Elliot M. Geller, LCSW

"The resources you need to thrive exist within your heart and mind."

811 NW 20th Avenue,
Suite 302		 Work: (503) 224-1433
Portland, Oregon   97209-1451 Fax: (503) 224-1433
(Monday, Thursday and Friday 9-5 only)
Disabled Accessible: Yes E-Mail:

elliotg@easystreet.net


Location:
NW Portland
Corner of 20th Avenue and NW Johnson Street
3 blocks East of Good Samaritan Hospital
2 minutes from I-405 Everett Street exit

Degrees:
Master of Social Work
Portland State University
Bachelor of Science University of Cincinnati

Licenses:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
 
Advanced Training & Certifications: Certified Group Psychotherapist
Modern Analytic Group Therapy training with Ellen Wright, Ph.D. from The Center for the Advancement of Group Psychotherapy in NYC
Multi-Generational Family Therapy with the Institute for Family Centered Therapy
Advanced Supervision and Training in Ericksonian Hypnotherapy
Availability: Routine & Urgent
Affiliations: American Group Psychotherapy Association
American Mental Health Alliance - Oregon, Board of Directors
National Association of Social Workers
Oregon Association for Death Education and Counseling
Oregon Group Psychotherapy Society, Board Member

Fees:
Initial Session (50 minutes) $135
Individual Session (50 minutes) $125
  Couples and Families (50 minutes) $135
Group Therapy Screening $125
Group Therapy Session $55 per group, or $220 per month (4 groups)
Insurance reimbursement for some companies.  I am not a member of managed care provider panels.

Specialization

Grief and Loss, Complicated Bereavement Group Psychotherapy
Marital and Relationship Issues Transition and Midlife Issues for Men

Focus of Practice & Interests

Individual Psychotherapy and Counseling Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama
Marital and relationship problems Men's midlife and transition issues
Grief and Loss, Complicated Bereavement Life threatening and chronic illness
Ericksonian Hypnotherapy and guided Imagery Depression and Anxiety, Phobias and Panic Attacks
Multi-Generational Family Therapy  

Background & Experience

Private Group Practice treating HIV clients with imagery and hypnosis Community Mental Health Center
Hospice House, treatment for terminally ill people and their families Inpatient and Outpatient Chemical Dependency Treatment
Free Clinic for alternative health care Ceta Summer Work Program Manager for disadvantaged adolescents
Adjunct Instructor for Group Psychotherapy at Portland State University Adjunct Instructor of Communication Skills at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine
Professional training in bereavement and loss; Marylhurst College, PSU, and local workshops Crisis Line

Patient & Client Populations Served

Older Adult (65 and up) Adults (18 to 65 yrs)
Teenage (13 to 17 yrs) Predominantly Anglo-American, some experience with African American and Native American

Orientation & Approach

For eighteen years my clinical training included a variety of theories and strategies; I choose approaches most suitable for helping the individual.   I approach people with curiosity and respect to access their strengths in promoting growth and change.  I believe personal growth develops first within the trusting, supportive, and confidential context of the therapist-client relationship.  I see most clients once weekly, give homework often, and work towards satisfying and lasting results within 3 to 6 months.

Successful therapy is a collaborative process requiring patience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn new ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.  Therapy is hard work.  Changing  patterns of relating is difficult.  I enjoy helping people enhance their awareness, acceptance, and self-expression to move towards a stronger sense of self and more satisfying relationships with others.

To continue to evolve as a therapist, I am committed to ongoing study, consultation with fellow professionals, and personal growth.  As a social worker, I have been interested in facilitating access to competent and professional mental health services: some of the local service coordination I helped develop are the local chapter of the Association for Death Education Counseling and the Oregon Group Psychotherapy Society.  I have a strong interest in group psychotherapy.  I believe one can explore and improve interpersonal relationships and learn much about oneself in a well lead group.

When I am not working, I enjoy camping and exploring the mountains and coast of the Northwest with my wife of 14 years and our two children.  I am involved in my children's school and sport activities.  I experience my family life as the most meaningful aspect of my current development.