August 8, 2015
by Elana
1 Comment
“I started sharing my pain with everyone,” is what one of my teenage clients said to me recently. What an interesting way to say this. Her words hung in the air. They are simple and poetic. Significant. Her words gave … Continue reading
December 27, 2014
by Elana
4 Comments
As a therapist, I’ve heard the phrase “Therapy doesn’t work” (or some version of this – it’s ineffective, takes too long) many times. I wonder if some people go in to see a therapist thinking that the therapist can heal … Continue reading
September 15, 2014
by Elana
1 Comment
One of the issues I see frequently in therapy with my clients is an overwhelming fear of being vulnerable – with me and with others. This can make moving forward in therapy tricky. I’ve struggled with being vulnerable as well. … Continue reading
June 10, 2014
by Elana
12 Comments
Several years ago my daughter played the cello when she was in elementary school and it thrilled me to no end. The sound of the cello resonates deep in my body. It’s melancholy, and I hear it sing a sad … Continue reading
March 31, 2014
by Elana
4 Comments
“Go change lives, mom.” That’s what my kiddo said to me the other day as my husband and I left for Madera, CA, to spend three days in a women’s prison. This was a service project with 80+ other volunteers … Continue reading
January 5, 2014
by Elana
2 Comments
I’ve been reflecting on the blessings of my life this past year and my cup runneth over. And I found myself pondering this quote: “There are years that ask questions, and years that answer.” -Zora Neale Hurston Last year was … Continue reading
October 6, 2013
by Elana
6 Comments
On the radio the other day, I heard someone say, “Information in real-time is the future.” Hmmm…Why I wonder? Our culture is speeding up obviously, but I’ve often contemplated about the need (or, more accurately, want) for information right now. … Continue reading
August 30, 2013
by Elana
1 Comment
A dear friend gave this quote to me a while back. I wanted to share it today as lately I find myself contemplating it frequently: The moment of liberation arrives when you realize your approval is the only validation you … Continue reading
July 23, 2013
by Elana
2 Comments
A colleague that I look up to as a mentor, named Alissa, said this to me recently. I had a project to complete over the weekend with a group of amazing people. It was a challenging weekend but really sacred … Continue reading
July 14, 2013
by Elana
2 Comments
Welcome to my website! About a year and a half ago, I met my dear friend Jennifer Herrera. She has been cultivating her blog these past few months, and I’ve been inspired by her openness and vulnerability. I’ve written a … Continue reading