Dr. Jacqueline Elster

The aim of this page is twofold. One, it is to list my degrees and credentials. Two, and more importantly, it is to help you decide if I am the right psychologist for you.

What you likely want to know most is a) do I know what I am doing? And b) what motivates me to work with people with mental health issues and/or substance use disorders?

My purpose in life is to inspire and heal people.  I have a knack for determining core issues quickly and instilling hope by identifying personal strengths that can be used to help you overcome barriers. I am not the type of therapist that just nods and says, “How did that make you feel?”  I am actively engaged in the process.  My goal is to walk with you and empower you as you restore your life and recover.

Clinically, I typically meet with people that are ready for change but are uncertain about the steps they need to take to have the life they want.  My clients often engage in therapy to gain insight into the thoughts and emotions that are blocking them from achieving what they want.  They further look to me to motivate them as they work on improving their lives, relationships and/or careers.

In addition to providing therapy, much of my clinical work involves the provision of individual and group supervision, as well as training. I have supervised a wide range of professionals, from first-year practicum students to individuals completing postdoctoral hours, as well as associate and limited licensed professionals and fully licensed professions seeking additional consultation. This service is provided to the GCS team to ensure our clients receive exceptional treatment and care, and to the broader community to support the professional development of clinicians in both Michigan and Indiana.

MY RESUME

In undergrad, I volunteered at a crisis hotline.  This spurred my interest in providing mental health care to the members of my community.  As such, I pursued my doctorate in clinical psychology to receive the advanced training needed to provide exceptional psychological care.

In graduate school, working with individuals in corrections inspired me to specialize in the assessment and treatment of co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.  Most people with addiction suffer from severe trauma, anxiety and/or depression. Noting this, it became my priority to acquire specialized training in treating substance use and mental health disorders concurrently.

I have been blessed to receive training at and work in a wide variety of settings from work release to drug rehab, from VA hospitals to outpatient clinics to hospice care.  These experiences made me acutely aware of the need for mental health services in my hometown.  Thus, Gabriel Counseling Services, Inc., was created to provide the highest quality psychological care for residents of Hamilton County and the surrounding areas.

Providing treatment to individuals with PTSD, substance use disorders, grief, chronic pain, insomnia, depression and/or anxiety has been my speciality.  It is important to address mental health issues from a holistic perspective.  Thus, I am a certified in a number of evidenced based treatments including Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Prolonged Exposure for PTSD, Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain.  I have received specialized training in Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia.  And, I have studied non-traditional therapy modalities such as Emotional Freedom Techniques and Thought Field Therapy.

I love working as a psychologist because I am consistently inspired by the resiliency of the human spirit and I am privileged to witness this through my work.

E-mail DrE@gabrielcounselingservices.com or call (317) 678-7423 now to schedule an appointment.