Raphael Alfaro
The therapy I use is person-centered, and I also use some skills from DBT and CBT. While working together, we will explore how our relationships, both current and past, help us understand what is happening now. Our past shapes some core beliefs about ourselves.
If you are coping with trauma like sexual abuse or medical issues, or relying on gaming, pornography, or substances, support is available.
Through therapy, we can challenge these negative thoughts and work toward a greater, more fulfilling life.
First session
We’ll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your objectives, and which strategies have or have not been effective for you. We’ll also review ways to validate your emotions and identify supportive people. By the end of the session, we’ll create a treatment plan, which may include journaling or small homework assignments, to help you maintain progress between sessions.
Strengths
My approach is unique because I integrate a variety of skills to help you connect with your emotions and process intense feelings, past traumas, or current stressors. These may include isolation, low self-worth, depression, or anxiety. I support you in addressing these challenges by drawing on your personal strengths, ensuring our work together supports your ongoing healing.
Ideal clients
Those ready or interested in making a change. Whether managing stress from medical concerns, struggling with self-doubt, or wanting to improve communication skills, I provide a grounded space to turn motivation into action. The most important thing to remember, though, is that you don't need all the answers—you just need to be interested in exploring what helps you make sense of the world.
Treatment methods
Humanistic
Together, we’ll identify and challenge the negative beliefs you carry about yourself, working to reshape your self-image into one that is more compassionate, accurate, and empowering.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a practical, skills-based approach to managing challenges. In our sessions, we’ll apply tools such as DEAR MAN and GIVE to strengthen communication and relationships. It also helps to challenge and change behaviors that you would like to change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT will allow us to look at your negative thoughts and learn new ways of challenging them and, with continued practice, look at reducing how many times these thoughts will arise.
Existential
In existential therapy, we look at occasionally finding meaning in what we are going through and our place in the universe. This can involve challenging and exploring questions that we may have, such as "why me" or any other deep questions that we may ask ourselves to make sense of what we are going through.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- PennsylvaniaLicense PC013577