About Alex
I didn’t set out to become a therapist—I actually set out to become a researcher. It was during research in the field that I discovered I loved talking to people—I loved connection. So in 2016, I went back to school and set myself on the path to become a therapist.
As a Black female therapist, I fit a need I see in the therapeutic space which continues to shift to match the world around us. When I began my own therapeutic journey years ago, I found myself looking for a therapist that looked like me to hold space for the difficulties that stem from being a Black woman in the United States. The difficulty finding a therapist that fit that criteria made it important for me to prioritize clients who may not find open and affirming spaces elsewhere. With the shifting social fabric since the pandemic, I have found this to be an even larger need in the therapeutic community.
The Journey
I began as a counselor in the non-profit sector providing, therapy to families in the greater New York City area for several years. Working with families in NYC’s most vulnerable population, I was able to see first hand how trauma affected every client I worked with. This influenced me to become a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), which is a certification I sought out after working in direct service with families who experience generational trauma. Currently, I use my trauma training as an additional insight into what my clients bring into our sessions together. Through my studies of trauma work, somatic therapy has become increasingly important as a tool to aid clients in connecting mind and body.
Currently, I work with adults primarily in the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community between 18-65 with anxiety, depression or trauma related histories. I also work with couples looking to improve communication so they can navigate the stressors that come with merging two lives together.
I’m continuously studying more techniques to further my interest in different skills based on client needs. Currently I’m studying coursework for couples counseling based on the Gottman Method, as well as working toward completion of Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), which is one of the leading psychotherapies for reprocessing distressing memories.
What I Provide
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In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, clients will learn to identify and challenge harmful belief systems, identify and challenge harmful patterns of behavior and learn helpful coping strategies to address both.
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In Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, clients learn coping strategies to manage their emotions in stressful situations. Client will also learn to accept their current reality, build healthier relationships and mindful awareness.
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Through Mindfulness Therapy, clients learn to be aware of their current feelings, thoughts and physical state. Being mindful is attuning to the “here and now” which aids clients in choosing their responses or behaviors. This practice also creates a sense of openness and non-judgmental stance to self.
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Somatic Therapy means “related to the body” and this therapeutic approach centers the mind-body connection. Clients will practice being aware of their physical symptoms which can stem from any mental stressors. Clients will learn tools to center our bodies as a focus of healing.
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Trauma Informed Therapy entails centering work in context of an individual’s trauma history. Using a trauma-informed lens requires us to take notice of how trauma impacts clients’ thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Using trauma informed practice prioritizes the safety of clients in each session.
My approach blends all of these therapeutic methods to find the right approach for each client.
