Alan Ellias, LMSW

Alan Ellias is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan with roughly 20 years of experience working part time as a psychotherapist. He earned a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University in 1995 and maintained both clinical and macro practice areas throughout his career. After a long period in the school system, he retired from full-time school work in 2022 and has a history of part-time roles that include volunteering and later staff work on a crisis line at Commonground, work in emergency services, duties at Counseling Alternatives, and a small private practice.

Alan has supported people facing a wide range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, issues related to LGBT identity, relationship challenges, parenting difficulties, career stress, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, ADHD, and recovery from physical trauma or emotional abuse. His counseling style is described as warm, adaptable, interactive, and nonjudgmental; he emphasizes sensitivity and compassion and avoids stigmatizing labels. He offers guidance, suggests options, and helps clients expand their thinking while respecting that each person ultimately makes their own choices.

Clinically, his work blends cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive ideas, reflecting a belief that thoughts influence feelings and feelings shape behaviors. He tailors sessions and treatment plans to each client’s unique needs and goals, and he approaches the work as a collaborative process. He looks forward to working with clients and supporting their efforts toward a more fulfilling life.