- Stress and depression
- Life changes
- Mindfulness and ACT
About Elaine
Elaine Maher is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Washington with 20 years of professional experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, and major life changes. Elaine also supports people dealing with panic attacks, social anxiety, loneliness, guilt and shame, communication problems, forgiveness, and questions about life purpose.
Her sessions are direct and practical. She listens to what matters most and helps people name their priorities. Conversations focus on small, manageable steps rather than broad promises. Elaine adapts approaches to fit how each person prefers to work.
Elaine draws from cognitive behavioral methods to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and test new behaviors. She uses acceptance and commitment ideas to help people clarify values and take action even when feelings are hard. Mindfulness and narrative techniques are used to notice present experience and reframe difficult stories about the past.
Over two decades she has guided people through grief and big life changes. She helps clients sort through confusion about what comes next. Sessions usually break down problems into concrete goals and doable practices people can try between meetings.
Her communication style is respectful and straightforward. Elaine encourages questions about how therapy will work and what to expect from sessions. Prospective clients are asked to complete a short questionnaire and schedule an initial meeting to begin.
How Elaine uses therapy approaches in remote sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people name their values and take small steps that match those values even when feelings are difficult. It can be useful for clients who feel stuck or want clearer direction after a life change.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Elaine uses it to spot unhelpful thinking and to try different behaviors that can reduce anxiety and low mood.
Mindfulness techniques are used to bring attention to present experience and reduce reactivity. These practices can help with panic, rumination, and managing stress between sessions.
Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. Elaine will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. Together they refine the plan as therapy progresses rather than sticking to a single method from the start.
The profile does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, shorten travel, or choose a check-in that suits your schedule. Elaine will help match an approach and a practical format to everyday life demands.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Washington
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include panic attacks, social anxiety, loneliness, guilt and shame, and life purpose.
How would she approach feeling stuck or unsure of direction?
She uses practical steps like clarifying values, examining thoughts and testing new behaviors. Sessions mix conversation with exercises to try between meetings.
How much experience does she have?
Elaine has 20 years of professional experience working in clinical settings and with individual clients.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a LICSW, licensed in Washington. Her practice is located in Washington state.
Does she see people who speak other languages or live abroad?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the profile does not list specific formats. The service's booking flow will clarify how sessions are scheduled.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing is provided during the signup process.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to get started.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.