- Cognitive behavioral techniques
- Mindfulness practices
- Client-centered listening
About Alan
Alan Ellias is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Michigan with about 20 years of part-time psychotherapy experience. He trained at Wayne State University and has worked in school settings, crisis services, and small private practice. He helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship strain, anger, parenting challenges, and other life transitions.
Before retiring from full-time school work in 2022, he spent years on crisis lines and emergency services. That background means he is familiar with short-term crisis work and longer-term counseling. He has worked with people who experienced emotional or physical trauma and those navigating caregiving and hospice issues.
His style is straightforward and interactive. He listens without judgment, suggests options, and challenges unhelpful thinking when needed. He frames problems in terms of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses that link to help people change unhelpful patterns.
Clinically he draws on cognitive behavioral ideas, psychodynamic perspectives, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client-centered methods, and mindfulness practices. Sessions often include talking through situations, noticing thought patterns, and practicing small changes to daily behavior.
He also offers support around career questions, LGBT concerns, ADHD-related struggles, intimacy issues, infidelity, phobias, and compassion fatigue. People seeking help with anger, boundary-setting, or coping skills may find his practical approach useful.
How his approaches work for online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and taking small steps toward them while learning to accept uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. It is often used when people want to reduce struggling with emotions and act more consistently with what matters to them.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people notice and test unhelpful thoughts and then try behavioral changes to shift feelings and results. It is practical for anxiety, anger, depression, and repetitive thinking patterns.
Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and respect so the person can lead the pace and direction of work. It can help people feel heard and make decisions about changes they want to try.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences. That choice can change over time as issues evolve.
If you plan to work online, confirm the current session options before you book. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a weekday routine, shorten check-ins when schedules are tight, or avoid travel for appointments. These practical benefits help many people keep momentum between sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, anger, parenting challenges, career problems, ADHD, trauma and related concerns.
How would you describe his therapy style?
His style is interactive and nonjudgmental. He listens, suggests options, and helps people notice how thoughts influence feelings and behavior.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has about 20 years of part-time psychotherapy experience, including work in schools, crisis lines, emergency services, and private practice.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker - practicing in Michigan.
Does he offer sessions in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.