Education and Experience

MMFT, Masters in marriage and family therapy

MS, Mental health and clinical practices

BS, Management information systems

My Story

I knew from the beginning of my career that I wanted to help people be successful. I began my professional life as a computer programmer and although I liked the logical challenges of coding, I preferred managing, writing and collaborating in the feasibility studies and strategic planning. One of my first professional magazines had an article on motivating programmers to succeed. I knew then that what I wanted to do was motivate others to reach their potential.

After eight years in information technology, I began work on my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in order to change my career to full-time motivator! Well, that was my plan. Then I met my husband and together we chose to have a family. I stayed in information technology part-time when my children were young to make as much money as I could and still be able to be home most of the week with my children.

Long story short, by the time I wanted to begin my MFT career, I was told my master’s degree not only needed more internship hours, but after 15 years, the credits were no longer valid. It was 15 years and one month later. So, back to school for a whole new 55 credit Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. It was a very different experience than my first master’s program as I was wiser with life experiences and the knowledge of systems theory from my first master’s degree program.

My internship at a behavioral health center turned into my full-time job. I worked hard at it and learned quickly, with good supervisors, that the parents and children weren’t to blame for a system that failed them. I worked as a clinician in their residential program, then in the schools, and then their community outpatient clinic. I had put in the work of becoming an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and eventually managed the clinic and supervised all the mental health therapists and counselors.

My love was working with the clients, so when the clinic closed because of a change in their strategic direction, I went into private practice as a psychotherapist. When people ask me how I can hear the sad stories day after day, I feel surprised because I think of how precious my clients and their families are and wonder why I wouldn’t want to help them. We all deserve respect and our stories should be honored, not dismissed.

I welcome new clients and would be privileged to hear your story. Get in touch with me right here.

Additional Credentials

(Connecticut License #001521)

Two-year program - Certificate, Gestalt Therapy

Two year program - Certificate, Mental Health Aspects of Intellectual and Developmental Disorders

AAMFT Approved Supervisor and Clinical Fellow

Certificate of completion - Cognitive Processing Therapy, Telemental Health, The Brain Likes Novelty: Using Counseling Theories in Innovative and Creative Ways, CBT for Treatment Trauma, Making Marriage Work, Anger Management: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cultural Competence, and many more

Positive Parenting Associate, Teaching Parenting the Positive Discipline Way

24 college credits in family and couples therapy, with emphasis on positive psychology and relational research and practices of John Gottman and Harville Hendrix (Imago Therapy).  

Areas of Expertise

Professional Praise & Kind words

“Elaine Tavani has a relaxed, open and compassionate style with her clients and she will work with them to create new solutions and possibilities where they are feeling stuck. I have known her for over nine years and have high regards for her commitment to do excellent work with her clients. I highly recommend her.”

“Wonderful sense of humor and playfulness that are essential ingredients to working effectively with children and adults.”

“Fosters hope and optimism in her clients.”

“Elaine is always kind, consistent, responsible, and professional in her work.”

“She balances gentleness with assertiveness as the situation requires….”