Ellen Almanzan, LPC, In-person sessions at North Location Austin
“The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers
- Thich Nhat Hanh
Ellen Almanzan, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Professional Profile
Ellen became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2016, and has a Master’s Degree in Holistic Counseling and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Philosophy. She was her high school’s Valedictorian. Ellen has worked in crisis mental health services for two years. She also has experience working with individuals with substance misuse concerns and adults involved with Child Protective Services. She previously worked as a Psychometrist, administering neuropsychological tests to adults, which involved IQ and memory tests to assess for dementia and other cognitive impairments.
Ellen was also a stay at home mom to her twins for three years. Her time outside of work consists of quality time with her twins, hiking and taking walks, listening to music and podcasts, reading and watching shows on TV, and spending time with friends and her significant other.
Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Attachment
Depression
Grief and Loss
Life Transitions
Neurodivergence
Self Esteem
Parenting
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Substance Use
Insurance
Private Pay / Self Pay, Aetna, Curative, EHN, Oscar, Optum, Oxford, Sana, United Healthcare
Welcome!
Today's world can be a difficult place to find oneself. I believe that we all have answers within ourselves, and oftentimes need support and guidance to find them. As a mother of twins, I am passionate about inner growth and learning to navigate life with greater ease and confidence. As someone who identifies as neurodivergent with a diagnosis of ADHD, I strive to better understand myself and the various ways people are wired. I am passionate about supporting new parents and fellow neurodivergent people, as well as anyone who is looking to expand their self-awareness. Through mindfulness, we can attune to our inner experience to find greater clarity, peace, and well-being. With an understanding of attachment dynamics, we can explore relationship patterns. Each of us is different, and I invite you to meet with me so that we can see how I might be able to work with you in the way that feels most supportive.
How I Work
As a therapist, I strive to offer a listening ear as well as insight to help you understand yourself better. Therapy is not a one size fits all approach, and I see it as a collaborative process. I rely on input from you in order to best serve you. I will try to help you see the best in yourself, and support you to unlock the potential within you. I tend to approach therapy using elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy.
I am passionate about supporting new parents and fellow neurodivergent people, as well as anyone who is looking to expand their self-awareness. Through mindfulness, we can attune to our inner experience to find greater clarity, peace, and well-being.
Therapist Spotlight
What made you decide to become a counselor?
A combination of my unique wiring and affinity for analysis, and family mental health concerns of generations before me contributed to my becoming a counselor. I used to want to be a school teacher, but I grew to identify more value in helping facilitate learning about oneself and how we relate with each other.
If you could teach the world one skill or technique to improve their lives, what would it be?
Compassionate self-awareness, so that we could all better understand and support ourselves, and find ourselves more open to knowing and being known by others more deeply and openly and without judgment.
Have you personally been in counseling and if so, what did you learn about yourself?
Absolutely! I have learned so much about myself, and I think we could all use a therapist. As one of my prior therapists expressed, our work is never done, and learning this has been simultaneously comforting and unsettling.
If you could recommend one book to all your clients, what would it be?
I can’t think of a book that I would recommend universally. Perhaps an anatomy book, or guide to having a body.
Who is your ideal client?
I’m happy to work with anyone who is motivated to voice their concerns and participate openly. I particularly appreciate being able to offer support for people experiencing things that I have gone through, including adjusting to new parenthood and coming to terms with neurodivergence. My ideal client is someone who feels that we are a good fit for each other and feels that therapy with me is benefiting them.
How do you personally practice self-care?
I find that I need time in a calm, quiet space to reflect and allow emotions to come to the surface. I pay attention to myself and my levels of stress and tension, and I try to communicate my experience and needs effectively to people who are available to offer support.
How do you relate to Mindfulness? How do you incorporate it in your sessions?
I try to practice mindfulness regularly, checking in with my inner sensations and being attentive to my surroundings. I think it’s helpful to exercise our mental focus, zooming in at times and zooming out at times. I will try to help shift your attention in a direction that is helpful for you. I like to encourage going deeper into emotions and physical body sensations, if you’re receptive to that.
If you are hosting a dinner party, who are the 3 people you would invite and why?
My neurodivergent brain is struggling to answer this question without further clarification of whether these guests could be living or dead, and whether inviting them means they would necessarily attend. Assuming that the question means any people, living or dead, and that they would attend, I would probably spend significant time deliberating over the countless exciting options. As interesting as it would be to invite famous people from history, I would probably choose my paternal grandpa, since he died before I was born so I never got to meet him. I may also pick my friend Ryan, who passed away. And I would probably invite my dad as well, so he could see his dad again.
What inspires you to help others?
I find it fulfilling and mentally stimulating to do this meaningful work. I have experienced challenges in my life as well as the benefit of working with a counselor, and this inspires me.