Founder of SomaticPsych.org, Elina is a somatic psychotherapist providing talk therapy that integrates the body, mind, and spirit. Her approach is gentle yet deep, client-centered, and non-pathologizing.

A typical session involves conversation that connects the issues discussed (whether past, present, or future) to the here-and-now, as experienced through internal bodily sensations (interoception), and as reflected by external body cues (posture, gaze, energy levels, facial expressions, breathing patterns, and body language). Specific body-based exercises may be suggested to enhance the therapeutic process. Elina is deeply committed to continued education in the field, and is always studying different modalities to further her knowledge and better serve her clients.

Academic Education:

M.A. in Body-Mind-Spirit Psychotherapy, Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Haifa (with honors).

Additional Trainings:

• Bodynamic System of Somatic Developmental Psychology - Foundation Training (1 Year) + many additional courses and workshops. Denmark.

• Somatic Experiencing for Healing Trauma - Beginner I, II, III (1 Year). Canada.

• AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) - Level 1. USA

• Exercise Therapy - Core Mastery course. Canada

• MNRI method for Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration courses: Dynamic and Postural Reflex Integration, Archetype Movement Integration . USA
  

Specialty Areas:

Body-Mind Issues: Chronic and Acute Stress, Generalized Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Nervous System Dysregulation, Social Anxiety, Loneliness/Isolation, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Hypersensitivity, Codependency and Enmeshment, Developmental Trauma, Childhood Abuse and Neglect.

Psychogenic Voice Disorders: Helping people struggling with voice issues stemming from stress, trauma, or emotional difficulties, both professional voice users (singers, actors, teachers and public speakers) and the general public.

Personal Empowerment: Life Transitions, Identity Formation and Identity Crises, Relationship Difficulties, Search for Meaning, Realization of Potential.

More about Elina:

Elina is an international therapist — born in the former USSR, grew up in Israel, and currently lives in Canada. Fluent in English, Hebrew, and Russian. This cultural diversity helps her to connect with clients worldwide, without limitations or biases related to ethnicity, religion, or race. Coming from a diverse professional and academic background, Elina is open and adaptable to clients from all walks of life. She is comfortable working with clients from a wide range of philosophical, spiritual, and religious perspectives, and welcomes conversations about these topics when they are meaningful to the therapeutic process.

In addition to psychotherapy, Elina has extensive training in music (singing, music composition, and piano) from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music. Her sensitivity to music and language brings depth and breadth to her practice of psychotherapy.

Technical Details:

Sessions with Elina are 50 minutes long, usually once a week on the same day at the same time. Sessions are conducted online, via video only (other formats such as phone calls or texting are not possible, due to the nature of this work). Sessions require a computer and a stable internet connection.

After an initial consultation, the first few sessions are usually dedicated to gaining a thorough understanding of your life story and mental health history. If your inquiry is more about personal development or a specific goal without further mental health concerns, sessions would typically be more goal-oriented. Processes can be short-term (12 to 24 sessions), medium-term (up to 2 years), or long-term (2 years and beyond). Sessions can also be scheduled on a per-session basis, with no commitment.

Languages of work:

English, Hebrew, Russian.

Finding the right therapist is an important decision. If you're wondering whether working with Elina might be the right fit, you're welcome to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. You can contact her via the contact form, indicating that you're interested in therapy.

Somatic Psychotherapy, Body-Mind-Spirit
Online (Edmonton, AB, Canada time zone).

Elina Ross (M.A)

Meet Our Somatic Therapist