PuttingFamilyFirst

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ES Portrait of Elena Spanos
Online therapist

Elena Spanos

Practical therapy for everyday family life

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Credentials
LCSW
Experience
25 years
Licensed in
Florida
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Elena

Elena Spanos is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, anger, and other life challenges. She focuses on practical change and steady progress so everyday life feels easier. Elena aims to help clients identify the thoughts and behaviors that limit them and find workable steps forward.

Elena uses a mix of evidence-informed tools to match each person's needs. She often uses cognitive behavioral techniques to change unhelpful thinking and acceptance-based methods to reduce struggle with difficult feelings.

Background and approach

Mindfulness and skills training are woven into sessions when they help people calm down and stay present. Her training includes an Associate in Science in Human Services Technology from Hillsborough Community College, a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Social Work specializing in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University.

Elena earned her Florida LCSW license (FL LCSW SW5979) and has worked across schools, outpatient settings, and independent practice. Sessions aim to be collaborative and down-to-earth. Elena listens, helps set clear goals, and teaches specific strategies to cope with problems like sleep trouble, grief, ADHD symptoms, relationship strain, and coping with life changes.

She also addresses concerns such as caregiver stress, chronic illness, body image, and feelings of emptiness. People who prefer a practical, supportive approach will find straightforward guidance and steady support. Elena invites clients to work together at a pace that feels right and to try methods that fit their life.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Elena commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her online work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them while focusing on actions that match personal values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks down problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical steps to change patterns that cause distress.

Finding the best approach is part of the work together. The therapist and client will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful, then try methods that fit the person's needs. That collaborative process helps tailor sessions to the issues at hand and adjust techniques over time.

Online therapy offers flexible access to care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, continue work after a major life change, or check in between in-person visits. Elena uses these options to provide consistent support and skills practice in ways that match a person’s routine and comfort.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Elena help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, ADHD, bipolar concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep problems, self-esteem issues, relationship strain, and coping with life changes among other related issues.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is collaborative and practical. Sessions focus on clear goals, teaching skills, and using techniques that fit day-to-day life.
What is her professional background?
She has 25 years of clinical experience and has worked in schools, homes, outpatient settings, and independent practice over her career.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds a Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work and is a Florida licensed clinical social worker, FL LCSW SW5979, practicing from Florida.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What formats are available for meeting with her?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with her through the site?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
25 years
Licensed
Florida
Languages
English

Next step

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