Alexa Hammer
As a therapist, I strive to be incredibly open-minded. We are all dynamic and multifaceted individuals - we all have strengths and we all have areas that will benefit from improvement. This is why as your therapist, I believe it is important for us to explore your past, present, and future in our work together. My therapeutic style is versatile. I use a variety of theoretical approaches based on the client and unique presenting issues. Some approaches that I use include Mindfulness, Existential, Internal Family Systems, Solution-Focused, Psychodynamic, Object Relations, Person-Centered, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
You may enter therapy with very specific goals. Alternatively, your goals may become more clear as therapy progresses. Either way, your openness and willingness to participate are necessary for your long-term growth. I understand that therapy can be overwhelming in the beginning, and that is why my goal is to, first and foremost, always ensure that as the client, you feel as safe and comfortable as possible!
I have become increasingly interested in my own spiritual practice and strive to exercise what I emphasize as a therapist in terms of self-care, setting and maintaining boundaries in relationships, and establishing and building positive habits. As a therapist, I believe an overall mindset of growth, honesty, humility, and hope is an important part of my work with clients. I am very grateful to be a part of this practice at Los Gatos Counseling Center, and look forward to meeting you!
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LICENSED THERAPIST
QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION
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Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist 125831
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Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Santa Clara University
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Bachelor of Arts in Intensive Psychology, University of California Santa Cruz
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION & TRAINING
I have experience working with the following:
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Depression/Mood Fluctuations
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Grief/Loss
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Stress/Anxiety
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Trauma/PTSD
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Body Image Problems/Disordered Eating
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Relationship Conflicts/Boundaries
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Career Concerns/Life Transitions
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Anger Management
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Sleep Disturbances
I have special training in the following:
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Gestalt
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Existential
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DBT
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CBT
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Internal Family Systems
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Trauma Informed Care
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CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
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Marriage & Family Therapist at Los Gatos Counseling Center
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Associate Marriage & Family Therapist at Cielo House
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Associate Marriage & Family Therapist at Palo Alto Therapy
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Associate Marriage & Family Therapist at Almaden Valley Counseling Services
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Marriage & Family Therapy Trainee at West Valley Community College
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Teaching Assistant in Counseling Process & Skills Class at Santa Clara University
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High School Success Coordinator at AmeriCorps
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Counselor Intern at Y.E.S. School
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Research Assistant in Psychology Department at University of California Santa Cruz
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Teaching Assistant in Psychology Department at University of California Santa Cruz
ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
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California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
ON A PERSONAL NOTE
I am lucky enough to have spent my entire life in this beautiful state, and it has shaped my love for the environment in a huge way. I have an immense love for nature and animals. I also have a huge love for travel, and have learned a lot by being immersed in different cultures. That being said, I am just as much a homebody as I am an adventurer.