Meet Ellen Scharffenberg, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker · Founder of Breakthrough Counseling
Ellen Scharffenberg is a California Board of Behavioral Sciences certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker. To qualify as an LCSW, she earned a bachelor's and a master's degree, completed advanced training, gathered extensive clinical work experience, and passed the California state board-certified licensing examination.
She has been practicing as a psychotherapist for over ten years, working with children, individuals, couples and families.
Ellen offers both in-person sessions at her El Dorado Hills office and secure telehealth appointments. For clients who desire it, she gladly integrates Christian faith and scripture into counseling, while always respecting each person's own beliefs and goals.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to give you hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11
Faith & Family
Ellen and her husband have been married over 55 years and have four married sons and ten grandchildren. Her life philosophy is based on who God is, how He loves, and how we are learning to receive His love.
Ellen has learned that life's journeys are always filled with both challenges and blessings. She and her husband discovered early on that it is not possible to have a relationship without peaks and valleys. However, it is possible to grow in love together no matter what you face, especially if you have faith.
The Path to Counseling
Ellen's path to becoming a psychotherapist began as a military and corporate wife and mother of four very "busy" little boys. After eleven moves in about sixteen years, Ellen and her family moved to northern California.
It wasn't long before her children began to bring their friends to her and ask her to help them. Quite soon it became clear that she loved what she was doing and wanted to become educated secularly and spiritually in order to really help people safely.
Education & Experience
Shortly after completing a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Social Sciences in 1990, Ellen began working in public service. She then earned a Master of Social Work in 2000, Summa Cum Laude, and went on to serve in Children and Protective Services and Adoptions.
Working with vulnerable populations gave her expertise in addictions, abuse, domestic violence, adoptions, grief and loss, post-traumatic stress disorder, adolescents, and the mentally, emotionally and physically challenged.
Ellen considers it an honor to work with children and families. She is dedicated to children, marriages and the family unit, and her passion is to see families develop and maintain the skills needed to continue and improve their family legacy.
She is also personally committed to a life of balance that includes rest and restoration.
Ready to take the first step?
Call or text (510) 685-5697, or send a request online.