Meet Ellen McDow of Chandler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen McDow.

Hi Ellen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My therapist in college was the first to suggest professional counseling as a career path for me. I was shocked by the suggestion because I didn’t feel confident that I could support others this way. But she saw something in me that I grew to see in myself. Over the next couple of years, the idea sank in. I decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling. I wanted to make a positive difference in the world by helping people process their emotional pain. I knew my clients trusted me with some of the most meaningful parts of their lives, and I wanted to be competent. I completed graduate school and always favored work environments that provided additional training and ongoing education. I started my practice in Chandler in December 2021. To this day, I’m blown away by how much I’ve grown since college and that I get to do this work that I love. I enjoy helping my clients embrace the wisdom of their emotions, clear their trauma, and create healthier lives.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some parts were smooth, but there were obstacles. A big one was my self-confidence. I learned that continuing to show up every day, do my best, and keep gaining experience was the way to increase my confidence. In the behavioral health field, there is a lot of “trial by fire.” This meant that early in my career, I regularly encountered situations where I did not know what to do. I had great supervisors and colleagues who helped me through tough moments.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Overall, I specialize in relationship issues. In particular, I help individuals and couples process and recover from difficult relationship dynamics. Any difficult relationship, whether with a family member, friend, romantic partner, work contact, etc., can negatively impact health. I understand the complicated nuances of these dynamics and can help people identify unhealthy patterns and healthy ways to meet their needs. Trauma symptoms usually surface in our relationships. My trauma and relationship training complement each other well. Clients benefit from my expertise in relationship dynamics, and a couple benefits from my expertise in trauma.

Clients often feel bad about what they’re struggling with. Given everything they’ve been through, I can communicate how their struggles make sense. A big part of my job is facilitating tough, honest conversations and making it safe for clients to feel hard things. I’m most proud of becoming someone who can create this kind of environment. I’ve done the hard work of regulating my nervous system to be able to show up in this way for my clients.

I am certified in two evidence-based therapies, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples). Evidence-based means there is a lot of research to validate the therapy’s effectiveness. Going through a rigorous certification process means that my work has been evaluated as meeting a high standard of care. Not many therapists pursue certification in more than one type of therapy.

I serve as the Training Director for Externship & Core Skills. Externship and Core Skills are foundational EFT training, and I enjoy coordinating volunteers and helping with practice role plays. I also volunteer as a board member for AZEFT, the Arizona Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’ve been fortunate in my educational and networking opportunities. The Phoenix area has strong EMDR and EFT communities. I’m grateful to be supported by so many strong colleagues and mentors and to have access to quality, local training. As for bad luck, I’ve had traumatic experiences that have sometimes impacted my ability to function. I had access to therapy and other supports that got me through these times. Although they were some of the most difficult moments of my life, they gave me more understanding of others suffering. Truly, this is what my work is all about–turning pain into meaning.

Pricing:

• Intake appointment (first session): $175 per hour
• Couples therapy session: $160 per hour
• Individual therapy session: $140 per hour

Contact Info:

• Website: www.findclaritywithellen.com
• Instagram: @findclaritywithellen
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/EllenMcDowLPC
• Other: TikTok: @find_clarity_with_ellen

Image Credits
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