Ella Khanimov, LMSW

When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. Viktor Frankl

Ella Khanimov, LMSW's style

Why Ella Khanimov, LMSW chose to be in the helping profession

I chose to be in the helping profession because I know firsthand how powerful it can be to have someone provide a safe space, listen without judgment, and offer support during some of your hardest moments. Seeking help and support does not make a person weak. On the contrary, it takes a brave and courageous person to ask for help when having difficulty navigating life's challenges and obstacles. Having that kind of support made a lasting impact on me, and it shaped the way I see the importance of having someone there when life feels difficult or overwhelming.

That experience also inspired me to become that same source of support for others as they navigate their own challenges. I believe that feeling heard, understood, and supported can make a meaningful difference in a person's healing process. Sometimes, simply having a safe space where you can be yourself without fear of judgment can be the first step toward creating change. My goal is to offer that space and to walk alongside clients as they work through their experiences, better understand themselves, and move toward a place of greater strength and confidence.

Ella Khanimov, LMSW's approach

My approach to therapy is client-centered and rooted in empathy, authenticity, and collaboration. I believe that therapy should be a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, understood, and valued. I work alongside my clients to explore their experiences, identify patterns, and build practical tools for growth and healing. Using evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual's needs, I help clients strengthen self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, navigate relationships, and move toward meaningful change.

Throughout my journey to becoming a social worker, I often heard the line, "meet the clients where they're at." I truly believe in meeting clients where they're at, understanding that everyone comes into therapy with their own experiences, challenges, strengths, and needs. At the same time, my approach is to meet the clients where they're at, but I do not leave them there. My goal is to support clients in moving forward at a pace that feels right for them, while helping them develop the insight, skills, and confidence they need to manage life's challenges and create meaningful change.

What you can expect from sessions with Ella Khanimov, LMSW

Therapy is a collaborative process, and my role is to meet you where you are, help you better understand your experiences, and support you in navigating life's challenges. During our sessions, you can expect a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly and honestly. I want you to feel comfortable bringing your full self into the room and know that you will be met with empathy, understanding, and respect. Therapy is not about having all the answers right away, but about creating a space where we can work together to better understand what you are experiencing.

Our sessions may involve exploring thoughts, emotions, relationships, and patterns that may be impacting your well-being. Together, we will work on building insight, strengthening coping skills, improving communication, and developing practical tools to help you feel more grounded and empowered. We will also work to identify what may be getting in the way of where you want to be and explore ways to move forward. My goal is for you to leave therapy with a better understanding of yourself and with tools that can support you not only in our sessions, but in your everyday life.

Ella Khanimov, LMSW's experience working with the Jewish community

I have a strong connection and engagement with the Jewish community through my work as a special educator. For eight years, I worked primarily with the Jewish community through different agencies, which gave me the opportunity to work with individuals and families in a variety of settings and circumstances. My experience allowed me to build meaningful relationships with children, families, and siblings while gaining a deeper understanding of the different needs and experiences within the community. This work has been an important part of my professional journey and continues to inform the way I connect with and support others.

During those eight years, I worked in many different capacities. I provided SETSS, worked one-on-one with students, supported families and siblings, and worked both inside and outside of the classroom. These experiences taught me the importance of meeting each person where they are and understanding that support can look different for every individual and family. My experience within the Jewish community has given me a valuable perspective that I bring with me into my work today, allowing me to better understand the importance of community, family, and the unique circumstances that can shape a person's experience.

Ella Khanimov, LMSW's Book Recommendation Zone

• The Choice-Edith Eger
  The powerful memoir and guide to healing. This book follows Dr. Eger's survival of the Holocaust and her journey toward finding freedom, resilience, and meaning after trauma. It explores how we can choose growth, even after profound suffering.
• Man's Search For Meaning- Viktor Frankl
  Part memoir and part psychological reflection. This book shares Frankl's experience in concentration camps and introduces logotherapy-the idea that finding meaning in life, even in suffering, is essential to human survival and healing.
• The Body Keeps Score- Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.
  This book explains how trauma affects the brain, body, and nervous system, and how healing can happen through understanding the connection between mind and body. It offers insight into why trauma lingers and the pathways to recovery.

Approaches

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Applied Behavioral Analysis
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Floortime Therapy (DIR/Floortime)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Person-Centered Therapy
• Play Therapy
• Trauma Focused Therapy

Concerns

• Abuse/Violence
• Addiction
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Bereavement & Grief
• Body image
• Codependency
• Crisis Intervention
• Depression
• Divorce/Separation
• Drug/Substance Abuse
• Emotion regulation
• Life purpose and meaning
• Mood Disorders
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Oppositional defiance disorder
• Panic attacks/panic disorder
• Parenting
• Personality issues & disorders
• Postpartum depression
• Prenatal, perinatal, & postpartum mental health
• Psychotic disorders
• Relationships
• Religious Identity Issues
• Stress management
• Time Management
• Trauma

1 years in practice

Licenses

• Licensed Master Social Work by NYS 2025. License number 130271-01

Degrees

• Social work by LIU 2025

Average costs per session

$100 - $150

Payment Methods

• Insurance
• Free consultation
• Cash
• Zelle Quick Pay

Insurances

• 1199 National Benefit Fund
• Aetna
• Affinity/CAID-Beacon
• Anthem
• BlueCross and BlueShield
• Cigna
• Empire BlueCross
• Fidelis
• GHI
• GHI Emblem Health – HMO
• GHI Emblem Health – PPO
• Healthfirst
• Indecs Insurance Corp.
• JRN Consulting
• Medicaid
• Meritain Health
• Optum
• United Healthcare
• Value Options
• Wellcare Managed Medicaid
• Wellcare of New York