Welcome

Ellen Ottenstein, LCSW-C, provides psychotherapy and life coaching to individuals, couples, and families online in Bethesda, Potomac, and throughout Maryland. Since 2013, her practice has been a warm and trusting therapeutic environment. With over 20 years of experience as a life coach and a deep commitment to understanding the complexities of human experience, Ellen Ottenstein has created a space where clients feel truly seen and supported.

Our Mission

Our mission at Ellen Ottenstein Therapy is to create a safe and nurturing environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Ellen believes that a strong, compassionate therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful growth and healing. Whether you are working through depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, domestic violence, or significant life transitions, she draws from a range of therapeutic modalities to help you move toward your goals. It is an honor to walk alongside you on your journey toward greater clarity, resilience, and lasting change.

Who We Serve

Common issues that bring clients to Ellen’s practice include:

• Depression and Anxiety: We provide support for people struggling with feelings of sadness, worry, and stress, helping them develop coping strategies and resilience.
• Couples Counseling: Our couples counseling services help partners improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen emotional connections.
• Life Transitions: Whether you are experiencing a career change, relocation, or other significant life events, Ellen offers guidance to help you cross these transitions with confidence.
• Domestic Abuse: Counseling is a safe space for people affected by domestic violence, offering support and resources to help them reclaim their lives.
• Life Coaching: As a certified life coach, Ellen helps clients set and achieve personal and professional goals.
• Trauma and PTSD: Ellen works with people who have experienced trauma, providing therapeutic support to help them process their experiences and heal.

Our Therapeutic Approaches

In her Maryland practice, Ellen Ottenstein uses evidence-based therapeutic approaches that are effective through online counseling. Her primary modalities include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach helps clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, empowering them to develop healthier behaviors and coping strategies.
• Mindfulness: Ellen incorporates mindfulness techniques to help clients cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce anxiety and stress.
• Gestalt Therapy: This experiential approach encourages clients to explore their feelings and experiences, developing self-awareness and self-acceptance.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: By exploring unconscious processes and past experiences, clients can gain insight into their behaviors and relationships.

Begin Your Therapy Journey Toward the Life You Want

If you are looking for the next step toward healing and personal growth, Ellen Ottenstein, LCSW-C, is here to partner with you on your journey, providing the tools and resources you need to work toward achieving your goals and building a more fulfilling life. To set up a consultation with her Bethesda and Potomac practice, serving Maryland residents online, email [email protected].