Eleni Sexton, LCSW

It was not my intention to become a therapist when I first dreamed about what I would do for a living. However, over the years I have come to find that starting on this path — despite the many detours — has brought my life more richness and health than I could have ever imagined. Below you will find more information about my background, and current practice orientation.

Why the jackalope? When I was a kid, I saw a jackalope mounted on the wall of a corner store in my hometown of Reno. At the time, I believed that they were real and spent many hours searching the desert hills for signs of them. The power of imagination. This can be robbed from us when we have endured adverse experiences, and my hope is that my work with clients and clinicians helps restore this ability. The jackalope — for me — is a symbol of hope for imagination restored.

I began my career in mental health with the Washoe County School District. I provided support to children in special education who had been diagnosed with ‘severe, disruptive behavior disorders’. During this time I noticed a common theme: children with these ‘disorders’ also had significant attachment ruptures, and numerous traumas. It was no mystery to me that these experiences lead to the difficulties they had with learning skills such as emotion regulation, and socialization. This sparked my curiosity to seek other healing options that could exist for those kids I loved so much.

I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2010. I then took the scenic route to get to graduate school. After many travels — and several tangential jobs — I decided to pursue my Master’s degree in a field that aligned with my values and interests. In 2014 I completed my Master of Science at Columbia University, School of Social Work in New York City.

Upon graduation I moved back to Reno, and began my career as a therapist in community mental health where I practiced for eight years. This time was a period of significant growth for me. Not just as a therapist, but as a human. Over the years I witnessed the resilience of the human spirit, and the potential for change even in the most dire of circumstances. I will forever be grateful for my clients there; they were my greatest teachers.

Throughout my career, my therapeutic practices have largely been guided by: my ever expanding search for the latest scientific advances, the wisdom of my mentors and colleagues, and the help I received through my own work in therapy.

I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), as well as an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Trainer. I completed the Advanced Externship and Core Skills for Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples. Other modalities I utilize are Internal Family Systems (IFS), The Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM), Mindfulness, Guided Imagery, Expressive Arts Therapy, as well as a strong base in neuroscience. I strive to integrate these different practices to support my clients.

Learning is a journey without end. Thus, I will continue seeking methods to better assist me in my work with both clients and clinicians. I believe that each person is unique, and deserves to be treated with dignity. I utilize the different interventions available to me to attune to my clients’ needs, and meet them where they are. I am very passionate about paying close attention to not just mental health, but also physical, social, and spiritual health (whatever that means to you). This is what comprises my holistic approach.

If you think you would like to work with me in some capacity, please explore the other pages to get more information about the services I provide.