Support to navigate interpersonal connection

el care work

Elise hernandez, PhD, MSw, LSW

psychotherapy + later life doula services 

About me

A social worker and researcher by training, an organizer (of things!), listener, and planner by nature, I practice presence, reflection, creative inquiry, planning, evaluation, and resource gathering with individuals, families, and friends across the life course.

I collaborate with clients through psychotherapy, care planning, research, and evaluation services. I am trained as a Death Doula, and am a Dementia Doula in waiting.

Background

With a doctoral degree in Social Work and Psychology and an MSW, I’ve spent time scrapbooking with couples experiencing memory loss, supporting elders through eviction prevention and hoarding, creating, analyzing, and presenting on surveys, facilitating focus groups, coordinating community-designed programming and grants, and facilitating psychotherapy sessions.

Values and Beliefs

Liberation is an active process | Interconnectedness is undeniable, and a gift | Change unfolds everywhere at multiple scales | Cada cabeza es un mundo (Every head is a universe) | Emotions are information | Compassion is a powerful north star

How I practice

With an eclectic approach, I tap into many lineages of care knowledge, rituals, skills, and practices to respond to clients’ present and emerging needs. The throughline: mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, somatic awareness, and creativity, and nature.

specific populations I work with

People- with cognitive impairment | with chronic illness and chronic pain | facing death and dying

Friends and Families navigating transition and conflict

Elders | Caregivers | Scholars | Artists

LGBTQ+ folks | BIPOC and People of diasporic experience

Organizations and companies supporting clients and employees listed above

beyond the professional

I am a poet. I curate playlists for parties and special occasions. I craft. I move my body through sports, exercise, and dancing. And I love being around bodies of water and amidst mountains.