Elena Lucanie (she/her)

As a couples counselor, I work with couples of all orientations. Each relationship is unique, therefore, I utilize a mixed approach consisting of psychodynamic, CBT, solutions focused, emotionally focused and conflict resolution therapies. When couples find that they are growing apart, bickering, impatient or navigating significant stress, I help provide additional support to help you get what you need out of a relationship and work on yourself as well.

As a counselor supporting you through life transitions, I will guide you in exploring your coping mechanisms and thought patterns. Often we may use coping mechanisms such as avoidance, isolation, catastrophizing, addictive behaviors or worry. Our brain often sees these behaviors as helping us to cope, but many times these responses may be doing more harm than good. Together we will work on building self awareness and then practicing new coping skills to help you navigate change in a healthy way.

Anxiety is designed to help motivate us to manage a threat. However, we may find that our anxiety is triggering a response that is more harmful than helpful. While working with me, you will be guided in better understanding this natural defense mechanism. We will work on finding a way to use the benefits of anxiety but also better manage the maladaptive parts of anxiety. Using a variety of therapy techniques, you will find yourself more in control of this natural defense system.

I utilize a mixture of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help increase awareness and facilitate change of harmful thought patterns. By reframing thought patterns, it allows for more control over how you cope with feelings and also how you manage behaviors.

As a therapist, I use psychodynamic therapy techniques to uncover how past experiences are impacting present behaviors. We all learn from our experiences, however, sometimes the way we have learned to cope with certain situations is not always the most effective in new situations. By increasing self-awareness of how our past is influencing our present, we can begin to make successful changes to help us grow and manage our lives in new ways.

I believe in utilizing solution-focused techniques to guide you in identifying ways to move forward through life’s challenges. Amongst other techniques, it is helpful to identify what is happening in the present and what solutions may help you move forward in a healthy and productive way.