Eli Willner, LCSW

When you feel that you are understandable, chaos moves out of your life.

Eli Willner, LCSW's style

Why Eli Willner, LCSW chose to be in the helping profession

I have always been drawn to the helping field. I deeply appreciate the incredible depth and vastness that people carry within their day to day lives, often in ways that are not immediately visible. Being able to study, understand, and experience this depth in an experiential way feels like a true privilege. It is deeply meaningful to sit with people as they work to make sense of their individual journeys and the many layers that shape who they are.

The beauty of the helping profession is something I do not take lightly, and it is not something I would ever want to give up. I feel honored to be part of this field and to walk alongside people during such important moments in their lives. I take this work very seriously and devote a tremendous amount of time and energy to continuing to grow, learn, and refine my understanding. My commitment is to keep deepening my knowledge and appreciation for the wonders and complexity of human nature so I can show up as fully as possible for the people I support.

Eli Willner, LCSW's approach

I start from the belief that when you feel you make sense, when your experiences feel understandable, meaningful change becomes possible. That sense of being truly seen and understood often opens the door to growth in powerful ways. I draw from a variety of modalities so the work can be thoughtfully matched to each client, rather than trying to force one approach to fit everyone. My goal is always to meet you where you are and support you in a way that feels both relevant and effective.

Clients often share that they feel understood, understandable, and more empowered to work toward their goals. I work collaboratively to focus on what is most needed, whether that means a more straightforward approach or going as deep as the work calls for. Through extensive training, I have developed a broad understanding of the panorama of emotional well being. Each client deserves to feel that therapy is truly personalized to their specific concerns, and I remain committed to shaping the work in a way that reflects that.

What you can expect from sessions with Eli Willner, LCSW

My clients often share that they feel safe and understood in session, which is something I hold as foundational to the work we do together. From there, we lean into making sense of what is coming up and gaining meaningful insight into the presenting concern. We pay close attention to patterns and the small but important clues within behaviors, exploring them together in a collaborative and compassionate way. I bring a gentle presence into the room and aim to truly partner with each client throughout the process.

In our work, sessions often hold moments of surprise, whether that is a breakthrough or an illuminating insight that sheds new light on what has been unfolding for you. Alongside the individual focus, I also pay careful attention to the system surrounding each client. It is important to me that the different parts of a client’s world feel supported and are not negatively impacted by the therapeutic process. My goal is to help create understanding and movement in a way that feels thoughtful, steady, and well supported.

Eli Willner, LCSW's experience working with the Jewish community

I grew up in a Frum neighborhood and attended fine Yeshivas, where I experienced firsthand the depth of the Yeshiva system and the values that shape this way of life. I currently live in the Detroit area and have previously lived in Israel, Monsey, Brooklyn, and Lakewood. These experiences have given me meaningful exposure to many different Frum communities and environments. They continue to inform the way I listen, understand, and connect.

This background helps me appreciate the many intricacies of Frum life, along with its unique blessings and challenges, from a place of lived experience. Over the years, I have worked with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, some remarkably similar to my own and others very different. I have genuinely valued the opportunity to connect across these differences. At the end of the day, being human is a very strong common denominator, and that shared humanity is often where the most meaningful work begins.

Eli Willner, LCSW's Book Recommendation Zone

• Real Power
  Understanding self esteem and ego.
• 7 Habits of Highly Successful People
  Optimizing life to its fullest
• Out of the Maze
  Moving out of mental constraints

Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Inner child work
• Motivational Interviewing
• Person-Centered Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy

Concerns

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Life purpose and meaning
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic attacks/panic disorder
• Relationships
• Trauma

5 years in practice

Licenses

• LMSW by MI 2024. License number 6801117433
• LCSW by NJ. License number 44SC064610
• LISW by OH. License number 1.2507030

Degrees

• MSW by Daemen University 2021

Certificates

• ADHD CCSP by PESI
• ERP by CBI
• SPACE by Yale Center

Trainings

• ERP

Average costs per session

$150 - $175

Payment Methods

• Insurance
• Credit Card
• Zelle Quick Pay
• ACH Bank Transfer

Insurances

• Aetna
• BlueCross and BlueShield
• Empire BlueCross