Alicia Kiernan
Somewhere along the way our intuition is often turned down and replaced with self-limiting beliefs- a result of messages from childhood, traumatic experiences, and exposure to stressors in our environment. I believe that the disconnection from our true self is the root of much of our pain and leads to relationship challenges, low self worth, poor boundaries, and the influx of depression and anxiety we see in our modern world. I believe that all of the strengths and resources we need to do this work are within us, and I view my role as a therapist to support and witness you in discovering and embodying these resources.
Spirituality, somatic awareness, and astrology are all practices that I lean into and weave alongside my clinical education and training.
My background is rooted in community-based social work, addiction treatment, and the intersection of therapy and spirituality. I've worked extensively with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD/C-PTSD, addiction, and family systems. In my practice I work to integrate the mind, body and spirit into the therapeutic process. I am a student of astrology, yoga, and somatic practices, and can integrate these modalities into sessions as well.
First session
I view the first session as an oppurtunity to co-create the container needed to meet the specific needs of the client. We'll explore the precipating factors that led to seeking help, identify what success or improvement could look like, and set appropriate goals. My hope is that after the first session the client feels seen, understood, and can see a path forward.
Strengths
My biggest strength is my ability to connect and create spaces that allow for curiosity and reflection. I strive to be transparent and direct, but also compassionate and gentle. I strive to make the therapuetic process as uncomplicated as possible.
Ideal clients
I love working with adults of any age. I'm best positioned to work with clients who identify as high functioning but continue to feel caught up or stuck in self limiting beliefs or struggling through transitional periods.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Similar to solution focused, ACT is an action based approach to help clients behave in ways that align to their value system. First, symptoms or current dynamics are normalized instead of being made, "wrong," or "negative." Once acceptance of the concerns or circumstance is found, behavioral and actionable steps can be implementing to foster an approved connection to self that is rooted in trust and compassion.
Somatic
Learning to listen to and understand our emotion through the physical body is extremely beneficial in implementing coping and connecting to self on a deeper level. I regularly direct clients to how their body feels and the sensation they experience to highlight build a deeper connection to patterns and symptom understanding. Somatic approaches can assist clients in making a more meaningful connection to their emotional state that goes beyond their thought patterns and mental understanding.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- FloridaLicense SW17614