Elsie Peña is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and (LPC-A, NCC) National Certified Counselor. She understands how overwhelming life can feel, especially when navigating challenges like anxiety, life transitions, depression, motherhood, or the impact of chronic illness. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes.

Elsie earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas where she concentrated in LatinX counseling studies. This education has equipped her to provide culturally sensitive therapy, addressing the unique experiences and challenges of those navigating cultural identity and life transitions. As a biracial Latina, Elsie has a deep understanding of how these factors can influence mental health, and she brings warmth and cultural sensitivity to her practice. 

Elsie brings a wealth of experience to our practice through her internships at YWCA Austin, where she worked within a social justice framework to make mental health services accessible to all. At Phoenix House Counseling, she supported teens struggling with substance abuse, and at HGI Counseling Center, she received training in collaborative counseling practices. These diverse experiences have shaped Elsie into the well-rounded and empathetic counselor she is today.

She specializes in supporting women through the challenges of motherhood, postpartum as well as providing guidance for clients dealing with chronic illness, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and life transitions. Drawing from evidence-based practices like Collaborative Therapy, Elsie helps clients build practical tools for managing stress, emotions, and relationships. Her client-centered approach focuses on helping individuals develop the confidence and skills needed to thrive.

If you're ready to take the first step toward healing and personal growth, Elsie is here to help you find a path forward that feels right for you.