Hello! I'm so glad you're here. My name is Alex, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in California. I received my Masters in Counseling from the University of San Diego and have been practicing for 6 years. I specialize in working with young adults, including neurodivergent individuals, as they navigate the ups and downs of this transitional phase of life. As a therapist, I'm here to support you as you navigate your unique journey. My approach is all about understanding YOU-your experiences, your values, and your personal goals.
The first session is all about getting to know each other, understanding what's bringing you into therapy, and laying the foundation for the work we'll do together. It's completely normal to feel a little nervous or uncertain about what to expect, but I want you to know that this is a safe space where you can talk openly and be yourself. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect during our first session together: 1. Reviewing Informed Consent and Confidentiality: To ensure transparency and your comfort in the process, we will go over informed consent-this means we'll discuss the details of how therapy works, including the therapeutic process, my approach, and your rights as a client. 2. Getting to Know You: We'll start by talking about what's going on in your life-your experiences, challenges, and what you hope to get out of therapy. 3. Understanding Your Goals: We'll discuss what you want to work on, whether it's stress management, navigating life transitions, addressing anxiety or depression, or exploring your identity. I'll ask questions to better understand where you're coming from and what you want to achieve, so we can make sure our work together is focused on your unique goals. 4. Sharing My Approach: I'll also explain the therapeutic approaches I use, such as Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. These methods are all about helping you build on your strengths, create practical solutions, and explore new ways of thinking and coping. 5. Building Trust and Comfort: Our first session is as much about getting comfortable with each other as it is about the work itself. I want you to feel safe, supported, and understood. We'll take things at a pace that works for you, and if there's anything that feels too much or too little, we can adjust along the way. 6. Next Steps: By the end of the session, we'll outline some next steps and discuss how we can best move forward together. You'll leave with a better understanding of how therapy can help you, and we'll schedule our next session to continue building on the work we start.
What I offer: -A compassionate, non-judgmental space to talk freely and honestly about what's going on in your life. -Personalized strategies and concrete tools for managing stress, navigating anxiety, and finding balance. -Support for navigating life changes with clarity and confidence. -A collaborative approach. I will work alongside you, tailoring our approach to your specific needs and goals. This isn't about me telling you what to do-this is about us finding what works for you. I'm here to help you gain clarity about where you are and where you want to go. If you're looking for a safe, open place to explore your thoughts and feelings, while getting the tools and support you need to move forward, I'd love to work with you.
Life in your late teens and early to mid-twenties can feel like a whirlwind of change. Whether you're navigating school, work, relationships, or discovering who you truly are, it’s natural to experience moments of uncertainty, stress, and self-doubt. In my clinical practice, I aim to focus on supporting young adults, including neurodiverse individuals—such as those on the autism spectrum and those managing ADHD—who are looking to gain clarity, balance, and confidence in their lives. I understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and this is especially true for individuals with neurodivergent experiences. Whether you’re managing life transitions, dealing with anxiety or depression, or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, you don’t have to go through it alone. I offer a safe, inclusive, and supportive space where we can work together on the challenges you're facing, at your own pace. I understand that this stage of life is filled with big questions-about your identity, your future, and how to manage all of the "shoulds" that often come with it. What We'll Work on Together: -Navigating Stress & Life Transitions: Whether you're adjusting to college life, figuring out your career path, or facing the end of a chapter (like graduation or moving out), transitions can bring up a lot of uncertainty and stress. We'll work together to build resilience and find practical ways to manage these changes. -Identity Exploration: Figuring out who you are and what you stand for is a central part of young adulthood, but it can also be a confusing and isolating process. For neurodivergent individuals, this journey may feel even more complex as you navigate the challenges of social interactions, self-perception, and societal expectations. I’ll help you explore your values, beliefs, and goals in a way that honors your individuality and empowers you to build a sense of self that feels authentic and affirming. -Managing Depression & Anxiety: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck at times. However, for those with ADHD, autism, or other neurodiverse conditions, these feelings may be heightened or harder to manage. In our work together, we will explore the root causes of anxiety and depression, develop coping strategies tailored to your neurodivergent needs, and help you feel more grounded, confident, and in control of your emotions. -Building Coping Skills: Managing stress, difficult emotions, and everyday challenges often requires tailored coping s
As a therapist trained in Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), I believe in the power of your own unique strengths and experiences to drive meaningful change. In our work together, we'll focus on the present and future, building on what's already been successful for you, while also exploring how you've navigated challenges up until now. This method allows us to create practical solutions in real time-empowering you to move forward and make positive, lasting changes. By examining your strengths, resources, and past successes, we can identify solutions are not only achievable, but also tailored to your life and your goals. My goal is to help you gain clarity, confidence, and a sense of direction, while making meaningful progress in the here and now.
In my practice, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach that has proven highly effective in helping individuals navigate life's stressors and make meaningful changes in both thinking patterns and behaviors. By examining the connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions, CBT helps us better understand how our thoughts influence our emotions and daily experiences.
Trauma-Informed Care is a foundational element of how I practice across all therapy modalities. I deeply honor the impact that trauma-whether past or present-can have on how you show up in the world and relate to others. In our work together, I will create a safe, compassionate space where you can explore and process your experiences at your own pace. By integrating a trauma-informed perspective, I strive to ensure that every aspect of therapy is sensitive to the unique ways trauma may shape your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This approach empowers you to feel heard, validated, and respected, while also helping you build resilience and trust in yourself and others. Together, we'll explore how trauma may be affecting your life, while fostering a sense of safety and agency to heal and move forward.
Narrative Therapy offers a unique lens through which we can explore how the stories you've internalized about yourself shape your current identity and experiences. These stories, often rooted in past events or limiting beliefs, can sometimes perpetuate old patterns or distort how we see our own value and potential. In our work together, we'll examine how these narratives have influenced your life, and explore ways to reframe and rewrite them in a way that aligns with who you are now-and who you're becoming. Through this process, we'll uncover the possibilities for change, rewriting your story in a way that empowers you to step into the most authentic version of yourself. By embracing the power of your own story, we can cultivate a deeper sense of meaning, purpose, and self-compassion, allowing you to live with greater self-awareness and confidence.
The connection between the mind and body is powerful, and together they provide invaluable insights into our overall well-being. By integrating a mind-body approach into therapy, we can tap into the wisdom of your body, helping you better understand the intricate ways in which your physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts are interconnected. Through somatic techniques and mindful awareness, we can explore how your body communicates stress, tension, or emotional states, offering a deeper understanding of your internal landscape. By becoming more attuned to these signals, you can learn how to respond with greater awareness and self-compassion, fostering healing and balance between mind and body.