- Family of origin issues
- CBT and solution-focused
- Parenting support
About Ellen
Ellen Walker is a LICSW - Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker practicing in the District of Columbia with 30 years of experience. She works with adults on concerns such as family matters, parenting, career shifts, stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship and intimacy issues, and family of origin problems. Sessions focus on practical conversation and problem solving rather than labels.
She uses a mix of approaches to match what each person needs. Ellen often draws on Client-Centered Therapy to listen and understand a person's perspective, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior, and Solution-Focused techniques to set small, achievable goals. Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Focused ideas also inform her work when relevant.
Typical meetings are weekly and last about 45 minutes. The first sessions concentrate on getting to know one another and clarifying the issues that brought someone to therapy. Ellen describes the relationship as a partnership that depends on honesty, respect, and a willingness to do the work together.
She has a long background in mental health and child welfare settings, and that experience informs how she talks about parenting, blended family challenges, adoption and foster care concerns, caregiver stress, grief, and end-of-life matters. Ellen also addresses abandonment issues, codependency, communication problems, and isolation or loneliness.
Sessions are offered in English and Ellen accepts international clients. She is comfortable using video, phone, and text contacts as part of ongoing work, and she checks messages on weekdays to keep communication flowing.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
The work often blends Client-Centered Therapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused techniques. Client-Centered Therapy means the therapist listens closely and follows the client's concerns so sessions focus on what matters most to the person. CBT involves identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and trying practical experiments to change them; it can help with anxiety, depression, and stress. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on setting small, concrete goals and tracking progress toward those changes.Choosing the right mix is a collaborative process. Ellen will talk with each person about goals and preferences and then recommend approaches to try together. Adjustments are made as progress is reviewed so the plan fits real life and changing needs.
The biography mentions video sessions as a helpful way to get started, and also notes availability by phone and text. Confirm the specific session formats offered before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins by phone when time is limited, or let someone use video when a fuller conversation feels useful.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
District of Columbia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of issues does she help with?
Ellen works with adult concerns including family and parenting issues, career changes, stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy problems, grief, and family of origin issues.
What is her therapeutic style?
She uses an eclectic, client-centered approach with tools from CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Focused Therapy to fit a person's needs and goals.
How much experience does she have?
She brings 30 years of experience in mental health and child welfare settings, which informs work on parenting, caregiver stress, grief, and related concerns.
Where is she based and what are her credentials?
She practices in the District of Columbia and holds the LICSW credential listed as DC LICSW.
Are sessions offered in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she does accept international clients.
What formats are used for sessions?
The biography notes use of video sessions, phone, and text contacts; confirm current session options before booking to be sure they meet your needs.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.