Nancy Ellis, M.A., M.Div., QMHP-C

**IMMEDIATE OPENINGS** Online & In Person – Tues & Weds. (afternoon & evening!) – Contact Nancy direct (below) to schedule!

Nancy is a Licensed Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP-C) in Virginia. She is passionate about collaborating with individuals and families to help them find their own unique strengths and solutions.

Clinical Focus Areas

Nancy works in-person and online with individuals aged 4 and up, along with couples and families. She supports clients seeking assistance with life transitions, stress, anxiety, depression, attention-deficit disorder, autism spectrum, family disruption, grief, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder.  She specializes in working with people who have experienced racialized trauma and any type of marginalization.

Counseling Approach

Nancy utilizes a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Structural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness exercises.  In addition, she holds an interfaith clergy license and can integrate spirituality into sessions upon client request.

Professional Philosophy       

According to Nancy: “I believe that at times we all need help getting through life’s difficult times. Once the storms calm down or the fires are put out, most people can figure out solutions to their problems. Therapy allows people young, old, and in between to get in touch with their feelings, talk through the issues, and create viable options for themselves as they move forward. I love watching this process unfold. The ‘Aha moments’ are fascinating!”

Educational Background

Nancy earned an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Bethel University and a Masters of Divinity with a focus on Peace and Justice from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.  She received her B.A. in Organizational Leadership with a minor in Theatre Arts also from Bethel University.  She continues her ongoing professional training under direct clinical supervision from Free Spirit Counseling owner and Clinical Director, Dr. Jill Nardin, PhD, LPC.

Professional Experience

Nancy began serving in the mental health field in 2008. She worked in community-based therapy for much of her career, meeting with families in their homes and with children in public schools.  Her experience also includes chaplaincy end of life support.  These valuable experiences taught her how to interface with complex and intertwined systems that impact families.

Fun Facts About Nancy

  • Nancy grew up in the theatre and is a professional singer.  She feels most alive when onstage – singing and entertaining – bringing joy to others.
  • She loves spending time with her family, including her 4 phenomenal children and 9 grandchildren.
  • She also adores any chance she gets to take cross-country road trips to visit her family!
  • Her favorite colors are blue and purple.
  • Her favorite musical group is Earth, Wind, and Fire.
  • The background you see in Nancy’s photo is from our office “The Forest” here at Free Spirit.

To schedule an appointment with Nancy, contact her at: nancye@freespiritonline.org or 757-204-5171.

 

SPECIAL NOTE ON INSURANCE/FEESAs a Licensed Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy, Nancy is in-network with Cigna/Evernorth commercial insurance and the following Medicaid Plans: Aetna Better Health, Anthem Healthkeepers+, Molina, Sentara Health Family and Community Plans (formerly Optima/VA Premier), and United Healthcare Community Plan. She is also able to see other non-Medicaid clients for a sliding scale, negotiable fee.

 

Nancy works directly under the supervision of Clinical Director Dr. Jill Nardin; 757-204-1866 and jill@freespiritonline.org.