Elaine's thesis "Descent from the Cross: Transformation of a Masochistic Woman" marked the completion of her psychoanalytic degree at the C.G. Jung Institute of New York. She has practiced psychoanalysis for many years, taught at the C. G. Jung Institute of New Mexico, and presented public lectures (one is entitled "The Symbol of the Cross: Revitalizing the Balanced Cross of Nature") and classes and workshops for the public. She has a BA from Wellesley College and an MA from Harvard University in literature, psychology, and teaching.