- Years in practice
- 20
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- Oregon
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Trauma and abuse
- Focus
- Grief
About Ellen
Ellen Thornton-Love is a licensed clinical social worker in Oregon with two decades of experience. She focuses on helping people who are overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and parenting concerns. Her style is direct and compassionate, centered on listening first and adapting to each person’s situation.
She uses a mix of practical therapies to meet real-life problems. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps uncover and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns.
Background and approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy supports people in clarifying values and taking small steps that matter. Client-centered work keeps the conversation grounded in the client’s experience. Sessions are shaped around what the individual needs most.
Ellen adjusts pacing and techniques so conversations feel useful from the start. She emphasizes clear goals, coping tools, and steady progress rather than jargon or long lists of techniques. Parents who are exhausted, anxious, or grieving often find the focus on everyday strategies helpful.
She also supports people facing trauma, chronic health struggles, caregiver stress, or relationship and family-of-origin questions. Motivational Interviewing and solution-focused strategies are used when people want focused change or clearer next steps. Ellen brings respect, sensitivity, and steady support to each meeting.
She invites people to take a first step, walks alongside them through hard moments, and helps build practical plans for healthier routines and more manageable days.
What Ellen works with
Everything Ellen lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Ellen helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Parenting issues
- Depression
- Attachment issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Communication problems
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Impulsivity
- Midlife crisis
- Money and financial issues
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Postpartum depression
- Post-traumatic stress
- Self-harm
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
Approaches Ellen lists
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Therapeutic approaches and how they work online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck, then identify what matters to them and take small practical steps. It can be useful for anxiety, grief, and chronic stress where values-guided action matters. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through concrete exercises and practice. It is often used for anxiety, panic, and mood concerns.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Ellen will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't helped in the past. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust them as progress is made, aiming for approaches that fit daily life and parenting demands.
Online therapy offers flexibility for people with busy schedules. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when more interaction is helpful. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is low or a quicker check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging let people send brief updates, try coaching between sessions, or keep therapy active when time is limited. These options make it easier to fit therapy into parenting routines, work breaks, or medical appointments.
Questions people ask about Ellen
What concerns does Ellen commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and parenting issues. Additional areas include attachment, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and postpartum challenges.
What is her general therapeutic style?
Her approach is warm and goal-oriented, blending client-centered listening with practical strategies. Sessions aim to build clear steps people can try between meetings.
How much experience does she have?
She has 20 years of professional experience providing clinical support in a range of concerns from trauma to mood disorders.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds an LCSW credential and practices in Oregon.
Which languages are supported and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Therapy is offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on therapist availability.
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