Elena Zacarias de Palacios , LMFT

Elena Zacarias de Palacios is a California-licensed therapist with 30 years of professional experience who works with people facing trauma, grief, parenting challenges, and major life transitions. As an LMFT - a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - she draws on decades of clinical practice to support clients building self-esteem, motivation, and confidence, and she offers additional focus on pregnancy and childbirth related concerns.

Elena approaches therapy with the conviction that each person is the expert of their own story and that existing strengths can be mobilized to meet difficult challenges. Her work centers on listening carefully, helping clients identify resources within themselves, and collaborating on practical steps toward clearer coping and healthier relationships. She recognizes that beginning therapy takes courage and affirms that making the first move is an important achievement.

Fluent in English and Spanish, Elena provides care informed by her long experience in diverse clinical settings, guided by respect for clients goals and a warm, steady therapeutic presence.

Approaches That Guide Online Care

Elena frequently uses client-centered therapy, which focuses on creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients lead the conversation and the therapist reflects and helps clarify feelings and goals. This approach is useful for building self-esteem, improving motivation, and navigating life changes.

She also incorporates Internal Family Systems, a method that helps people understand inner parts or subpersonalities and how those parts influence emotions and behavior. This approach can be helpful for trauma recovery, managing grief, and improving self-understanding.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Elena works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She listens to each client s concerns and tailors sessions so the chosen approaches align with what the client hopes to achieve.

Online therapy with Elena is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, fit sessions into busy lives, and access licensed professionals from home or other convenient locations.