"Hello, I'm a License Professional counselor based in New Jersey, and I have had the privilege of working as a mental health counselor for the past 17 years. Throughout my career, I have focused on providing support and empowerment to individuals facing a range of challenges in outpatient settings. My journey in mental health began with a deep commitment to helping trauma and abuse victims find healing and reclaim their lives. Over the years, I have worked extensively with survivors, offering compassionate and evidence-based interventions to help them navigate their trauma and foster resilience. In addition to trauma work, I have also been dedicated to serving individuals with a range of mental health struggles. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been witnessing the transformative power of mental health empowerment. I believe strongly in the importance of empowering individuals to take an active role in their healing journey, fostering a sense of agency, self-worth, and hope for the future. My dedication to mental health empowerment extends beyond the therapy room. I am deeply involved in community outreach efforts, advocacy work, and initiatives aimed at destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting access to quality care for all. I am excited to continue this journey of empowerment and impact, and I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you on your own path to mental well-being.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Our first session is an initial assessment where I gather essential information about background, current concerns and relevant history (e.g., medical, psychological, social). My goal is to create a space where you will feel comfortable to share your story, experiences, and perspective at your pace and level of comfort. Collaboratively we establish goals for counseling based on needs, desires, and what you hope to achieve. Through a combination of strength-based approaches, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and trauma-informed care, I empower clients to take control of their healing journey. Whether it's through virtual play therapy for children or personalized psychoeducation for adults, my goal is to equip individuals with the skills and insights they need to thrive.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have over 17 years of experience as a mental health counselor, specializing in trauma recovery within low-income communities. Throughout my career, I have developed several strengths that have been instrumental in supporting my clients' healing journeys: 1- Deep Understanding of Trauma: My years of experience have provided me with a deep understanding of trauma and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. This knowledge allows me to approach each client's unique experiences with sensitivity and empathy. 2- Cultural Competence: Working extensively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds has honed my cultural competence. I value and respect cultural differences, integrating culturally sensitive practices into therapy to ensure relevance and effectiveness. 3- Evidence-Based Practices: I am well-versed in evidence-based practices for trauma recovery, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), and mindfulness-based interventions. I tailor interventions to each client's needs, ensuring they receive personalized and effective treatment. 4-Empowerment and Resilience Building: I believe in empowering clients to harness their strengths and resilience. Through collaborative goal setting and skill-building exercises, I help clients develop coping strategies, enhance self-esteem, and regain a sense of control over their lives. 5- Advocacy and Community Engagement: In addition to individual therapy, I am passionate about advocacy and community engagement. I collaborate with local organizations, advocate for improved mental health services in low-income areas, and facilitate workshops and support groups to promote healing and resilience at the community level. 6-Long-Term Impact: My tenure in this field has allowed me to witness the long-term impact of trauma-informed care. Many of my clients have made significant progress, achieving greater emotional stability, improved relationships, and a renewed sense of hope for the future.
About Alexandra Descalzi
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Strength-Based
During years in practice I have used this approach in session by helping clients identify their strengths, skills, and resources to promote growth and change. My goal is to empower clients by helping them recognize their strengths and abilities. This includes acknowledging their resilience, past successes, and positive qualities, which can build confidence and motivation for addressing challenges. Strength-based therapy is a collaborative process where the client and I work together as partners. Clients actively participate in setting goals, exploring solutions, and making decisions about their therapy journey.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Thoughts can influence how we feel and behave, and vice versa. I use psychoeducation along with CBT worksheets and assignments to help clients identify unhelpful patterns or beliefs that may contribute to distress or difficulties. These can include negative self-talk, cognitive distortions, or unrealistic expectations.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed care begins with a deep understanding of how trauma can impact individuals physically, emotionally, and psychologically. This includes recognizing that trauma responses can vary widely and that past traumatic experiences can influence current behavior and well-being. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for clients. This involves fostering emotional safety by building trust, maintaining confidentiality, and respecting boundaries. I use gentle approaches, respecting pacing and readiness for exploring sensitive topics, and providing options for coping and self-care during sessions.