Carolyn Engel-Alexander

I'm a native Californian who also spent many years living on the East Coast as an adult. I'm married with two grown children. I hold a Bachelor's degree from Pitzer College in Claremont, California, and a Master's degree in Community Planning and Social Work from the University of Maryland. I've worked in behavioral health since 1982— starting at Family Service Association and Community Guidance Center in Pennsylvania, then returning to California in 1988 to work at Riverside Behavioral Health for over 29 years, as both a clinician and a clinical supervisor.

I'm trained in multiple therapeutic modalities — Rational Emotive Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Crisis Management. I describe myself as an eclectic clinician, drawing from a variety of approaches depending on each client's individual needs, with my work grounded in flexibility, curiosity, and a deep respect for each person's individuality.

In our first session, we will spend time getting to know one another. My goal is to provide a space where you feel comfortable, supported, and safe. We will discuss any questions or concerns you may have about the limits of therapy and confidentiality so you have a clear understanding of how therapy works and what you can expect. Together, we will explore what brought you in, what you hope to gain from therapy, and what your expectations and goals are. We will also talk about what future sessions