Dr. Andrea Elkon, PhD
Licensed Psychologist
Not accepting clients. The other therapists at the practice are accepting new clients.
Specialties: athletes, sports and professional performance, anxiety, eating and body image, perfectionism, depression, insomnia, injury recovery and chronic pain, ages 16+
I know that it can be difficult to ask for help. When it comes to our emotions and behaviors, we all have the tendency to think, “I can fix it myself.” But the reality is, life is filled with challenges. Whether it’s your health, your work, or your feelings about yourself; life isn’t always smooth or easy. All of these challenges can also leave you feeling drained and exhausted. You do not have to face life’s challenges alone. I believe that your emotional well-being is the centerpiece of a healthy life, and that we can work together to help you achieve your goals.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 15+ years of experience. I’ve worked with a broad range of clients in hospitals, schools, outpatient mental health clinics and medical offices. My diverse clinical experiences have solidified my commitment to whole-person wellness. I believe that an important step to feeling better is to explore the dimensions of your life (physical health, relationships, work, self-care) and how those parts of your life are affecting how you feel and how you act. When you feel well emotionally, physically, and socially; your quality of life can genuinely improve.
I have a particular specialization in working with athletes of all levels; professional, collegiate, and recreational. As a former collegiate volleyball and softball player, I understand that athletic performance incorporates so much more than physical training. I work with athletes who are struggling with anxiety, confidence, focus, or team dynamics. Additionally, I see athletes after they have experienced some major event in their athletic lives; such as acute and chronic injuries, pain, illness, or physical changes with aging. I also frequently work with athletes struggling with eating concerns and body image.
The issues I describe are not necessarily specific to athletes. I work with individuals who feel “stuck” in some important area of their life. Perhaps it is anxiety, depression, food, sleep, or your physical health that has you feeling “stuck.” During our initial sessions, we will explore the sticking points in your thoughts, feelings, and actions. I will hear more about your goals, and we will work together to develop a plan to reach those goals. I use evidenced-based treatments, but I believe in modifying those treatments to meet your individual needs.
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Therapy Approach
I am an action-oriented and solution-focused psychologist. I work with my clients on specific tools that they can use to manage unpleasant emotions and unhelpful behaviors. I also help my clients tap into their unique narratives–about themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. Sometimes that narrative contains inaccurate and unhelpful beliefs that might be limiting a client from becoming the best that they can be. In those instances, I help my clients learn to think differently.
I consider myself predominantly a Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapist, which means that I help clients learn the connections between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I also like to use elements of mindfulness practice and interpersonal therapy, as therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. I also believe a healthy relationship between a client and a therapist is essential for trust and for change.
What would you say to someone who is considering therapy?
What is the worst possible thing that can happen? Give it a go! I know that the process of opening up to a complete stranger can feel extremely scary, even if the stranger is a trained professional. It is *okay* if you cannot “fix” or “solve” your problems on your own. A lot of the clients I have seen are driven and perfectionistic and believe that they must solve their problems themselves. I want to say that it is healthy to ask for help. It takes a lot of courage, but taking that first step is truly worth it.
Education
- -> University of Virginia, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D., Clinical Psychology) and Masters of Education (School Psychology)
- -> University of South Carolina School of Medicine/South Carolina Department of Mental Health, Pre-Doctoral Internship
- -> The Medlin Treatment Center, Post-Doctoral Fellowship
- -> Haverford College, Bachelor of Arts (B.A., Psychology) Magna Cum Laude
Experience
- -> Director of Behavioral Health Services, Alliance Spine and Pain Centers
- -> Peer-reviewed publications in numerous scholarly journals; including the Journal of Early Adolescent Development, Sciences and the Law, School Psychology, and National Social Science Journal
- -> Atlanta VA Medical Center
- -> American Psychological Association member
- -> Division of Sports, Exercise and Performance Psychology and Division of Rehabilitation Medicine member
- -> Presentations delivered across the country to Nursing, Human Resources, Legal and other professional organizations