George Ellis

Psy. D.
Therapist

Dr. George Ellis was born and raised in Minnesota where he obtained a B.A. in counseling (1979), a Masters in Counseling and Psychology (1981) and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology (1996). In addition, he is certified as a Sexuality Therapist from the University of Minnesota where he was trained in their internationally renowned Program in Human Sexuality. He is also licensed in the state of Minnesota as a psychologist.

Dr. Ellis has practiced in numerous settings over the past 25 years, e.g. psych hospital, residential treatment for chemically dependent felons, halfway house, University of Minnesota (adolescent sex offenders, victims of sexual abuse, sexual dysfunction, sexual identity issues, etc.), directed a sex offender program and private practice (with a strong emphasis on family therapy). Dr. Ellis also has considerable experience working with both the juvenile and adult justice system dealing with conduct disorder, oppositional defiance and severe psychological trauma.

George enjoys working with oppositional, angry and acting out youth. He is aware that their anger, defiance, "tough guy/girl image" and addictive/destructive behaviors exist to shield them from profound feelings of sadness, loss/grief, fear of abandonment, loneliness and an intense longing to belong to family, friends and a community. George is a strong believer that it is the relationship that heals; that the relationship is the container that permits people to explore and expose their real selves and potential. For the past 10 years George worked outside the United States (Guatemala, Cambodia, Kosovo) in post-conflict zones where he could further his study of the causes of violent conflict and help people deal with the aftermath, and seek alternatives to violence as the only means to conflict resolution.

George is married to Laurie Ellis Young, a yoga, breath and meditation teacher. They have lived and worked internationally for many years; they both love nature and outdoor activities.