Welcome to Arcana Counseling
Queer-centered, attachment-based therapy for individuals and relationships of all kinds.
Elena Schmeising, MA, LPCC
Hey there, I’m Elena Schmeising (pronounced SHMY-zing), a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Denver, Colorado. I’m a queer, sex-positive therapist specializing in working with LGBTQIA+ and non-monogamous clients.
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Whether you're struggling with mental health or relationship issues, moving through a difficult life transition, seeking coping or communication skills, or continuing on your journey of self-discovery, you don't have to do it alone. Wherever you are on your path, I will meet you there and support you every step of the way as we work collaboratively toward your goals.
My approach is based in narrative and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I believe in the power of genuine interpersonal connection to facilitate change and aim to create a safe container where emotions, beliefs, and identities can be explored and expressed in session. I work from a humanistic, social justice perspective and strive to honor each individual’s cultural and historical context, as well as acknowledge the impacts of institutions and systems.
I believe that therapy is inherently political and I am committed to opposing oppression in all its forms. My practice is rooted in anti-capitalism, anti-racism, sex positivity, and intersectional feminism, and is affirming of LGBTQIA+ identities, sex workers, polyamory/non-monogamy, kink, neurodiversity, and disability.
I am not a blank slate! I bring authenticity, curiosity, and humor to my practice as a therapist, and I firmly believe that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in determining the success of our work together. Reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to chat with me and find out if we're a good fit!
Individual Therapy
$125 for 60 minutes
At Arcana Counseling, I welcome adolescent (age 12+) and adult individuals seeking to engage with their concerns from a holistic, relational perspective. Issues we might address in individual therapy together include depression, anxiety, past trauma, relationship difficulties, gender and sexuality, emotion regulation and avoidance, insecure attachment, and the development of coping and communication skills.
Relationship Therapy
$150 for 60 mins
$175 for 90 mins
Few experiences are as painful as feeling disconnected from those we love. Whether it’s communication problems, a lackluster sex life, or navigating a transition in structure or life stage, relationship therapy can help. I draw on a variety of modalities including Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method to help people in relationships break free from negative cycles and reconnect with each other.
Classes & Workshops
Prices vary
I occasionally partner with Awakening Boutique to offer classes, community groups, and workshops. Follow Arcana or Awakening on Instagram for event announcements! (Please note that these opportunities are not therapy and if you aren’t already a client, your participation may mean I’m unable to work with you as a therapy client in the future.)
Practice Policies
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I offer non-emergency counseling services by appointment only. Though you are welcome to request appointments at any time, I am not available for 24-hour emergency support. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency and need immediate support, please call 988 or Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-TALK (8255), or text TALK to 38255. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
My current business hours are 11am - 7pm, Monday through Wednesday. I offer flexible teletherapy services to folks residing anywhere within the state of Colorado, as well as in-person therapy appointments at my Denver office on Wednesdays only.
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Because one of the most important ingredients in effective therapy is finding a therapist you like and trust, new and prospective clients should first schedule a consultation. If it seems like we’re a good fit for each other, we can move forward with scheduling our first session!
Existing clients may request sessions via email (preferred), text, or phone. Please note that while my email is HIPAA-compliant, texting is not, and I cannot guarantee either as a secure form of communication.
Individual sessions are 60 minutes long. I generally recommend 90-minute sessions for couples and other relationships in order to give everyone plenty of time and space to share, but I also offer 60-minute relationship sessions.
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Please let me know at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule your session. I allow one free pass, but after that, cancellations made less than 24 hours before an appointment will result in being charged the full session fee.
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For a variety of reasons, I do not accept insurance (feel free to ask me why if you’re curious). However, I can provide you with a superbill which you can use to request reimbursement if your insurance offers out-of-network benefits. Please note that I am NOT able to see clients with Medicaid, even if paying out of pocket.
If you’re experiencing financial hardship, please let me know during the initial consultation.
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You have the right to request a good faith estimate of how much your care will cost up front, before your appointment. If you receive a bill that is more than $400 over your good faith estimate, you may be able to dispute it. To learn more, go to CMS.gov/nosurprises.
Let’s work together
You can reach me using the form below, or, if writing emails isn’t your thing, click here to skip right to scheduling a free 15-minute consultation.
