About me

My goal as a therapist working in the profession for the past 25 years has been to find solutions that work for your child or young adult, helping them to discover the true potential of their life or enjoy their life, so everyday can be a celebration and feel like a breath of fresh air. There may be no magic button or quick-fix solution when it comes to therapy but we can work together to find comfort and resolve in the difficult areas of your child's life and the challenges they have to face. Through various techniques and long standing approaches with proven results, I will be able to determine what behavior and/or thoughts might be holding them back from living their best life.

Whether you are looking for support or guidance for your child through a particularly difficult time or want for them to work toward improving a difficult issue in their life, we can work to meet the goals that you and your child have. I can work with your child to deal with any type of behavioral or emotional issue from depression, anxiety, divorce issues, and everything in between.

I graduated from Hillsborough Community College in 1993 with an Associate in Science Degree in Human Services Technology. I continued my education at the University of South Florida and earned a Bachelor of Social Work Degree. I also have a Master of Social Work Degree specializing in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. In 2000 I became a licensed therapist and began working in private practice in 2002. My past work experience includes working as a therapist in schools, homes, outpatient settings, as well as couples and Military Families for several years.

Lastly, the treatment approaches that I frequently utilize are Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Trauma Focused Therapy.

I hope you allow me the opportunity to work with your child!

Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Family conflicts
  • Anger management
  • Depression
  • ADHD
Also experienced in:
Relationship issues , Trauma and abuse , Grief , Sleeping disorders , Self esteem , Bipolar disorder , Coping with life changes , Abandonment , Aging and geriatric issues , Blended family issues , Body image , Cancer , Read more...

Clinical approaches:
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

Years of Experience: 25

Services offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

FL LCSW SW5979

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Elena Spanos. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with Teen Counseling might be different.

Written on Dec 16, 2024 after therapy with Elena for 2 years and 3 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes

My therapist listens to me and when I don’t reach out, she reaches out to me. I appreciate that.

Written on Sep 06, 2024 after therapy with Elena for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, anger management, and coping with life changes

I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for Elena and the outstanding support she has provided me. Elena consistently goes above and beyond to check in on how I am doing, demonstrating genuine care and commitment. I truly admire the way she accommodates my schedule, making it easier for me to seek the help I need.
Her patience and understanding have made such a positive impact on my journey, especially during times when I have had to cancel appointments. Rather than becoming frustrated, Elena has shown nothing but compassion and continued support, which has encouraged me to stay engaged in my therapeutic process.
Her extensive knowledge in her field shines through in every session, and I feel truly fortunate to have her as my therapist. For anyone considering therapy, I wholeheartedly recommend Elena. She creates a safe and welcoming environment where healing and growth are possible. Thank you, Elena, for all that you do!

Written on Jun 03, 2024 after therapy with Elena for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship

She’s a great listener and provides great ideas and feedback

Written on May 22, 2024 after therapy with Elena for 1 month on issues concerning relationship

Working with Elena is a pleasure Not only because she helps me to identify my choices, but also helps me to come down to the basic ideas and fundamentals that I’m working from. She is introducing a lot of different tools that I can use for various reasons and they have been very helpful.

Written on May 20, 2024 after therapy with Elena for 2 weeks on issues concerning anger management

Only one lesson in so far but she is an excellent listener, very comfortable to talk to, and has me on a positive path to help me work through my concerns.

Written on Mar 14, 2024 after therapy with Elena for 2 weeks

My daughter has only experienced two sessions with Elena but from the start her communication, her thoughtfulness in providing guidance and resources has been a breath of fresh air.

Written on Mar 12, 2024 after therapy with Elena for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and grief

She is the absolute BEST therapist iv ever worked with, you can tell she genuinely cares about her patients, im truly glad to be working with her she’s helped me tremendously

Written on Feb 05, 2024 after therapy with Elena for 2 weeks

Elena has been so helpful to us. She genuinely listens to concerns and is giving us tools for improvement. She answers back promptly when messaged and seems to truly care, she's great.

Written on Jan 29, 2024 after therapy with Elena for 8 months on issues concerning relationship

Elena has been amazing. She is very respectful and incredibly knowledgeable. I love working with her.

Written on Jan 15, 2024 after therapy with Elena for 4 months on issues concerning relationship

Elena provided a neutral space for me to talk about things that were bothering me in my marriage and I felt my husband heard me more in that environment.

Written on Oct 31, 2023 after therapy with Elena for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship

Overall I have had a good experience with Elena. She allows me to express myself and is good about making me feel heard and asks questions that let me know she is actively listening.
She also challenges me on my ideas and feelings which can be frustrating but is necessary so we don't just live in our delusions. I don't just want to be affirmed, I want help in figuring things out and so far Elena has been good with that.

