Perhaps you’re someone who understands the patterns that are keeping you stuck, but trying to “think your way out” is just winding you tighter. Or perhaps you’re someone who’s heard that you just need to feel your feelings, but you’re left wondering incredulously, “How??” Experiential therapy addresses these specific cycles; you will practice, in real time, building soft and curious connections with your feelings without feeling overwhelmed by them. Little by little, you’ll learn to stay present in moments that used to send you spiraling.

I’m Alex. I’m a white, queer, nonmonogamous, genderqueer therapist. For many years I had the same experience that many of my clients have, and now I help clients get out of those familiar constricting cycles. I use primarily Internal Family Systems (IFS) and incorporate elements of Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) and Somatic Experiencing (SE) to help clients slow down and be present with their reactions. 

Experiential therapy is a great fit for sensitive, anxious overthinkers. I have a particular passion for working with queer and neurodivergent adults; teens who are having a hard time even though they’re really smart; and parents who find that parenting brings up challenging things in themselves.

Before I was a therapist, I worked for 10 years advocating for children’s right to play. Helping young people access absurd, in-the-moment, joyful imagination led me directly to my interest in creative, in-the-moment, relational therapy work.

Email me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation: alex@catherinemccarthylcsw.com