Ellie Mental Health - Walnut Creek, CA

18/03/2025

Strength isn’t about handling everything alone—it’s about knowing when to seek support. 💪

Therapy offers a space to explore your emotions, process struggles, and develop skills for a healthier, more balanced life. Seeking help is the first step toward change, and it’s one of the bravest things you can do. 🌱

14/03/2025

Trying to decide between in-person and virtual therapy? Let’s weigh the pros and cons! 🛋️ ↔ 💻

Both have unique benefits, and the best choice depends on your needs and lifestyle. What’s been your experience? Let us know in the comments! 👇✨

08/03/2025

Happy International Women’s Day! 💖 Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and unique journeys of all women. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Taking time for yourself, seeking support, and nurturing your well-being are acts of self-love and empowerment. At Ellie Mental Health, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s prioritize mental wellness – today and every day. 💫

03/03/2025

Therapy can bring up all the feels—and that’s a good thing! But sometimes, you need a little self-care afterward to help you decompress and process. 🌿✨ Here are a few ideas:

24/02/2025

We're pulling back the curtain and giving you some listening tips from our expert listeners! 🌟

Listening isn't just about hearing words or thinking about what you'll say in response; it's about understanding and connecting.

So, next time you're in a convo, really tune in, and try some of these tips from .

18/02/2025

Therapy Tip: It’s okay to ask your therapist questions!

Starting therapy? Here are a few great questions to break the ice:
✨ What do you love about being a therapist?
✨ What techniques do you use to help clients achieve their goals? (e.g., CBT, EMDR, psychodynamic)
✨ Do you specialize in any specific issues (e.g., anxiety, trauma, relationships)?
✨ Have you worked with people who have challenges similar to mine?

What questions have you asked (or would ask) a therapist? Let’s here them in the comments! 👇

11/02/2025

As we're nearing *that* day, we just wanted to drop this reminder in your feed.

You are kick-@$%, worthy, and enough just as you are. (cue the Bruno Mars song 🎶) Embrace your individuality and know that you are valuable whether single, partnered, or somewhere in between. 💫

Share this reminder with someone who needs to hear it today! 💌

04/02/2025

Therapy is full of those 'aha!' moments, right? But sometimes, between sessions, it can feel like you need a little something to keep the momentum going. That’s where journaling comes in. ➡️ It’s a great way to unpack your thoughts, reflect on what came up in session, and maybe even stumble on new insights. Here are some prompts to keep going!

29/01/2025

Teaching kids how to manage their emotions is one of the most valuable skills we can give them—It helps them bounce back from tough times, build better relationships, and handle challenges without feeling so overwhelmed. But let’s be real, kids don’t just figure this out on their own. They need us to show them how!

Want to learn practical ways to support emotional regulation? Check out our blog: https://elliementalhealth.com/how-to-help-children-cope-with-emotions/

27/01/2025

How do you know your therapist is the right fit? 🌟 Here are some things to keep in mind:

- Trust your gut. If it feels comfortable and like you can be open with them, that’s key. It might take a few sessions to feel this out, and that’s ok!

- There are tons of different therapy modalities and approaches. Ask them (or read their bios online) about what types of therapy they specialize in. it’s important that their approach fits your needs and goals!

- Make it easier on yourself by keeping availability and accessibility in mind. If the therapist has spotty availability, is located far away, or doesn’t take your insurance, it might mean they are not the right fit.

- If you feel listened to and appreciate their feedback, that’s a good sign. Do you want them to laugh at your awkward coping jokes, or do you want them to call you out? It all comes down to communication styles.

Is your therapist not feeling like a good fit? We make it easy to switch! Shoot us a message for more info.

27/01/2025

Full disclosure: You DON'T have to be a therapist to use skills from Motivational Interviewing (MI).

If you help people navigate changes or make decisions in their lives-- whether you're a coach, manager, healthcare provider, teacher, or even a supportive friend-- MI offers tools to build trust, explore what's getting in the way, and encourage positive change.

In this episode, Dr. Sara Polley and Miranda Barker, LICSW dive into a quick overview of this framework and unpack:
✨ The main principles and "spirit of MI"
✨ Examples of the OARS technique: open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, summaries
✨ How to identify change talk vs. sustain talk
✨ Practical tips for aligning goals with client values

This conversation includes strategies to help you bring MI into your work-- Whether you're new to motivational interviewing or looking to deepen your skills, you won't want to miss this!

🎧 Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/PanXUVfegBs?si=Vag_7TIimPDYfH-T

What’s your experience with Motivational Interviewing? Share your thoughts below! 💬

In this episode of Therapist Thrival Guide, host Miranda, a licensed clinical social worker, is joined by Dr. Sara Polley, Chief Medical Officer at Ellie Men...

24/01/2025

Education nurtures the mind, and a strong mind is the foundation of mental well-being. This , let’s empower minds to grow, learn, and thrive. 🧠✨