Ellen Riel LCPC, LADC

In this career I try to remember that I’ll always do my best work when I’m being myself. You’ll often hear me say that we won’t get very far in our work together without authenticity, vulnerability, curiosity and trust. I like to lead with these values so that you will also find them in yourself.

I am a white, queer, cis, femme woman. I operate from a somatic lens because I believe it brings us back to the fullness of the lives we’re living, in a world that prioritizes thinking over feeling. I have a commitment to providing self-liberating care for all. I believe that growth is non-linear. I am a firm believer that my therapy practice is just that - a place to practice relational work, to allow yourself to get messy, to help you build capacity, to experience aliveness, embrace awkwardness, heal, grow and expand.

People often describe me as grounded, patient and quick to laugh. I’ll never pretend to have all the answers. I won’t rush you; I want to hold the nuance of your story. My goal is to come alongside you, to help you know your internal self and to build trust. That way you can navigate the stickier parts of your life with more ease.

I am a born and bred Mainer, an INFP, a triple Earth sign, a middle child and a 9 on the Enneagram. I live with my wife, our daughter, our big, fluffy dog and a cat who holds dominion over us all.

helping you find ways to feel

confident, calm, connected.

(CC5408)

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor

(LC7152)

 Credentials

Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - 2017, USM

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

  • Internal Family Systems Clinician - Level 1 with the IFS Institute

  • Integrative Somatic Parts Work - Fran Booth and The Embody Lab

  • Embodied Transformation - Staci Haines and the Strozzi Institute

  • Foundations of Polyvagal Informed Practice with Deb Dana

  • Harm Reduction Psychotherapy with Andrew Tatarsky

  • Certified Grief-Informed Professional