Ellen has received two master's degrees in social work and healthcare administration and began her career opening inpatient, psychiatric hospitals for children and young adults in Detroit. From there. She started the mental health matters instrument care program at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan.

While raising two sets of twins, she decided to enter the field of clinical psychotherapy. She worked contract actually for the Henry Ford health care system and went on to open her own practice over the last 20 years. She currently has her own practice in Bloomfield Hills and visits with clients frequently with her handy companion Baxter. (That's her dog.) 

She is the corporate therapist for the Bedrock Detroit management company. She is currently on the board of directors of the Detroit Jewish Family Services Group and enjoys volunteering her time.

Ellen began to realize as she was treating more people dealing with depression and anxiety during the pandemic that some of the responses were similar to the model that Elizabeth Kubler Ross presented in 1969 called the Five Stages of Grief. People were in a sense "mourning" the loss of a way of life.

Looking for the silver lining she has notice some families taking advantage of the oppotunity to stay together and learn to work through their conflict. Parents are finding the extra time spent with their children in virtual learning as an opportunity to get to know them better. Parents are coming up with ways to help their children socially interact with friends while keeping them safe in groups called PODS. 

Although it has been disruptive to many relationships, Ellen is also finding ways that it is improving relationships as well.

Many people have been forced into a new work situation. Whether it is a hybrid, work from home, or some other approach due to COVID-19 Ellen shares some tips and practical steps for adjusting to the new normal.

As a therapist, before the pandemic, was never a fan of teletherapy. She believed it wouldn't provide the same level of service that face to face could provide, but she has proved herself wrong and now finds it to be very effective. 

Ways to improve your mental health during the pandemic:

1. Focus on the things that you can be grateful rather than you've lost
2. Try not to live in fear
3. Spend more time talking to other people
4. Be more validating of what others have lost
5. Find ways to help others
6. Learn to live with less
7. Be a good citizen
8. Make an effort to connect with others (they can't see your smile behind your mask.)

Tips for reaching out to get help today

• Google for therapists in your area
• Check out physcologytoday.com
• The department of social services has resources for mental health by county