I am a Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience, based in Florida. I earned my Master’s degree from Barry University in Miami, and have since dedicated my career to supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. I understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet each client’s specific needs. Whether you are seeking to overcome emotional difficulties, improve self-esteem, manage stress, or work toward personal goals, my goal is to provide a supportive, empathetic environment where you can thrive. Together, we will identify meaningful objectives that resonate with your values and aspirations, ensuring that your goals reflect what truly matters to you.I use a strengths-based approach to therapy, helping you build on your life's positive aspects and what is already working for you. We will work toward lasting change and overall well-being by focusing on your strengths.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In your first session with me, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where we will begin to build trust and understanding. I will take the time to listen to your story, learn about your unique challenges, and explore what brings you to therapy. Together, we’ll discuss your goals and aspirations, identifying what matters most to you so that we can create a plan tailored to your needs. We’ll also talk about your strengths and any existing resources in your life that we can build upon. By the end of the session, you will leave with a clearer sense of direction, knowing that we’re working together to support your journey toward healing and growth.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths as a provider are my ability to create a safe, empathetic space where clients feel truly heard and understood, and my adaptability in tailoring therapy to each individual’s unique needs. With 20 years of experience, I bring a deep knowledge of various therapeutic approaches, allowing me to draw from a wide range of tools and techniques to best support my clients. I’m committed to helping clients uncover their strengths, build resilience, and achieve meaningful, lasting change while respecting their values and goals. My focus is always on empowering clients to take an active role in their own healing and growth.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am best positioned to serve individuals who are seeking personal growth, healing, and a deeper understanding of themselves. My ideal client is someone who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain, yet is motivated to create positive change in their life. They value a collaborative, strengths-based approach and are ready to explore their emotions, improve their self-esteem, and build resilience. Whether you're navigating stress, facing life transitions, or working through past challenges, you understand the importance of aligning your goals with your core values. You are open to a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where we can work together to uncover your strengths and move toward lasting well-being and fulfillment.
About Alexei Noguera
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
As a therapist with 20 years of experience, I've seen firsthand how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can profoundly change the lives of individuals struggling with a variety of mental health challenges. CBT is a structured, goal-oriented approach that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. Over the years, I've used CBT with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, and more.In my practice, I begin by establishing a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust. The next step is to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I encourage them to become more mindful of their automatic thoughts, which often drive their emotional responses and actions. We then work collaboratively to identify cognitive distortions—such as overgeneralization, catastrophizing, and black-and-white thinking—and challenge them with more balanced, realistic perspectives.One of the core components of CBT is behavioral activation. If a client is depressed, for instance, we work on gradually increasing their engagement in activities that are rewarding or meaningful, which can help counter feelings of helplessness or apathy.I also incorporate various CBT techniques such as cognitive restructuring, thought records, etc.
Motivational Interviewing
I’ve found Motivational Interviewing (MI) to be an incredibly effective and client-centered approach, especially when working with individuals who are ambivalent about change or struggling with addiction, lifestyle changes, or any behavior they recognize as problematic but feel conflicted about altering. In my practice, MI is often used in combination with other therapeutic methods. The primary techniques I use are open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations, which help build rapport and trust. I aim to create a non-judgmental, safe space for clients to explore their feelings and reasons for change. This is crucial because it allows them to express their desires, doubts, and fears without feeling pressured, and over time, they begin to discover their own reasons for change rather than feeling pushed into it. I also use the "rolling with resistance" approach, meaning that when clients express reluctance or defensiveness, I don’t confront them directly. Instead, I acknowledge their feelings and explore them.Another technique that I frequently use is the "decisional balance," where we list the pros and cons of maintaining the behavior versus making a change. This allows clients to see the discrepancy between where they are and where they want to be, which can be a powerful motivator for change.It fits well with other treatment modalities, and in my experience, it’s been invaluable for motivating clients to embrace change at their own pace and in their own way.
Humanistic
In my practice, humanistic therapy is integral, particularly when working with clients who are struggling with self-esteem, existential questions, identity issues, or a general sense of feeling "stuck." The approach is client-centered, meaning that I aim to create an atmosphere where the client feels truly heard and understood. This is crucial in allowing them to explore their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment.Over the years, I've learned that the therapeutic alliance is one of the most powerful tools in helping clients feel safe enough to explore difficult emotions or experiences. I provide an environment of unconditional positive regard, which means I accept and respect clients as they are, regardless of the challenges they may be facing. I make a concerted effort to understand the client’s world from their perspective deeply. I listen attentively and reflectively, not just focusing on their words but also on the underlying emotions and experiences. This empathy helps clients to feel truly seen, which in turn promotes self-acceptance and can stimulate the healing process. In this context, I may ask clients to focus on the present and explore how they are feeling and reacting in the here-and-now. I also use existential humanism when working with clients who are grappling with questions of purpose, meaning, or existential anxiety. I help them explore their values, desires, and the deeper questions about their life, allowing them to create their own meaning in a world that may sometimes feel uncertain.Humanistic therapy fosters a sense of autonomy and agency, helping clients not only to heal but to thrive.
Positive Psychology
In my practice, I use Positive Psychology techniques with clients looking to overcome difficulties and thrive, build on their strengths, and develop a more positive mindset. It’s particularly effective for individuals who feel stuck or overwhelmed by negative thought patterns, as well as those who struggle with low self-esteem, depression, or a sense of purposelessness. One of the first tools I incorporate is the identification and cultivation of strengths. I help clients recognize their innate strengths—whether it’s kindness, creativity, perseverance, or humor. Once these strengths are identified, we work together to find ways to use them more deliberately in daily life. This shift in focus from deficits to strengths can be incredibly empowering, helping clients to see themselves in a more positive light and enabling them to face challenges with a renewed sense of confidence.Gratitude practices are another hallmark of Positive Psychology that I frequently introduce. Many clients, especially those dealing with depression or anxiety, tend to ruminate on what's wrong in their lives. I encourage clients to keep a gratitude journal, writing down things they are thankful for each day, no matter how small. Positive Psychology emphasizes the importance of close, supportive relationships in promoting happiness. I help clients explore ways to nurture these connections, whether that’s by improving communication, deepening emotional intimacy, or learning how to show appreciation for the people around them. Another powerful technique I use is mindfulness, which is often paired with Positive Psychology. I also work with clients to explore meaning and purpose in their lives, which is a core focus of Positive Psychology.We explore what gives their life meaning and how they can align their day-to-day activities with those values. This can be particularly helpful for clients who are going through major life transitions or experiencing a sense of existential questioning.In my experience, Positive Psychology complements other therapeutic methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Humanistic Therapy, by providing a framework for clients to focus on the positive aspects of their lives and build upon them.