Ellen Thornton-Love , LCSW

Ellen Thornton-Love is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Oregon with 20 years of experience. She focuses on helping people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, parenting concerns, and depression. Ellen aims to make the first step feel manageable for someone who is worried or unsure about therapy.

Her style is direct and respectful. She listens carefully and adapts conversations to what each person needs. Sessions look different depending on the issue - sometimes brief problem-solving, sometimes deeper work on past hurt or loss.

Ellen uses a mix of methods to fit each person. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify unhelpful thinking and practical behavior changes. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy supports values-driven choices when emotions feel overwhelming. Client-Centered Therapy gives space for people to be heard and to shape their own goals.

She has substantial experience with trauma, including sexual assault and abuse, and with post-traumatic stress. Ellen also supports people facing postpartum depression, panic attacks, chronic illness or pain, and caregiver stress. Parenting and family of origin concerns are part of her practice too.

In sessions she works collaboratively to make concrete plans and small changes that add up over time. Conversations often include skill practice, goal setting, and checking what works. Ellen aims to help people feel steadier and more able to handle daily demands.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while choosing actions that match their values. It is useful for stress, anxiety, and managing painful emotions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. It is often used for mood disorders, panic, and anxiety. Client-Centered Therapy prioritizes listening and responding to what each person brings, so goals and pacing come from the client.

Figuring out the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss options, try ideas, and adjust based on what feels helpful. That collaborative process helps tailor methods to your needs, goals, and preferences rather than applying a single technique from the start.

Online therapy offers flexibility in how sessions happen. Video calls let you meet face to face when a deeper conversation is needed. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or a quicker check-in fits your day. Live chat or text-based messaging can be useful for brief updates, practicing skills between sessions, or when writing feels easier than speaking. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into a busy life while still using ACT, CBT, or client-centered work to address your concerns.