MEET THE THERAPISTS

Elyssa Helfer

Nice to meet you.

In my practice, I strive to create a shame and judgement-free environment, encouraging self growth and more importantly vulnerability. I believe that our work together is sacred and deeply embedded in respect, connection, and trust. I recognize that in beginning our work together, I will be a stranger to you and that I must earn the trust and respect that is so vital in a healthy therapeutic relationship. This is why I work at the pace of my clients, pushing when I feel is appropriate but also being mindful of where you are at. I work to create a space where empathy and care are unconditional, allowing for the ideal environment to truly heal. While I have extensive knowledge and education in the mental health field, I believe my greatest tool is my intuition. I practice from a perspective that my clients are the experts in their own lives and I am simply a guide to uncover the blind spots that may be out of sight.

I am happy to work with a number of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, work stress, and more. However, my primary area of expertise is working with issues related to sexuality. Sexual expression, sexuality, and gender identity are key factors in the well-being of any individual. We are living in a world where we are not encouraged to explore our sexuality and innermost desires, and I want to change that. We are often stunted and shamed by the societal expectation that sex and love can only exist in one form, that being monogamous vanilla relationships. My life’s passion is to break that mold. Whether exploring Kink/BDSM, Swing Lifestyles, Consensual Non-Monogamy, and more, I am here to help you discover your true identity and to help that blossom in a safe, affirming, and empowering way. I am LGBTQIA+ affirmative and welcome all individuals on the spectrum of genders and expressions of sexuality.

Lastly, it is important to remain transparent in our work together. I believe that the best relationships form from authenticity and understanding. I approach therapy from a perspective that we are all humans, flawed, misunderstood, and fundamentally seeking connection and love. I consider myself a modern clinician, constantly evolving and adapting to meet the needs of my clients. My approach may be eclectic, and I am not one to shy away from the occasional (or not so occasional) curse word, but I am passionate about what I do and believe that quality, honest, and deep work can be life-changing. If you are ready, let’s take this journey together.

I invite you to schedule a complimentary phone consultation to discuss how I may be able to help you.

Lauren Evans

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Hi! I’m Lauren, and I’m glad to meet you.

MY APPROACH

I firmly believe that the foundation of therapeutic healing is created by the sense of safety, trust, and connection that is formed between therapist and client. Without that foundation in place, even the best therapy is ineffective. That’s why I strive to create a place where the whole of who you are is accepted and welcomed without shame or judgment. All the pieces of our stories make up who we are in the present moment and impact the way we encounter our world and engage with the important people in our lives. All of what makes you “you” belongs in the therapy room and I strive to create an environment where you feel free and supported in your exploration of who you are.

I practice from a place of collaboration. My clients are the experts in their lives - my job is to come alongside you and help you sort through the pieces and point out new perspectives, new paths, or blind spots as you create a stronger sense of self and step more fully into the life you want to be living. We move at your pace, and we’ll push into those areas of growth and healing as you feel ready and safe to do so.

NEURODIVERGENCE-INFORMED

While I happily work with many different mental health issues, I specialize in working with those within the neurodivergent community. Being neurodivergent myself, I especially love working with those who were diagnosed late in life with ADHD, ASD, or other forms of neurodivergence. Those who were diagnosed later on in life often grow up with inaccurate labels given to them by others who didn’t understand them or see them accurately - labels like “lazy,”, “irresponsible,”“undependable,” “messy,” “intense,” and “too much”. They get told to “just try harder” by those who don’t understand why their experience of the world is overwhelming, exhausting, or just plain different than those around them. My favorite part of helping someone explore the way their neurodivergence impacts their life is watching as they begin to shed those old, inaccuratelabels and create new ones for themselves. The whole world opens up when we start seeing and celebrating ourselves for who we actually are and not who the world told us we should be.

LGBTQIA+, SEX-POSITIVITY, KINK AND POLY-AFFIRMING

I love working with issues of sex, sexuality, identity, and sexual expression. For many, especially those who grew up within conservative religious environments, all things to do with sex, sexuality, gender identity, non-traditional sexual expression or non-monogamy are strictly taboo. The impact of living in a society that is in the infancy of its sexual reclamation has left many with a sense of uneasiness or secrecy around their sexual expression. That uneasiness around sexual expression is especially true for those who grew up with strict belief systems that practice purity culture, even for those who no longer follow those belief systems. And for all too many women and men alike, their sexual experiences have also included trauma. I am trauma-informed and work with those who seek to reconnect to their sexuality following sexual abuse, assault, and other forms of sexual violence. Learning how to reconnect (or connect for the first time) to your sexual self can be a daunting experience and I would love to walk beside you as you learn to embrace, engage, and celebrate whatever form that may take for you.

WORKING WITH ME

I practice from a place where authenticity and empathy are at the center of the work we’ll do together. Therapy is all about the relationship and the freedom to explore one’s self that is only possible when we feel safe and connected. I will meet you wherever you’re at with genuine care, humor, insight, and the occasional pop culture reference. I know that therapy can be a daunting experience, but I’ve also seen first-hand how it can help you forge a road back to yourself and heal the wounded places that hold you back from living your truest life.

If you’re ready to start this ride, I’m ready to go with you.

I invite you to schedule a complimentary phone consultation to see if we would be a good fit for what you’re looking for.