Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Duluth, MN covered by Aetna

As a therapist, I take a client-centered, genuine, collaborative approach to the client’s needs and goals. I have over 19 years of experience with significant experience helping adult clients (18+) work through anxiety, mood disorders (depression/bipolar disorder), sexual addictions/offenses, trauma, grief/loss, men and women's issues, and general life stressors/transitions (work, relationships, parenting, etc).

Hi, I'm Alex! My path into this work began in early childhood development, where I learned just how much our earliest relationships and experiences shape the way we move through the world as adults. That foundation still informs everything I do; I'm endlessly curious about the "why" behind how we feel and behave, and I hold that curiosity with warmth and zero judgment.

Outside of my practice you'll usually find me behind a camera. Photography taught me to slow down and pay attention to small, beautiful details, and to appreciate that the same scene can look completely different depending on where you're standing (a lesson that I find turns out to be pretty useful in therapy as well). I love being out in nature whenever I can and at home I share my space with a cuddly cat who supervises most of my day.

I believe that peace on earth starts with peace in the home. I'm able to help adults, couples, and families find this peace by using healthy communication techniques, recognize their emotions and heal from past pain. This helps clients foster deeper connections in their relationships and within themselves. I work with couples needing support with communication, conflict resolution and gaining trust. I help parents establish loving limits with their children to help them learn while also maintaining connection. I can help clients cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, and postpartum.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with a Master's degree in Social Work. I have specialized training in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, Permanency and Adoption, and have dedicated my career to supporting children, families, and caregivers through life's challenges.

Over the past two decades, I have worked in a variety of settings, including child protection, foster care and adoption services, early intervention programs, family home visiting, and community mental health. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the complex systems that impact children and families, as well as the resilience and strengths they bring to the healing process.

My areas of expertise include early childhood mental health, parenting support, foster care and adoption-related concerns, attachment and relationship challenges, trauma, family transitions, and helping caregivers navigate developmental and behavioral concerns. I am passionate about partnering with families to build on their strengths, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change.

I believe in meeting people where they are—with honesty, warmth, and a steady presence. My approach is calm and straightforward, focused on creating a space where you can be fully yourself.

I am a warm, compassionate, nonjudgmental clinician who cares about those who show up for therapy. I am inquisitive, curious and direct in challenging thoughts and behavior that get in the way of living a happy, fulfilling life. I encourage individuals, couples and families to lean into/draw strength from their spiritual and/or religious beliefs. I enjoy and encourage utilizing the gift of humor to enrich one’s life.

I enjoy working with college students. I am also an AAMFT Approved Supervisor for college students seeking supervision. (I would not be able to provide therapy and AAMFT Supervision to a client - as that would be a "dual" relationship).