Alexza Gutierrez

Does your child or adolescent's behavior leave you wondering, "What is going on with my child or adolescent?" Are they having meltdowns, withdrawing, struggling at school, or big emotional expressions? Children and adolescents often communicate their feelings through behavior long before they have the words to explain what they are experiencing. I work with families navigating challenges such as adoption, divorce, co-parenting, blended-family transitions, grief and loss, school-related worries, family conflict, and the growing push for independence.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S) with extensive training in play therapy treatments, family systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I received my Doctorate in Clinical Social Work (DSW) and Master’s degree in social work (MSW) from NYU, and my undergraduate degree in Social Work (BSW) at Cornell University. With more than two decades of clinical experience across inpatient, outpatient, and residential settings, I specialize in supporting children and caregivers as they navigate life's challenges.

My approach draws on multiple models, including relational, humanistic, psychodynamic, and cognitive frameworks. I work with children, adolescents, families, and adults, providing individual or family-based interventions.

Our first session focuses on getting to know your family and understanding what brought you to therapy. I typically begin by meeting with caregivers to learn about your child's developmental history, strengths, relationships, and the concerns that led you to seek support. This conversation also gives you an opportunity to ask questions, share your goals, and discuss what you hope will be different as therapy progresses.

I then spend time building a trusting relationship with your child through carefully selected creative activities and play-based interactions to understand how children experience their world, express emotions, solve problems, and relate to others. I view caregivers as essential partners in the therapy process and work collaboratively with families to better understand their child's behaviors and emotional world while strengthening connection and confidence in their parenting throughout therapy.