Elaine Gueron

I worked as a speech-language pathologist for eight years, mostly in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals. I realized that so much of the work I enjoyed centered around getting to know my patients, their histories, and what makes them tick. I’ve always had an interest in psychology, and when I decided to pivot careers, social work gave me a deeper understanding of how broader social forces (e.g., sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, ableism, and fatphobia) shape our individual experiences and relationships.

My own experiences as a queer and non-binary person also inform my understanding of what it can feel like to be an outsider and to navigate various forms of discrimination. I find that this perspective often helps me connect with many of the people I work with. I recently completed a four-year training in psychoanalysis, which has deepened my understanding of how our histories and relationships shape our experiences of ourselves and others.

I have worked with a wide range of concerns, including questions and challenges related to LGBTQIA2S+ identity; anxiety, depression, and self-esteem; life transitions; family and relationship difficulties; navigating polyamory and ethical non-monogamy (ENM); attachment and complex trauma; the transition to parenthood and other parenting challenges; fertility concerns; trauma stemming from experiences with the medical system; and the challenges of living with cancer and other illnesses.

My approach is grounded in relational psychoanalysis, which emphasizes how our early experiences and relationships shape the ways we understand ourselves, relate to others, and navigate the world. Together, we explore patterns that may be contributing to current difficulties, including feelings, expectations, and ways of relating that may not always be fully conscious. I view the therapeutic relationship as an important part of this process, offering an opportunity to better understand yourself and your relationships in a space characterized by curiosity, openness, and collaboration.

While I value the depth and insight that psychoanalytic work can offer, I also draw on cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused approaches when appropriate. I tailor therapy to each person's needs, balancing exploration and reflection with practical strategies for navigating present-day challenges.

I have a warm, holistic, and collaborative approach, tailoring therapy to each person. While taking the work seriously, I also incorporate humor when appropriate and often find myself laughing with my patients. During our first session, we'll likely explore aspects of your history, discuss your goals for therapy, and begin getting to know each other.