Elena Spanos
Experienced LCSW helping people find balance
LCSW Florida
- Experience
- 25 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Stress, Anxiety, Family, Anger
- Approaches
- Gottman Method, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Languages
- English
About Elena
Elena Spanos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 25 years of experience. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, ADHD, trauma and grief.
Background and approach
Elena aims to find practical steps so everyday life feels more manageable and meaningful. She uses straightforward conversation and evidence-based techniques to identify thoughts and behaviors that get in the way.
Sessions focus on small, doable changes and clearer communication. Elena often blends approaches to match each person's needs rather than relying on a single method.
Her training includes a Master of Social Work degree in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Florida. She became a licensed therapist in 2000 and began independent practice in 2002.
Earlier work included school-based, outpatient, and in-home settings. Elena brings experience addressing a wide range of concerns such as anger, sleeping problems, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and family or blended family issues.
She also supports people dealing with chronic illness, caregiver stress, cancer, and grief. Her approach is practical and client-focused, with an emphasis on meeting real-life goals.
Clients can expect a calm, problem-solving style that combines listening with concrete tools. She encourages collaboration and tailors sessions to each person’s situation.
The goal is steady progress and more relief in day-to-day life.
Therapeutic approaches in online care
Elena frequently draws on the Gottman Method to address relationship patterns and improve communication. This approach focuses on specific behaviors and interaction skills that couples and partners can practice to reduce conflict and build connection.She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people accept difficult feelings while committing to actions that reflect their values. ACT is useful for anxiety, stress, and making life changes. Elena incorporates Client-Centered Therapy as well, providing a listening, nonjudgmental environment where clients set the pace and goals of their work.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Elena works with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. She combines techniques when helpful and checks in regularly to see what’s working. The work is collaborative and focused on practical next steps.
Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth or camera use is limited. Live chat and text sessions can serve as brief check-ins, homework review, or ongoing support between longer sessions. These formats make therapy more flexible and easier to fit into busy lives.
Frequently asked questions
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Licensed in
Florida
Languages
English