Therapeutic Approach
My approach believes in the importance of providing a supportive and welcoming therapeutic space where you will be seen, heard, and believed. I also believe that nothing is wrong with you, rather something happened to you. Our time together will offer opportunities to reflect, learn, grow, and heal by processing your feelings and experiences in meaningful ways. Whether it's postpartum support, individual therapy, or couples therapy, I use multiple modalities based on your specific needs and draw from trauma-informed, narrative, and strengths-based theories. You can expect a safe space to be yourself, slow down, look at experiences from a different perspective, and learn how to apply new skills in your life. I offer a blend of warmth, compassion, and insightfulness to our work and truly believe everyone is worthy and capable of becoming who they desire to be within themselves and with others.
Education & Trainings
I am a certified perinatal mental health provider (PMH-C) and infuse that knowledge with my other evidence-based therapeutic training and approaches including Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), The Gottman Method Level 1 & 2 of Couples Counseling, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and more. These modalities in conjunction with your needs and my guidance will help inform our journey whether it's with postpartum support, individual therapy, or in couples therapy.
Master of Social Work | Seattle University
Master of Sport Administration & Leadership | Seattle University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology | St. Lawrence University
PMH-C | Perinatal Support International
Jana Ellingwood
I am a born and raised Seattleite and growing up you could find me either being a fish or on the soccer field. I went on to play college soccer for a small liberal arts school in New York, majoring in psychology and I understand the benefits and struggles that come with competitive athletics. Drawing from my passion for sports, I went to Seattle U for my first Master’s which focused on leadership and communication. This offered great opportunities and experiences to work with a variety of populations including children, teenagers, and adults. In recent years, my focus shifted towards supporting families and parents (especially new mothers), and was a group facilitator + prior participant with PEPS (Program for Early Parental Support) which helps parents connect, find support, and grow as they begin their journey into parenthood. After having our kids, both of which arrived in dramatic (and traumatic) fashion, it reinforced the importance and passion of supporting individuals and couples who are experiencing mental health struggles.
Seattle U wasn’t done with me yet and I went back for my Master’s in Social Work (MSW). During that program, I was at Seattle Children’s Hospital Diabetes Clinic where I engaged in therapy for youth and families as they adjusted to a new chronic health condition and gained tremendous knowledge and respect for those experiencing any kind of health struggle. Before opening my private practice, I provided mental health therapy with Anchor Light Therapy Collective and obtained my certification to become a perinatal mental health provider (PMH-C).
I crave a life that balances adventure with stillness. I love being outside, going for walks with friends, and the occasional zipline adventure. I also find joy in watching movies or reading all day (with coffee, always with coffee), and although in perpetual exhaustion, I love that our kiddos offer my husband and me the wide-ranging and all-consuming experiences that come with parenthood.