My Approach to Helping
Welcome! I'm Alexa. I help people move from a state of survival to one of true authenticity and aliveness. People I work with are often caught in cycles of overthinking, perfectionism, unfulfilling relationships, or uncertainty about what’s next. My practice is built for those ready to move beyond surface-level coping and create real, sustainable shifts in how they feel and connect.
Clinically, I take a two-pronged approach:
1) Understanding: We’ll explore why you think, feel, and act the way you do. We’ll dig into your core beliefs, defenses, attachment style, and how past experiences may still be influencing you today.
2) Shifting: We’ll work together to shift the mindsets and behaviors that no longer serve you by incorporating research-backed modalities that will help you break free from unhelpful patterns.
My style is warm, collaborative, and deeply present. I draw from psychodynamic and relational approaches while integrating evidence-based tools like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and emotionally focused therapy (EFT), to bring both depth and practicality to the work. In therapy, we untangle long-held patterns, heal the parts shaped by shame or self-doubt, and build a stronger sense of self that can navigate life with more ease and authenticity.
I strive to create a space where you can show up as your full self—where every part of you is welcome, even the ones you’ve hidden. We move at your pace, guided by curiosity, humility, and honesty. I also integrate an understanding of how early life experiences—beginning as far back as the womb—affect us both psychologically and physiologically. Healing often means reconnecting with your inner child and developing a more compassionate, grounded relationship with yourself.
More Info About My Practice
I’m a University of Pennsylvania–trained psychotherapist licensed in New York and Connecticut, with advanced training in trauma, relationships, eating concerns, and the emotional weight of shame. Above all, I aim to create a space where teens and young adults feel fully seen and supported as they reconnect with themselves and move toward a more balanced, meaningful life.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
This isn't surface-level talk therapy. We go deeper. A lot of therapy tends to focus on comfort over real change. We created a space that strikes the balance, providing the support you need, while pushing you to step up and make lasting changes in your life.
A lot of our perceptions are shaped by the environment around us, and therapy's job is to untangle those 'shoulds' and reconnect us with our true desires. Real choice happens when our thoughts, words, and actions sync up, and our energy starts flowing freely, aligned with what we truly want.
We explore what's underneath the surface - your patterns, your unconscious beliefs, and the things you've kept hidden or buried. What we avoid doesn't disappear; it just finds new ways to speak. When feelings, memories, and beliefs get locked away in the subconscious, they don't go silent; they leak out sideways as anxiety, depression, eating struggles, low self-worth, self sabotage, and relationship turmoil. These symptoms aren't random, they're messengers. And when we trace them back to their origins, something powerful happens: the symptoms often lose their grip.
My Role as a Therapist
My role as a therapist is to help you better understand yourself - your thoughts, emotions, and patterns - so you can create lasting, meaningful change. I listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and offer honest, compassionate feedback to support your growth. When needed, I'll gently challenge you?never to push too hard, but to help you stretch into new awareness and possibility.
Each session is a space to explore what's on your mind, whether that's a specific struggle or simply what's arising in the moment. Some of the most powerful insights come from following your thoughts wherever they lead. Together, we might look at how your past experiences shape your present, identify patterns that keep you stuck, and develop practical strategies to feel more grounded and empowered in daily life.
I see therapy as a collaborative process; you're at the center, but you're not in it alone. Our relationship becomes a mirror for how you relate to others and to yourself, offering opportunities for deeper understanding and healing. While I may suggest reflections or small practices between sessions, these are always optional and tailored to what feels most useful for you.
On the Fence About Going to Therapy?
Therapy is for anyone, whether you're dealing with a specific challenge or simply want to understand yourself better. If you're questioning your mental health or well-being, it's always a good idea to explore therapy as an option.
Therapy is a valuable investment in yourself and your well-being. It's time carved out just for you a chance to slow down, reflect, and create space for growth that can make the rest of life feel more manageable and fulfilling.
Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist
Finding the right fit is an important part of the therapeutic process. During our consultation call and early sessions, we'll talk about your goals and what you're looking for in therapy. If it turns out I'm not the right match, I'll gladly help you find someone who is. My goal is for you to feel safe, seen, and supported, wherever your healing takes place.
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
My path to becoming a therapist grew out of my own mental health journey. Sitting in the client's chair taught me firsthand what it means to feel vulnerable, unseen, and ultimately, understood. Those experiences deepened my empathy and shaped the way I practice today. I know that real healing happens not through quick fixes, but through feeling truly seen, heard, and supported in a space built on connection and trust.
Because of my own struggles, I don't shy away from depth. This isn't surface-level talk therapy; we go beneath the layers to uncover what's really driving your patterns, emotions, and choices. So much of what holds us back lives below the surface - in the body, in unconscious beliefs, and in the internal "blueprints" we've carried since childhood about who we're allowed to be and how we connect to others.
My own healing taught me that growth begins with courage to turn inward. It's that same courage I help my clients cultivate: to face what hurts, to make sense of what's been hidden, and to move forward with more compassion, authenticity, and power.
What I Say to People Concerned about the Therapy Process
You're not alone. Many people wonder if seeking help means they're broken or can't handle life on their own. The truth is, it doesn't mean that at all. Therapy isn't about fixing you; it's about understanding yourself more deeply, navigating challenges with greater clarity, and growing in ways that feel true to who you are. Reaching out for support is a sign of courage, not weakness.
It's also completely normal to feel unsure about opening up. Vulnerability can feel uncomfortable, especially if you're used to keeping things in or caring for everyone else first. Therapy moves at your pace; we build trust over time. You don't need to have it all figured out or come in knowing exactly what to say. Sometimes the most meaningful insights happen when you simply allow yourself to speak freely and see what emerges.
The Duration and Frequency of Therapy
The length and frequency of therapy look different for everyone; there's no one-size-fits-all timeline. How long we work together depends on your goals, the depth of what you'd like to explore, and your level of engagement in the process. Some clients find that a few months of focused work brings meaningful change, while others value the ongoing support and insight that come with longer-term therapy.
To maintain momentum and build a strong foundation, I typically recommend meeting weekly, especially at the beginning. Consistency allows us to deepen the work, track progress, and create real shifts that last beyond the session. Over time, as you feel more grounded and confident, we can adjust the frequency together to fit your needs and rhythm.
There may also come a point where you feel ready to "graduate" from therapy, and that's something to celebrate. My goal is to help you reach a place where you feel equipped to navigate life's challenges on your own. When that time comes, we'll have an open conversation about next steps and ensure that ending therapy feels intentional, empowering, and on your terms.
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.
