Alan Ellias

Alan Ellias is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Michigan with 20 years of part-time psychotherapy experience. He earned a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University in 1995 and worked in schools and community mental health settings before retiring from full-time school work in 2022.

His background includes crisis-line volunteering and roles in emergency services, along with part-time work in private practice and community counseling centers. Over the years he has supported people facing depression, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, trauma and abuse, and challenges related to ADHD and OCD. He also lists hospice and end-of-life counseling among his focus areas.

Sessions are guided by a warm, nonjudgmental style. He aims to listen carefully, suggest options, and help people open up new ways of thinking. He emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion and avoids stigmatizing labels.

Clinically he draws from cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approaches. He explains how thoughts influence feelings and actions, and helps people try different ways of thinking and behaving to produce change.

Alan positions therapy as a collaborative process. He tailors session plans to each person’s needs and goals. If someone is ready to explore change, he offers steady support and practical guidance to help them move forward.

How his approaches shape online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on helping people accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that fit their values. This approach can be useful for anxiety, stress, and coping with major life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. CBT is commonly used for depression, anxiety, and anger. Client-Centered Therapy centers the person’s experience and emphasizes empathy and active listening to help people find their own solutions.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will collaborate with each person to figure out which methods fit their needs, goals and preferences. Sessions can blend these approaches so work feels tailored rather than one-size-fits-all.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It can also make it simpler to maintain continuity of care during life transitions, while the therapist and client decide together which pacing and methods suit the work ahead.