Hi there. My name is Alexis Morris and my preferred name is Lexi. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of California, my primary goal is to provide compassionate and effective therapy to individuals seeking support and guidance. With a foundation in evidence-based practices, I specialize in helping clients navigate through life's challenges and achieve their personal goals. Drawing from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches, I tailor my interventions to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. My approach is collaborative, focusing on building a trusting therapeutic relationship that fosters openness and growth. I believe in the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of criticism. Through exploration and self-discovery, my aim is to empower clients to cultivate resilience, enhance self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies. As a counselor committed to ethical standards and ongoing professional development, I strive to stay informed about the latest research and best practices in the field. My dedication to the well-being of my clients is reflected in my advocacy for their mental health and personal growth throughout the therapeutic process.
In your first therapy session, whether you're seeking support for the first time or transitioning to a new therapist, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment focused on understanding your needs and goals. We'll begin by discussing paperwork and confidentiality agreements, ensuring you feel comfortable with the therapeutic process. I'll invite you to share what brings you to therapy, including any specific concerns or challenges you're facing. We'll explore your personal history, current circumstances, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. This initial conversation helps us establish a foundation of trust and collaboration. You're encouraged to ask questions about the therapeutic approach and how sessions will proceed. Together, we'll outline a tentative treatment plan that aligns with your goals and discuss different therapeutic techniques that may be beneficial for your unique situation. You can expect to receive empathy, validation, and a non-judgmental space to express yourself openly. By the end of the first session, my aim is for you to feel heard, understood, and empowered as we embark on this journey towards healing and personal growth together.
As a therapist, my greatest strengths lie in my ability to deeply listen and empathize with my clients. I am a direct therapist who does so with compassion and empathy. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where all beings feel comfortable exploring their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I am dedicated to building strong therapeutic alliances based on trust, respect, and collaboration, which allows me to tailor my approach to meet each client's unique needs and preferences. I bring a holistic perspective to therapy, integrating evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as other therapeutic models. This allows me to address a wide range of mental health challenges effectively. I am committed to ongoing professional development, staying informed about the latest research and therapeutic approaches to provide the best possible care. Moreover, I am skilled in helping clients cultivate resilience, enhance self-awareness, and develop practical coping strategies to navigate life's challenges. My genuine passion for supporting others in their journey towards personal growth and well-being fuels my commitment to being a compassionate and effective therapist.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based approach that therapists use to help clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Therapists typically begin by establishing a collaborative relationship with the client, where they work together to set specific goals for therapy. In CBT, therapists educate clients about the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, emphasizing that our thoughts can influence our emotions and actions. They teach clients how to recognize and challenge automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) that contribute to distress or dysfunctional behavior patterns. Therapists often use various techniques such as cognitive restructuring, where clients learn to replace irrational or negative thoughts with more realistic and balanced ones. They may also employ behavioral experiments to test the accuracy of clients' beliefs and help them gain new perspectives on situations. CBT sessions are typically structured and focused on problem-solving. Therapists encourage clients to practice new skills and coping strategies outside of sessions to promote lasting change. Homework assignments are common in CBT, allowing clients to apply what they've learned in therapy to real-life situations. Therapists review progress regularly with clients to assess what is working well and what may need adjustment. CBT can be adapted for various mental health concerns including anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Therapists tailor the approach to each client's unique needs and preferences, ensuring a personalized and effective treatment experience. Ultimately, CBT aims to empower clients by teaching them skills to manage their thoughts and behaviors more effectively, leading to improved emotional regulation and overall well-being.
A key component of ACT is mindfulness, where clients learn to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, fostering psychological flexibility. I find that ACT assists me with encouraging clients to embrace uncomfortable emotions and thoughts rather than trying to suppress or avoid them. ACT utilizes metaphors, experiential exercises, and mindfulness techniques to help clients detach from unhelpful thought patterns and live in accordance with their values. Therapists often guide clients through exercises to clarify personal values and commit to behavior change aligned with those values. Rather than trying to eliminate negative thoughts or emotions, ACT teaches clients to change their relationship with them, reducing their impact and influence. I use ACT for a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and substance abuse, to promote psychological resilience and well-being.
Understanding that your cultural background, including your race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and other aspects of identity, plays a big role in how you see the world and experience life. We’ll work together to explore how your culture shapes your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I’ll make sure our work respects and includes your values and traditions, adapting therapy so that it feels meaningful and helpful for you. The goal is to create a safe and supportive space where your unique experiences are acknowledged and understood.