In-Person
It's okay to have negative thoughts; it's what you do with them that matters.
Elana Schwartz, LCSW's style
🎯 Direct 💙 Warm 😃 Humorous 💡 Solution-orientedWhy Elana Schwartz, LCSW chose to be in the helping profession
I chose to enter the helping profession because of my deep fascination with human behavior and my genuine desire to support others. During my undergraduate years, I worked in a preschool and quickly realized that while I enjoyed working with children, my true calling was to help them on a deeper social and emotional level. Many of my students were struggling with issues like bullying and lacked the resources or support systems they needed to navigate those challenges.
Social work became the perfect avenue for me to fulfill this calling. It offered the opportunity to connect with people on a meaningful level and address the issues they were facing. What drew me in even more was the versatility of the field—it allowed me to work with diverse populations in a variety of settings. Whether it was helping children, families, or individuals, I knew I had the ability to make a difference.
After years in the field, working with so many unique individuals and experiencing the profound impact this work has on people's lives, I can confidently say that social work was the right path for me. It's not just a career—it’s a passion that continually reinforces my belief in the importance of helping others grow, heal, and thrive.
Elana Schwartz, LCSW's approach
My approach to therapy is personable, straightforward, and above all, relational. I firmly believe that the therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of effective therapy. Building trust and connection with my clients is essential, as it creates a safe space where meaningful growth and healing can take place.
I take an eclectic and holistic perspective, rooted in evidence-based practices like CBT and EMDR. This allows me to tailor my approach to each individual while considering the whole person—their unique experiences, strengths, and challenges. At the core of my work is a client-focused, strengths-based perspective. I find that so many of my clients simply want reassurance that they are normal, which is a feeling we all can relate to.
To me, therapy is about more than just techniques or tools. It’s about truly understanding what my clients are asking for, acknowledging their humanity, and meeting them with genuine care and compassion. Being my authentic self in the room helps foster a sense of connection and trust. Together, we create a space where clients feel seen, understood, and empowered to navigate their journey toward healing and growth.
What you can expect from sessions with Elana Schwartz, LCSW
In our sessions, you can expect a therapist who is genuinely curious about you—what’s not working, what is working, and how we can collaborate to create meaningful change. I strive to deeply understand your experiences by asking the necessary questions to get to the heart of what’s going on.
Therapy is a two-way street, so I also encourage and expect clients to actively engage in the process. This includes practicing the skills and exercises we discuss during sessions in your daily life. Growth happens both inside and outside of the therapy room, and your commitment to the work is a key part of the journey.
My approach is flexible with boundaries. I aim to meet your unique needs while maintaining clear and consistent expectations, whether it’s around scheduling or interactions between sessions. Together, we’ll create a therapeutic space where progress feels achievable and supported.
Elana Schwartz, LCSW's experience working with the Jewish community
My experience working with the Jewish community is both broad and deeply meaningful. One of the most impactful aspects of my career has been the privilege of working with Holocaust survivors for several years. This unique population has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, history, and the human spirit, and I carry those insights with me in all aspects of my work.
I’ve also had the opportunity to work with students in both special education and regular education settings. These experiences have given me a profound appreciation for the emotional challenges, trials, and triumphs of navigating school life, which I draw on when supporting clients.
In recent years, I’ve found a professional home in a clinic setting, where I’ve been fortunate to work with children, teens, and adults facing a variety of diagnoses. This has allowed me to deepen my clinical skills and gain a well-rounded understanding of the diverse needs within the community.
My journey in the helping profession began within the Jewish community, starting with my very first job at a summer day camp, and it’s been a consistent thread throughout my life. Helping my fellow brothers and sisters has always been my passion, and I’m proud to continue serving this community in a meaningful way to this day.
Elana Schwartz, LCSW's Book Recommendation Zone
Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- EMDR
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Somatic Therapy
Concerns
Languages spoken
EnglishPeople I work with
Adolescents (13-18) Adults IndividualsPersonal religious affiliations
HeimishJewish community experience
ExtensiveLicensed to work in
New YorkNearby areas within a short commute to my in person office
Borough Park, Brooklyn, Flatbush, Williamsburg7 years in practice
Licences
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker by State of New York 2023. License number 095746
Degrees
- Master of Social Work by Touro College Graduate School of Social Work 2017
Trainings
- EMDR by EMDR International Association 2023
- Somatic Intervention-Level 1 and 2 by Training with Ricki Bernstein 2022 and 2024
Average costs per session
$200
Payment Methods
- Insurance
- Sliding Scale
- Zelle Quick Pay
Insurances
- Anthem
- BlueCross and BlueShield
- Emblem
- Fidelis
- Medicaid
- Oxford
- United Healthcare