to set clear goals and track progress. She encourages people to try small experiments between sessions and to notice what helps. The focus is on practical change that fits everyday life.
Elena listens closely to what matters most and helps people notice the thoughts and habits that get in the way. She uses straightforward strategies to shift unhelpful thinking and to build new everyday routines. Sessions are conversational and goal oriented, with an emphasis on small, doable changes that fit into real life.
Her background includes an Associate in Science in Human Services Technology from Hillsborough Community College, a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. Elena became a licensed therapist in 2000 and has worked in private practice since 2002.
Clinical approaches she commonly uses include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and the Gottman Method. She draws on these methods to address thought patterns, behavior habits, communication problems, and coping skills.
Elena aims to collaborate with each person to set clear goals and track progress. She encourages people to try small experiments between sessions and to notice what helps. The focus is on practical change that fits everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSleeping disordersSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
25+ years
Credentials
Florida
Languages
English
How Elena Uses Therapy Approaches Online
Elena commonly integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into her work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps toward those values while learning to accept difficult thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing new ways of thinking and behaving to reduce symptoms like anxiety or low mood.She approaches finding the right method as a collaborative process. The therapist and client discuss goals, preferences, and how each approach fits those goals. Together they try methods, adjust based on what helps, and set clear, practical tasks to use between sessions.
Session format details are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Elena highlights how online work can help fit sessions into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and make consistent work on thought patterns and daily habits easier to maintain. The focus is on making therapy practical and accessible to everyday life while tailoring the approach to each person's needs.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Elena help with?
She supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, anger, grief, sleep problems, ADHD, bipolar concerns, trauma and other life changes.
What is her therapy style like?
Her sessions are conversational and goal oriented. She helps people notice thoughts and everyday habits and then practices small, practical changes.
How much experience does she have?
She has 25 years of clinical experience and has worked in private practice since 2002.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an LCSW licensed in Florida and practices in the state of Florida.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are costs handled for sessions?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.