Ellen Volfson, LMSW
Licensed Therapist
Supervised by: Dr. Gabrielle Schreyer-Hoffman
Ellen Volfson, LMSW
Licensed Therapist
Specialties
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Trauma
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PTSD
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Grief and Loss
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Chronic Illness
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Life Transitions
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Relational Problems
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Substance Use Dependence and Recovery
Conducts Therapy in English and Russian
Ellen specializes in working with adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma and are struggling with its lasting impact on their emotions, relationships, and sense of self. She supports clients navigating post-traumatic stress, complex trauma, childhood abuse, domestic violence, and other overwhelming life experiences that continue to affect daily functioning and well-being.
In addition to trauma work, Ellen supports individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relational challenges, chronic illness, substance use, and life transitions. She helps clients deepen insight, strengthen emotional regulation, and develop more secure and fulfilling relationships with themselves and others.
Her approach is warm, direct, collaborative, and grounded in creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel understood and not alone in their experiences. Ellen works alongside clients to explore how past experiences influence current thoughts, emotions, and patterns, while helping them build practical tools to manage distress and move toward meaningful change.
Ellen is deeply committed to helping clients build resilience, regain a sense of control, and move toward more grounded and fulfilling lives.
Training & Experience
Ellen earned her Master’s in Social Work from Touro University and has specialized training in evidence-based treatments including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR; EMDRIA-Certified), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Her clinical training also includes Motivational Interviewing and Positive Psychology, supporting an integrative, skills-based approach to treatment.
Ellen’s work focuses on helping clients process unresolved experiences, reduce trauma-related distress, and better understand how trauma impacts the brain, body, and relationships. She also has experience in couples therapy and incorporates relational and attachment-focused approaches to support deeper, more meaningful change.
She has experience working with adolescents and adults across a wide range of concerns, including trauma and PTSD, anxiety and mood disorders, grief and loss, substance use, and chronic health conditions. Ellen’s background in community mental health includes roles at Services for the Underserved, Manhattan Psychiatric Center, and Life in Progress, where she worked with diverse populations across the lifespan.
Her clinical style emphasizes collaboration, attunement, and individualized care, ensuring treatment is thoughtfully tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals.
Treatment Modalities
Therapeutic Approaches
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TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
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DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
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Person Centered Therapy
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Couples Therapy
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Child and Adolescent Therapy
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Trauma Focused Therapy
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Psychodynamic Therapy
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Bilingual Therapy (Russian and English)
Take the first step toward lasting change.
Take the First Step Toward Feeling Better
At Upper East Side Psychology, we’re here to help you on your journey toward self-improvement and symptom reduction. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, struggling with disordered eating, coping with stress, or simply feeling stuck, we offer a safe, supportive space to help you heal and grow.. you reach out, we’ll take the time to understand your needs and thoughtfully match you with a therapist whose specialty aligns with your goals. From your very first conversation, our team is committed to providing compassionate care, personalized attention, and a streamlined process so you can begin therapy with confidence.
Don’t wait to prioritize your mental health. Lasting change starts with a single step.
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