Ellen Kessel Phd
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Welcome to Ellen Kessel, PhD | Psychological Services. By accessing or using https://kesselpsych.com/ (“Website”), you agree to comply with the following Terms of Service. If you do not agree, please do not use this website.

1. Services Provided

This website provides general information about psychological services offered by Ellen Kessel, PhD. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

2. Use of the Website

You may use this website for personal, non-commercial purposes. You agree not to engage in any activity that could harm the website, its functionality, or other users. Unauthorized use, including attempting to gain access to restricted areas, is prohibited.

3. No Client-Provider Relationship

Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient or therapist-client relationship. Communication via contact forms, emails, or phone does not create a therapeutic relationship unless explicitly confirmed.

4. Appointment Scheduling and Payments

If appointment scheduling or payments are facilitated through this website, they are subject to separate policies. Any fees, cancellation terms, or payment processing terms will be clearly outlined at the time of booking.

5. Privacy and Confidentiality

Personal information submitted through this website is handled according to our Privacy Policy. However, online communications may not be fully secure, and users should exercise caution when sharing sensitive information.

6. Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, logos, graphics, and images, is the intellectual property of Ellen Kessel, PhD or licensed third parties. You may not copy, modify, or distribute any content without permission.

7. Third-Party Links

This website may contain links to third-party websites for convenience. We do not endorse or control these websites and are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

8. Disclaimer of Liability

This website is provided on an “as-is” basis. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising from your use of this website.

9. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms of Service at any time. Continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

10. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of [Insert State or Jurisdiction]. Any disputes arising from the use of this website will be resolved in the applicable courts of that jurisdiction.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us here.

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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.