Elaine Fife

Available for Teletherapy

My counseling approach is centered on the belief that you are a whole person capable of self-healing through your own wisdom. In session we will not focus solely on what is problematic within your mind and life but also on what is working and ready to grow. This means that I will not divide you into parts but instead treat you as the full physical, emotional, and spiritual being that you are. I believe that deep down you already know what you need; I’m only here to shine the light.

My theoretical orientation is based primarily on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with adjacent tenets rooted in Somatic Processing, Mindfulness, and Jungian Analytics. Oftentimes, when we have been through trauma and hardship our bodies and minds find ways to adapt and survive. After a while these survival coping mechanisms can cause us pain as we desire to grow but struggle to move past what protected us for so long. I believe everyone has the ability to thrive, but sometimes it takes a compassionate and mindful guide to help you along that journey. A major focus in my counseling room will be working with you to discover new and more fulfilling ways of being. We may approach this through deep introspection, concrete goal setting, archetypal exploration, mindfulness meditation or whatever counseling path seems best for your needs

‘Know thyself’ is a tenet I live by and in our work I hope to help you cultivate what this means for you. By understanding the roots of what makes you who you are you can uncover deep wells of self-compassion and divine purpose. Holistically, honoring your expression and needs will be a fundamental part of our work, as well as embracing your strengths and revering your story. It’s all waiting inside of you and we will work to discover it one layer at a time.

Finally, I consider it an important part of my mission to advocate for all those experiencing oppression. I am particularly passionate about aiding those who are faced with marginalization as transgender or gender non-conforming people, as well as, those experiencing the often heavy societal burden of motherhood. We do not live in a bubble, addressing the dynamics of your external life is just as important as understanding the internal. As my client, I will help you fight for your fair and equitable treatment whenever possible.

If you feel downtrodden, overburdened or discouraged by life and my message resonates with you don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s the desire to heal from past trauma or just feel more comfortable in your own skin, let’s see what we can do to invest in you.

More About Elaine

I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Texas State University in 2016, then spent two years as a full-time nanny in New Braunfels. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about the important role family and social support plays in individual wellbeing; I became acutely aware of the social burdens placed on caregivers and mothers. Later, I worked as a graduate research assistant for Dr. Priscilla Goble in the Family and Child Development Department; this increased my experiential and conceptual understanding of the impact that childhood experiences have on our development, growth, and adulthood.

By the time I started my Master’s Program in Professional Counseling in 2018 I was already a passionate advocate for de-stigmatizing the struggles of motherhood and increasing awareness of the prevalence of child abuse in our society. As I developed within the program at Texas State University I learned about the high prevalence of traumatic experiences, the impact they make when not attended to with compassion, expertise, and skill, and many wonderful practices and techniques for effective healing from these traumas and creating a new springboard for positive growth.

I completed my internship at River City Advocacy, working primarily with LGBTQ teens and women who struggle with boundaries and codependency. This experience solidified my calling to help those who struggle to express themselves find their voice and live authentically. I am excited about working with Katy David to continue to learn and grow my repertoire, and build upon my ability to help others heal and grow.

In my personal time I enjoy yoga, baking, running, writing poetry and watching way too many historical dramas. I have 3 younger sisters and a brother who are my world, and a partner who motivates me everyday to do all I can do.