ellen mail, msw, licsw (she/her)

training & professional experience

I was trained in clinical social work at Boston University School of Social Work (MSW, 2018) and am licensed to practice clinical social work independently in Massachusetts and Indiana. In 2022, I completed a post-graduate certificate course in End of Life and Palliative Care from Smith College School for Social Work. I have also completed advanced training in perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International. To continue development of my clinical knowledge and skillset with regard to perinatal mental health, I have enrolled in additional advanced trainings through Postpartum Support International. The trainings I will complete in 2025 include Foundations in Paternal Perinatal Mental Health and Perinatal Loss: Clinical and Supportive Care.

My professional experiences span a variety of settings and populations, including outpatient oncology, inpatient medicine, pediatric palliative care, perinatal and postpartum mental health, and private psychotherapy practice.

theoretical orientation

I practice from a person-centered, integrative therapy orientation to tend to each client’s unique needs and challenges. I also weave self-compassion, mindfulness, and somatic techniques into my clinical work. Humor is sometimes employed — and always welcome — in session, too.

therapeutic approach

I believe that clients are the experts on their own experiences; my role is to create a safe, therapeutic environment in which clients feel seen and supported as they share their stories, ask questions, identify challenges, and explore hopes.

My therapeutic approach focuses on developing the relationship between client and clinician because the therapeutic relationship is well-established as the most effective component of therapy. Empathy, respect, compassion, collaboration, and at times humor comprise the foundation of my practice style. I pay close attention to my clients’ needs and wishes — and how they shift over time — via intentional listening, reflection and collaborative discovery to facilitate self-discovery, healing and change.

My overall goal when working with clients is to identify therapy goals that, as we work together to achieve them, help them feel grounded and more connected to self, thereby increasing their potential to experience inner peace and vibrancy.