Elissa Hilyard

Hi there, I'm Elissa!

I'm a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT) with more than 20 years of experience providing individual, couple, and family therapy. I enjoy working with both adults and teenagers. I am trained in several different evidence-based treatment modalities that are proven to be effective and solution-focused.

My focus

I have worked with a diverse client population, including both a variety of individual issues (i.e., life transitions, grief, and loss) as well as relational issues (i.e., intimacy, communication, boundaries).

My approach

My approach to therapy varies depending on the needs and the goals of the client. I tend to use not only a client-centered approach but also a strengths-based or solution-focused approach to therapy.

My communication style

I provide a warm, inviting, and safe space where you can be yourself. My style balances empathy, compassion, and support with honesty, transparency, and directness.

My journey to mental healthcare

I've always been drawn to helping others. I'm a good listener and pride myself on being accepting and non-judgmental, which led me naturally to this work.

My goals for you

Goal setting is a collaboration between us. In our first session, I'll ask what you're hoping to achieve in therapy. We'll revisit those goals periodically to track progress and adjust as needed.

Our first session

The first session is about getting to know you and what brings you to therapy. We'll do some clinical interviewing, assessment, and goal setting while building rapport and trust.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White
Christian

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Attachment-based

Child/Parent Psychotherapy

Compassion Focused

Dialectical (DBT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Gottman Method

Mindfulness-Based

Motivational Interviewing

+ 10 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
Allegiance
Allied
Ambetter
Anthem

+ 28 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Science (MS) in Marriage and Family Therapy from Friends University.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions