Elena Pertgen, LCMHCA, NCC is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate and Nationally Certified Counselor. She holds an MA CMHC degree with high distinction from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. 

Elena believes that the therapeutic process is one of trust and collaboration between the client and the counselor. Sessions are spent in discussing client’s concerns that may include personal matters, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and past and present events that may be impacting the client’s functioning in various areas of life. Through this collaborative process, the counselor and the client work toward the changes the client wants to see take place and the goals they set for themselves.

Elena’s therapeutic approach encompasses a holistic framework with an application of a variety of theoretical orientations and techniques, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), mindfulness, and person-centered therapy to meet the needs of her clients.

Areas of Experience

• Complex trauma (adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), physical/sexual/emotional abuse, neglect, domestic violence, attachment issues, and other traumatic events)

• Depression and anxiety

• Self-esteem, self-image, and shame

• Developmental and life transitions

• Spirituality, mindfulness, and wellness

• Grief and loss

Ages

Adults 18+

Additional Training

• Practice Self-Regulation: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Health and Well Being

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

• Ego-State Therapy Interventions to Prepare Dissociative Clients for EMDR

• The Dance of Attachment: an EMDR Relational Approach

• Variety of additional EMDR trainings

• Motivational Interviewing (MI) 

Languages

• English

• Russian