Yssis El

I am a clinical social worker, mental health counselor, life coach, certified meditation instructor, and spiritual wellness professional. My practice is "Know Thyself Journey, LLC." I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients can feel heard, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change.

My background includes clinical counseling, substance use treatment, grief and loss support, hospice care, spiritual counseling, community outreach, mentorship, and advocacy. I earned a Master of Social Work in Advanced Clinical Counseling from Walden University, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Religious Education from the Moorish Islamic Theocratic Institute.

I support adults experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, stress, low self-esteem, relationship concerns, substance use, life transitions, emotional overwhelm, and questions related to identity, purpose, and spirituality. My approach is person-centered, strengths-based, culturally responsive, and collaborative. Together, we will identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, build practical coping skills, strengthen communication and boundaries, and work toward goals that reflect the life you want to create.

When appropriate, I incorporate mindfulness, guided meditation, grounding exercises, breathing techniques, and body-awareness practices. I also facilitate restorative sound baths to support relaxation, self-awareness, and emotional balance. These practices are complementary tools and are not replacements for medical or mental health treatment.

I believe compassion and accountability can exist together. I will meet you where you are, honor your experiences, and offer honest feedback and encouragement as you move forward. Spirituality or faith may be included at your request, and clients from all backgrounds and belief systems are welcome. Welcome to Your Journey!

My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and person-centered. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help you better understand your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and behavioral patterns while developing practical tools for change.

I use a strengths-based and holistic approach that considers your mental, emotional, physical, relational, cultural, and spiritual well-being. Depending on your needs, I may incorporate mindfulness, grounding techniques, guided meditation, emotional regulation skills, self-reflection, and strategies for improving communication and boundaries.

I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space while also offering honest feedback and gentle accountability. Together, we will identify your goals, explore what may be keeping you stuck, and create realistic steps toward greater confidence, healing, balance, and self-awareness. Spirituality or faith can be included when it is meaningful to you, but it is never required.

During your first session, we will focus on getting to know you, understanding what brought you to therapy, and identifying what you hope to gain from the process. I will ask questions about your current concerns, personal history, relationships, support system, coping strategies, strengths, and previous experiences with counseling.

You will not be expected to share everything at once. My goal is to create a calm, respectful, and nonjudgmental space where you can speak openly at a pace that feels comfortable. Together, we will begin identifying your goals and discussing an approach that fits your needs, values, and preferences.

You can also expect an opportunity to ask questions, discuss any concerns about therapy, and share what helps you feel supported. By the end of the session, we will have a clearer understanding of the areas you would like to address and the next steps for working toward healing, greater self-awareness, and meaningful change. Do expect homework. We offer Evenings and Weekends.