Ellie Cates

I strive to create an accepting and supportive space in sessions for you to feel truly seen and heard, and utilize a person-centered approach in accompanying you on this journey. I bring compassion, warmth, and unconditional positive regard to therapy sessions and I believe that healing can happen through supported exploration, and compassionate connection to trusting and caring humans. It is important to me that we incorporate approaches which honor your unique needs, and that we do so in an affirming and gentle manner. I hope that this can be an experience in which you feel supported, celebrated, and cared for.

I work with clients on a diverse range of subjects, such as: body image, disordered eating, existential struggles, climate grief, self-esteem/self-compassion, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, autism, ADHD, trauma, religious trauma, gender/sexuality, and life changes. I also work with individuals in addressing burnout relating to life/work as well as activism and advocacy. I often incorporate a systems framework in acknowledging the various entities which impact mental health. I am a neurodiversity-affirming counselor and welcome all individuals to this space.

I offer an integrative approach in tailoring our sessions to meet your therapeutic needs, which may shift as we move through this journey. I utilize an emotion-focused approach and incorporate elements of acceptance and commitment therapy, compassion-focused therapy, as well as solution-focused and mindfulness-based approaches amongst others.

Additional Training:
I have completed a certificate program in eating disorder counseling through Lewis and Clark. I also recently completed a climate psychology certificate program through the California Institute of Integral Studies. I am EMDR-trained through EMDR Chicago.

Insurance: I am in network with Pacific Source commercial, numerous OHP plans (to include IHN), as well as Aetna. I am in the process of becoming in-network with BCBS; Kaiser; Moda; United Healthcare; Providence; and Cigna.