ABOUT ELLEN

Ellen Klavan, LMFT

I am a licensed psychotherapist and a certified Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) couples counselor.  Before becoming a therapist, while raising my kids, I wrote books and articles about work and family life, specializing in parenting.  When my children were older, I attended graduate school at Antioch University in Santa Barbara. I opened my first private practice there in 2007.

My approach to therapy is collaborative. That is, in addition to listening respectfully and encouraging a deep exploration of your experiences and concerns, I will give you feedback. I’m not here to tell you what to do but I will tell you what I see happening and what things I think could help. I will actively support you in your journey. And I invite and encourage you to give me your feedback and let me know what you do or don’t like about what we are doing and what you are needing from therapy.

A few years into my counseling practice I realized that while I was grounded in individual therapy my work with couples wasn’t as effective as I wanted it to be. Clients made progress, their heated battles calmed down, but we weren’t getting into the deeper sources of their distress to make lasting systemic change. Looking for a way to enhance my success with couples, I was drawn to the integrity, humanism, and proven results of EFT.  I embarked on a rigorous training program and was certified in this model.

Recently Sue Johnson, the founder of EFT couples therapy, has developed EFIT, a complementary model for individual clients.  I have completed the trainings in this model and am using it in my work with individuals.

In May 2021 I moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where I am closer to my children and grandchildren.  I’m loving getting to know this vibrant area and being part of the local community of therapists.  I am still licensed in California and continue to see clients there remotely.  In Virginia, I am following local guidelines regarding seeing clients in person and remotely.

MEMBERSHIPS:

• California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
• Los Angeles Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy (LACEFT)
• International Centre For Excellence In Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).