Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Meystedt.
Hi Ellen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I spent majority of my childhood growing up in central Illinois. I attended Southeast Missouri State University where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. While I was in the midst of completing my last year of college, my mom suddenly passed away. It was at this point that I went to therapy for the first time. I chose to continue my studies while also navigating the first major loss in my life. In the shuffle of finishing school, therapy took a backseat. Shortly after I graduated, my sister and I chose to move to Austin together seeking a fresh start. I began working at a luxury spa resort in the Austin, TX area, but found myself continuously unhappy and unfulfilled. I began to go to therapy again, and it was then that I finally began to find relief from my complicated grief. Through the work with my therapist (whom I still see today), I realized I wanted to make a career change. I’ve always had a strong desire to help others and was always interested in studying psychology, so I felt as though the mental health field would be a good fit. I started the Master’s of Arts in Counseling program at St. Edward’s University, and graduated in the fall of 2021. While in my master’s program, I worked as a nanny for a few different local families. It was through this work that I found my deep love and passion for working with children and their families. I now specialize in providing mental health therapy for children (ages 3yo+), teens, young adults, and parents.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has certainly had its ups and downs. Aside from the typical life challenges, my parents split up when I was about 7 years old and this is very hard for me. As a child and teenager I didn’t understand why I felt so much anger, resentment, or sadness, and I often felt confused and ashamed by it. Several years later when my mom passed away my world had drastically changed again. I hadn’t experienced such pain, grief, or sadness before and found myself lost. Therapy, along with support from my loved ones, I eventually found healing, growth and relief. These two major challenges in my life have shaped the way I see and move through the world. Today, I really enjoy supporting clients through life changes (i.e., divorce/separation, moving, new school, etc.), grief & loss, anxiety, depression, ADHD, attachment ruptures, and more.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in play therapy & sandtray therapy for children (3yo+). I also enjoy incorporating more traditional talk therapy methods along with EMDR, parts work, mindfulness and more in my sessions with my older clients. I allow my clients to take the lead as I follow and support along the way. I also enjoy including caregivers in my work for my younger clients as I find this is an essential part of making progress.
How do you think about luck?
I do consider myself to be very lucky in finding my passion. I truly love the work that I do, and sadly I know that not everyone experiences this luxury. I recognize that the road to becoming a therapist is not an easy one and requires a lot of support from others. As anyone else, my life has included challenges, however, I have been very lucky in finding an amazing support system that I can lean on when I need to. Without my support system, which includes family, friends, colleagues, and more, I would not be where I am today.
Pricing:
- $155/Individual Session, Parent Session
- $175/Family Session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.playful-minds-psychotherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_with_el/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TherapyWithEl/
Image Credits
Erin Jones, Prana Portraits
