Alessandra Snavely profile image

Alessandra Snavely

Alessandra Snavely

LMFT
8 years of experience
Authentic
Solution oriented
Virtual

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with over 8 years of experience working with a variety of clients in different settings. Throughout those 8 years, I have primarily worked with adults with severe and persistent mental illness in the settings of a day center with groups, board and care homes, and intensive community outreach support. I also worked with teens in the setting of a crisis shelter who were seeking space from their family (along with family therapy) or who were foster youth often transitioning between foster care homes. I have had the opportunity to watch clients grow and succeed in different aspects of their lives, requiring less intensive support, and growing into healthy adults who have appreciated the support provided to them in a time of great need.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In the first session, if clients would like, I provide space for clients to ask me questions to get to know me better and feel more comfortable sharing parts of themselves they have not shared with others. I then will ask the client questions geared toward learning more about them, their history, support group, and discuss goals for therapy.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I have experienced supporting clients through very difficult moments in their lives, which has supported me in being a more patient, understanding, caring, and strong provider. I don't shy away from topics that clients need to work through and am always working to learn more to ensure I can be the best support I can for my clients.

About Alessandra Snavely

Identifies as

Specializes in

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I have been utilizing CBT for many years and was one of the primary treatment methods taught in my graduate school program due to its evidenced based success. I use CBT in my practice by asking clients about their thoughts, feelings, and actions, how they influence each other, and changes clients would like to see to improve aspects of their lives.

Eclectic

I have learned various styles of therapy over the years and find benefits in multiple skills available within the different treatment methods. During a session, I will often pull from different treatment methods based on what I think will be most supportive for the client I am working with in the moment.

Grief Therapy

I find that grief comes up in our lives in more ways than it being related to the death of a loved one, grief can also be related to the loss of a relationship or even the loss of a dream we had for ourselves. I hold space for grief in sessions and validate the clients unique experiences in feeling and processing grief.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

I practice mindfulness in my own life and find it a very supportive way in supporting people to feel less overwhelmed by their thoughts and more connected to the present moment. I utilize mindfulness within the session by encouraging people to take deep breaths and teaching skills to utilize in daily life.

Positive Psychology

There are aspects of positive psychology I am drawn to and find can be very beneficial in shifting our mindset our from negative thoughts to neutral/positive thoughts. Practicing gratitude and affirmations can be very powerful, even if they don't seem to be too helpful at the start. Fostering a space of reflecting on self-worth is an important part of the therapy process.