Elsa Jové Cantal, MHC-I

I am an Associate Mental Health Counselor originally from Barcelona, Spain. I came to the United States to pursue both academic and athletic opportunities, competing in Division II and Division I soccer while continuing my education.

As an international student, I bring a strong sense of cultural awareness and an appreciation for diverse backgrounds. My experiences have helped me better understand and connect with individuals from different cultures and life perspectives. 

Being a collegiate athlete has shaped my approach to counseling by strengthening my resilience, discipline, and sense of community. I value the importance of belonging and strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel accepted, understood, and empowered. 

I use a person-centered approach and draw from CBT and ACT. While these are evidence-based, I believe the most important part of therapy is the relationship between therapist and client, as that connection is what makes growth possible.

I enjoy working with individuals of different ages and backgrounds, and I am passionate about understanding the human mind and exploring why people think and behave the way they do. I am especially interested in how our development and past experiences shape who we are today,including the ways early life experiences can influence patterns we may not even be fully aware of.

I am also interested in working with athletes, supporting them in building resilience, managing pressure, and preventing burnout while maintaining a healthy relationship with their sport.