Alicia Derenoncourt
Welcome! Congratulations on taking the first step to seeking help. Let the journey begin. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, authenticity, and compassion. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate life's challenges. I work with individuals facing concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and self-esteem issues. Together, we identify strengths, develop practical coping strategies, and work toward meaningful personal growth.
Strengths
I recognize that seeking support can be a difficult step, and I am committed to meeting each client where they are while fostering hope, resilience, and lasting change. My approach is client-centered, culturally responsive, and tailored to each individual's unique experiences and goals. Humor is a therapeutic tool I use with clients to build connection, reduce shame, create perspective, and make difficult situations feel a little more approachable.
Ideal clients
My ideal therapeutic client is someone who is ready to better understand themselves and make meaningful changes in their life, even if they’re not quite sure where to begin. I enjoy working with people who are curious about their patterns, relationships, emotions, and experiences and who are open to exploring what may be holding them back. I especially value working with clients who appreciate a warm, collaborative approach—one that makes room for both meaningful reflection and a little humor along the way. My goal is to create a space where clients feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported while also feeling empowered to develop the insight and tools they need to create a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling.
Origin story
What drew me to becoming a therapist was my genuine curiosity about people and the experiences that shape who we are. I’ve always been interested in understanding what lies beneath the surface—how our relationships, experiences, and challenges influence the way we see ourselves and navigate the world. I was drawn to the opportunity to create a space where people feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. Being able to walk alongside someone as they gain insight, work through challenges, and recognize their own strengths is incredibly meaningful to me. Ultimately, I became a therapist because I believe that feeling truly seen and supported can be a powerful part of healing and growth.
Ongoing work together
Clients may notice progress in ways that aren’t always dramatic or immediately obvious. Sometimes it looks like responding differently to a familiar situation, setting a boundary without feeling consumed by guilt, recognizing an unhelpful thought before getting caught up in it, or being more compassionate toward themselves. Progress can also mean feeling more comfortable with difficult emotions rather than needing to avoid or fix them right away. I encourage clients to pay attention to these small shifts and recognize that growth is rarely linear. Ultimately, progress is about developing a deeper understanding of yourself, feeling more equipped to navigate life’s challenges, and making choices that are increasingly aligned with the person you want to be.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a practical, collaborative approach to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify patterns that may be keeping them stuck and explore more balanced and helpful ways of thinking and responding. Depending on the client’s needs, this may include challenging unhelpful thought patterns, developing coping strategies, practicing new behaviors, and setting small, achievable goals between sessions. I don’t believe therapy is about simply “thinking positive”—it’s about developing a more realistic and compassionate perspective while building the skills to respond to life’s challenges differently. I tailor CBT to each client so that the work feels relevant, manageable, and connected to their everyday life.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Licensed in
- District of ColumbiaLicense LC50080837