Elaine Messarra, LPC

Elaine Messarra is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Texas with 26 years of experience as a psychotherapist in private practice and online. She has also provided individual therapy to residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and spent 20 years working as a teacher and school counselor, which gives her a particular insight into the stresses educators face and a strong commitment to supporting those in the field.

Elaine brings a faith-informed perspective for clients who want it, offering faith-based, Bible-based counseling and prayer when desired. She sees therapy as a collaborative, client-centered process and adapts pace and approach to meet each person where they are. Her work emphasizes holistic wellness of body and mind, unconditional positive regard, therapeutic dialogue, and active listening so clients feel heard, validated, and understood.

She works with adults ages 18 and older in individual therapy only and does not offer couples or family sessions. Her areas of expertise include trauma and abuse, toxic relationships and narcissistic abuse, anxiety and panic, depression, grief and loss, addictions, caregiver stress and compassion fatigue, geriatric issues including dementia and end-of-life concerns, chronic illness and pain, communication and boundaries, life transitions, and parenting and family-of-origin matters. Elaine aims to help clients leave sessions feeling lighter, brighter, and more hopeful, and she welcomes those ready to take a courageous step toward a more fulfilling life.

Current office hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM CST, Saturdays 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM CST, and some Sundays 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM CST. Elaine is accepting new individual therapy clients ages 18 and older.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Work

Elaine commonly integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and emotionally-focused therapy in online sessions. Client-centered therapy prioritizes the client’s perspective and builds a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship so people can explore feelings, values, and goals at their own pace - it is useful for life transitions, low self-esteem, and relationship concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and adjusting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering practical strategies for managing anxiety, depression, panic, and coping skills for daily stressors. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps people recognize and reshape emotional responses and attachment patterns, which can be particularly helpful for trauma-related issues, intimacy concerns, and patterns rooted in family-of-origin dynamics.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Elaine approaches that choice collaboratively. She will work with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and tailor techniques so therapy fits the individual rather than forcing a single model.

Online therapy with Elaine is available by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or mobility limitations. These options make it possible to access licensed professional support from different locations and to continue consistent care through transitions and changing life demands.