Meet Ellen, MSW, LISW | she/her | biracial-Black

Welcome! I’m a licensed clinical social worker (LISW) and a craniosacral therapist located in Columbus, Ohio. With over a decade in practice, I offer a space grounded in presence, trust, and empathy — where all parts of you are welcome.

My own healing journey taught me that transformation happens when we care for the whole self — mind, body, and spirit. Growing up in a neglectful family dynamic, I often played the role of “the strong one,” setting my needs aside to support others. That experience gave me not only a deep understanding of what it’s like to feel emotionally numb and stuck in survival mode, but also the insight to move through it.

After decades of learning, healing, and growth, I’m a much more embodied version of myself, focused on creating a space to support you in transforming emotional barriers and becoming who you truly are. My approach to mental wellness harmonizes evidence-based practices, nature-based healing, and somatic work in a truly integrated and personal way. People often describe our work together as supportive, connective, honest, and relatable.

I most enjoy supporting adults who feel stuck in cycles of stress, burnout, trauma, hypervigilance, geriatric mental health, and the lasting impact of neglectful caregivers or other painful relational dynamics.

I’d also encourage signing up for my newsletter, where I share about nature-based group programming throughout the year.

Education, Training & Certification

  • Master’s of Social Work, University of Kentucky.

    Bachelor’s of Social Work, Capital University.

  • Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), The Counselor and Social Worker Board, since 2017.

    License Number: I.2506637

  • Certified Reiki Master, Omology.

    Flower Essence Practitioner, Delta Gardens.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Training: EMDR Consulting.

    Internal Family Systems (IFS) Circle: IFS Institute.

    Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Portland DBT.

    CranioSacral Therapy 1 (CST1): Assessment of Central Nervous System and Fascia for Full Body Treatment: Upledger Institute

    The Politics of Trauma: Embodied Transformation in Times of Polarization, Grief, and Overwhelm: a 6-month embodied somatics practice with Staci Haines and guest faculty.

    Breathwork to Discover Healing and Expanded States of Awareness through Conscious Breath: a 6-month personal study of breathwork with Jennifer Patterson and guest faculty.