Ellen Purisch

My name is Ellen Purisch. I have two master's degrees (Counseling and Social Work) and am double licensed (Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapy). I help clients identify sources of their problems and develop specific behavioral and cognitive approaches to improve their functioning.

My approach

I utilize a cognitive-behavioral therapy approach in treating individuals with stress, depression, and anxiety, and a systems approach in treating couples and marital relationships.

My focus

I work with adolescents, adults, and seniors in individual treatment for stress, depression, and anxiety. I work with younger children within the context of the family. I work with couples with relationship challenges.

My communication style

I create a supportive environment in which you feel comfortable discussing your problems and concerns. I am typically very action-oriented and give homework assignments that will provide the opportunities to develop the cognitive and behavioral skills you will need to effect positive changes in your life and emotional state.

My goals for you

We discuss the types of changes you hope to attain in your emotional state and life functioning. I then help you enact a specific plan and teach you strategies to accomplish these goals. Your progress and the obstacles in reaching your goals are reviewed each session and modified as needed.

My first session with you

I will conduct an intake related to current problems and concerns and obtain important personal and historical information. We will identify your goals and expectations of therapy and then begin the therapeutic process which will include assignments that will help you obtain symptom relief and make positive changes in your life