About
Ellen Chance, Ph.D., PMH-C
Founder of Whole Counseling and Wellness
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (FL #IMH2349)
About Me
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I am the founder of Whole Counseling & Wellness. I hold a Ph.D. in Counseling from Florida Atlantic University and have nearly a decade of experience in utilizing evidence-based integrative counseling approaches drawing heavily from cognitive-behavioral, narrative, and attachment therapies. In addition to running a private practice, I serve as a professor for Capella University's School of Social & Behavioral Sciences in the Department of Counselor Education. It is incredibly rewarding to prepare future counselors to ethically and competently serve individuals, families, and their communities.
Personally, I am a mother of two, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. I enjoy coffee, possibly more than most, and since motherhood I have found nutrition and fitness to be two pillars to my personal well-being.
My Story
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In my first few years of motherhood, I was working full-time as a school district K-12 Counseling Coordinator, pursuing a doctorate degree in counseling, and on a high speed track to burnout. My own wellness was not even on my radar. Unfortunately, my experience is not unique. In fact, research indicates that 47 % of mothers of young children feel burned out often or almost always. It took me quite some time to admit to myself and others how much I struggled during the postpartum period and in my transition of becoming a mother.
It was on a drive home from work where I began to experience significant chest pains and shortness of breath that served as a wake up call. I recognized I needed to make changes, and I needed to make them fast. I slowly began to shift my mindset and behaviors, starting with taking small steps towards giving myself the same compassion and care I was consistently giving to others (both personally and professionally). With consistency, I began to address my unmet needs, and learned the importance of "putting my oxygen mask on first". Through this experience, I became inspired to utilize my education, training, and my genuine desire to help women and mothers struggling to balance it all... from there Whole Counseling & Wellness was born.
My Mission
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It is my mission to empower women and mothers to prioritize their whole wellness. I have advanced training and certification in perinatal/maternal mental health. I work from the belief that all individuals deserve to feel whole: complete, fulfilled, grounded, and connected.
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Women are often faced with the daily challenges of balancing competing demands, striving to be everything to everyone, and as a result find themselves "functioning" in a constant state of overwhelm. It can feel impossible to find time for yourself, leaving your own wellness at the bottom of your to-do list. If you've found yourself here, I am reminding you now...
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You deserve to be at the top of your list
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Therapeutic Approach
My clients are immediately met with compassion, warmth, empathy, authenticity, and positive regard. Utilizing integrative, evidence-based therapeutic approaches, I work with women towards achieving whole wellness. I specialize in perinatal/maternal mental health, and serve women (and often, their partners) through all stages of pregnancy, motherhood, and life. Rather than simply addressing a specific set of symptoms or presenting problems, I utilize a holistic approach that considers mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual factors influencing a client.
My woman-centered services address a broad range presenting challenges including (but not limited to):
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Prenatal/postpartum challenges, adjustment, and distress
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Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders​
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Stress & burnout
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Anxiety & depression
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Infertility
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Birth trauma
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Perinatal loss
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Grief and loss
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Adjustment Issues
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Self-esteem, self-confidence, self-compassion
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Co-dependency
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Parenting/co-parenting
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Relationship challenges
Life stressors can feel heavy and overwhelming. It's important to bring recognition to the fact that women's issues go far beyond their identity as a mother. Are you a woman who has found themselves on autopilot... stuck in a routine of consistently giving to others while avoiding your unmet needs? You can feel whole again, and I am here to help.
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Through an integrative counseling process we will work together to foster personal growth, self-compassion, and whole wellness.
"Give yourself the same care and attention you give to others and watch yourself bloom".
More Information
Insurance & Sliding Scale:
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Insurance is not currently accepted
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We do offer sliding scale fees based on income and dependents.
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Please set-up a consultation to discuss fees
Payment:
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Payment for services is due at the beginning of each session
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Electronic payments are collected through your secure client portal
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We accept major credit cards and direct bank transfers
Cancellation Policy:
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If you need to change or cancel your appointment, you are required to provide a 48 hours advance notice of cancellation
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If you miss a session without canceling, or cancel without the 48 hour notification period, you will be responsible to pay the full fee for the scheduled session
