Ellen Walker, LICSW

Ellen Walker is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in the District of Columbia who brings decades of experience supporting individuals, couples, families, and children through difficult transitions and complex challenges. In her early 60s, she combines an open-minded, optimistic outlook with extensive practice in mental health and child welfare settings, giving her a broad perspective on issues ranging from trauma and grief to anxiety, addiction, relationship strain, and major life changes.

Ellen takes an eclectic, client-centered approach, adapting methods to fit each person’s needs and goals. Her work commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-focused interventions to help clients build insight, develop coping strategies, and make practical changes. She values the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative partnership that depends on mutual trust, respect, honesty, clear communication, and a shared commitment to the work.

In practice, Ellen typically meets with clients once weekly for 45-minute sessions, beginning with time to understand the concerns that brought them to therapy and to set goals for the work ahead. She often starts with video sessions to establish rapport but is also available by phone and text when that better suits a client’s needs. Much of her availability is in the mornings and on weekends, and she checks messages at least once each weekday.

Ellen’s areas of focus include trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem concerns, depression, and a wide range of relationship and family issues. She also addresses caregiver stress, compassion fatigue, parenting and blended-family challenges, communication and commitment issues, and other life-course concerns. Her experience and flexible approach help clients navigate both urgent problems and longer-term personal growth.