You're not against getting help, but you are used to being able to solve the problem on your own. You can usually do the job better than anyone, so you don't really want to pay for someone to tell you what you already know.

I'm Elli. I'm a "high achieving," do-it-myself, mom of three. I saw my husband through his medical training with pennies to our name and no in-town family. I have a background in early childhood and know how to grind it out with the best of them. I love to understand the why behind "the thing," so I learned and grew and got better. And even with all of that, I have been left stumped with what the next right move was for my child, my family.

I work with parents and families who are thoughtful, loving, and highly invested in their people... who come to find out that all that love and devotion sometimes doesn't cut it. Day-to-day feels hard, the emotions are huge, the batteries are drained. What you thought would be this lovely family life, has you looking desperately for your next escape. It's exhausting.

I came to this work through my own journey to love the life I'm in. Therapy was a lifeline through different legs of the journey, serving to lighten the load- bringing another brain to the problem.

 I believe you and your people are unshakeably good. I trust you know yourself and your people best. I believe that there is hope for a more calm and joy filled future.

Elli Van Essen

Licensed Social Worker

MA in Social Work, Colorado Mesa University