Elise Gower (She/Her/Hers), MSW Student Intern

Elise’s spotlight coming soon...

Master Social Worker Intern under supervision with Jen Braveman, LCSW-C, and Hetty Barnett, LCSW-C

Clinical Degree: MSW Student at Louisiana State University

Expertise: Anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss, spirituality or existential conflict, relationship with self and others, LGBTQ+ life experiences, identity exploration, stress

IFS training: IFS Informed

My Background and Approach

Our human stories are sacred; they hold the layered experiences that shape us and reveal our inner wisdom. Therapy is a place that honors your story. Some parts may be painful, distorted by others, or still unfolding. I believe every person carries an inherent capacity for growth and transformation. Meaningful change emerges through curiosity, compassion, and connection. You might be exploring identity, navigating relationships, or moving through a life transition. You may be seeking more clarity or a greater sense of wholeness. Whatever brings you here, I strive to create a space where you feel deeply seen and heard—and empowered in your well-being and becoming.

What to Expect in Our Sessions & How I Can Help You

Each session will uphold where you are at that moment. I strive to create a flexible and open environment that meets your evolving needs and self-determined pace. I recognize the courage it takes to share your story and invite someone into your inner world. Beginning this journey is an incredible commitment to yourself and your future; I welcome the opportunity to be a part of your process, in person and/or virtually.

My Style & Skills

You are the expert of your own experience. My role is to accompany you—offering perspective and questions that deepen self-exploration. I am gentle and affirming, and I celebrate human diversity. I value all the parts of your Self and the unique way you move through the world. Together, we’ll uncover your strengths and create tools to sustain the changes you seek. I intentionally draw from various evidence-based practices, adapting them to fit your needs:

Internal Family Systems (IFS) for greater self-compassion and internal peace
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) to identify actions aligned with your values
Relational Cultural Therapy (RCT) to emphasize relationships and cultural context
Mindfulness-based approaches to notice and respond to your thoughts and feelings with more choice

Collaboratively, we will strengthen your confidence in meeting life’s challenges, and nurture a more authentic relationship with yourself and others.

~ Elise Gower

Inhale “This is too much to hold.” Exhale “So we hold it together.” ~ Cole Arthur Riley

Elise is in the final year of her MSW program at Louisiana State University. Her career has been focused on ministry, community engagement, and leadership development. She has extensive experience working with individuals and groups, centering storytelling and its value in collective antiracism work and LGBTQ+ advocacy. She is a published writer. Elise is passionate about the interconnections of mental health, identity, and spirituality.

Elise enjoys working with adults 18 and older from various backgrounds and life stages. She helps people experiencing the realities of intersectional identities, anxiety, depression, relationships, stress management, transitions, grief, trauma, and life’s unexpected moments.

Elise (she/her/hers) is a queer, cisgender, white woman. She is personally and professionally committed to working with the LGBTQ+ community and all people experiencing marginalization.

Elise is practicing under the supervision of Jen Braveman LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW and Hetty Barnett, LCSW-C, LICSW.

Ready to get Started?
Call us at 301-960-8960 for a short chat with our Client Care Coordinator, who is available weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. You can also fill out the contact form and we will get back to you.