Elena Zacarias de Palacios, LMFT

Elena Zacarias de Palacios is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with 30 years of clinical experience. She focuses on supporting people who have experienced trauma and abuse, those coping with grief and loss, parents facing challenges, and individuals working to build motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. Her practice also includes attention to pregnancy and childbirth related concerns.

She approaches therapy from a strengths-based perspective, believing that each person is the expert of their own story and brings resources that can be used to move through difficult moments. Her work draws on evidence-informed methods to help clients explore and process painful experiences while developing practical skills for everyday life. Elena recognizes that beginning therapy often requires courage and she encourages those who take that step.

Sessions are offered in English and Spanish, and her long tenure in the field reflects three decades of supporting diverse clients in California. As an LMFT Elena combines clinical training with a compassionate, collaborative stance to help clients address life changes, relationship concerns, and personal growth.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Elena Zacarias de Palacios integrates several therapeutic approaches to meet different needs. Client-Centered Therapy centers the client's perspective and emphasizes empathic listening and acceptance - it helps people clarify their goals, build self-esteem, and navigate life changes. Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention to access deeper thinking patterns - it may be useful for issues like motivation, anxiety, and habits when combined with talk therapy. Internal Family Systems (IFS) explores the various internal parts that influence emotions and behavior - it can help people understand internal conflicts related to trauma, grief, and self-image.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Elena works collaboratively with clients to determine what fits best based on individual needs, goals, and preferences. She adjusts methods over time so therapy remains responsive to each client's progress.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, or childcare and to continue care from different locations. Working with licensed professionals through remote sessions can support consistent progress while accommodating a client's daily life.