Background

My primary model of work is Internal Family Systems (IFS). I also draw on 10 years of training and experience as an intuitive coach and teacher and five years studying energy healing. The IFS model aligns with and supports the other models of  healing I’ve studied and applied.

Approach 

SELF-TRUST  |  I believe everyone can find the guidance they seek within them. I believe that the solutions to our personal and collective troubles will be found when we restore, strengthen, and begin to trust our inner knowing. This restoration often begins with addressing the beliefs that don’t allow you to put your well-being first so you can offer yourself compassionate understanding and care. I can help you learn to ​strengthen your connection to your own internal wisdom and trust more deeply in what you know and feel on the inside. From this empowered place of enthusiasm and authenticity, we often find that decisions and choices flow more naturally.

PRACTITIONER-CLIENT ATTUNEMENT​  |  ​My intuitive orientation allows me to closely attune with each client’s inner and outer state.
​I hold space for empathic, non-judgmental witnessing of all the parts of you in a safe environment where you can experience whatever is true in the moment and invite desired growth and change.

​Elena Arrigo (she/her)

  Photo by Demayne Murphy Photography    
WORKING WITH THE BODY  |  The physical body can be a powerful ally in mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. The body’s sensations and stirrings can serve as trailheads to the parts of you calling for awareness or attention. Body awareness naturally brings us into present-moment awareness. Whether you are already very somatically aware or whether you are new to somatic exploration, the ability to access the the body as a guide and resource is available to you. To the level that you feel comfortable, I can help you tune into the presence and wisdom of the body. ​

Education and Training

  • Internal Family Systems, Level 1 with Kay Gartner, Terrilee Dalton
  • Internal Family Systems for Medical Conditions with Lissa Rankin, MD
  • Internal Family Systems Professional and Peer Consultation
  • A’Claire School for Healing:  Energy Healing & Advanced Energetics. 500 hr.
  • Chicago Psychic Institute:  400 hr. Clairvoyant Training; 300 hr. Teacher Training
  • Chicago School of Massage Therapy:  Diploma of Therapeutic Massage
  • Ohashiatsu Institute:  Shiatsu Levels 1 and 2
  • Laughter Yoga International:  Certified Laughter Yoga Leader
  • Cornell College:  B.A. English Literature, Spanish Language and Literature​​​

Personal Therapy & Coaching

My personal self-awareness and healing work creates the foundation for the work I do with my clients. The skilled practitioners and therapists I've worked with not only help facilitate personal change, they also serve as teachers and models. Receiving personal sessions in the same modalities I use with my clients has been a key part of my learning and training. I'm grateful to receive this support and remain committed to doing my own work in service of myself, my clients, and the community.
​
  • 2018–present:  IFS Therapy - Susan Mason, LCSW;  Melissa Sandfort, IFSCP;  Jason Weber, LPCC-S; Michelle Gaza​
  • 2018–present:  Somatic Experiencing, Family Constellations - Candice Wu
  • 2021–2022:  Gupta Program Individual and Group Coaching - Deborah Mayaan
  • 2018–2019:  Discipline of Authentic Movement (IFS-Informed) - Susan Cahill, LCPC, BC-DMT
  • 2001–2015:  Focused Awareness Energy Healing - Frances White, Debra Murray
    ​
Photo by Christopher Ryan

We are constantly invited to be what we are. 
​~ Henry David Thoreau