About Elinor Tejeda, MA, LPC

In hopes of helping you decide whether I am a good fit for you and your goals I would like to share the type of clients who I have had the most success working with.  Individuals who have benefited the most in working with me are those who are ready to begin working towards change and who are not ambivalent about attending therapy. These clients are willing to do the work, which sometimes involves practicing skills learned in session in the real world.

Couples who benefit the most from working with me are those couples who are committed and invested in their romantic relationship. A couple who may have challenges in their relationship but are not a high conflict couple, and who do not want to separate or divorce, and where there is no current infidelity.  Both partners are wanting to actively participate and engage in therapy and willing to practice learned skills outside of therapy.

*My online mental health services are not recommended for anyone who is actively suicidal, homicidal or has a severe mental illness that could require a higher level of care than online counseling can provide. If you are in crisis and need support, please go to your nearest ER or call 911. Here is a link to other crisis resources: Oregon crisis resources.

My journey to becoming a therapist

I’m no different from the clients I see.  Like everyone else, I’m human.  I’ve been through both wonderful and difficult experiences that have shaped who I am and how I help.

My inspiration to become a therapist began in high school.  After I took my first psychology class, my curiosity for understanding the way people think and why we behave the way we do developed.  It only grew as I took more psychology classes in college.  What also nurtured my desire to become a therapist was finding myself enjoying listening to and supporting others from a young age and having the experience of receiving support during difficult life experiences. Having received support showed me how powerful it can be for someone else to help another individual, even with something as simple as providing a listening ear.  All of my life experiences are what led me to become the therapist I am today.

I have a natural ability to:

• Understand people’s experiences
• Uncover what’s under the surface
• Collaborate with people to set goals and help attain them
• Help clients heal their past and manage the present

People who know me often say that I am a good listener who can be fully present for people’s stories, even if they are difficult stories.  Although I am a good listener, that is not all I will do.  I am not the type of therapist that just sits back and listens, I am very engaged during sessions. I will challenge your thinking and provide feedback while also teaching you any needed skills.  I can help you gain a different perspective on things you may be unaware of, such as negative thinking patterns or behaviors. 

Our sessions are focused on you

There isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to therapy. Our sessions will fit your specific needs and concerns. Sessions will provide you with the space to be in touch with yourself and feel what you need to feel while being understood and heard. You will have a space to step away from the noise of the world.  In feeling safe and comfortable, my hope is that you’ll be able to gain clarity and figure things out about yourself. It’s important to me to provide a non-judgmental space where you can be yourself. 

As a therapist, I embrace the following philosophies

I believe that:

• we only heal if we take care of ourselves
• emotions heal when they are witnessed and validated
• change is possible when you allow yourself the space to do the work
• therapy works when both of us are committed to your healing
• people underestimate their ability to change. It’s possible to change. It’s possible to enjoy life again.
• loving and accepting ourselves for who we are, scars and all, is one of the most courageous things we can do

My professional background 

Throughout my career I’ve worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I’ve worked with individuals in various extremes, situationally, emotionally, and mentally, with mild to major symptoms. No matter how small or big what you are going through feels like, I am here to support you.  

I received a Bachelors of Art in Psychology and Digital Art from the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. Afterwards, I received my Masters in Professional Mental Health Counseling from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. I hold a Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC) license in the state of Oregon. My license number is C5132. I am certified in Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy, and completed Level 1 and Level 2 Trainings in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

Theories

I use various evidenced based counseling theories, with a trauma lens. I tailor my sessions to the needs of the individuals I see. I tend to use techniques from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, to help individuals and couples explore and learn how one’s thinking and perceptions can negatively affect us and how we can change these. I believe that we are greatly influenced and impacted by our childhood experiences, a concept of psychodynamic therapy that I pull from. Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy is typically used with families who have a youth with serious emotional disturbances, and may be at risk of being placed out of the home.  However, this theory has taught me how to better explore the larger social contexts that individuals are involved in. I look at how these systems influence individuals’ lives, and are affected by these social contexts.  Lastly, I use Gottman Method Couples Therapy to help me gain an understanding of the strengths and areas of needs in a romantic relationship. Working towards helping the couple achieve relationship growth, repair and heightened intimacy. 

On a personal note

I am bilingual, a native Spanish speaker, and identify as bi-racial, being Mexican-American.  When I’m not doing therapy I am spending time with my two daughters and husband, who I have  been with for 11 years (married for 7).  And when I have some free time I enjoy baking, crafting and gardening. 

Let’s discover how I can help

 I am committed to empowering you to make big changes, helping you get back to living life, and facilitating positive change. Schedule a free consultation today, where you can share what’s going on for you, and we can explore how I can help.  I’m here for you.