Antonio Ellzey, Sr., LCPC

Antonio Ellzey, Sr. brings more than two decades of experience to his work with individuals, couples, and families. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and a Master of Science in Counseling from Eastern Illinois University, and since 2018 he has been pursuing doctoral studies in Counselor Education and Supervision at Adler University in Chicago. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - LCPC - a state license to practice clinical counseling, and a National Certified Counselor - NCC - a nationally recognized professional certification. He is also a retired member of the Army Reserves after 20 years of service, is married, and is a parent to four children, two of whom are adults.

Throughout his career Antonio has focused on helping people recover enthusiasm for life and build practical skills for managing intense emotions. He emphasizes genuineness, empathy, and positive regard in every therapeutic relationship and approaches counseling with a commitment to empower clients toward viable outcomes regardless of the circumstances that led them to seek help. He has worked extensively with individuals, couples, and families to increase self-understanding, improve interpersonal functioning, and strengthen self-esteem.

Antonio integrates several therapeutic approaches to meet clients where they are. He commonly uses cognitive behavioral techniques to shift unhelpful thought patterns and reduce stress, psychodynamic methods to increase self-awareness about how past experiences influence present behavior, and cognitive strategies to develop alternative ways of thinking and behaving. Some interventions he may introduce include daily deep-breathing practice three times per day for two weeks, the Emotional Freedom Technique or tapping for two weeks, and short-term anxiety diversion exercises for a few weeks as tools to manage intense emotions.

Outside of clinical work Antonio has served in community and faith-based roles, including chairing a married couples ministry alongside his wife for two years. He is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the American Counseling Association, and he brings a values-driven, compassionate perspective to helping clients navigate life changes and relational challenges.