Elana Kirsch LCSW

Anxiety is sometimes very obvious and sometimes quite covert. Oftentimes our systems respond to cues we aren’t even aware of, to something that reminds us of something from a long time ago. Usually, there is a ton of information beneath anxiety that is hard to access because anxiety is such an effective defense! But it also can make you feel miserable and out of control. I can help you understand your anxiety and connect to your emotions beneath so that you can feel more centered and whole.

Relationships are the hardest thing we humans do. Our earliest lessons in love lay a foundation that we don’t usually understand until much later when we find ourselves confused, scared, numb, angry (or another difficult emotion) in relationships later in life. I help people understand what they’re feeling and what it is they are seeking in relationships. Together, we can uncover new ways to communicate your desires, needs and values so that you can actively enjoy your relationships again.

Relationships are the hardest thing we humans do. Our earliest lessons in love lay a foundation that we don’t usually understand until much later if we find ourselves scared, numb, angry, or another difficult emotion in a significant relationship later in life. I help people understand what they’re feeling and what it is they are seeking in relationships. Together, we can uncover new ways to communicate your desires, needs and values so that you can actively enjoy your relationships again.

You're already whole and complete as you are. Therapy doesn't change that, but it can help you see and feel it. With time and attention, you can truly love yourself as you may already love others. You can shed layers that have piled on over the years that have obscured your wonderfulness from you. Like all relationships, the one with yourself also has ebbs and flows. We can work together to make you feel good about being who you are.

Attachment style is significant to every relationship and yours is not as solidified as you may think. It probably is a bit different with certain people and may have changed over time as well. I bring a deep wealth of holistic knowledge of attachment theory to all my work and it helps in the therapeutic relationship as well as your relationship with others.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an experiential therapy modality that very effectively gets to the root of issues. It is a gentle yet powerful way to access parts of yourself that have seemed 'out of sight, out of mind', but have been playing a role all along. With caring attention, we work to reassign these parts roles that serve you today.

Our oldest memories are nonverbal and often related to what brings a person to therapy. Yet so many people only experience talking in therapy and talking is not enough to heal. We have to pay attention to what is happening in the body as well. Somatic therapy taps into this and allows for intuitive wisdom and the mind/body connection to guide.