Evidence-based treatment through a holistic lens
About Me, Alex
Owner, therapist, recovering perfectionist.
My therapy style is genuine, warm, and direct. I am fiercely dedicated to helping you find your direction in living a values-focused, fulfilling life, and promise we can have some fun along the way. I love finding humor in the absurdness of how unhelpful our minds can be! This has shown to be incredibly effective within a comfortable, supportive relationship. I’m not afraid to call you on your “stuff,” and like to operate in the space where compassion meets accountability. Because, more than anything, I want to see you living the life you deserve.
A few years into practicing as a therapist, it became harder and harder to ignore the impact nutrition and environment has on our psychological functioning. As I set out to learn more, I quickly learned there is no shortage of wellness and nutrition information out there, but it can be messy and conflicting (and sometimes, just straight up wrong!) So, I became Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition to ensure I am providing recommendations not only tailored to you, but supported by science. My practice combines evidenced-based mental health treatment with the whole-body approach that the psychology and medical fields often lack.
Outside of the therapy room, I can be found trying new foods, trying my best with plants, constantly decorating and re-decorating, and spending time with friends, family, and my dog, Archie. I appreciate a good NY bagel, a good pen (Pilot G-2, specifically), the opportunity to explore new places, and always a good laugh.
Training, Qualifications & Licensure
LICENSURE
23062 | Maryland
CW022258 | Pennsylvania
Maryland Board Approved Social Work Supervisor
EDUCATION
Master of Social Work, Clinical | University of Pennsylvania, 2015
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology | University of Delaware, 2013
Bachelor of Science, Clinical Human Services | University of Delaware, 2013
CERTIFICATION
Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition | National Association of Nutrition Professionals, 2022
Certificate, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner | Nutritional Therapy Association, 2021
TRAINING
My experience ranges from working with persistent, severe mental illness in a private, inpatient psychiatric facility to individual outpatient therapy at Johns Hopkins Bayview. Here, I developed experience with a range of mental health disorders, and developed my specialization within the Anxiety Disorders Clinic. I have attended the Behavior Therapy Training Institute offered by the IOCDF, an 3-day intensive training in exposure and response prevention.
MEMBERSHIPS
International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)
National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP)
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
I find most success with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I also incorporate mind-body techniques such as mindfulness and nutritional therapy.
I am passionate about advocating for treatment that works. Learn more about why Exposure and Response Prevention is recommended for OCD treatment here.
Areas of Expertise
Here are some things my clients typically face:
Anxiety
Perfectionism
OCD
Work/School-Related Stress & Burnout
Chronic Worry
Panic
holistic
adjective
ho·lis·tic | \ hō-ˈli-stik
relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts
A holistic lens is not pseudo-science, but rather, an emphasis on the mind and body as a whole. Nutritional therapy is a holistic approach that links the foods we eat with our mental health. There is an emphasis on nourishing our bodies with the nutrients it requires to promote wellbeing. This component of integrative health focuses on not only the foods we eat, but has a strong consideration of lifestyle factors including stress, sleep, and movement.
Are you a clinician hoping to enhance your knowledge of using nutrition to treat mental health?
Click here to learn about supervision and consultation options for clinicians.
Let’s chat.
Finding the right therapist can be hard. Send me a message, email, or call me. Or, schedule a complimentary consultation call to set up a time where I’ll call you.