Alexandria Widener

I received my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in children and adolescents in June 2022 from Northwestern University. I contributed to a graduate level textbook by writing a chapter regarding Trauma-Informed Counseling. I'm fully licensed and am certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors. I work with all ages, individuals, families, and couples. I specialize in children, adolescents, and young adults with mood disorders, self-harm, and a history of trauma. For adults/caregivers, I treat the following areas:burnout; relationship concerns; family conflict; adoption/foster care; and workplace stress. I'm experienced in treating:Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder; Borderline Personality Disorder; Bipolar and Related disorders; Major Depressive Disorder;Dissociative Identity Disorder; Anxiety Disorders; Intermittent Explosive Disorder; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder;Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct disorders; substance misuse; Trauma-and-Stressor-Related disorders; anger; grief; and religious trauma. I have experience working with marginalized populations.

Work Experience: I did not begin to officially practice therapy until January 2021, but I have been providing therapeutic services in various positions since March 2019. I began working with at-risk adolescents placed in an emergency shelter due to Child Protective Services involvement.I transitioned from my residential position to begin working as an Intensive-In-home Specialist. In this position, I worked with youth to prevent them from being placed out of the home. All had significant mental health and behavioral challenges. I am a Certified Family Centered Treatment practitioner. This service is provided to families in acute crisis and is the highest level of care before being placed in foster care or a residential facility.

I provide trauma-informed mental health counseling and psychotherapy to help individuals find healing and growth. My goal is to create an environment of safety, understanding, and acceptance. I understand how challenging it can be to work through mental health issues, and I strive to make the healing process easier. I offer individual, couples, and family therapy for a wide range of mental health needs. My services are tailored to each individual, and I take a person-centered approach to mental health care, focusing on the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of my clients.

Ideally, you will walk away feeling equipped to handle issues independently. You can walk away feeling validated, "seen", and supported. Depending on your sense of humor, you might also take away some good jokes.