Elana Blumenthal, Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Psychotherapy Privilege, PsyA

I have been working as a clinical social worker and psychotherapist for over 25 years. I have a wide variety of experience in different diagnostic categories as well as expertise in common social and environmental challenges that many people face. In working with clients, I generally use a psychodynamic approach which is based on psychoanalytic principles. As such, I provide a warm and accepting atmosphere and help people start to better understand themselves, accept responsibility for what they can control and recognize what they can't. Through this ongoing self-awareness, clients are better able to bring certain unconscious motivations and behaviors to the surface and better understand their particular repetitions and patterns. Many clients experience great relief in this process and are often then better equipped to take on the difficulties that may come up in their lives.

Some of my work and expertise is with neurodivergent populations- -children, teens and adults. With school systems for example, I have a lot of experience working with public schools and helping parents navigate some of the steps in getting their child the accommodations they may need. I also work with couples who may be struggling to adequately communicate their needs to each other. Everyone has their own unique subjectivity, and getting one's partner to understand that, and vice versa, can be a big challenge. I work with kids as young as 10 and throughout adolescence. While parents of kids and teens are a part of the process, the therapeutic space is a separate space for a young client to understand oneself and make sense of often confusing feelings.