- Practical coping tools
- Collaborative goal setting
- Mindfulness and skills
About Elena
Elena Spanos is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strains, grief, trauma, and life changes. She focuses on practical steps that can reduce daily distress and help people regain a sense of balance. Elena aims to help clients identify behaviors and thoughts that keep them stuck and to find workable alternatives that fit their life.
Elena takes a collaborative, down-to-earth approach. She listens first, then suggests tools from approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. Sessions mix talking, skill practice, and simple exercises to build new habits over time.
Her background includes an Associate in Science in Human Services Technology, 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. She became licensed as an LCSW in 2000 and has worked in outpatient settings, schools, and homes.
Elena works with a wide range of concerns including ADHD, bipolar symptoms, chronic illness and pain, caregiver stress, and family and relationship challenges. She also supports people facing cancer, aging and geriatric issues, blended family transitions, and divorce or separation. The focus is on clear goals and steady progress rather than quick fixes.
People who choose Elena can expect a practical, compassionate process. She helps clients set realistic steps, practice new ways of coping, and track what works. The emphasis is on making daily life feel more manageable and meaningful.
Elena takes a collaborative, down-to-earth approach. She listens first, then suggests tools from approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. Sessions mix talking, skill practice, and simple exercises to build new habits over time.
Her background includes an Associate in Science in Human Services Technology, 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. She became licensed as an LCSW in 2000 and has worked in outpatient settings, schools, and homes.
Elena works with a wide range of concerns including ADHD, bipolar symptoms, chronic illness and pain, caregiver stress, and family and relationship challenges. She also supports people facing cancer, aging and geriatric issues, blended family transitions, and divorce or separation. The focus is on clear goals and steady progress rather than quick fixes.
People who choose Elena can expect a practical, compassionate process. She helps clients set realistic steps, practice new ways of coping, and track what works. The emphasis is on making daily life feel more manageable and meaningful.
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’s approaches fit online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify personal values and take small steps toward a meaningful life rather than getting stuck on avoiding difficult thoughts. It is useful for anxiety, stress, and coping with chronic health challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing new behaviors through practical exercises and homework. It often helps with depression, sleep issues, and anxiety. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental conversation where the therapist follows the client's lead and supports self-directed change.Choosing the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. Together they will try methods and adjust the plan based on what the client finds most helpful.
Confirm current online session options before booking, since specific formats are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also make practicing real-world skills between sessions more convenient. Licensed professionals work with clients to match approach and pacing to each person’s daily routine and needs.
Frequently asked questions
What issues does Elena commonly address?
She supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping problems, self-esteem struggles, ADHD, bipolar symptoms, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Elena uses a collaborative, practical style that blends listening with concrete skill-building. Sessions aim to identify unhelpful habits and replace them with usable strategies.
What kind of professional background does she have?
She holds a Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University and has worked in outpatient settings, schools, and homes over 25 years.
Where is Elena licensed and based?
She is an LCSW licensed in Florida and practices within that state.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.