Eleni Milliken, LPC-A. ADHD, Life Transitions, Relationship Issues.
The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are
- C.G. Jung
Eleni Milliken, LPC-A
Supervised by Colleen Marie Bardelli
Professional Profile
Eleni is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Texas. Eleni received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Edward’s University and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
During Eleni’s clinical internship she worked at the Christi Center, a local Austin non-profit providing grief and loss support through free group and individual counseling. She also worked for Hospice Austin’s Camp Braveheart, supporting children grieving the loss of a loved one. In addition to Eleni’s experience in grief work, she has enjoyed working with neurodivergent individuals and young adults on identity development. She has seen how grief is experienced, beyond death loss, in life transitions and personal shifts, and works to support clients through these losses as well.
On her days off, Eleni is usually with family or friends listening to music, taking a dip in Barton Springs, or moving her body at the bouldering gym. She also enjoys writing poetry, watching movies, and being creative. As a native Austinite, she values supporting the local businesses that keep Austin weird and returning to the places she’s loved since she was a kid.
Specialties
ACT
Expressive Arts
Grief and Loss
Neurodivergence
Identity Exploration
LGBTQIA+
Self Compassion
Relationship Challenges
Life Transitions
Stress
Trauma
Insurance
Aetna
BCBS
Curative
Sana
Private Pay / Self Pay
Welcome!
Hi there! If you’re reading this you have already taken one courageous step towards getting to know yourself better. Whether it’s your first time in therapy or you’re returning from a new phase
of life, I commend you for beginning this vulnerable process.
I believe that every person is wired to grow. In other words, all the answers you need are already inside you. My job as your therapist is to provide the space and tools that will assist you in building the internal safety needed to meet your whole self in new and deeper ways. And to allow you space to get creative about who you are and who you want to be!
How I Work
As your therapist, I will work to create a space where you can feel comfortable to be your complete, authentic self. Together, we can meet this version of you with curiosity and compassion. My hope is to provide you with the practical skills you need to be present in this fast-paced, often dysregulating, world we live in. From that place of presence, I will walk with you as you meet yourself in new and deeper ways.
I work from a trauma-informed, person-centered lens. This means that creating an authentic, collaborative, safe, and empowering relationship with you is my priority. Because each person is endlessly unique, I incorporate a variety of tools from different counseling theories depending on your needs and preferences. Then, from the relationship we create together, something truly
magical unfolds.
All the answers you need are already inside you. My job as your therapist is to provide the space and tools that will assist you in building the internal safety needed to meet your whole self in new and deeper ways.
Therapist Spotlight
What made you decide to become a counselor?
I’ve always been fascinated by people and how our minds work. I wanted a job that would evolve with me and encourage me to continue learning for the rest of my life. I also wanted a job that allowed me to give back to my community. And, selfishly, helping people help themselves brings me joy and fulfillment.
If you could teach the world one skill or technique to improve their lives, what would it be?
I would teach psychological flexibility from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Psychological flexibility requires us to tolerate the suffering and pain that is inherent in life by accepting it. It allows us to adapt to life’s challenges, stay present in the here-and-now, and make choices based on our personal values.
Have you personally been in counseling and if so, what did you learn about yourself?
Personal counseling was, and is, an essential part of my journey to becoming a counselor. I learned how to approach life with curiosity instead of fear, and how to take care of myself. I learned, and continue to learn, to accept all parts of myself and to approach myself with
compassion.
If you could recommend one book to all your clients, what would it be?
I would recommend The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s an approachable book that speaks to the magic you can find when you trust yourself and your lifepath.
What inspires you to help others?
I’m inspired to help others when I’m reminded of how harsh and isolating the world we live in can be and, simultaneously, when I’m reminded of the love and lightness created by simply listening to another person.
How do you personally practice self-care?
I take care of myself by spending time in nature with my dog, moving my body, challenging my mind, and engaging in some form of creative expression. I make sure to give myself time alone
to decompress and time with loved ones to connect because both are extremely important to me.
If you are hosting a dinner party, who are the three people you would invite and why?
E.E. Cummings – my favorite poet.
Greta Gerwig – a director and actress I have looked up to since I was a teenager.
Billie Holiday – I admire her resilience, talent, and vulnerability.
How do you relate to Mindfulness? How do you incorporate it in your sessions?
Mindfulness to me is a way to stay present in the here and now. It’s observing thoughts and feelings as they come and accepting them for what they are, rather than fighting against them or trying to change them. I incorporate mindfulness in my sessions by noticing what’s happening in the “here and now” of our session, between us. I also incorporate mindfulness in more practical ways through guided meditation or other ACT techniques.