Alessandra Snavely

LMFT, 10 years of experience

Warm
Authentic
Intelligent

About me

With ten years of experience as a psychotherapist, I help teens and adults heal from trauma, anxiety, and self-doubt so they can live with greater confidence, peace, and self-trust. My work is grounded in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which helps clients process painful experiences and reduce emotional distress at a pace that feels safe and supported. Before starting my private practice, I spent several years working 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 lasting change comes from both compassion and courage—the willingness to face what hurts while building new patterns of hope and resilience. I also integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and other evidence-based tools to support your goals. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed, meeting you exactly where you are and helping you move toward where you want to be.

Get to know me

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

Our first session is a space for you to slow down, share what’s been weighing on you, and explore what you’d like to get out of therapy. We’ll discuss your goals, clarify what’s been working or not, and begin identifying patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Many clients leave feeling lighter, more grounded, and with at least one practical tool or insight to use right away. Whether we’re focusing on coping skills, emotional regulation, or preparing for EMDR, my goal is to ensure you feel understood, supported, and hopeful about the path ahead.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I bring warmth, patience, and a grounded presence to every session. Having worked in high-stress settings—supporting teens in crisis, adults with complex trauma, and families navigating difficult dynamics—I understand how important safety and pacing are in the healing process. Clients describe me as calm, thoughtful, and affirming. I believe therapy should balance gentle curiosity with meaningful change, helping you reconnect to your strengths and discover that healing is possible—no matter how heavy things may feel right now.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

You may be carrying the weight of past experiences, anxiety, or self-doubt and want to feel more grounded, confident, and at peace. Maybe you’re tired of just coping and ready to understand yourself more deeply, process what’s happened, and build new patterns that actually last. Together, we’ll create a space that feels safe, collaborative, and supportive—one that helps you move toward healing at your own pace.

Specialties

Top specialties

I identify as

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

My treatment methods

EMDR

EMDR therapy can be a powerful way to release the emotional weight of past experiences and feel more present, confident, and at peace. I’ve been providing EMDR for over a year and am actively working toward full certification. My approach is safe, supportive, and structured, helping you move through trauma, anxiety, depression, overwhelm, and self-worth challenges at a pace that feels right for you. If you’re unsure whether EMDR is the best fit, we can discuss your goals in a consultation to explore what would best support your healing.

Eclectic

While EMDR is the foundation of my work, I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and other evidence-based methods to support each client’s unique goals. These approaches complement EMDR by helping you develop practical coping skills, increase emotional awareness, and strengthen resilience between reprocessing sessions. My goal is to adapt therapy to what you need most—whether that’s deep trauma work, managing anxiety in the moment, or building tools for lasting self-confidence and calm.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective, well-researched approaches in mental health care, and it was a key part of my graduate training. I use CBT flexibly to help you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact—and how shifting them can create meaningful change. Together, we’ll identify patterns that may be holding you back and develop practical, realistic strategies to help you move toward your goals. This work is collaborative and personalized, ensuring that change feels both natural and sustainable.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness is a practice I use in my own life, and I’ve seen how powerful it can be in helping people feel less overwhelmed and more present. In therapy, I integrate mindfulness by guiding you through grounding techniques—like focused breathing and body awareness—and teaching simple tools you can use in daily life. These practices can reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and foster a greater sense of calm and clarity, making them an empowering complement to EMDR, CBT, and other approaches we may use together.

Location

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

Licensed in

, 55 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