Elif Balin

As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, I provide a safe, authentic, and brave space for individuals to navigate the complexities of life and work. My practice is grounded in systemic and culturally responsive practices, designed to help you practice authenticity while respecting the diverse identities you carry. Areas of Expertise I specialize in supporting those navigating significant life and work transitions, with a particular focus on: - International Students & New Immigrants: Drawing on my extensive research and clinical experience, I help individuals manage the unique cultural, professional, and personal challenges of transitioning to life in a new country. - Women in Transition: With a graduate minor in Women’s Studies and a background in transnational feminist analysis, I am dedicated to helping women navigate the intricate intersections of their personal and professional lives. Speciality Areas My work often focuses on two critical pillars of modern wellbeing: - Work & Career Impact: I design interventions to minimize the harmful impacts of work—or the lack of decent work—on your mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. - Digital Wellness: As a certified digital wellness educator, I help clients become more aware of the global impact of technology on their work and overall flourishing, providing tools to navigate the digital world mindfully. My Integrative Approach I believe in a holistic approach to healing that synthesizes evidence-based modalities with creative, somatic tools. In our work together, I integrate: - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) & Internal Family Systems (IFS): I utilize ACT to help clients build psychological flexibility and IFS (per your request) to explore the various "parts" of their internal world. - Career Counseling: I view career development as an essential part of mental health and holistic wellbeing, helping you find purpose and resilience in your professional path. - Somatic & Creative Tools: I bridge the mind-body connection by integrating mindfulness and expressive movement, allowing for a more embodied and transformative healing process. Whether you are seeking to reclaim your wellbeing from the demands of technology or are navigating a major life transition, my goal is to help you build resilience and improve your adaptability in an ever-changing world.