Guiding Principles was founded on the belief that people can change, and must tap into their inner strength and moral compass to guide them toward change. Here at Guiding Principles I foster a warm, compassionate and nonjudgmental environment, where a client can discuss their issues and concerns. Successful psychotherapy requires teamwork between the client and myself.
I understand it is not an easy decision to seek help. I look forward to working with you to meet your therapy goals and improve your overall mental health and optimal functioning. I respect your privacy and take confidentiality very seriously.
I understand it is not an easy decision to seek help. I look forward to working with you to meet your therapy goals and improve your overall mental health and optimal functioning. I respect your privacy and take confidentiality very seriously.
Services
As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist I will work closely with you to develop new ways of thinking, challenge past patterns of old behaviors that are affecting you currently and keep you from feeling "stuck." I bring a wealth of experience in motivating at-risk and resistant individuals. I work with teens and adults, as well as family and couples counseling.
The majority of my clients come to me for individual psychotherapy. I also administer therapy for adolescents, teens, adults, couples, families and groups. The length of sessions for individuals, couples and families is 60 minutes. Group sessions are 75 minutes. Sessions are usually scheduled weekly.
Teens struggle with unique issues such as identity struggles, peer pressure, social media influence and fitting in. There is an inherent struggle with exerting independence and needing strong parental guidance and support. This can cause a lot of parental/child conflict. I possess a strong understanding of the developmental challenges of today's teenagers.
I truly enjoy working with couples. I love LOVE and love to see others in love. It truly is a wonderful thing. Couples counseling includes improving emotional and physical intimacy, and exploration of past and present barriers that impact it. Couples are given behavioral tasks to complete outside of therapy to improve closeness, increase communication and time spent together.
The bulk of clients are seen for depression and anxiety. In treating depression, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tools such as cognitive restructuring to help a client challenge negative thoughts that contribute to depression. The goal of CBT is developing insight and recognizing negative thoughts and exploring healthier ways to cope.
Reviews (9)
C.
Dec 08, 2020
Report
I saw Ella many years ago and recently reconnected with her again, it was such a joy to see her once again and to see the smile on her face when briefly seeing an old patient. I started seeing her again recently for psychotherapy. She has ALWAYS been kind, caring, thoughtful, funny and just overall wonderful. During our sessions, she is very easy to laugh with and can always bring light on difficult situations. She gives great advice, coping mechanisms, and helps guide me through hard times. Ella establishes the doctor patient relationship, but makes me feel more like I'm talking to a friend than
Shotime Monique
Dec 03, 2020
Report
Ella is the second therapist that I have seen in my lifetime. I must say that I think she is wonderful and is instrumental with how I deal with certain issues. I liked that she gave me the tools I needed to cope with issues and didn't just listen, without any feedback. I found her anger management classes to be beneficial and an added bonus. It is a very positive atmosphere and welcoming. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who is in need of therapy and/or anger management.
X.
Sep 21, 2020
Report
I no longer see Miss Ella, as I feel I am in a good place with coping skills I learned from her help. I began seeing her in the Summer of 2016 after the untimely death of my adult son. It took me 2.5 years of therapy, and a lot of tears and kleenex to get to a good point where I could resume somewhat of a "normal" life, and feel strong enough, with my faith in God, to carry on. She's very understanding and patient. I cancelled several appointments, sometimes even at the last minute, as it became too much to talk about at times. However, Miss Ella always let me return to counseling when I was ready
Vivianne Alves De Sa
Aug 22, 2020
Report
I wanted to leave a very honest review of my experience with Ella for those who are searching for a therapist. Ella’s practice caught my eye for several reasons. I loved that she promoted her belief that therapy should be affordable to all and that she accepts most major insurances, as I was trying to find a therpist in network. Further, she allows for dogs in therapy which is very unique and makes complete sense for dog lovers out there! Petting a dog while taking about some really hard stuff is truly therapeutic. I also liked that her practice seemed involved in giving back to the community
J. T.
Jul 31, 2020
Report
Ella is the nicest person. Her office is warm and welcoming. She's always cooking something in the crockpot, so her office smells of warm soups and stews haha. There's coffee and fresh baked cookies and fruit to eat. I usually eat my lunch here during my appointment. Ella is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, and she pushes you to really explore how your negative thoughts keep you feeling stuck and not making progress. In a few short sessions, I saw improvements in my mood, my thoughts and developed a schedule to my day to avoid too much down time, which caused me to ruminate. I see her biweekly
Cristian Moore
Jul 08, 2020
Report
Cristina Cacoilo
Jun 19, 2020
Report
My experience with Ella has been wonderful. She offers a warm and inviting safe space. If you’re looking for someone to help you navigate your troubles, I highly recommend her. With her help, I am in a much greater place mentally. The tools she has given me are priceless and I am very grateful for her genuine want to help others get on a healthy life path.
Elizabeth Mills
Jan 01, 2019
Report
Ms. Gray is a wonderful therapist who has been a godsend for my teenage daughter who struggles with ADHD and anxiety. She is patient, warm, caring and thorough. Ms. Gray has extended office hours (evenings and weekends) and is more than accommodating with our busy schedule. Side note – she has the cutest office you will ever see, straight off of Pinterest. I wish that we would have found her years ago!
Regina D.
Jul 25, 2018
Report
