- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions and recovery
- ACT and CBT methods
About Ellen
Ellen Dinsmore is a Minnesota LICSW with 15 years of clinical experience. She helps people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, relationship strain, and questions about life purpose. Ellen also supports those facing grief, trauma, ADHD, and career concerns.
She uses a collaborative style. Sessions focus on clear goals and practical steps. Ellen invites straightforward conversations about thoughts, feelings, and patterns that get in the way of everyday functioning.
Her work draws on several evidence-based approaches. Ellen uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to clarify values and move toward meaningful action. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify thought and behavior patterns that keep problems going. Motivational Interviewing and mindfulness techniques are woven in to support readiness for change and present-moment awareness.
People can expect direct feedback and options to practice new skills between meetings. Ellen explains techniques in plain language and checks in about what feels useful. She balances discussion and hands-on strategies rather than long lectures.
Her practice includes a range of concerns beyond mood and anxiety, such as adoption and foster care issues, gender dysphoria, veteran-related matters, and substance use. Ellen’s approach stays practical - identifying next steps a person can try between sessions to test what helps.
If someone wants to begin, the usual route is to complete the site's brief questionnaire and schedule an initial session to discuss goals and timing.
Therapeutic approaches and how online work fits
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps toward those values even when uncomfortable feelings appear. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and practicing different responses to reduce distress. Motivational Interviewing is used to strengthen a person's own motivation for change and to explore ambivalence in a respectful way.Finding the best approach is part of the work together. Ellen will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and then suggest which strategies to focus on. The plan can shift over time as people test what helps and narrow in on practical next steps.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online appointments help fit sessions into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins on a day off work, or avoid travel time. Ellen frames online meetings around concrete goals and exercises you can try between sessions to keep progress moving forward.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Minnesota
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship strain, life purpose questions, and related issues such as grief, trauma, ADHD, and career change.
How would she approach feeling stuck?
She takes a collaborative approach that sets clear goals and practical steps. Sessions combine discussion with exercises to try between meetings.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 15 years of professional experience working with a broad range of mood, anxiety, and life-transition concerns.
What credential does she hold and where is she located?
She is a LICSW licensed in Minnesota and practices with that credential in the state.
Can I see her if I live outside the United States?
She does not accept international clients. Sessions are offered in English for people located within the permitted region.
Which session formats does she offer?
Confirm current session formats before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Please check the platform details when scheduling.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to discuss goals and timing.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.