Elena Spanos, LCSW
Practical, collaborative therapy for real-life change
- 25 years of experience
- Evidence based therapy tools
- Support for individuals couples
About Elena Spanos
Elena Spanos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 25 years of experience helping people identify practical ways to move forward through life’s challenges. Her work is centered on collaborating with each client to explore what feels stuck, understand patterns in thoughts and behavior, and build skills that support steadier coping and a stronger sense of meaning in day-to-day life. While therapy is rarely a quick fix, she focuses on creating a supportive space where concerns can be addressed with clarity, patience, and realistic goals.
Clients may seek her support during a difficult season or when they are ready for meaningful change. Elena welcomes individuals and couples facing a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, anger, ADHD, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep concerns, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and major life transitions. She also works with concerns such as abandonment, aging and geriatric issues, blended family dynamics, body image, cancer-related stress, caregiver strain, chronic pain and disability, codependency, commitment and communication issues, control concerns, coping after natural or human-caused disaster, divorce and separation, domestic violence, and feelings of emptiness.
Her education includes an Associate in Science degree in Human Services Technology from Hillsborough Community College (1993), a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Social Work specializing in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. She became licensed in 2000 and began private practice work in 2002, with additional experience providing therapy in schools, homes, outpatient settings, and with couples and military families. Elena draws from established approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and the Gottman Method to support clients in creating lasting, workable change.
Clients may seek her support during a difficult season or when they are ready for meaningful change. Elena welcomes individuals and couples facing a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, anger, ADHD, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep concerns, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and major life transitions. She also works with concerns such as abandonment, aging and geriatric issues, blended family dynamics, body image, cancer-related stress, caregiver strain, chronic pain and disability, codependency, commitment and communication issues, control concerns, coping after natural or human-caused disaster, divorce and separation, domestic violence, and feelings of emptiness.
Her education includes an Associate in Science degree in Human Services Technology from Hillsborough Community College (1993), a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Social Work specializing in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. She became licensed in 2000 and began private practice work in 2002, with additional experience providing therapy in schools, homes, outpatient settings, and with couples and military families. Elena draws from established approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and the Gottman Method to support clients in creating lasting, workable change.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSleeping disordersSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Gottman Method Mindfulness Therapy Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Elena Spanos have?
Elena Spanos has 25 years of experience as a therapist.
Is Elena Spanos a licensed therapist?
Yes. Elena Spanos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida (FL LCSW SW5979).
In which languages does Elena Spanos provide therapy?
Elena Spanos provides therapy in English.
Where is Elena Spanos located?
Elena Spanos is located in Florida.
How can I work with Elena Spanos as my therapist?
You can work with Elena Spanos through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. This flexibility can make it easier to get support in a way that fits your schedule and comfort level.
Does Elena Spanos work with international clients?
No. Elena Spanos does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Elena Spanos cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapy Approaches That Translate Well to Online Care
Elena Spanos draws from structured, skills-based approaches that can work especially well in online therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on noticing unhelpful thought patterns and experimenting with new ways of responding, which can be useful for concerns like anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep difficulties. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes practical tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and communication, supporting people who feel overwhelmed, reactive, or stuck in repeated conflict patterns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients make room for difficult thoughts and feelings while taking steps toward what matters most, which can be helpful during major life changes, grief, or ongoing stress.Finding the right approach is part of the process. Elena works collaboratively with clients to clarify goals, understand what has and has not helped in the past, and choose strategies that fit personal preferences, relationships, and daily demands. Therapy can be adjusted over time as needs change and new insights emerge.
Online therapy also offers practical flexibility. Clients can meet by video call or phone session, or use live chat and text-based messaging when scheduling or comfort makes that a better fit. This range of options can make it easier to stay consistent, get support between sessions, and integrate therapy tools into real life.