Profile / United States
Elena Spanos, LCSW
Florida
LCSW - Stress and relationship concerns
See online therapy options- CBT techniques
- ACT and mindfulness
- Skill-based DBT
About Elena
Elena Spanos is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with 25 years of practice in Florida. She helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship problems, anger, ADHD, trauma and abuse, sleep difficulties, low self-esteem, bipolar symptoms, and life transitions.
She focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and testing different ways of responding. Sessions are practical and structured, with clear steps to try between meetings. Elena uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as one of her core approaches alongside acceptance and mindfulness-based methods.
Her training includes an Associate in Science in Human Services Technology, a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Social Work with a clinical focus from Michigan State University. She has worked in schools, homes, outpatient clinics, and private practice since 2002.
Elena often combines client-centered conversation with skill-based work from DBT and ACT when appropriate. She also uses methods that address relationship patterns and communication when couples or partners need focused help. The work emphasizes small, practical changes that reduce daily distress.
People typically leave sessions with concrete things to try at home. She encourages tracking how new responses affect mood and relationships. This helps shape the next steps and keeps the work grounded in everyday life.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Elena uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice automatic thoughts, test them, and practice different behaviors. CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and difficulties with daily routines. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is used to clarify values and build committed action despite uncomfortable thoughts or feelings. ACT can help with grief, chronic stress, and life changes. Client-Centered Therapy provides a listening, nonjudgmental space where the client's own goals guide the pace and focus of work.Choosing the right approach is part of the process. Elena treats therapy as a collaboration - she and the client assess what feels most useful based on the client’s goals, preferences, and what emerges in early sessions. Plans can shift as needed when a technique does or does not help.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow quicker check-ins when needed. It also lets people try skill practice in real-life contexts between meetings. Talk with Elena about practical logistics and which ways of meeting will fit your routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Florida
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does she commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and communication problems, anger, ADHD, trauma and related concerns listed in the profile.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is practical and structured. She focuses on noticing thoughts and behaviors and trying alternative responses between sessions.
What background does she bring to sessions?
She has 25 years of experience and has worked in schools, homes, outpatient settings, and private practice since 2002.
What are her credentials and location?
She is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) licensed in Florida and practices there.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule 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 you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.