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Elena Spanos

Elena Spanos, LCSW

Therapist in Florida

Calm, practical therapy for life changes

Continue with Elena

Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementDepressionADHD

Also works with

Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSleeping 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 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 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

Credentials

Florida

Languages

English

  • Trauma-aware approach
  • Practical coping skills
  • Relationship focus

About Elena

Elena Spanos, LCSW, helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, depression, and life transitions. She draws on 25 years of clinical work to help clients find practical ways to feel steadier in daily life. Elena aims to uncover patterns that hold someone back and to develop steps that lead to change and relief.

She uses down-to-earth conversation and concrete tools rather than jargon. Sessions focus on what is most pressing for the person in front of her - whether that is mood, sleep, anger, or coping after loss. Elena combines listening with exercises people can practice between visits to build momentum and reduce overwhelm.

Elena trained in social work, earning a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Florida. She has worked in schools, outpatient settings, and homes, and has experience supporting couples and military families during her career.

Her clinical approach blends Client-Centered methods with cognitive and behavioral strategies. She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Gottman Method ideas for relationships, and mindfulness practices to help people manage thoughts and emotions.

Sessions are offered in English and are based in Florida. Elena emphasizes collaboration - she and the client set goals together and adjust the plan as needed. To begin, she guides people through practical steps so therapy fits into a busy life.

How therapy approaches shape online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that align with their values. It is useful for anxiety, stress, and feeling stuck. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying thought and behavior patterns that keep problems going, then practicing new ways of thinking and acting to reduce symptoms. The Gottman Method concentrates on practical skills for improving communication and resolving recurring relationship problems.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Elena collaborates with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That choice can change as progress is made, and sessions often combine techniques from different approaches to meet needs in a given week.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, shorten travel time, and allow a quieter hour without rearranging an entire day. Video lets therapists and clients read expressions and practice communication skills together, while phone sessions can be a simpler check-in when bandwidth or scheduling is tight. Licensed professionals adapt tools from ACT, CBT, and Gottman work so people can practice skills between sessions and carry changes into daily life.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of difficulties does Elena help with?

She helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship problems, grief, sleep issues, ADHD, bipolar concerns, and coping with life changes.

What is her therapy style like?

Her style is straightforward and collaborative, mixing listening with practical exercises. Sessions focus on concrete steps people can use between meetings.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 25 years of experience working in a range of settings, including schools, outpatient clinics, and home-based care.

What credentials and location are listed?

She holds a Master of Social Work and is a Florida LCSW practicing in Florida.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the U.S. work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are session costs handled?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

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Elena SpanosReview online therapy options on BetterHelp.

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