The Story Behind Stillwater Therapy
At Stillwater Therapy, we spend a lot of time helping people navigate anxiety, burnout, life transitions, relationships, addiction, and the pressure of trying to “hold it all together.” But behind every therapy practice is a person with a story too.
Recently, Ellie Holmberg was featured in an interview with Bold Journey Magazine, where she shared more about her path into mental health, building a business from the ground up, and what continues to inspire her work today.
Why Ellie Started Stillwater Therapy
Like many therapists, Ellie didn’t arrive in this field by accident. Her journey was shaped by personal experiences, challenges, and a growing realization that so many people are walking around feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck while still trying to function at a high level.
That became a huge part of the vision behind Stillwater Therapy. Ellie wanted to create a practice where people could feel understood without judgment and where therapy could feel approachable, practical, and genuinely supportive.
Today, Stillwater Therapy works with individuals, couples, teens, families, and high achievers who may look “fine” on the outside while silently struggling with anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, perfectionism, or relationship stress.
The Reality of Building a Mental Health Practice
In the interview, Ellie talks openly about the challenges of entrepreneurship, leadership, and balancing growth with authenticity. Running a therapy practice is not just about clinical work. It is also about creating a healthy environment for both clients and therapists.
One thing that stands out throughout the conversation is the importance of connection. Whether it is supporting clients through difficult seasons or building a workplace culture rooted in compassion and collaboration, that value continues to shape how Stillwater Therapy operates every day.
The interview also highlights something many people do not talk about enough. Therapists are human too. Building a business, supporting others emotionally, and navigating life at the same time requires resilience, flexibility, and ongoing self-awareness.
A Practice Built for Real Life
One of the things Ellie emphasizes often, both in her work and in the interview, is that therapy does not have to feel cold, clinical, or intimidating.
At Stillwater Therapy, the goal is to create a space where people can show up exactly as they are. Whether someone is dealing with panic attacks, relationship conflict, addiction, people-pleasing, emotional exhaustion, or simply feeling “off,” therapy is meant to help people better understand themselves and move toward a life that feels more manageable and meaningful.
The practice uses a variety of evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and Gottman Method therapy depending on each client’s needs and goals.
What Ellie Wants People to Know About Therapy
A theme that comes through clearly in the Bold Journey interview is this: growth does not require perfection.
So many people delay therapy because they think their problems are “not bad enough,” or because they feel like they should be able to figure things out on their own. But therapy is not only for moments of crisis. It can also be a place to improve relationships, learn healthier coping skills, build confidence, process life transitions, or simply feel less alone.
Seeking support is not a sign that something is wrong with you. Often, it is a sign that you are ready to stop carrying everything by yourself.
Read the Full Interview
You can read Ellie’s full feature with Bold Journey Magazine to learn more about her background, leadership style, and the vision behind Stillwater Therapy.
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