She/Her
Background and Approach
CA Associate Registration #148640
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a background in working with children, adolescents, and young adults across residential, school-based, and outpatient settings. My path into this work has been shaped by supporting youth and families navigating emotional and behavioral challenges, identity development, academic and social stress, and life transitions.
I began my clinical work in a residential treatment setting, where I supported adolescents experiencing complex mental health needs. This experience deepened my understanding of the importance of consistency, structure, and compassion in helping clients feel safe and supported. I later continued my work in a high school setting, providing therapy and mental health support to students, which strengthened my ability to meet clients where they are and adapt my approach to each individual’s needs.
My clinical approach is collaborative, relational, and grounded in a strengths-based and client-centered foundation. I draw from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, while tailoring interventions to fit each client’s goals, pace, and lived experience. I believe therapy is most effective when it balances practical skill-building with deeper exploration, supporting clients in developing emotional regulation, increasing self-awareness, and creating meaningful, sustainable change.
In my work, I support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and challenges related to women’s mental health. Across all settings, I prioritize creating a space that feels consistent, supportive, and nonjudgmental, where clients feel understood and empowered. I also value working collaboratively with parents and caregivers when appropriate, recognizing the important role of relationships and environment in supporting growth.
Practice Areas
Focus Areas
and Expertise
Grief & Loss
Maternal Mental Health (Prenatal, Postpartum, Infertility)
My work centers on children, adolescents, and young adults navigating grief and loss, maternal and family transitions, and relational challenges, including custody and co-parenting dynamics. I also support teens and young adults through identity development, academic and social stress, and life transitions.
I draw from developmentally attuned, relational, and evidence-based approaches, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, adapting care to meet each client’s needs. I strive to create a space that feels warm, supportive, and safe, while also partnering with parents and caregivers and incorporating diagnostic clarity or consultation when helpful.
Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD
Gender Affirming Care Letters
Teen Therapy
Older Adults/Seniors
Relationship/Marital Issues
Women's Mental Health
Depression
Relationship/Marital Issues
Anxiety/Burnout/Stress
Emotional Regulation & Coping Skills Development (DBT-Trained)
Credentials
My training and experience have provided a strong foundation in working with children, adolescents, and families across school, community, and clinical settings. My background includes school-based mental health, residential treatment with teens, and outpatient therapy, where I support clients using developmentally attuned and evidence-based approaches.
I have also been involved in psychoeducation, group facilitation, and community-based work focused on supporting youth mental health, healthy relationships, and family systems.
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
CA Associate Registration #148640
Education:
MA in Counseling Psychology
University of San Francisco
BA in Child Development
Minor in Counseling
CSU Sacramento
Certified in Trauma-Informed Care
Certified in Grief & Loss
Certified in Women's Mental Health
Trained in ERP
Trained in DBT
Certified & Experienced in providing Gender Affirming Care Letters
My Philosophy
My philosophy of care is grounded in intentionality, compassion, and trust. I believe that healing happens within safe, meaningful relationships, where clients feel genuinely seen, supported, and accepted as they are.
I am especially mindful of creating a space that feels steady, collaborative, and developmentally attuned, particularly for children, adolescents, and young adults. I approach therapy with care and sensitivity to each person’s pace, recognizing the importance of safety, choice, and empowerment in building trust and fostering growth.
I hold a deep respect for each client’s story, identity, and lived experience. My work is guided by cultural humility and ethical responsibility, with an ongoing commitment to showing up with presence, openness, and care. I strive to create a space that feels inclusive, nonjudgmental, and responsive to what matters most to each individual.
Ultimately, I see therapy as a space where clients can feel grounded, supported, and more connected to themselves. My role is to walk alongside them with intention and care, supporting growth in a way that feels both meaningful and sustainable.
-Emma Alexander, AMFT