Ellie Vargas, LCSW
The Personal Path Behind the Practice
I came to this work through both personal and professional evolution.
Raised within an alcoholic family system, I know firsthand what it means to carry the legacy of childhood adaptation into adult life. I’ve had to do the deep, non-linear work of recognizing how my system learned to protect itself, untangling those outdated strategies, and building towards true, internal security.
Because I’ve walked this terrain myself, this work isn’t just a career for me - it’s a deeply personal calling. When we heal our early wounds, we don't just change our own lives; we transform how we show up for our partners, our children, and our communities.
I’m committed to helping you create that ripple effect.
What I'm like
as a Therapist
I bring all of me into my work. I am present and transparent, often reflecting personal examples that may illuminate a place where you are feeling stuck or to help you feel less isolated. Given this, if you're looking for a 'blank slate' therapist, we are probably not a good fit. I am right there with you.
I laugh. I curse. You will always know you are with a real human.
I think deeply about my clients and the things they are struggling with. I am often known to say: "You know, I was thinking about you after last week's session and I want to run this thought I had by you..."
I'm not easily intimidated, shaken, or shocked. I've heard it all. I can hold it all.
Sustaining deep trauma work requires a well-regulated nervous system and a commitment to living fully.
Movement & Nature: Engaging with physical strength and nature is how I release nervous system energy and stay anchored. I’m often known to be hiking with my dog, lifting heavy weights in the gym, or paddle boarding out on the water. Be ready for lots of therapeutic metaphors about physical endeavors.
Rhythm: I am equally enriched by the grounding chaos of life’s rhythm as a mother to t/w/eens & a dog-mom to a sometimes excitable labradoodle as well as the joy and spontaneity of dance - salsa dancing to a live band is my happy place.
Community: I’m deeply anchored by a diverse, close-knit community of friends, family, and colleagues who keep me grounded, challenged, and growing in equal measure
Beyond the Therapy Room
Guiding Values
COMPASSION
To hold myself and others with utmost compassion about how life has shaped who we are and the ways in which we struggle and thrive.
CURIOSITY
To cultivate curiosity about that which seems impossible to know and even about that which seems obvious.
AUTHENTICITY
To tune into what is within my truest self and allow that to come forward in a way that invites others' true selves to also come forward.
HUMOR
To hold space for laughter, even when (especially when!) things are challenging and uncomfortable.
Licensure & Certifications
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): State of California (LCSW #26233)
Level 3 Certified IFS Therapist: Internal Family Systems Institute (IFSI)
IFSI Approved Consultant: Providing clinical consultation and supervision for practitioners pursuing IFS certification globally
Advanced Clinical Training & Approaches
Internal Family Systems (IFS): Completed Levels 1, 2, and 3 training through the IFS Institute
Trauma & Neuroscience: Three-year training (Levels 1-3)with Janina Fisher: “Working with the Neurobiological Legacy of Psychological Trauma”: phase-oriented trauma treatment and somatic regulation models
Relational & Experiential Continuing Education: Specialized post-graduate clinical trainings in complex PTSD, developmental trauma, and relational dynamics
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW): CUNY Hunter College, New York
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Vassar College, New York