Elena Spanos, LCSW
Warm, practical therapy for meaningful change
- 25 years experience
- CBT and DBT skills
- Couples and families
About Elena Spanos
Elena Spanos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida with 25 years of experience helping people navigate life’s challenging moments and move toward practical, meaningful change. Her work is centered on collaborating with clients to identify what is getting in the way - including patterns in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors - and to build strategies that support greater ease, resilience, and day-to-day satisfaction.
Elena welcomes individuals and couples seeking support with concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, anger, ADHD, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep issues, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and coping with major life transitions. She also works with a wide range of additional concerns, including caregiving stress, chronic pain and illness, blended family dynamics, codependency, communication challenges, divorce and separation, domestic violence, body image, aging-related issues, and feelings of emptiness.
Her education includes an Associate in Science in Human Services Technology from Hillsborough Community College (1993), a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Social Work specializing in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. She became licensed in 2000 and began private practice in 2002, with additional experience providing therapy in schools, homes, outpatient settings, and with couples and military families. Elena draws from established approaches such as Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and the Gottman Method, tailoring sessions to each client’s goals and needs.
Elena welcomes individuals and couples seeking support with concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, anger, ADHD, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep issues, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and coping with major life transitions. She also works with a wide range of additional concerns, including caregiving stress, chronic pain and illness, blended family dynamics, codependency, communication challenges, divorce and separation, domestic violence, body image, aging-related issues, and feelings of emptiness.
Her education includes an Associate in Science in Human Services Technology from Hillsborough Community College (1993), a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Social Work specializing in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. She became licensed in 2000 and began private practice in 2002, with additional experience providing therapy in schools, homes, outpatient settings, and with couples and military families. Elena draws from established approaches such as Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and the Gottman Method, tailoring sessions to each client’s goals and needs.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSleeping disordersSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Gottman Method Mindfulness Therapy Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Elena Spanos have?
Elena Spanos has 25 years of experience as a therapist.
Is Elena Spanos a licensed therapist?
Yes. Elena Spanos is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and is licensed in Florida as FL LCSW SW5979.
In which languages does Elena Spanos provide therapy?
Elena Spanos provides therapy in English.
Where is Elena Spanos located?
Elena Spanos is located in Florida.
How can I work with Elena Spanos as my therapist?
You can work with Elena Spanos through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, depending on what fits your needs and schedule.
Does Elena Spanos work with international clients?
No. Elena Spanos does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Elena Spanos cost?
The cost of therapy can vary based on factors such as your location and the therapist’s availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current pricing details, click the “Start Therapy” button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the “Start Therapy” button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Evidence-based approaches, made accessible online
Elena Spanos integrates established therapy methods to help clients understand what is keeping them stuck and to build practical tools for change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, then practicing alternative responses that better support mood, stress management, and everyday functioning. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving communication, which can be especially useful when feelings become overwhelming or relationships feel tense. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes making room for difficult internal experiences while taking steps toward what matters most, supporting clients who want more clarity, flexibility, and purpose in daily life.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Elena collaborates with clients to clarify goals, understand preferences, and adjust the pace and focus of sessions over time, so therapy feels relevant and workable rather than one-size-fits-all.
Online therapy also makes it easier to get consistent support. Sessions can take place through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering options that can fit different comfort levels, schedules, and energy on any given day.