ABOUT ME
Hello and thank you so much for taking the time to learn a little bit about me,
My name is Alan Ellias and I am a LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) in Michigan, in both clinical and macro areas with over 20 years of experience working part time as a psychotherapist. I received my Masters in Social Work from Wayne State University in 1995 and also have an Educational Specialist degree. While I have worked in the school system full time, in the past I worked at Commonground, first as a volunteer on the crisis line and later as a part time employee on emergency services. I also was employed at Counseling Alternatives as a part time therapist and had a small part time private practice after that. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also have some limited experience supporting people who have had physical trauma or emotional abuse. I have been licensed by the state since 1995.
My counseling style is nonjudgmental, adaptable, warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. I always remind clients that I am here to support you, help guide you when necessary, suggest possible options and open up your thinking on appropriate situations. Ultimately it is your life and you have to make the choices that make the most sense for you. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive counseling. I think your thoughts affect your feelings, which then affect your behaviors. Depending on what has happened in your life, it is possible you have had many negative experiences. If your thoughts only give you negative reinforcements, how can you make a shift and start a more positive trajectory? That is why changing your thoughts is so important, because that is the start of changing how you feel and then how you act, which can have a profound impact on your life.
It takes great courage to seek out help. Therapy is not always fun and can be a lot of work. Many people think it is a sign of weakness in themselves; I see it as a tremendous strength. Taking action to help yourself is the beginning. We were not put on this earth to walk it alone. We all need support in our lives at different times...sometimes less, sometimes more. Wanting a more fulfilling and happier life is a great goal and finding the right therapist to take the journey with you can be the first step towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. Whether you are looking for a short term fix or a longer term process, I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
I look forward to working with you!
Alan Ellias Reaches
Farmington Hills MI