A.J. Schena

Hi, I’m A.J., a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, grief, relationship challenges, major life transitions, and much more. My approach is easy going, collaborative, and practical, drawing from ACT, CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed therapy to help you better understand your patterns and develop tools for meaningful change, but also to help you find the best version of yourself. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard and accepted while also being challenged to grow. I have worked in mental health for about 10 years now in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and specifically as a therapist for 3 years, so don't be afraid to ask about my experience and I can't wait to accomplish great, in-depth work with you!

I take a collaborative, down-to-earth approach that balances genuine support with honest feedback and practical tools. I focus on helping clients understand the patterns, thoughts, and behaviors that may be keeping them stuck while building skills to create meaningful change. My work often incorporates ACT, CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed approaches, with a focus on anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, grief, relationships, and life transitions. I tailor therapy to each client’s needs and goals rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

In our first session, my focus is on getting to know you, understanding what brought you to therapy, and identifying what you hope to get out of the process. You can expect a relaxed, judgment-free environment where you can be open and honest without feeling pressured to have everything figured out. We’ll begin identifying goals together and, when appropriate, start exploring practical tools or perspectives that may help you move forward. Most importantly, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of what therapy with me can look like and what we can work toward together.