Elena Spanos, LCSW

Elena Spanos is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, trauma, grief, ADHD, bipolar concerns, sleep problems, and anger. She focuses on practical steps that make daily life easier. Elena aims to help people find relief and clearer direction so they can move forward with more confidence.

She uses straightforward conversations and goal-focused work. Sessions look at thoughts and behaviors that get in the way and build skills to respond differently. Elena often draws on cognitive-behavioral ideas, mindfulness, and client-centered listening to shape personalized plans.

Her background includes a Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Florida. She earned an Associate in Science in Human Services Technology from Hillsborough Community College and has maintained a Florida LCSW since 2000. Her clinical history spans schools, home-based care, outpatient settings, couples work, and several years supporting Military Families.

Elena helps people facing family conflict, blended family adjustments, caregiving stress, chronic illness, body image concerns, abandonment issues, and the emotional fallout of divorce or domestic violence. She also supports those coping with cancer, aging issues, chronic pain, and disaster-related stress.

In sessions she aims for clear, manageable steps. Conversations include skill practice, problem solving, and checking what actually works in day-to-day life. People who want steady, experienced guidance for real problems often choose this approach.

Therapeutic approaches that translate online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on helping people accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that match their values. It can help with anxiety, stress, and coping during life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. It is commonly used for depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the client to match methods to their goals and day-to-day needs. That may mean trying different tools and adjusting the plan based on what proves useful in real life.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people use mindfulness and skills practice in the environment where problems happen. Ask about formats and scheduling when you complete the matching questionnaire so you can pick what fits your routine.