Elaina Gardner, LMSW

About Elaina Gardner, LMSW

I am a professional clinically limited licensed social worker with experience working with a wide range of Diagnoses. I have a Master of Social Work degree with a Concentration in Psychodynamic Theory, which I obtained from Wayne State University. In addition to Psychodynamic Theory, I often utilize a Cognitive Behavioral approach, as well as incorporating Mindfulness into sessions. I have been working through an agency that provides Mental Health services to inmates in county jails since August of 2018 where a primary part of my job is to meet one-on-one with individuals having difficulty coping with their incarceration. I also have experience working in Outpatient settings, doing one-on-one therapy, where I worked primarily with Substance Abuse. I have worked predominantly with adults, but am more than eager to also work with families, couples, and adolescents. I strive to use empathy to relate to my clients as well as building rapport. My experience working in a Criminal Justice setting has allowed me to show my client’s acceptance, reflective listening, motivational interviewing, and assisting client’s in forgiveness for themselves and others. My experience with Substance Abuse has allowed me to teach and reflect with the client on the five stages of change. I individualize your treatment based on your necessities. My goal for my clients is to collaborate to create and maintain treatment goals that will allow for growth and healing. I aim to give my clients a safe place to work through trauma, mental distress, hopelessness, etc.

Common Subtle Signs of Anxiety + Simple Coping Skills

By |2022-09-27T20:25:08+02:00September 27th, 2022|Categories: Anxiety, CBT, Everyday tips, Mental Health, Panic attack, Social Anxiety|

Written by Mayo Clinic What is Anxiety? Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. This can be a normal reaction to stress. This natural reaction can help to boost energy and assist with ability to focus, however, for individuals who have anxiety disorders, this fear can be constant and overwhelming. An anxiety [...]

Tips to Support Seasonal Mood Changes

By |2022-09-19T15:50:31+02:00September 14th, 2022|Categories: Anxiety, Everyday tips, Mental Health, Wellness|

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), more informally referred to as Seasonal Depression or Winter Blues, involves depression related to seasonal changes. SAD begins and ends around the same time each year. Most typically SAD symptoms begin in the fall and resolve in the springtime. Occasionally SAD may cause depression [...]

Mental Health Resources to Support LGBTQ+

By |2022-10-02T21:05:19+02:00September 3rd, 2022|Categories: Adults, Mental Health, Relationships|

Mental Health in the LGBTQ+ Community Individuals in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQ+) community experience overwhelmingly high rates of mental health problems. It is often found that mental health challenges in this community are largely due to discrimination, bias, and stigma related to their orientationWritten by Human Rights Campaign [...]

How to Support a Loved One Suffering from an Eating Disorder

By |2022-09-02T13:13:58+02:00August 24th, 2022|Categories: Adults, CBT, Everyday tips, Health, Mental Health, Parenting, Treatment|

What is an Eating Disorder? Eating disorders are classified as mental illnesses, which can be complex and potentially life-threatening depending on the severity. These disorders are marked by certain thoughts and attitudes regarding good, eating, body image, as well as behavioral changes. They can be found in anyone, regardless of age, weight, shape, gender, [...]

What is Health (Illness) Anxiety, How to Support Loved Ones, & How to Cope with Symptoms

By |2022-08-08T23:55:39+02:00August 9th, 2022|Categories: Anxiety, Mental Health, Panic attack, Phobia|

What is Illness Anxiety Disorder? Illness anxiety disorder, previously referred to as hypochondria or health anxiety, involves excessive worry that you are or will become seriously ill. This can involve having no physical symptoms, or believing normal sensations of the body, or even minor symptoms, are signs of serious illness. This can be present [...]

Signs of ADHD in Adults & How to Get Tested

By |2022-07-18T17:04:25+02:00July 18th, 2022|Categories: Adults, Mental Health, Treatment|

What is ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurological disorder, which impacts around 4.4 percent of adults in the United States. It is more commonly diagnosed in men. In adults, it is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity, which tends to interfere with the individual's work/education, relationships, and home [...]

What to Expect from Therapy

By |2022-06-20T19:17:42+02:00June 20th, 2022|Categories: Alternative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mental Health, Treatment|

As society becomes more open and aware of the importance of mental health, therapy is slowly becoming less stigmatized. There are definitely still people who are afraid to take the plunge and try out therapy, but of those individuals who give it a shot, many find it to be extremely helpful with their personal growth. [...]

Is your Phone Causing Anxiety?

By |2022-06-02T17:51:32+02:00June 2nd, 2022|Categories: Anxiety, CBT, Everyday tips, Mental Health, Social Anxiety|

As of 2022, it is a rarity to find anyone without a cell phone. A great majority of people have ditched landlines, transferring themselves to full-time cell phone usage. Nearly five billion people use mobile phones throughout the globe, with three million of those accessing the Internet on a regular basisWritten by Physician One Urgent [...]

What are Cognitive Distortions & How to Combat Them

By |2022-09-02T13:30:11+02:00May 28th, 2022|Categories: Anxiety, CBT, Everyday tips, Mental Health|

What are Cognitive Distortions? Cognitive Distortions, sometimes referred to as Thought Traps, are defined as 'faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception or belief.' Cognitive distortions are typically negative, not positive. Oftentimes, these thoughts pop up and disappear just as quickly. However, sometimes these thought traps become a pattern that ends up interfering with day-to-day life and [...]

How Social Anxiety Impacts Romantic Relationships & What to do

By |2022-09-02T13:37:27+02:00May 7th, 2022|Categories: Adults, Anxiety, Mental Health, Relationships|

What is Social Anxiety? Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a disorder in which individuals find themselves experiencing significant anxiety, self consciousness, and embarrassment from everyday interactions, due to fear of being judged negatively by othersWritten by Mayo Clinic . Social Anxiety can lead to avoidance, which can be incredibly disruptive of day-to-day life. It [...]

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