Ellen Dinsmore , LICSW

Ellen Dinsmore is a licensed mental health professional in Minnesota with 15 years of clinical experience. She holds an LICSW, which stands for Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, and brings practical skills to work with stress, anxiety, addictions, and depression. Ellen focuses on helping people identify clear goals and develop pathways toward greater life satisfaction while addressing everyday challenges and deeper emotional concerns.

Her approach is collaborative and down-to-earth. She creates an open environment where thoughts and feelings can be explored without judgment, emphasizing authenticity and mutual respect. Ellen works alongside clients to clarify priorities, build coping strategies, and foster meaningful change. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling life can feel difficult, and she offers steady support throughout that process, helping clients move toward increased well-being and purpose.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Ellen Dinsmore

Ellen integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into her online practice. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then commit to actions that align with their values - it can be useful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and collaboration, creating space for clients to lead their own healing and build self-understanding. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, which can be effective for depression, anxiety, and coping with addictive patterns.

Ellen approaches treatment as a collaborative process. She works with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies over time so the therapy matches what is most helpful for them.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility for those balancing work, family, or mobility concerns. Sessions can be scheduled as video calls or phone conversations, or handled through live chat and text-based messaging when that format better suits a client’s day. These options make it easier to maintain consistency in care, access support from home, and integrate therapeutic work into a busy life.