(she/her)
Hello, I'm Aleisha, a licensed marriage and family therapist with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). With extensive experience working with high-acuity dual-diagnosed individuals in community settings, I've developed a unique expertise in tailoring therapeutic approaches to meet the complex needs of this population. My approach to therapy is centered around establishing a strong, supportive therapeutic alliance, creating a safe and protective space for individuals to explore their challenges and work towards their goals. Through this collaborative process, I've helped numerous individuals improve their overall mental health, address impairments in functioning, and develop effective symptom management strategies. My goal is to empower individuals with the tools and support they need to navigate life's challenges and achieve lasting growth and well-being.
In the initial session for therapy services, individuals can expect to review consent for services, patient rights, mode of communication, in between session "check ins" (upon request), confidentialty and the limits to confidentiality, initial assessment of diagnosis, immediate needs, and functional barriers. During the initial session, individuals can expect to review fees for services, cancellation policies, assessment of the presenting problem, and collactively establish goals for treatment.
My greatest strengths as a therapist lie in my ability to engage in active listening and perceptive observation of non-verbal cues, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of individual needs and concerns. My comprehensive assessment skills enable me to identify key areas for intervention and develop effective treatment plans. I am deeply committed to creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, prioritizing the protection and well-being of individuals in my care. I have found that my creative approach to implementing therapeutic modalities and tailoring treatment to meet the unique needs of each individual is particularly effective. My ability to establish trust and rapport with individuals, while remaining empathic and supportive of their autonomy and individuality, allows me to guide the therapy space in a way that is both supportive and empowering. By honoring individual preferences and desires for treatment, I am able to foster a collaborative and growth-oriented therapeutic relationship.
I am positioned to serve individuals who are navigating a range of challenges, including: - Depression and anxiety - Low motivation and goal-directed behavior - High-needs individuals requiring intensive support - Crisis intervention, stabilization, and safety planning - Families struggling to overcome disruption and improve their dynamics - Individuals ambivalent about changing problem behaviors - Those seeking to improve their functioning and well-being, but unsure where to start - Individuals experiencing self-esteem challenges - Those struggling with substance use addiction I provide a supportive and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their challenges and work towards positive change. My goal is to empower individuals with the tools, skills, and support they need to achieve lasting growth, improved well-being, and enhanced quality of life.
In my career as a mental health therapist, I have found it very helpful to support clients utilizing CBT to identify root causes of distress. CBT allows for the individual to gain awareness of their thoughts and how those thoughts influence feelings and behaviors. This treatment modality can be used to support older adults, adolescence, and children.
My experience with using faith based therapy within the therapuetic process allows for those individuals who identify as spiritual to integrate therapy with spirituality/faith, bringing their "whole self" into the protected therapuetic space.
I have found utilizing Bowen family therapy techniques allows for the family to focus on understanding and improving family dynamics, relationships, and individual functioning within the family context.
My experience utilizing Gestlat therapy in the therapuetic setting provides a space for individuals to focus on the present moment, personal responsibility and accountability, and awareness of one's thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.
I often utilize the person-centered approach in therapy to help individuals resolve ambivalence and mobilize their intrinsic motivation to change unhealthy behaviors.