Ellie Mental Health of Naples

07/30/2025

Today, on , we hold space for the losses that changed us— the ones we speak of often and the ones we carry quietly.

Whether your grief is fresh or decades old, visible or invisible, your pain is real. We're thinking of you today.

Here are some tips and book recommendations from one of our therapists for helping kids navigate grief and loss.

07/28/2025

Ever zoned out during a meeting, driven somewhere and not remembered how you got there, or felt totally disconnected in a stressful moment?

These aren’t just quirks.... they can be signs of dissociation, a powerful and often misunderstood coping mechanism.

In therapy spaces, we talk about dissociation often. But outside of them, people may not recognize it or know what to do when it shows up. For folks with trauma histories, dissociation isn’t just occasional spacing out—it’s the nervous system protecting itself when things feel too overwhelming to process.

➡️ In this new blog post, Ellie therapist Miranda Barker, LICSW, breaks down:
- What dissociation actually is (and isn’t)
- Why the body uses it as a survival response
- How trauma-informed approaches like EMDR, parts work, and somatic therapy can help
- Practical grounding strategies that reconnect people to the present

Whether you're a clinician, a mental health advocate, or someone who’s felt disconnected and didn’t have a word for it—this is worth the read.

🔗 Check it out here: https://elliementalhealth.com/feeling-disconnected-a-therapists-guide-to-understanding-dissociation/

🎧 Bonus: Watch this related podcast episode featuring trauma therapist Amy Wilkerson, LICSW, for more insights. https://youtu.be/2Cxr5KB8Atg?si=p-mTzj5ZgGmwveOx

Explore how dissociation serves as a trauma coping mechanism and discover therapeutic approaches for healing.

07/25/2025

🚀 NEW Way to Schedule at Ellie Mental Health – Even Easier Than Before! 💻💚

Thinking about starting therapy for yourself or someone you care about? Now's the perfect time — Ellie Mental Health now offers a fast, user-friendly online scheduling tool that puts you in control of your mental health journey. 🙌

💚 No more phone calls or waiting on hold.
💚 Book anytime, anywhere — in just a few clicks.
💚 Get connected with a caring therapist in as little as ONE WEEK!

✅ 24/7 access
✅ Fast & stress-free
✅ Personalized care, your way

Whether you're new to therapy or picking up where you left off, we’re here to make the process simple and empowering.

Ready to take that first step? Just tap the link below for your location and follow the easy prompts!👇

📍 Estero: https://elliementalhealth.com/locations/estero-fl/
📍 Naples: https://elliementalhealth.com/locations/naples-fl/

07/25/2025

Ever heard of DBT?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps people manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and build a life worth living.

Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT is now used to support anyone struggling with:
💥 Big emotional swings
🧠 Anxiety or depression
🗣️ Conflict in relationships
🧍‍♀️ Feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns

DBT teaches skills in 4 key areas:
Mindfulness
Emotion Regulation
Distress Tolerance
Interpersonal Effectiveness

It’s not just about coping, it’s about thriving with tools that actually work.

07/22/2025

Understanding your health insurance doesn’t have to be scary, in fact, the more you know, the more you can avoid surprise bills. In this video, we break down key terms like premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, and explain how benefit checks really work behind the scenes. 🧾✨

07/18/2025

If your heart races every time you see a “Can we talk?” subject line, you’re not alone (also, if you're a boss, please stop doing that).

Therapy can help you learn how to calm your nervous system, set boundaries, and stop spiraling every time you hear that notification ding.

07/16/2025

July is Minority Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness and push for better access, representation, and support in mental health care for BIPOC communities.

What can help:
- Look for culturally responsive therapists who understand your lived experience
- Explore community-based support like peer groups or faith-based counseling
- Normalize talking about mental health within your family or friend group
- Set boundaries to protect your peace from environments that cause racial stress

Everyone deserves care that feels safe and affirming. Let's keep the conversation going, not just this month, but always.

07/15/2025

🚨Exciting News from Ellie Mental Health- New Online Scheduling Tool!!🚨

💚If you've been meaning to take care of your mental health (or help your child, teen, partner, or even a friend do the same), I want to share some quick, exciting news: Ellie Mental Health just launched a super simple online scheduling tool! 🙌

💚We're making it even easier to prioritize your mental health.💚

💚It is now simpler than ever to book an appointment with one of our authentic, compassionate therapists in as little as ONE WEEK — no phone tag, no hold times, just a few clicks and you're set!

✅ Simple
✅ Quick
✅ Available 24/7

💚Whether you're starting your mental health journey or continuing care, we’re here to make access smoother than ever.

💚Schedule now and take the first step toward feeling better. Click one of the links below to get started, then follow the prompts in the pic.💚

https://elliementalhealth.com/locations/estero-fl/

https://elliementalhealth.com/locations/naples-fl/

07/15/2025

In a recent blog post, Ellie therapist Dr. Christy Sim, LMSW, breaks down a critical truth about trauma work: traditional talk therapy often misses the mark when it comes to treating trauma, because it relies on language and cognition—parts of the brain that shut down during traumatic events.

Sometimes trauma healing requires more than words. Some alternate options might be to:
🎨 Use imagery to engage the midbrain
✍️ Let writing come before speaking
🗣 Gently assign language after connection is made

Trauma disconnects people from their voice, their sense of safety, and their agency. The right kind of therapy can give all of that back.

Read the full article:

Explore trauma healing beyond talk therapy: art, writing & somatic exercises for creative, consent-based empowerment.

07/11/2025

💚🌟 We Love Community Referrals 🌟💚

💚 A huge THANK YOU to everyone in our amazing community who sends referrals our way. Your trust means the world to us — and we believe appreciation should be delicious! 🍪🎁

💚 We value our community partnerships, and together we are making a positive impact on our larger community.

💚 Know someone who could use our services? Send them our way — we’ll take great care of them. 💚

07/11/2025

Most of us listen to respond, not to understand.

Active listening is a skill, and it doesn't always come naturally. It means slowing down, staying present, and showing someone that their words matter. Here are a few tips:

👂 Put your phone away
⏸ Pause before responding
🧠 Reflect back what you hear
❓ Ask questions, not solutions
💬 Validate their feelings

Want to get better at it? Try one of these tips in your next conversation and see what shifts.

07/08/2025

Struggling with self-confidence? You’re not alone.

Swipe through for small mindset shifts and practical tools that can help you build lasting confidence-- straight from one of our awesome therapists, Rayna Larson, LLMSW.

Read more here: https://elliementalhealth.com/building-self-confidence-8-practical-tips-to-boost-your-self-esteem/