About

"The pains you feel are messengers. Listen to them." ~Rumi

Personally

I'm Alexis, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in person in the Bay Area, and virtually all throughout California. I became a therapist because I know this territory from the inside. I've been the one holding everything together on the outside while something quieter was happening underneath. I've sat in that place where every coping strategy stops working and I stopped trusting myself to make a decision.


Therapy gave me my way back. It's the reason I do this work.


After 25 years of sitting with people in that same territory, here's what I've come to believe: what's hard for you isn't a flaw, and there's nothing wrong with you. These are old patterns and old protections. And underneath, you are curious, whole, and capable of real joy and connection. That version of you never went anywhere, it just got quiet. We are able to fulfill our greatest potential when we feel connected, supported and seen.


Professional Approach

My approach draws on attachment and emotion-focused therapy, parts work, and mindfulness based somatic therapy. But what that looks like in practice is simpler than it sounds: we slow down. We pay attention to more than your thoughts. Most of the people I work with have spent years trying to think their way through something that lives deeper than thought. So instead of just talking about your experience, we learn to move into it. Noticing what your body is holding. Getting curious about the parts of you that developed to keep you safe. Listening for the emotions underneath the ones you usually show up with. From there, we stop trying to fix what's there and befriend it, and that's where transformation actually lives.


A Little More About Me

Clients have told me I have a steady, grounding presence, and that I bring both depth and a little lightness into the room. I take this work seriously, and I've also found that warmth and humor belong here too.


Outside of sessions, you'll find me hiking or exploring whatever creative outlet I'm currently into. I believe healing isn't only about working through the hard things. It's also about reconnecting with what lights you up.


I see adults individually, in person in Los Gatos and virtually throughout California.


An Invitation to Begin

If something here resonates, I'd love to hear from you. We can have a conversation about what's been on your mind and see if working together feels like a good fit.


Education & Specialized Training

Education

  • 2007 Licensed Marriage Family Therapist #44732
  • 2001 MA Mental Health Counseling Gallaudet University, Washington DC
  • 1999 BA Deaf Studies California State University Northridge, California

Specialized Training

2026 Accelerated Resolution Therapy Advanced Skills
2025 Internal Family Systems Level 2 
Emotion Focused Individual Therapy Level 1 & 2 with Leanne Campbell
Emotion Focused Individual Therapy Consultation
2024 Mindful Self Compassion Core Skills Training Kristen Neff
2023 Accelerated Resolution Therapy 
2022 Internal Family Systems Level 1
2021 Heart Math
         Deb Dana’s Polyvagal Informed Therapy Master Class
2020 Culturally Responsive Counseling with African American Clients
2019 Internal Family Systems for Trauma Anxiety & Depression
         Ongoing Clinical Consultation EMDR
         The Flash Technique EMDR with Philip Manfield, Ph.D. & Lewis Engel, Ph.D.
         Attachment Focused EMDR Part 3 with Laurel Parnell Ph.D.
2018 Internal Family Systems and Shame
         EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Basic Skills Parts 1 & 2
2017 ACT Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 2-day Intensive Training
2013-2016 Continued Education & Specialized Supervision Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychology; Program Assistant 
2011-2013 Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychology: a mindfulness-based experiential approach; Professional Skills Training Level 1 & 2