Elise Champanhet |
I have believed in the power of stories to transform for as long as I can remember. Each person has a unique story that is worth sharing. Healing begins in the safe spaces to tell our stories. I want every individual I work with to feel seen, heard and know that their life journey matters. If you don’t know where to find help with your current challenges, I hope to provide a comfortable space for you to create a path towards restoration, healing and hope.
I understand first hand the need to feel seen and heard in the midst of life changes and anxiety. My passion for counseling and healing comes from my own experiences with those that took the time to listen to my story. I want to share that hope for healing and see others reach restoration as well.
I work from a person centered, narrative approach to guide people toward their goals. I work with adults of all ages and cultural backgrounds to help them reclaim past experiences, take control of their present and work towards a future they envision. Together, we’ll examine your challenges, values, and goals to create a path toward recovery. We will work together to take control of your life story and determine what health looks like for you. It is a privilege for me to walk with you as you write a new narrative for your life.
Testimonials
“I started seeing Elise when everything in my life changed all at once. I was facing a lot of loss and my identity felt shaky. Our work together helped me feel like I reclaimed my sense of identity in line with my values.”
“Even though we come from very different backgrounds, I never felt judged by Elise. She met me where I was at and let me know that my opinions mattered.”
“Elise was immediately able to understand my struggles and put my doubts about therapy at ease. I felt heard and knew that she would work with me to understand my challenges from my perspective.”
“I didn’t even know that I needed to do narrative therapy work. I came into counseling not know what I needed to work on but that something was off. Elise guided me and helped me make the most out of my counseling experience.”
Elise’s Areas of Specialty & Background
Pre-marital & Couples
Dysfunctional & Families Under Stress
Ethnic & Religious Identity
Depression & Anxiety
Trauma Recovery
Sex Addictions
Academic Background
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Moody Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL
B.A. Intercultural Studies, Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL
Articles by Elise
Coming soon! Enjoy other Optimum Joy Therapist’s articles!
Forgiveness VS Reconciliation
"How am I supposed to forgive this person if I’m never going to see them again?" I hear this question a lot from friends and clients who had a difficult relationship with someone they are no longer able to contact. In a lot of these situations, the person does not...
Part 3 – Apology Languages: Repentance & Forgiveness
Over the past few weeks we have looked at an overview of the 5 apology languages in Part 1 - Apology Language: It's Different from Forgiveness and have looked in depth into the first three in Part 2 - Apology Language: Regret, Responsibility & Restitution. If...
How Good Days Make Bad Days Better
A lot of people I talk to think of their mental health journey as a fairly linear path. Fairly because we know that we will not always make progress in our journey or find healing as quickly as we hope. Linear because many people expect to continue making forward...