About Me

I’m Ellette, a mental health clinician with over three years of experience supporting individuals, children, and families navigating trauma, relational stress, and identity development. My journey toward psychology was shaped by both personal and generational experiences. Growing up in a family with complex emotional dynamics and evolving relational roles, I became deeply interested in how people form connections, cope with challenges, and care for one another. From an early age, I found myself attuned to the emotional undercurrents around me, sparking a lasting curiosity about how relationships and identity are formed. This curiosity, combined with my appreciation for both the scientific and human aspects of psychology, continues to guide my clinical work. I specialize in psychodynamic and trauma-informed care, with a focus on attachment, early relational trauma, and the systemic and cultural factors influencing emotional development. Whether working with youth, adults, or families, my goal is to create collaborative, nonjudgmental spaces where clients can explore their inner worlds, reconnect with their strengths, and build more secure, compassionate relationships with themselves and others.

Therapeutic Approach

As a psychodynamic clinician, I focus on how unconscious processes and early relationships influence present-day emotional experiences. Therapy, for me, is a collaborative process where we explore both verbal and nonverbal cues to connect past relational patterns with current challenges. I am particularly interested in how trauma, attachment injuries, and systemic stressors—such as financial barriers, societal stigma, and cultural disconnection—shape psychological development and the therapeutic relationship. While psychodynamic theory anchors my practice, I integrate mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral techniques, narrative therapy, and play-based interventions to address each client’s unique needs. With children and families, I often use art, play, and storytelling to facilitate emotional expression, foster secure attachment, and encourage problem-solving. Ultimately, I believe healing happens within relationships, where new experiences of safety and trust can bring about transformation.

Credentials and Experience

I earned my Master’s Degree in Psychology from George Washington University and am currently pursuing advanced doctoral training in psychodynamic therapy and relational trauma. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a variety of clinical settings—including community mental health, schools, and nonprofit organizations. At The Women’s Center, I supported clients dealing with complex trauma, anxiety, and identity-related challenges, deepening my appreciation for the resilience people demonstrate in the face of adversity. I’ve also been fortunate to study under mentors who helped me explore how broader social, political, and cultural systems shape attachment and the therapeutic relationship. My current doctoral research focuses on how the therapeutic dyad itself can become a space for healing, particularly through practices like therapist self-disclosure, which can foster trust and secure attachments. My work is rooted in trauma, dissociation, and attachment, with a commitment to developing culturally responsive, non-pathologizing approaches that honor each client’s lived experiences. I am dedicated to providing ethical, evidence-informed care that respects the unique strengths and challenges of every individual I work with.

Outside the Therapy Room

Outside of therapy, I’m a storyteller and creative thinker at heart. Before entering this field, I spent time video editing—blending music and visuals to capture emotion and tell stories. That creative energy still fuels my work today. I believe curiosity, humor, and imagination are powerful tools for connection and healing. When I’m not working, you’ll often find me walking in nature, revisiting animation projects, or getting lost in a good story. Whether through art, movement, or meaningful conversation, I’m always exploring new ways to understand the world—and help others do the same.