April Ella, LPC

Hi! My name is April Ella. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have been at Ebenezer for over 9 years now.

I was born and raised in Knoxville, and attended the University of Tennessee where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Ecology with a concentration in Family Studies. During my undergraduate program, I knew I would work in a helping profession in some capacity, but didn’t know it was this exact field until a few years later. I attended and graduated with honors from Carson-Newman University with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. During my training, I gained a variety of experiences working with students and adults but thoroughly loved counseling students at the Carson Newman University Counseling Center. I love and adore college students and young adults! It's such a transitional time of life with so many areas to navigate in regard to family, friends, school, work, etc. I also love helping women of all ages too! 

I am a down-to-earth, non-judgmental, deep-thinking counselor who loves to help others. I know how messy life is and can be, but am not deterred by whatever brokenness a client may have or be experiencing. Nothing surprises me, and in fact, I really thrive in helping with the areas people feel the most shame about because God has redeemed so much in my own life. I enjoy bringing hope and encouragement into my sessions. I believe we all are seeking peace, acceptance, redemption, and freedom from the things that can hold our heart and spirit hostage. We are meant to live free, unburdened lives, and I am here to help you on that journey. 

I enjoy working with adults of all ages. I approach my clients with a person-centered counseling lens and have spent time training in emotionally focused therapy, trauma-informed care, and family systems with an attachment knowledge base. My clinical interests include helping clients with family relationships (especially unhealthy boundaries and family systems/roles), navigating dating relationships, infertility issues or pregnancy loss, dealing with chronic illness, grief & loss, life transitions, parenting issues, and caring for aging parents. After losing a younger sibling a few years ago, I see the world so differently now. I have a heart for sibling loss and supporting siblings through this type of grief, especially sudden and unexpected loss. 

I've been married for 25 years and have three children, 22, 18, and 17 years old. I enjoy spending time with family and friends the most! I also look forward to traveling more in the future as I am able to. The simple things make me the happiest these days like reading a good book, sipping coffee on the porch, the love of my sweet puppy dogs, watching a great show, or a quick road trip! Life is too short to be stuck. I am here to listen, reflect, ponder with you, and find a path forward.