Alexandra Duran
Hi, I’m Ali! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and Certified EMDR Therapist with 10 years of experience providing individual therapy to adults. I offer telehealth services throughout California, making it easier to access support wherever you are. My specialties include working with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship or attachment-based issues, supporting people in making sense of these experiences and finding a way forward that is both meaningful and long lasting.
With a balance of warmth, structure, and gentle accountability, my goal is to help you feel supported, understood, and empowered to create meaningful, lasting change.
The path to healing can be a difficult one, but you are not alone. If given the opportunity, I would be honored to be a part of your healing journey. Call now for a free 15 minute consultation!
First session
Reaching out for therapy is a big step, and it’s completely normal to feel nervous, unsure, or even skeptical about the process. The good news is that you don’t have to have it all figured out. During your first therapy session, we will collaboratively discuss your needs and personal reasons for seeking therapy services. As you share this information about yourself, I may ask specific questions in order to help me better identify and understand your personal needs. I will then offer some information about the services I provide in order to help us collaboratively determine whether or not we are a good fit for one another. I do this because I want to ensure that services will be a worthy investment of your time, energy, and money. If we decide that we are a good fit for one another, we will then create a plan for moving forward in treatment. If we decide to continue treatment, my hope is that this initial session will be a great starting point for building trust and rapport with one another!
Strengths
In my practice, I integrate EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS), with a strong focus on deeper, body-based healing. I also utilize DBT and ACT, incorporating practical tools that you can apply right away. This means we don’t just talk about what’s happening—we work with how it’s held in your nervous system, so healing can happen at a deeper level. We want to get to the root of what’s keeping you stuck, helping shift things at their core while also addressing how they show up in your day-to-day life. That being said, I offer an individualized approach to therapy that is thoughtfully tailored to your unique needs and grounded in an authentic and trusting connection that honors your own pace. Our work together is collaborative and respectful of your voice, choices, and feedback, creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel fully accepted as you are. As we work together I tend to blend structure with flexibility, offering both guidance and space for your unique process. I show up with warmth and curiosity, while also gently challenging patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Together, we’ll build insight while simultaneously focusing on real, practical ways to help you feel better. My ultimate goal is to help you feel supported, understood, and empowered to create meaningful, lasting change. I know that this can seem like a lot, but the good news is that you don’t have to have it all figured out. Whether you’re looking for clarity, relief, or lasting change, we’ll work together to help you feel more grounded, connected, and like yourself again. If given the opportunity, I would be honored to be a part of your healing journey!
Ideal clients
I’m best positioned to support individuals who are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or disconnected—whether from themselves, their relationships, or their overall sense of direction. Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, life transitions, or behavioral patterns that are no longer serving them. They may feel stuck or uncertain about how to move forward in life. The good news is that my ideal client doesn’t need to have everything figured out—they just need to have a willingness to show up. Together, we can create a space that feels safe and supportive, where meaningful growth can unfold at a pace that feels right for them. That being said, the clients I work with are typically motivated for change, eager to learn and implement new skills and resources, and are willing to ask questions, set boundaries, or advocate for their personal needs in session. They are open to self-reflection and are interested in understanding the underlying patterns that influence their thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. They want more than just symptom relief. They are looking for both insight and practical tools to help them establish meaningful and long-lasting change. If this sounds like you, we might be a good fit for one another! If so, I would be honored to be part of your healing journey!
Treatment methods
EMDR
EMDR is an evidence-based approach that activates the brain’s natural healing mechanisms to gently process painful memories and traumatic experiences that may feel “stuck,” reducing the emotional charge they tend to carry.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS views each person as being made up of many parts, each with its own role, emotions, and needs. When we encounter painful experiences, these various parts may become wounded or may even try to protect us. This approach invites you to build a relationship with your internal world — allowing all your parts to be heard, understood, and ultimately healed.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT teaches practical research-based skills to help clients better manage overwhelming emotions, tolerate stress, and improve their relationships with others.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT is a mindfulness-based approach that helps individuals accept difficult emotions, clarify personal values, and take committed actions toward a more meaningful life.
Attachment-based
ABT focuses on understanding how your early relationships shape the way you connect with others today. Together, we work to create a sense of safety, trust, and emotional connection—helping you build healthier, more secure relationships with yourself and others.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
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Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 106663