Clinician Spotlight: Elliana Castro, LSW

by Tiffany Todd, LCSW

At InnerVoice Psychotherapy & Consultation (IVPC), we’re excited to welcome Elliana Castro, LSW as a new to the practice therapist. Elliana brings a unique blend of storytelling, creativity, and clinical care to her work, shaped in part by her experience using art and personal narrative to open conversations around mental health. She approaches therapy with a deep respect for each person’s story and a focus on creating spaces where clients feel seen, understood, and able to explore their experiences more fully.

At IVPC, we value creating spaces where people feel seen not just for what they are going through, but for who they are as a whole. Therapy can be a place for healing, but it can also be a place for curiosity, creativity, and connection. We sat down with Elliana to learn more about her path into the field, the experiences that shaped her work, and how she approaches therapy with the clients she supports.

IVPC: What drew you to the field of therapy?

Elliana: Ever since I was young, I’ve been really intrigued by the idea that everyone has their own story. That curiosity stayed with me as I got older. I originally thought I was going to pursue a career in higher education. I worked as a resident advisor and in student affairs, and I really enjoyed being a support person in those environments.

At the same time, a lot of the students I worked with would come to me with things that were very real and very impactful in their lives. These were concerns that went far beyond academics. I started to notice that while I cared deeply and wanted to help, there were limits to what I could do in that role. That realization pushed me to explore ways I could support people more fully. I wanted to see people not just as students, but as whole individuals with complex experiences, and that’s what ultimately led me to therapy.

IVPC: Can you share more about your professional background and the areas you focus on?

Elliana: My internship experiences really set the groundwork for how I practice today. One of my first internships was with a nonprofit focused on breaking stigma around mental health through storytelling and art. I was involved in marketing and program creation, and one of the most meaningful parts of that experience was participating in an immersive storytelling project where I shared my own mental health journey.

That experience helped me recognize how deeply people crave connection and safe spaces, and how healing can happen in ways that don’t always feel heavy or clinical. There can be room for creativity, inspiration, and even moments of celebration alongside the more difficult parts of the work.

My final internship was at a university wellness center, which felt like a full-circle moment. I had my own meaningful experiences in a college counseling space, and being able to provide that for others felt especially important. In that role, I found myself drawn to supporting self-exploration, building confidence, and helping people navigate life transitions.

IVPC: What types of clients or concerns do you feel especially connected to?

Elliana: I feel especially connected to clients who are hesitant about therapy or who haven’t had great experiences in the past. Sometimes that means they had a negative experience, and other times it simply wasn’t the right fit. I think it’s really important to acknowledge that and to thank clients for sharing those experiences, because it takes courage to try again.

Finding the right fit is such an important part of the process. I want clients to feel like they have autonomy in their journey, where they can reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what they need moving forward. That process helps build trust and gives them a stronger sense of ownership in their work.

I also bring awareness of my own lived experiences with anxiety, depression, and recovery from trauma into the space in a thoughtful way. I understand how perfectionism and people-pleasing can shape someone’s experience, and I want clients to leave sessions with both practical tools and a growing sense that they can move toward the life they want.

IVPC: How would you describe your therapeutic style and approach?

Elliana: I tend to approach therapy from a strengths-based perspective and through a systems lens. I’m always considering the person within the context of their environment, relationships, and experiences while validating what they are going through.

I often draw from approaches like DBT, ACT, and narrative therapy, especially when working through everyday challenges and patterns. I also like incorporating creative and expressive techniques when it feels helpful, as another way for clients to process and connect with their experiences.

IVPC: What feels most important to you in the therapist-client relationship?

Elliana: One of the most important things to me is that clients feel a sense of ownership over their time in session. That space belongs to them. We don’t always have to focus only on what feels difficult. There is room for humor, celebration, and the parts of life that feel meaningful and energizing.

While I bring professional training into the space, I also want clients to know that I see them as the expert in their own experience. My role is to support and guide, not to take that ownership away from them.

IVPC: How do you approach self-care with clients?

Elliana: I focus on really getting to know the client first. What they enjoy, what motivates them, and what feels meaningful in their life. From there, we can build a version of self-care that actually fits who they are.

I often use tools like values exploration, intention setting, and affirmations. I also think it’s important to acknowledge that showing up to therapy is, in itself, an act of self-care. It’s an investment in yourself.

Accessibility is also something I think about. If a client enjoys something like drawing but doesn’t have access to materials outside of session, we can problem-solve around that so those supports can continue beyond our time together.

IVPC: Is there something you find yourself reminding clients of often?

Elliana: I often remind clients that progress is not linear. Growth doesn’t happen in a straight line, and setbacks are part of the process.

I also spend time helping clients shift how they view mistakes. Many people see mistakes as failures, and that belief can keep them stuck. Reframing mistakes as opportunities for growth can open up a different way of relating to their experiences.

Another important piece is helping clients understand that we often have less control over our initial thoughts than we think. Instead of trying to control those thoughts, we can practice acknowledging them and responding with self-compassion.

IVPC: What do you find most meaningful about being a therapist?

Elliana: It’s such a privilege to be invited into someone’s inner world. Clients often share parts of themselves that they haven’t shared with anyone else, and that level of trust is something I don’t take lightly.

Being part of someone’s journey, whether it’s short-term or long-term, is incredibly meaningful.

IVPC: What do you hope clients carry with them after working with you?

Elliana: I hope clients walk away with a stronger sense of self and more self-compassion. I want them to recognize that they are worthy of being invested in.

If they take away anything, I hope it’s the understanding that the human experience is complex and that they are not alone in what they’re feeling. Having tools and language for their experiences can help them feel more grounded and supported.

IVPC: What would you say to someone who feels unsure about starting therapy?

Elliana: Starting therapy can feel a lot like dating. You might not find the right fit right away, and that’s okay. It’s important to be patient and to trust your instincts.

You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to start.

IVPC: Are there any misconceptions about therapy you’d like to clarify?

Elliana: A common misconception is that therapists have all the answers or are there to fix things. That’s not really how therapy works. It’s a collaborative space centered on the client.

It’s not about judgment. It’s about creating space to explore your experiences and make meaning of them.

IVPC: Is there anything else you’d like potential clients to know?

Elliana: I want people to know that they don’t have to come into therapy with everything figured out. It’s okay to not know where to start.

We can get there together.

If you’re interested in working with Elliana Castro, LSW or learning more about therapy at IVPC, our team is here to help you get started. Finding the right fit matters, and we’re here to support you in taking that next step. Reach out for a consultation call today.