Therapist profile
Ellen Dinsmore, LICSW
Minnesota
LICSW focused on codependency and mood concerns
Continue with EllenWhere Ellen stands
- Credentials
- LICSW
- License
- LICSW, Minnesota / 1966
- NPI
- 1275781189
- Experience
- 15 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Minnesota
About
- ACT
- CBT
- Motivational Interviewing
About Ellen
Ellen Dinsmore is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Minnesota with 15 years of professional experience. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, codependency, and related concerns listed in her profile. Ellen describes her way of working as collaborative and direct. She asks questions, listens closely, and helps people set practical goals.
In sessions she uses approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and client-centered work. That means she helps people notice what matters to them, test small behavior changes, and speak about their experience without judgement. Expect clear, step-by-step conversations rather than abstract theory.
Ellen often focuses on everyday challenges - coping with life changes, handling grief or anger, managing work stress, and addressing substance use concerns. She also offers support around ADHD, trauma and abuse, and issues related to adoption and foster care. If codependency or people-pleasing are present, she helps clients see patterns and practice new responses.
Her style is straightforward and respectful. Sessions include goal-setting, skill practice, and reviewing what works between appointments. Motivational Interviewing may be used for changes that feel hard to start.
People who choose her can expect practical tools and ongoing review of progress. To begin, clients follow the site's matching and scheduling steps and set up an initial session to map out goals together.
How sessions work
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages people to clarify their values and take committed steps toward them, even when uncomfortable feelings are present. It can help with codependency patterns by linking actions to what matters most rather than reacting out of habit. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and testing small changes to shift mood and functioning. This approach suits anxiety, depression, and habits connected to substance use or people-pleasing. Client-Centered Therapy centers on open conversation and being listened to; it supports building self-understanding and making choices that fit the client's goals.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Ellen will talk with each person about what feels helpful and adapt methods as goals and needs become clearer. The choice of techniques is collaborative and may shift over time as progress and preferences emerge.
Session formats are not listed in the supplied biography, so confirm current online session options before booking. Many people find online sessions easier to fit into a workday, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, or avoid travel time. Discuss session length, frequency, and whether video or phone works best when scheduling the first appointment so you can arrange an option that fits everyday life.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Minnesota
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does she help with people-pleasing and boundary issues?
Yes. Ellen addresses patterns like people-pleasing and codependency and helps clients practice clearer boundaries and different responses.
What is her general approach in sessions?
She takes a collaborative, direct approach using goal-setting, skill practice, and conversational work based on ACT, CBT, and client-centered methods.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 15 years of professional experience working with stress, mood concerns, addictions, trauma, and related issues.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is a Minnesota LICSW and practices with that credential in Minnesota.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
What are the fees and payment structure?
Cost varies by location and services; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.