Elena Spanos

Compassionate CBT-informed clinical social worker

LCSW Florida

Experience: 25 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Anger
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Elena

Elena Spanos is a licensed clinical social worker who supports people coping with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, grief, ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, anger, sleep difficulties, self-esteem struggles, and major life transitions.

Background and approach

With 25 years in the field, she focuses on helping clients identify patterns of thinking and behavior that interfere with daily functioning and life satisfaction. She aims to find practical strategies that produce meaningful, sustainable change rather than quick fixes.

Her work emphasizes collaboration and tailoring methods to each person’s circumstances. Elena draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Client-Centered Therapy, and elements of the Gottman Method when relationship issues are involved.

She combines evidence-informed techniques with a compassionate, goal-oriented approach to create plans that address symptoms, coping skills, and underlying dynamics. Based in Florida and holding the LCSW credential, Elena has provided care in a variety of settings across her career and now offers online session formats to increase access.

She invites those seeking support through difficult times or ready to pursue change to explore a collaborative path toward clearer thinking and improved daily functioning.

Online approaches that emphasize skills and values

Elena commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and modify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, a method often applied to anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and stress-related concerns. She also integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on clarifying personal values and building psychological flexibility to cope with difficult emotions and life changes. When relationship difficulties arise she may draw on client-centered principles and elements of the Gottman Method to improve communication and connection.

Finding the right approach tends to be a collaborative process. She works with each client to explore which techniques fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan over time so that interventions remain relevant and practical for day-to-day life.

Online therapy with Elena is available through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to access consistent support without travel, and they allow sessions to be integrated into busy routines while still focusing on skill-building, coping strategies, and meaningful progress.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?

She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship difficulties, grief, ADHD, bipolar concerns, anger, sleep problems, self-esteem, and coping with life changes.

What is her therapeutic style and approach?

Her style is collaborative and goal-oriented, blending practical skills training with reflective, client-centered exploration to help clients change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.

How long has she practiced clinically?

She has 25 years of experience working in schools, outpatient settings, homes, and independent practice, and has supported clients across a variety of clinical environments.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She holds the LCSW credential with license FL LCSW SW5979 and practices from Florida.

Which languages are available for sessions and can international clients join?

Sessions are offered in English only, and she is not currently accepting international clients.

In what formats are sessions offered?

She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How are sessions paid for and what does cost depend on?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working with her?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

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

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks PhobiasPostpartum 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 issuesYoung 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

Licensed

Florida

Languages

English