Walk the path together.
About Alex
I'm a natural observer, captivated by stories and their lessons, the importance of interconnectedness, and driven to make the world a better place.
I started my career as a documentary filmmaker advocating for various social justice issues, drawn to the power of storytelling to create change in my community. After graduating from the University of Utah with a BFA in Film and Media Arts, and grinding/traveling for a few years in the freelance film industry, I decided to make a career change. Although I felt passionate about the creative work, I also felt something was missing in how I was able to help others, and wanted a way to make tangible change in the issues I was documenting. I realized that the biggest change starts from the individual, which can then ripple out to our community as a whole.
While living in New York City, I attended Silberman School of Social work, and obtained my Masters in Clinical Social Work with individuals and families, with a global focus. I have provided therapy in a variety of settings since 2016, including a high school guidance center, older adult resource centers, outpatient addiction rehabilitation, group private practice, and in a sliding scale, non-profit mental health clinic.
I live in Seattle, WA, where I enjoy after-work swims, romping about the city, taking my dog for adventures, dabbling in new creative outlets, and traveling.
See my profile on Psychology Today.
My approach
I am passionate about providing individualized, non-judgmental, and compassionate mental health care to adults. I have a gentle yet no-nonsense approach. I believe in the power of humor, honesty, and the importance of self-determination. Therapy is a collaborative effort that I navigate alongside my clients.
My approach to therapy is strengths-based, Culturally Sensitive, Person-Centered, LGBTQIA+ affirming, sex-positive, trauma informed, through a feminist-multi cultural lens.
Clinical focus:
Attachment Repair
Trauma/CPTSD
Anxiety
Relationship Challenges
Sexuality
Codependency
People Pleasing
Self-Esteem/Low Self-worth
Family Conflict
Beliefs and Values Work
Grief
Burnout and Stress
Faith Transitions/Religious Trauma
Communication
Career Changes
Life Transitions
Women’s Issues
LGBTQ+ Issues
Modalities and Focuses:
I use a mix of evidence-based models, working with the client to figure out what works best for them based on their goals, previous experience with therapy, and what feels most helpful and comfortable.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy involves the client recalling distressing experiences while the therapist directs their eye movements, aiming to reduce the emotional impact of these memories.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors, aiming to alter unwanted behavior patterns and treat various mental disorders.
Internal Family Systems
Internal Family Systems (IFS) identifies and addresses multiple sub-personalities or families within each person's mental system (often called “the inner child” or “your shadow”), helping heal by recognizing and integrating these parts into a cohesive self.
ACT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them, while committing to behavior changes that align with their personal values.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing assists individuals in finding the motivation to make positive decisions and accomplish established goals through guided, empathetic conversation and open-ended questioning.
Self-Compassion
Self-compassion focuses on cultivating kindness and understanding towards oneself, especially in times of failure or difficulty, rather than harsh self-criticism, fostering emotional resilience and well-being.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a mental practice involving focused awareness and acceptance of the present moment, often used in therapy to help individuals reduce stress, manage emotions, and increase overall well-being.
Psycho-Education
Psycho-education involves educating individuals about their mental health conditions and coping strategies, aiming to empower them with knowledge and skills for better management of their symptoms and overall well-being.
How to become a client:
1. Free 15 minute consultation
This initial session typically involves discussing your needs, concerns, and goals for therapy, and gives us a chance to feel out if it's a good fit. If not, I can help guide you in the right direction.
2. Intake Process
If you decide to proceed, you’ll fill out forms regarding your medical history, mental health history, and any specific issues you want to address. Documents will also cover policies on confidentiality, session scheduling, and fees.
3. First Therapy Session
This session often focuses on more in-depth exploration of your concerns, setting therapy goals, and developing a treatment plan. Then we can go from there!
