In-Person in Phoenix, AZ 85032
Hi there, and congratulations on taking the first step toward reaching out for help. Finding the right therapist can be hard, but I’ve learned it often comes down to two things: personality and treatment approach. I'll describe what these are for me in an effort to help clarify whether I might be the therapist for you. By nature, I’m calm, compassionate, and intellectually-driven. I like to understand what we do and why, and bring this intentionality to my work as a therapist. I’ve worked across higher levels of care with people navigating eating disorders, substance use, depression, anxiety, and psychosis. I feel humbled by the stories that are shared with me and promise not to judge. In my experience, talking alone isn’t always enough, so I use evidence-based, embodied approaches that help you access what’s beneath the surface and shift what keeps you stuck. My goal is to help you reconnect with the full range of human emotions so you can feel more fully alive and move toward what’s meaningful to you.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Jewish, Women clients.
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Brainspotting A therapy that uses eye positions to access and process unresolved trauma. It helps release emotional and physical pain held in the body.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Based on decades of research, this method gives couples tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen intimacy.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Education & Credentials
Elka Cubacub LCSW
- Female
- License # LCSW-23269
- Licensed in AZ
- Practicing Since 2023
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee 150-175
- Accepts Insurance
- I am in network with Aetna, Cigna, and Carelon Behavioral Health via Headway. Please note, see couples through my own practice and do not accept insurance for couples counseling.