Alicia Lesniak, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Miami, Florida

VerifiedTelehealth Available

Professions: Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, Psychotherapist

Languages: English

My Approach to Therapy

Effective treatment inspires measurable positive change. My approach to therapy is to provide empirically-based interventions in a warm, collaborative and transparent manner. I also teach mindfulness and behavior change strategies to promote psychological flexibility and therefore overall well-being. Our practice offers a fully adherent DBT program for adolescents, families and adults wanting to improve interpersonal skills as well as distress tolerance skills and emotion regulation skills.

My Practice & Services

My specialty is working with treatment-resistant anxiety and depression, mood instability, disordered eating, substance abuse and impulsivity. I have particular interest in working with those who feel stuck and want a new approach to therapy that is collaborative, goal-oriented and psychoeducational in nature. 73 randomized clinical trials in 14 independent sites and 20 meta-analyses have shown that DBT reduces problem behavior, increases emotional stability, reduces self-harming, reduces suicidal urges (and hospitalizations), improves functioning and communication in relationships, reduces substance abuse, and reduces binge eating and bulimia among other compulsions. Our fully adherent DBT counseling program includes weekly individual DBT sessions, weekly consultation team meetings for therapists, phone coaching for clients and four DBT skills groups specifically tailored for adults, adolescents, families and couples.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I specialize in emotional dysregulation which often results in chaotic relationships, inability to control impulses, self-destructive behaviors, self-harm and suicidal ideation. I am particularly passionate about working with parents of adolescents and young adults and currently run the DBT parent skills groups as well as provides individual parent coaching sessions for families struggling with conflict and disconnection. In addition, I enjoy collaborating with adults and business professionals in building the emotional and interpersonal skills necessary to achieve desired goals.

Expertise & Specialties

Age Groups I Work With

TeensAdultsElders

Groups I Work With

My clients include adolescents and adults ranging from those with significant emotional and behavioral issues to higher functioning professionals looking to identify barriers to growth. With extensive experience providing therapy, facilitating groups, and coordinating services from outpatient to residential settings, I specialize in helping adolescents, adults and families in crisis. Other specialties include eating disorders, suicidality, self-harm, mood disorders, behavioral issues, impulsivity, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, identity issues and LGBTQ issues. I am particularly passionate about working with parents of adolescents and young adults and am currently running the DBT parent skills groups in addition to overseeing the adherent adolescent and adult DBT programs. I am licensed in Florida, South Carolina and Massachusetts.