PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

EP Portrait of Elena Zacarias de Palacios
Online therapist

Elena Zacarias de Palacios

Compassionate support for parenting and life changes

Credentials
LMFT
Experience
30 years
Licensed in
California
Languages
English, Spanish
Format
Online sessions

About Elena

Elena Zacarias de Palacios is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 30 years of experience. She focuses on issues like trauma and abuse, grief and loss, parenting concerns, self-esteem, and coping with major life changes. She also has a focus on pregnancy and childbirth related concerns.

Elena speaks English and Spanish and practices in California. Elena works from the view that each person knows their own story best. She listens without judgment and helps clients notice strengths they can use when things feel hard.

Background and approach

Sessions are meant to be practical and respectful of where someone is starting from. Her approach borrows from client-centered work, Internal Family Systems, and hypnotherapy. That mix allows room for gentle exploration of painful memories, parts of the self that get stuck, and calming techniques that can reduce immediate distress.

She aims to match methods to what a person needs in the moment. Elena values clear communication and simple steps. She encourages people to move at a pace that feels manageable.

The focus is on building self-confidence and better ways to handle challenges at home and during life transitions. If someone is considering therapy, she asks for a short intake to learn about goals and preferences. From there she helps set realistic first steps and supports gradual progress toward those goals.

How her approaches translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the client's lead. Online sessions using this approach let the therapist reflect what matters most to the client and help them make choices that fit their life. It is useful for building confidence and clarity about next steps.

Internal Family Systems works by noticing the different parts or roles inside a person and helping them relate to those parts with curiosity. In an online setting this method can help people understand inner conflicts and reduce self-criticism through guided conversation and exercises. It often helps when someone feels pulled in many directions inside themselves.

Hypnotherapy uses focused attention and relaxation to access resources that reduce anxiety and support change. Online hypnotherapy sessions can teach calming techniques and imagery exercises that people practice between appointments.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That decision is revisited as progress is made so the plan stays useful.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule and to meet from home. The variety also allows people to choose the way of communicating that feels most comfortable while still getting consistent support from a licensed professional.

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.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Treats the mind as having distinct parts, each with its own worry or role, and works towards them being less at war with each other. Conversational, so it carries over to online sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with trauma and abuse, grief and loss, parenting issues, self-esteem struggles, and coping with life changes. Pregnancy and childbirth-related concerns are also listed as a focus.
How would you describe her therapy style?
The style is listener-focused and practical, emphasizing the client's strengths and choices. Sessions aim to be down-to-earth and paced to the person's comfort.
What is her professional background?
She brings 30 years of professional experience to her work. That experience informs how she supports people through difficult transitions and painful experiences.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CA LMFT 128690, and practices in California.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
In what formats can sessions be done?
Appointments can be held by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How does pricing and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Experience
30 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English, Spanish

Next step

Talk to Elena

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point