Profile / United States
Elaine Dern, LCSW
California
LCSW - Relationships and life changes
See online therapy options- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Client-Centered approach
- Communication skills
About Elaine
Elaine Dern is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 29 years of experience helping people through relationship strain, family concerns, low self-esteem, depression, and major life changes. She focuses on concrete steps clients can try to reduce distress and improve daily functioning.
She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and test different responses. She also draws on client-centered methods that prioritize the client's perspective and goals. Sessions typically include practical skill-building, problem solving, and clear next steps to practice between meetings.
Elaine helps people who are struggling with communication problems at home or work. She addresses mood-related issues and offers ways to manage workplace stress and financial worries. Her approach breaks problems into manageable parts and looks for small, repeatable changes that add up over time.
She encourages focused work on personal purpose and values when clients feel stuck or uncertain about next steps. Conversations look at patterns that keep problems going and ways to try new behaviors. Progress is measured in terms of what feels different in everyday life.
Her style is straightforward and collaborative. Clients can expect clear explanations, practical homework, and discussion of what methods are working or need changing. To begin, people are asked to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule an initial session.
How her CBT and client-centered work translate to online sessions
Elaine uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients notice thought patterns and try different behaviors. CBT sessions focus on concrete skills - tracking thoughts, testing small changes, and reviewing what worked. This approach is suited to issues like low mood, unhelpful beliefs, and communication problems. Client-Centered Therapy is about listening to each person's perspective and letting their goals shape the work. That method supports exploring life purpose, relationship questions, and choices about work or money. Together these approaches give practical techniques and room for the client to set priorities. Finding the right mix of methods is part of the process. Elaine will work with clients to choose approaches based on their goals and what feels useful. That collaborative planning means sessions can shift toward skills practice, problem solving, or deeper reflection as needed. Confirm current session options before booking so you know which formats are offered. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a weekday break, reduce travel time, or allow a shorter check-in when needed. Talk with Elaine about how to structure meetings so they fit daily life and support steady, practical progress.Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
29+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she address most often?
She focuses on relationship difficulties, family concerns, self-esteem problems, depression, and coping with life changes. Additional work covers communication problems, workplace and money stress, and mood issues.
How does she use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
CBT is used to identify unhelpful thoughts and test new ways of responding. Sessions include practical exercises and homework to try between meetings.
What is her professional background?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 29 years of clinical experience working with adult clients on interpersonal and mood concerns.
Where is she licensed and based?
She holds an LCSW credential in California and practices with that credential within the state.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing is provided during booking.
What are the steps to start working with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session. That begins the intake and planning conversation.
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 you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.