Meet Alexis
Welcome! I'm Alexis (she/her), a compassionate Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of California (#127407) and Virginia (#0717002056), providing trauma-informed and client-centered care.
Everyone wants to feel good enough, yet many of us struggle to feel a true sense of belonging or safety in the world. We question whether we are lovable, find it hard to embrace vulnerability, and often doubt that our needs matter or that others will be there when we need them. These underlying beliefs can subtly shape our mental health, self-esteem, and how we engage in relationships, work, and daily life.
Perhaps you often put others' needs before your own, or you find yourself stuck in patterns of people-pleasing, codependency, or anxious attachment—constantly seeking reassurance, feeling insecure, or fearing rejection. You might even feel invisible, unworthy of love, or disconnected from your true self. If this resonates with you, you're not alone.
I work with individuals who have experienced emotionally challenging childhood environments—whether from substance use, neglect, or emotionally unavailable caregivers. These unresolved wounds often lead to anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and unhealthy adult relationships. These patterns can make it difficult to build secure, fulfilling connections and can leave you feeling overwhelmed and isolated. But healing is possible, and you don't have to navigate this alone.
Therapy with me offers a safe space to explore how your most significant relational experiences have influenced your present life. We’ll examine the connection between attachment, your nervous system, relational wounding, and limiting beliefs. Together, we’ll break free from the cycles of self-abandonment, reclaim your sense of self, and begin healing from past wounds.
I offer a holistic approach to overcoming anxiety, depression, relational issues, and childhood trauma, using creative interventions informed by attachment theory, mindfulness, somatic therapy, and parts work. We’ll focus on reclaiming self-worth, developing self-love and confidence, and creating the life and relationships you’ve always wanted—one built on authenticity, balance, and trust in yourself.
I believe in your inherent wisdom and resilience. I’m here to provide compassionate support as you rediscover your inner strength and embrace the most authentic part of you. Let’s take the first step toward healing—reach out today to schedule a consultation.
On a personal note, I find joy in various activities outside of my therapeutic practice. Spending quality time with my partner, gardening, immersing myself in nature, and traveling are some of the ways I nurture myself. Cooking, reading, consuming HGTV at an embarrassing rate, and watercolor painting are among my cherished hobbies. Oh, and let’s not forget about my cat, Antoinette, who occasionally pops into our sessions.
My Identities
Our identities and the effects of oppressive systems directly impact our sense of self and mental health. In my practice I am committed to providing inclusive therapy and welcome any person seeking my support, regardless of their identities. Additionally, I find it important to be transparent about my own identities. I am a cisgendered white woman who uses the pronouns she/her. I grew up in an upper middle class family, lived in well-resourced communities, and had access to higher education. These identities afford me inherent privilege. The circumstances we grow up in and the privileges we are born with impact the ways we connect and relate to others and ourselves. In honoring this, I seek to be open and discuss our differences, noting the impact those differences have on the therapeutic relationship and process.
To be a true ally, I recognize how important it is to have humility and remain a curious and open lifelong learner. I consistently and actively seek information, consultation, and experiences that deepen my personal and professional growth. This ongoing commitment supports me moving through the world in an anti-oppressive, anti-ablest, anti-racist, and non-violent way. I seek to shape my practice to reflect these principles and values, ensuring that it remains a safe haven for all.
Professional Background and Expertise
Education and Experience:
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the states of California and Virginia. I obtained my Masters of Science in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from San Francisco State University. As a pre-graduate, I completed supervised internship hours in San Francisco working with youth and their families and adults facing homelessness. Following that, I gained valuable experience working with individuals at an elementary school, a substance abuse facility, and county jail, where I completed clinically supervised hours and obtained licensure. I engage in continuing education and licensing renewal annually under the supervision of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and Virginia Department of Health Professions.
Community Mental Health and Private Practice:
My early career focused on community mental health in San Francisco, providing support such as, crisis management, intake and assessment, therapeutic groups, case management, and individual therapy with adults and youth facing severe mental health challenges. In 2021, I transitioned to providing full-time psychotherapy to adults seeking personal growth and support for mental health conditions such as depression, trauma, and anxiety. I have worked with a diverse population, including individuals from various racial, cultural, sexual, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, I’ve worked with individuals, families, couples, and groups with individuals ranging from age 5 to age 85.
Professional Development:
I continuously seek out training and certifications in areas such as trauma, developmental/attachment injuries, somatic therapies, inner child healing, brain and nervous system-based interventions, and emotion-focused therapy.
Services:
Currently, I am exclusively working virtually providing individual therapy to adults.
Degrees, Licenses, and Professional Associations
Masters of Science in Marriage, Family, Child Counseling
Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, California (#127407)
CAMFT Member #121447, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Trainings & Certifications
Level I Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: SP for the Treatment of Trauma
Level II Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: SP for Developmental and Relational Injury
Improving Treatment Effectiveness with Attachment Theory
Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1: Bridging the Couple Chasm
American Society of Addiction Medicine Multidimensional Assessment
Motivational Interviewing
De-escalation and Crisis Prevention
Books and Articles That Have Informed My Practice
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.
Attachment Theory in Practice: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with Individuals, Couples, and Families by Susan M. Johnson
Shifting States of Consciousness: The Recreation of the Self Approach to Transformation by Jon Eisman
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment by Pat Ogden and Janina Fisher
Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma, and Consensual Nonmonogamy by Jessica Fern
The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook by Matthew McKay, Jefrey C. Wood, and Jeffrey Brantley