Ellen Kessel Phd
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About Me

Treatment Philosophy

As a clinical psychologist, I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety, and relationship issues across the lifespan. My holistic, developmentally-attuned approach recognizes that these challenges are often influenced by the complex interplay of thoughts, emotions, relationships, physical well-being, and the unique circumstances of one’s life – including family, cultural, work, religious and community contexts. I believe it’s crucial to deeply understand these interwoven factors contributing to each person’s experiences and struggles. In some cases, the circumstances themselves may be the primary source of distress, so I aim to compassionately acknowledge and address the root causes to promote meaningful growth and positive change.

It’s important to recognize that our present challenges can be shaped not only by our current circumstances but also by our life history. Sometimes we’ve adjusted to contexts in ways that don’t work in new contexts, and maybe we didn’t realize how difficult that initial context was. My evidence-based approach helps clients gain self-insight, build coping skills, and adaptively navigate life’s challenges. I aim to create a caring, collaborative relationship as the foundation for our work together. By providing a safe space for you to tune into your inner experiences, recognize limiting patterns, and find the courage to live more authentically, I support you in breaking free from the constraints of the past and creating a more fulfilling future. Change can be challenging, but also immensely rewarding, and I am honored to support individuals in leading freer, more fulfilling lives.

I specialize in supporting youth through the formative challenges of adolescence – navigating social pressures, identity exploration, and asserting independence. My approach gives teens a non-judgmental outlet to process experiences and build self-awareness. Using evidence-based therapies, I cultivate insight about relationships, self-acceptance, emotional regulation, assertive communication, and healthy boundaries. Ultimately, I empower self-discovery, resilience, and growth into confident, capable adults.

Education and Training

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship at Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
  • Predoctoral Internship at UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior (APA-accredited)
  • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Stony Brook University (APA- and PCAS-accredited)
  • BA, Columbia University

Research

My research background includes examining the development of mood and anxiety disorders, with a focus on the interplay between biological and environmental factors. My work has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals and funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. You can find my publications on my Google Scholar page .

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Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the importance of understanding, accepting, and transforming emotional experiences. By learning to identify, express, and regulate emotions in healthy ways, individuals can develop greater self-compassion, improve relationships, and experience deep, lasting change. EFT incorporates techniques such as chair work, empathic reflection, and experiential exercises to help clients process and make sense of their emotional experiences.

In therapy, teens can learn effective communication skills, practice asserting their needs, and establish healthy boundaries in their relationships. By developing these skills, teens can improve their interpersonal relationships, advocate for themselves, and foster a sense of safety and well-being.

Therapy provides a supportive space for teens to explore various aspects of their identity, express themselves authentically, and develop self-acceptance and confidence. By affirming their unique identities, teens can build a strong sense of self, which is essential for navigating the challenges of growing up and leading fulfilling lives.

In therapy, teens can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe, non-judgmental space. By processing these experiences with a supportive therapist, they can gain self-awareness, insight, and a clearer understanding of themselves and their relationships, laying the foundation for personal growth and positive change.

Exposure therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps individuals confront their fears and anxieties in a safe and controlled environment. By gradually exposing oneself to feared situations or objects, individuals learn to manage their anxiety and build resilience. Exposure therapy has been proven highly effective in treating various anxiety disorders, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented, short-term treatment approach that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. CBT provides practical tools and strategies to manage symptoms, build resilience, and improve daily functioning. It has been extensively researched and proven effective for treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues.

I have extensive experience helping children and teens navigate the struggles of growing up, such as anxiety, low self-esteem, academic stress, and family conflicts. When working with youth with anxiety disorders, I utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy tailored to their developmental stage, often incorporating parents into the treatment process.

For adolescents in particular, therapy offers a safe place to make sense of their experiences, affirm their identity, and learn to effectively communicate their needs. Drawing from the latest research, I provide a pragmatic, strengths-based approach that empowers young people with the self-awareness and skills to thrive.