Alexandria Ruggiero

I am a licensed psychotherapist providing therapy to youth of all ages and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and life stressors. I work with individuals who feel overwhelmed, stuck in unhelpful patterns, or unsure how to manage strong emotions, as well as parents and caregivers seeking support in understanding and responding to their child’s needs.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and skills-based. I use evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) to help clients build effective coping strategies, improve emotional regulation, and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding. Sessions are practical and goal-oriented, with tools that can be applied in everyday life.

I believe therapy should be a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and empowered. When working with youth, I value collaboration with caregivers when appropriate, and when working with adults, I focus on strengthening insight, coping skills, and confidence in managing life’s challenges.

My goal is to help clients of all ages feel more grounded, resilient, and capable of creating meaningful change.

My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and skills-based. I believe therapy should feel like a safe, supportive space where clients of all ages feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful change. I take a personalized approach to treatment, recognizing that no two clients are the same. Sessions are structured yet flexible, balancing insight with actionable tools that can be applied in everyday life. When working with youth, I value appropriate caregiver collaboration, and when working with adults, I focus on strengthening self-awareness, resilience, and confidence.

Above all, I strive to create a non-judgmental and compassionate environment where growth happens at a pace that feels safe and sustainable.

In the first session, my priority is to create a safe, comfortable, and non-judgmental space. We’ll spend time getting to know one another and discussing what brought you to therapy, your current concerns, and what you hope to gain from treatment. There is no pressure to share everything at once we move at a pace that feels right for you.

I’ll ask questions to better understand your background, symptoms, and any past experiences with therapy. Together, we’ll begin identifying goals and discussing how therapy can support you. I’ll also explain my approach and the tools we may use, such as CBT, DBT, or Trauma-Focused CBT, so you know what to expect moving forward.

For youth sessions, caregivers may be included for part of the first appointment to provide background and collaborate on goals, while also ensuring the child has space to build rapport and feel comfortable. For adults, the focus is on understanding current stressors, patterns, and strengths.

By the end of the session, you can expect to have a clearer sense of next steps and whether this feels like a good fit. The first session is about connection, understanding, and setting a foundation for meaningful work together.