Services & Specialties

I work with a range of concerns and life situations. Here are my main areas of focus.

Anxiety & Depression

Evidence-based approaches to manage anxiety, panic, social concerns, and depression. Learn coping skills and regain a sense of calm.

Couples & Relationships

Strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and navigate conflict in your relationship. Work together toward greater intimacy and understanding.

Trauma & Grief

Heal from past trauma, loss, and difficult experiences. Processing these experiences in a safe space leads to growth and resilience.

Personal Growth

Whether you're navigating life transitions, building self-esteem, or exploring identity—therapy can support your growth journey.

Life Transitions

Major changes—career shifts, relationship endings, parenthood, retirement—can be confusing. Let's navigate them together with clarity.

Family Dynamics

Explore patterns in family relationships, set healthy boundaries, and improve connections with loved ones.

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Why Choose Serenity Counseling?

Client-Centered Approach

Your goals and values guide our work together. No judgment, just genuine support.

Evidence-Based Methods

I integrate proven therapeutic approaches for lasting, meaningful change.

Complete Confidentiality

Your privacy is paramount. All sessions are confidential and HIPAA-compliant.

Flexible & Accessible

Both in-person and online sessions available. Insurance accepted and sliding scale available.

Peaceful counseling environment with comfortable seating

How I Work

Each session is tailored to your specific needs and therapeutic goals. From our first conversation to the moment you feel ready to move forward on your own, we follow a clear, collaborative path—at your pace, with no judgment.

Scroll through the five stages of our work together to see what the journey looks like.

Explore My Approach

Initial Assessment

We'll spend time understanding your background, what brings you to therapy, and what you hope to achieve. This helps me tailor our work to your specific needs.

Goal Setting

Together, we'll identify your therapeutic goals—what does healing or improvement look like for you? We'll establish these goals early and revisit them as needed.

Collaborative Work

In each session, we explore your experiences, identify patterns, and develop skills. You'll often receive "homework" or practices to apply between sessions—therapy works best when you're actively engaged.

Progress & Reflection

We'll regularly check in on your progress toward your goals. If something isn't working, we'll adjust our approach. Therapy is a living, evolving process.

Integration & Closure

When you're ready, we'll work toward concluding our sessions. You'll have developed new skills and insights that support your continued growth and wellbeing.

Elena Hartwell, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor

Meet Elena Hartwell, LPC

I'm a licensed professional counselor based in Seattle with over 12 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's most challenging moments. My path to this work was deeply personal—witnessing the transformative power of therapy in my own life inspired me to dedicate my career to supporting others.

I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Washington, with advanced training in trauma-informed therapy, couples counseling, and mindfulness-based interventions. What drives my work is simple: every person deserves to feel understood, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change.

More About Me

Compassionate Therapy in Seattle — Your Path to Healing