Alessandra Snavely

LMFT, 10 years of experience
Warm
Empowering
Solution oriented

With nearly 11 years of experience as a psychotherapist, I help teens and adults work through trauma, anxiety, and self-doubt so they can feel more confident, grounded, and connected to themselves. My work is grounded in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which helps process difficult experiences and reduce emotional distress in a way that feels safe and manageable. Before starting my private practice, I spent several years in community mental health and at a youth shelter, supporting individuals navigating trauma, family conflict, and major life transitions. These experiences shaped my belief that meaningful change comes from both compassion and courage—the ability to face what’s difficult while building new, more supportive patterns. I also integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and other evidence-based approaches to support your goals. My style is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed, meeting you where you are while helping you move toward lasting change.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Our first session is a space to slow down and talk through what’s been weighing on you. We’ll explore what brings you to therapy, what you’d like to get out of it, and begin identifying patterns or challenges that may be keeping you feeling stuck. Many clients leave with a clearer understanding of what’s going on and at least one practical tool or insight they can use right away. Whether we focus on coping skills, emotional regulation, or preparing for EMDR, my goal is for you to feel understood, supported, and hopeful about moving forward.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I bring warmth, patience, and a grounded presence to each session. My experience in high-stress settings—supporting teens in crisis, adults with complex trauma, adults with severe and persistent mental illness, and families navigating difficult dynamics—has shaped my understanding of how important safety, trust, and pacing are in the healing process. Clients often describe me as calm, thoughtful, and affirming. I aim to balance gentle curiosity with meaningful change, helping you reconnect with your strengths and move toward a greater sense of clarity, confidence, and possibility.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I’m best positioned to support teens and adults dealing with anxiety, trauma, and patterns that feel automatic or out of their control. Many of my clients come in with a strong understanding of their experiences but still feel stuck or overwhelmed. They may have tried talking through things but notice that the same thoughts, emotions, or reactions keep resurfacing. My ideal clients are looking for more than insight—they want real, lasting change. They are often open to approaches like EMDR to help process the root of their experiences, reduce emotional intensity, and feel more grounded and in control in their daily lives. They value a supportive, collaborative space where they can move at a pace that feels safe while still making meaningful progress.

Other specialties

Depression

Grief

I identify as

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

Location

Offers in-person in 26 W Mission St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, Suite 4

Virtual

My treatment methods

EMDR

EMDR therapy can help you process the emotional weight of past experiences so you can feel more present, grounded, and confident. I have been practicing EMDR for about two years and am working toward full certification. I offer a supportive, structured approach that allows us to move at a pace that feels safe while still creating meaningful change. If you’re not sure whether EMDR is right for you, we can talk through your goals and find the approach that best fits your needs.

Eclectic

While EMDR is the foundation of my work, I also integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and parts work to support each client’s unique needs. Parts work can help you better understand and relate to different aspects of yourself, especially in moments of inner conflict or emotional overwhelm. These approaches complement EMDR by helping you build coping skills, increase emotional awareness, and strengthen resilience between sessions. My goal is to tailor therapy to what you need most—whether that’s processing past experiences, managing anxiety, or building lasting confidence and calm.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT is a well-supported approach that I incorporate to help you better understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. From there, we can begin to make small, meaningful shifts that support real change. We’ll work together to identify patterns that may be holding you back and build practical strategies that feel realistic, personalized, and sustainable in your day-to-day life.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

I integrate mindfulness techniques such as focused breathing and body awareness to help you feel more present and less overwhelmed. These tools can be used both in and outside of sessions to support emotional regulation and reduce stress. Mindfulness complements EMDR, CBT, and other approaches by helping you build a greater sense of calm, clarity, and connection to the present moment.

, 57 ratings

1 rating with written reviews

June 6, 2025

great first session and excited for my next one

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with Alessandra