Meet Ellie Holmberg

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ellie Holmberg. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Ellie, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

My optimism comes from the way I choose to look at the world around me. Our brains naturally pay attention to whatever we train them to focus on, so I’ve intentionally practiced noticing the good. I actually keep a running list in my phone called “wins,” where I write down little moments throughout the day that made me smile. Sometimes it’s something small, like a barista complimenting my hat, a business meeting going really well, or a stranger helping me find my gate at the airport. Those tiny moments remind me that there’s so much kindness, connection, and joy woven into everyday life if we slow down enough to notice it.

I also think a lot of my optimism comes from putting myself in situations that force me to grow. Growth can be intimidating, and I’ve absolutely had moments where I felt nervous or out of my depth, but I try to approach those experiences with curiosity instead of fear. Rather than asking, “What if I fail?” I usually ask myself, “What can I learn from this person or experience?” That mindset has helped me see challenges as opportunities instead of obstacles, and I think that perspective naturally creates a more optimistic outlook on life.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am the owner and founder of Stillwater Therapy, a group private practice based in Clearwater, Florida. We specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationships, addiction, maternal mental health, and everything in between for children, teenagers, adults, families, and couples. What feels most special about the work we do is that we have created a space where therapy feels human. We absolutely value clinical excellence and evidence-based care, but we also believe healing happens through genuine connection, authenticity, and feeling truly understood. Therapy does not have to feel cold or intimidating to be effective.

One of the things I am most proud of is the culture we have built at Stillwater Therapy. We are often described as “the fun therapy office,” which honestly feels like one of the best compliments we could receive. We embrace the idea that people can hold both heaviness and joy at the same time. Some sessions involve processing grief or trauma, while others involve celebrating boundaries, laughing about awkward life moments, or recognizing growth that once felt impossible. We want clients to feel like they can fully be themselves when they walk through our doors.

Professionally, I am especially focused on continuing to grow the practice in a way that never loses that personal touch. As we expand, it is incredibly important to me that every client still feels seen, supported, and cared for from the very first interaction. We are continuing to grow our team of therapists with different specialties and approaches so we can better serve the community while still maintaining the warmth and connection that define our practice. At the end of the day, I want people to know that therapy can be approachable, collaborative, and even empowering, and that no one has to navigate hard seasons of life alone.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I think one of the biggest qualities that shaped my journey has been curiosity. Whether it was learning new clinical approaches, building a business, or stepping into leadership, I have always tried to approach unfamiliar situations with the mindset of “What can I learn from this?” instead of “What if I fail?” I do not think confidence always comes first. A lot of the time, growth comes from being willing to try before you feel fully ready. My advice for people early in their journey would be to stay open, ask questions constantly, and let yourself be a beginner. Some of the most impactful growth happens when you allow yourself to not have all the answers yet.

The second would be adaptability. Running a business while also working as a therapist means every day looks different. I have had to learn how to pivot quickly, solve problems creatively, and wear a lot of different hats. Things rarely go exactly according to plan, especially when you are building something from the ground up. Being flexible and willing to adjust without losing sight of your values is incredibly important. Early on, I think people sometimes believe successful careers follow a perfectly linear path, but in reality, a lot of growth comes from learning how to navigate uncertainty.

Lastly, I would say connection and authenticity have been foundational to everything I do. In both therapy and business, people can tell when you are genuine. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my career have come from building authentic relationships and creating spaces where people feel safe, valued, and understood. My advice would be to focus less on trying to sound impressive and more on being real. Skills and knowledge absolutely matter, but people remember how you made them feel. Leading with authenticity creates trust, and trust is the foundation of almost everything meaningful.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

Our ideal clients are people who are ready to better understand themselves, even if they are not completely sure where to start yet. At Stillwater Therapy, we work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families navigating everything from anxiety, trauma, depression, addiction, and relationship struggles to life transitions, parenting challenges, self-esteem concerns, maternal mental health, and emotional overwhelm. Many of our clients are high achievers or deeply caring people who look like they are holding everything together on the outside, while internally feeling exhausted, disconnected, anxious, or stuck.

What makes someone a great fit for our practice is not having life perfectly figured out. It is the willingness to show up honestly and be open to growth, even when it feels uncomfortable. We work especially well with clients who want therapy to feel collaborative, authentic, and human rather than overly clinical or impersonal. Some clients come to us wanting practical tools and coping strategies, while others are looking to process deeper emotional experiences and patterns. Often, it is both.

For children and teens, we strive to create a supportive environment where they feel emotionally safe, understood, and empowered to express themselves. For couples and families, we focus heavily on communication, connection, and helping people move away from blame and toward understanding. Across every age and stage of life, our goal is the same: helping people feel seen, supported, and capable of creating meaningful change. We want clients to know they do not have to “hit rock bottom” or have a perfectly defined reason to start therapy. Sometimes the ideal client is simply someone who is tired of carrying everything alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stillwater-therapy.com
• Instagram: @stillwater-therapy