Therapist profile

Elena Spanos, LCSW

Florida

LCSW focusing on family and relationship concerns

About

Stress and anxiety
Family and parenting
Cognitive behavioral tools

About Elena

Elena Spanos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida with 25 years of clinical experience. She helps adults handle stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship problems, anger, sleep difficulties, ADHD concerns, trauma and abuse, bipolar issues, and the everyday strain of family and parenting concerns.

She focuses on practical steps rather than quick fixes. Sessions aim to identify behaviors and thoughts that get in the way of daily functioning. Conversations are straightforward and goal oriented, with attention to coping skills people can use between meetings.

Elena draws on a range of approaches to match each person's needs. She uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address unhelpful thoughts and build workable habits. She also includes Client-Centered work and elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy when emotion regulation and distress tolerance are priorities.

Her background includes a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University and earlier degrees from the University of South Florida and Hillsborough Community College. She has worked in schools, homes, outpatient settings, and in private practice since 2002.

Many people consult her about family and parenting stress, blended family dynamics, caregiver strain, and relationship communication problems. She helps people weigh options, practice new responses, and plan small changes that fit day-to-day life.

How sessions work

How her approaches translate to online work

Elena commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in her work. ACT focuses on clarifying values and taking committed action even when unpleasant thoughts or feelings appear. CBT looks at patterns of thinking and behavior and teaches practical strategies to change them.

She also brings Client-Centered principles, which emphasize listening and working at the client's pace. Deciding which approach to use is collaborative. The therapist and client review goals, try methods, and adjust as they learn what fits best for the person's life and needs.

Confirm the current session options before booking, as formats were not specified in the biography. Online work can make it easier to schedule appointments around parenting, caregiving, or work days. It also supports shorter check-ins, sessions that do not require video if needed, and the ability to keep therapy consistent when life is busy. Licensed professionals can help translate in-person tools into practical online assignments and between-session practices.

Areas of focus

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression ADHD

Also works with

Relationship issuesTrauma and abuse GriefSleeping disordersSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Abandonment Aging and geriatric issues Blended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependency Commitment issues Communication problems Control issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separation Domestic violenceEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgiveness Guilt and shameImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues Young adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

25+ years

Listed in

Florida

Languages

English

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, anger, sleep problems, ADHD, trauma and several family and parenting concerns.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her approach is practical and goal oriented, focusing on skills and behavioral changes people can use between sessions.

How much experience does she have?

She has 25 years of clinical experience and has worked in schools, homes, outpatient settings, and private practice since 2002.

What credentials and location apply to her practice?

She is an LCSW licensed in Florida and practices from that state.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How does her pricing work?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.

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