Elena Pertgen, LCMHCA, NCC
Elena is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate and Nationally Certified Counselor. She holds an Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with high distinction from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Elena believes that the therapeutic process is one of trust and collaboration between the client and the counselor. Sessions are spent in discussing client’s concerns that may include personal matters, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and past and present events that may be impacting the client’s functioning in various areas of life. Through this collaborative process, the counselor and the client work toward the changes the client wants to see take place and the goals they set for themselves.
Elena’s therapeutic approach encompasses a holistic framework with an application of a variety of theoretical orientations and techniques, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), mindfulness, and person-centered therapy to meet the needs of her clients. For couples therapy, Elena utilizes the Gottman Method along with other interventions that may be necessary and appropriate.
Areas of Experience
Complex trauma (adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), physical/sexual/emotional abuse, neglect, domestic violence, attachment issues, and other traumatic events)
Depression and anxiety
Self-esteem, self-image, and shame
Developmental and life transitions
Spirituality, mindfulness, and wellness
Grief and loss
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Polyvagal approach
Couples therapy
Ages
Adults 18+
Additional Training
Practice Self-Regulation: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Health and Well Being
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
Ego-State Therapy Interventions to Prepare Dissociative Clients for EMDR
The Dance of Attachment: an EMDR Relational Approach
Variety of additional EMDR trainings
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Gottman Method
Languages
English
Russian