- Guilt and shame
- Parenting support
- Evidence-based methods
About Elias
Elias Gootzeit is a New York LCSW-R with 40 years of clinical experience. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, anger, depression, and issues of guilt and shame. Elias helps people talk through what they are carrying and develop practical coping skills.
He uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address problems that often come from relationships and life transitions. Sessions focus on concrete steps: naming difficult feelings, tracing where they come from, and practicing ways to respond differently. Elias describes his stance as liberal and non-religious and avoids moral judgment in sessions.
Many people come for help with attachment wounds, abandonment, caregiver stress, or isolation. He also works with those coping with divorce, domestic violence aftermath, and post-traumatic stress. Young adults and people facing big life changes are among those he commonly sees.
Elias trained at Fordham University, earning a Master of Social Work in 1978, and holds the New York State LCSW-R credential. Over his career he has continued to update his skills, including work in divorce mediation and Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy.
In sessions he balances direct problem solving with close attention to feelings. Conversations aim to reduce overwhelm and increase clarity about next steps. People who want to try concrete strategies for managing guilt or shame often begin by mapping the memories and beliefs that keep those feelings active.
Before booking, readers should confirm current session options and formats. To begin, follow the online matching and scheduling steps provided by the service.
Evidence-based approaches for online sessions
Two evidence-based techniques Elias commonly uses are trauma-focused work and skills-based approaches. Trauma-focused work helps people process distressing memories and reduce the intensity of those memories over time. Skills-based approaches teach concrete techniques for managing anxiety, anger, and overwhelming shame so daily functioning becomes more manageable.He also uses practical problem-solving and elements of mediation-informed practice when relationships and separation are central concerns. These approaches focus on clear steps, communication skills, and decisions people can try between sessions. The therapist treats approach selection as collaborative and will help figure out which techniques fit best with a client's goals and preferences.
Confirm the session formats Elias currently offers before booking, as the biography does not list specific options. In general, online sessions make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - they can reduce travel time, allow for shorter check-ins during a break, or avoid the need to be on camera if that feels better. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and homework to work well across formats, and Elias will work with each person to shape sessions that fit their routine and needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
40+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of guilt or shame does he address?
He works with guilt and shame linked to relationships, past actions or inaction, family and faith issues, and broader life changes.
How does he approach feelings of guilt?
He uses evidence-based techniques to map the feeling, examine its origins, and practice alternative responses that reduce reactivity.
What is his clinical background?
He has 40 years of professional experience and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University earned in 1978.
What credential does he hold and where does he practice?
He holds the New York State LCSW-R credential and practices in New York.
Does he work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin sessions with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.