Ellen Cantwell

With a compassionate, client-centered approach, Ellen Cantwell, MS, LPCA, brings over five years of dedicated experience in school-based mental health to her practice. As a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, Ellen specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families, offering a unique blend of expertise in addressing a wide range of mental health challenges.

Ellen's educational background includes a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mississippi State University, complemented by a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. This diverse educational foundation allows her to incorporate creative elements into her therapeutic approach when appropriate.

Trained in evidence-based modalities such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Ellen is well-equipped to address various issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, crises, self-harm, suicidal ideation, ADHD, oppositional/defiant behavior, grief and loss, self-esteem challenges, family separation, and relationship difficulties. Her crisis response training further enhances her ability to provide immediate support in high-stress situations.

Ellen's therapeutic philosophy is rooted in a humanistic, strengths-based approach. She views therapy as a collaborative process of growth, firmly believing that individuals are the ultimate authorities of their own lives. Throughout the therapeutic journey, Ellen strives to create an empathetic, nonjudgmental, and intentional environment, always mindful of cultural concerns and practices.

Clients describe Ellen as having a down-to-earth nature, a sense of humor, and a personable demeanor. She is optimistically committed to helping individuals find their authentic selves and realize their innate capacity to resolve problems. Ellen achieves this through facilitating open dialogue, identifying and challenging mistaken beliefs about themselves and others, developing coping skills for everyday stressors, and working to reduce negative symptoms.

Outside of her professional life, Ellen enjoys spending time with her son and two dogs, indulging in creative pursuits like drawing, appreciating music, mountain biking, and cheering on Mississippi State baseball. These personal interests contribute to her well-rounded approach and ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds.