About Alex

Hi there! My name is Alex and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in San Diego, California. I primarily work with adults, and specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and working with the LGBTQIA+ community. I am trained in several therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR, that can help you attain new insights about your feelings and behaviors. Life is too short to be held back by relationships that no longer serve us, trauma that continues to impact our daily lives, and anxious thinking that preoccupies us day after day. My goal is to work with you to identify and incorporate coping skills that will lend to a more joyful and fulfilling life.

I do not have a streamlined approach to therapy; it varies depending on your unique needs. Together we will explore ways to find purpose in your work and relationships, free yourself from things within your control that are holding you back, and become a better friend to yourself. The modalities I incorporate most often include Mindfulness-Based CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to identify and alter unhelpful thought processes, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to process and heal from traumatic experiences, and MI (Motivational Interviewing) to resolve ambivalent feelings and motivate you to make positive changes in your life.

My Approach to Therapy

My Client Focus

My approach seems to work well for adults who feel (understandably) overwhelmed by life pressures and the ever-changing world around them. This overwhelm regularly presents as depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and unhealthy relationship dynamics. I have also worked extensively with the LGBTQIA+ community and understand the importance of working with a therapist who reflects your identity and creates a safe space to heal. We’ll work together to figure out what you want and how you can best show up for the people in your life by effectively communicating your needs and boundaries.

Our first session together will be all about getting to know each other and coming up with some initial ideas of how to move forward. This typically involves discussion about your symptoms or struggles, history, relationships, interests, strengths, and goals. My priority, however, is to make sure you are comfortable, and you will not be compelled to talk about anything that you’re not ready to share. I understand it takes time to get comfortable with a new person, and I offer space and time for things to unfold naturally. My communication style is calming, conscientious, and deliberate. My hope is to provide an experience that allows you to feel like you can openly explore your difficult life experiences in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Over time we will develop a practical plan to practice new behaviors and incorporate tools that can help you feel grounded, confident, and more in control. We will regularly check-in to track your progress and update your goals as needed. We can meet at my centrally-located office during the week. I also offer therapy through the phone or video calls so that you can meet at a time and place that best meets your needs.

What You Can Expect From Our First Session

My Journey to Becoming a Therapist

Becoming a therapist just made sense to me. I’ve always been intuitive and empathetic, but I think what really drew me towards this profession was a combination of my own struggles with mental health and a dysfunctional family, and the impact of the many incredible people who (quite literally) saved my life with their love and support. People often ask how I do what I do, saying that it would be exhausting or draining for them; although I admit that I occasionally feel depleted after a day’s work, the process of experiencing another person move through their struggles, transform their wounds into strengths, and find hope in the future is incredibly powerful and rewarding.

Questions?

Send me an email and I will respond within 24 hours.