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Elena Karamanova

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Registered Social Worker
she/her
Sessions start at
$160.00

Elena is here to support you with burnout, perfectionism, stress management, and self-esteem.

Headshot of Elena Karamanova from waist up smiling in a business casual top.

Elena supports young adults and adults who struggle with perfectionism, low self-esteem, and overall burnout. Together, you and Elena will explore strategies to challenge that inner critic so that you can create space for acceptance and forgiveness. As a former perfectionist, Elena understands how unrealistic standards can cause high levels of stress and wants to help you break the cycle in a supportive, non-judgemental space. Together you will explore your past and present to identify behaviours that no longer serve you. She’ll support you to develop new patterns so that you can live a more fulfilling life.

As an empathic person, Elena creates a safe space for you to explore your feelings. You lead the conversation, and she’ll provide genuine support to help you find a new way of being. Elena welcomes humour in sessions and provides a laid-back atmosphere. She acknowledges the importance of hearing your story and handles this responsibility with great care. She’ll work with you to explore goals and strategies that fit your needs.

Outside of sessions, Elena can be found spending time outdoors. She loves a good mystery novel, hot yoga class, and connecting with loved ones. Elena often plans for her next travel destination and tries to convince family and friends to join her adventures. Elena practices self-care by recognizing her limitations, attending cycling classes, and painting.

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Right for you if:

You want to challenge your inner critic and better understand the causes of your perfectionism.
You want to improve your self-esteem.
You’re feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
You want to learn new skills that will help you cope with burnout.

Right for you if:

You want to challenge your inner critic and better understand the causes of your perfectionism.
You want to improve your self-esteem.
You’re feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
You want to learn new skills that will help you cope with burnout.

More about

Elena

Elena Karamanova riding her bike over a bridge through the mountains.

Q&A

What do you do to take care of your own mental health?
To ensure that I am able to show up for my clients in the best headspace, I often check in with myself to see if I am dedicating time to practicing mental wellness. This looks like eating balanced meals, attending fitness classes at my local gym, prioritizing time to connect with loved ones, and journaling.
How do you describe therapy?
I would describe therapy as a safe space where the client is encouraged to explore their struggles with the support and non-judgemental stance from the therapist. It is a collaborative environment that aims to support and problem solve the various challenges that life can throw our way.
What does good mental health look like to you?
When we feel that we are in a good place with our mental health it often reflects in the capacity to regulate one's emotions, be aware of our triggers, behaviours and thought processes, and have coping strategies available when needed. Good mental health is also the ability to become connected with the mind-body and be able to understand what our body needs from us.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Advanced), University of Manitoba (2019)

Masters of Social Work, University of Toronto (2022)

DBT Clinical Skills Training (Jack Hirose & Associates Inc.)

Trauma Informed Care (Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute)

Mental Health First Aid (Mental Health Commission of Canada)

MindFIT Mindfulness Meditation Facilitator Training (University of Toronto)

What is Narrative Therapy? (Dulwich Centre)

ASIST Suicide Intervention Training (LivingWorks)

Manitoba College of Social Workers

Canadian Association of Social Workers

@theshiftcollab

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