Elana SantanaProfessional Counseling Intern

My therapeutic style is compassionate, open-hearted, and curious. My approach is grounded in the recognition that our experiences exist within multiple contexts or systems—our bodies, relationships, family, work, culture, society, country, and world—all of which must be considered for holistic healing to take place.

My training is rooted in the healing possibilities of mindfulness, non-judgmental presence, and growing our awareness of interconnection. Cultivating kindness toward ourselves and our experiences is the first step toward making positive shifts in our thinking, behavior, and circumstances.

I work collaboratively with clients to untangle the knots of hurt, loss, and fear that can accumulate and become obstacles to experiencing joy and presence in life. My approach is trauma-informed, client-centered, and somatically-based. I use Mindfulness-based and Internal Family Systems modalities to help clients feel less identified with the challenges in their life and to become more open to the positive changes they are seeking.

When I’m not working, I enjoy artistic endeavors, gardening alongside my cat, and cooking for friends and family.