Eleanor Whitaker

“The more in harmony with yourself you are, the more joyful you are…” –Paul Coelho

Whether you’re a child or a teenager struggling with feelings of sadness, anger, or worry, or an adult experiencing complex interpersonal issues, or perhaps an overwhelmed mother or father…whatever it is that brings you here, welcome.

When we reach a crossroads or struggle to move forward, therapy can broaden our perspectives and unlock new insights. Taking what we learn during therapy and applying it in our lives can help us to feel different: lighter, richer, fuller. It can feel like a window opening to allow more oxygen and light to enter.

As a therapist, my intention is to provide clients with an empathetic and respectful space that will allow you to unravel the places you are hurting or stuck. And while this work can be difficult, even small shifts in understanding can change how you feel, communicate, and function.

My approach is person centered, which means I will be curious about where you are and what you hope to achieve. And because each client is unique, various modalities may be helpful, including mindfulness, psychodynamic, emotion focused, cognitive behavioral, and/or solution focused therapy. In addition, I strive to maintain an awareness of each person’s cultural background.

Counseling is a career change for me. I have most recently worked as a teacher, and I find tremendous joy interacting with both children and adolescents. Years ago when I worked as a nurse practitioner, I focused pointedly on physical health. I now strive to integrate the physical body into the therapeutic process whenever possible. Neuroscientific research proves what we have long known intuitively – that emotional pain can become trapped within the body. In this case, sensorimotor psychotherapy, internal family systems therapy, and other modalities may offer profound opportunities for healing.

MORE ABOUT ME:

I am most peaceful outdoors: in the garden, watching the crows, on a hike, or planting trees on the sly. I also love spending time with my family and watching as many EPL games as possible with my husband and our dog, Eli.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Pursuing Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the College of William & Mary, expected December 2024
• Master’s Degree in Nursing, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville
• Bachelor’s Degree in English, Centre College
• Member, American Counseling Association (ACA)
• Member, Chi Omega, Honor Society at William & Mary
• Certification in Somatic Embodiment and Regulation, 12 week Course with Linda Thai

SUPERVISED BY:

Elise Brown, LPC, NCC

CREDENTIALS:

Graduate Intern