Written on Oct 04, 2023 after therapy with Elena for 4 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes

Elena has been a blessing to work with. Very attentive and thoughtful. I’m happy to have had her help me get through things.

Written on Sep 15, 2023 after therapy with Elena for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and adhd

Very caring and listens to me with attentiveness. Shows up on time and always gives me something to work towards for the next session. Great therapist

Written on Jul 09, 2023 after therapy with Elena for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd

Just started my Therapy Ms. Elena Spanos has been kind and supporting.

Written on Jun 04, 2023 after therapy with Elena for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd

Elena is incredible, she’s supportive, patient, and gives great advice, I cant recommend her enough.

Written on May 28, 2023 after therapy with Elena for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd

Elena has been excellent. I will recommend her to anyone that mentions they are looking for a therapist. I feel like my sessions have been very helpful for what I need.

Written on May 24, 2023 after therapy with Elena for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, and self esteem

Great listener- projects positive thoughts and solutions.

Written on May 22, 2023 after therapy with Elena for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd

Elena Spanos was great. She helped me when I had a lot of emotions going on. I respect her, she didn't always tell me what I wanted to hear, but what i needed to hear. She checked on me, when i tuned out.
I will keep her name for future.

Written on May 11, 2023 after therapy with Elena for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, anger management, coaching, and adhd

Elena is wonderful! Soothing voice, understanding, and knowledgeable is a great way to describe her. She has helped me tremendously, and for that I’m grateful.

Written on Apr 27, 2023 after therapy with Elena for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship

Our 1st session was insightful. Looking forward to working with her :)

Written on Mar 20, 2023 after therapy with Elena for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue

Elena Spanos is supportive and compassionate

Written on Mar 09, 2023 after therapy with Elena for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, family conflicts, and adhd

She’s amazing and I don’t ever feel judged.

Written on Feb 11, 2023 after therapy with Elena for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, and self esteem

Sessions with Elena have been a beacon of light in the past three and a half months of my life. Client-provider fit is critical to the success of your health journey, and I am lucky to get matched with Elena. I was not very impressed with my first match and requested a change of therapist and teencounseling.com sent me a list of therapists. Elena's bio spoke to me and her sessions reflected what I felt reading her bio. She is truly caring and I felt very comfortable telling her my mind. My personal growth has been accelerated thanks to her being my therapist.

Written on Dec 30, 2022 after therapy with Elena for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and career difficulties

Elena was great! I liked that I was able to talk without feeling judged. She listened and asked questions which is what I needed to feel validated. I appreciate all the help she gave me and I’ve already felt better despite going through changes in my relationship.

Written on Dec 21, 2022 after therapy with Elena for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and adhd

Thank you for helping me with this journey

Written on Dec 02, 2022 after therapy with Elena for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, anger management, and coping with life changes

Ms. Spanos has helped me tremendously in the few sessions that we have had. She is an excellent listener, she has produced results and has calmed down my pain and anger. Thank you!!!

Written on Nov 18, 2022 after therapy with Elena for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and coping with life changes

She's great!

Written on Nov 04, 2022 after therapy with Elena for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd

Elena has just helped me sort through some though emotions and always makes me feel like I have a safe space when I talk to her.

Written on Oct 27, 2022 after therapy with Elena for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd

Today is one month and my monthly session. I cannot express my happiness in words to show my successful rehabilitation in the physical and mental health. A month ago I was confined to my bed. Every time I got up I would experience electrical shocks and burning in my back, butt and legs. My legs were swollen with edema and my anxiety was off the scale. Then I started my therapy. It is hard work and very slow. However my progress is like a line going at 20, 40, 60, 80 degrees upwards and now I can relax and walk with a cane and compression socks over the knee. My pain is 90% diminished because I am learning to live with the pain and practice CBT constantly. Without your help I would still be debilitated and anxious depressed and completely in a terrible state. Off I go to the future with the sun at my back nd the winds moving with me not against me. Life is beautiful again

Written on Sep 26, 2022 after therapy with Elena for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts

I look forward to each and one of my sessions with her I feel a sense of relief I feel that I'm going to achieve the goal that I'm looking for and I'm very comfortable speaking with her she's awesome.

Written on Aug 22, 2022 after therapy with Elena for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, anger management, and coping with life changes

I’m happy to say that Elena is a wonderful counselor. I have full confidence in her expertise. I feel she really listens to me. I also feel she is supremely skilled at supporting me and gently guiding me in setting my own goals of therapy, offering helpful ideas and methods to attain my behavioral goals. She’s respectful of my time and feelings. I feel safe talking to her. She has really good ideas too.

Written on Aug 04, 2022 after therapy with Elena for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and coaching

Elena is fantastuc! Highly recommended

Written on Aug 03, 2022 after therapy with Elena for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes

I feel lucky to be able to work with Elena! I have had a handful of sessions with her and am feeling an improvement.

Work with me!