- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
About Ellen
Ellen Walker is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in the District of Columbia with 30 years of experience. She works with adults on a wide range of concerns including family and parenting strains, career and life changes, stress and anxiety, mood disorders, addiction, trauma and grief. Ellen also lists support for relationship and intimacy issues, ADHD, and LGBT concerns.
She favors a practical, down-to-earth approach. Early sessions focus on getting to know the person and the problems they brought to counseling. Ellen draws from a mix of methods and uses what fits each person’s goals and situation. Sessions are typically weekly and last about 45 minutes.
Her work often addresses how patterns from family of origin or past loss affect day-to-day life now. She helps people name those patterns and try small changes to reduce stress and improve relationships. For people facing career shifts or new adult responsibilities, she looks at thoughts, habits, and choices that get in the way of progress.
Ellen uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused techniques, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Focused methods when helpful. She places value on straightforward communication, honesty, and a collaborative relationship where both people do the work.
She accepts clients in English and can work with people who live outside the U.S. Before scheduling, readers should confirm the available session formats and times they prefer.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding the person’s experience and priorities. It helps when someone needs a steady, respectful listener who is interested in their perspective and goals.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and habits that interfere with school, work, or relationships because it breaks problems into manageable steps and practical exercises.
Motivational Interviewing helps when someone feels unsure about change or lacks motivation. It uses guided conversation to explore ambivalence and strengthen motivation for concrete steps like reducing substance use or making career moves.
Finding the right approach is part of the work and she will help clients decide which methods fit best. The choice is collaborative and can shift as goals evolve, so initial sessions are often used to try an approach and adjust based on what helps.
Because session formats were not specified in the profile, please confirm available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example a shorter phone check-in can fit a work break, and video meetings let people see nonverbal cues. Licensed professionals can adapt techniques like CBT exercises, motivational conversations, and trauma-focused processing to remote sessions when appropriate.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
District of Columbia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with adults on family and parenting issues, career transitions, stress, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, grief, and relationship concerns.
How would she describe her therapy style?
She uses a practical, eclectic approach and draws on several methods to match a person’s goals. Sessions are collaborative and focused on clear communication and small, workable changes.
How much experience does she have?
She has worked in mental health and child welfare settings for about 30 years and has long experience with trauma, grief, addiction, and family issues.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) practicing in the District of Columbia.
Can she work with people who live outside the United States?
Yes. Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats does she offer?
Please confirm current session options before booking since session formats were not specified in this profile.
How does payment or cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to get started?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.