Ellen Shafer-Lind brings 36 years of counseling experience to individuals and families seeking encouragement, insight, and practical guidance to find resolution and a greater sense of peace. She works with a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, depression, addictions, relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, anger management, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue.

She earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 1988 and began professional licensure in 1993. Ellen is licensed to practice as an independent mental health practitioner in Nebraska and has pursued additional certifications, becoming an integrated practice counselor in 2012 and receiving provisional certification in disordered gambling counseling in 2015.

In her clinical work she most often uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy, an evidence-based approach for many mental health diagnoses, while also drawing on other therapeutic formats to tailor care to each person’s needs. Ellen has experience in both institutional and community settings, including work with the Richard Young Hospital adolescent unit, home-based counseling, and five years serving Veterans through the Veterans Health Administration. She is currently in private practice.

Understanding that starting therapy can feel intimidating, Ellen approaches clients with compassion and empathy and seeks to be available as often as needed until they feel solid on their own two feet. She takes a collaborative stance, helping clients develop problem-solving skills and supporting couples, families, and individuals toward practical, lasting change.