Marina Alexander

My name is Marina Alexander, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I was born in Ukraine and speak Russian fluently. I work with adults and couples and specialize in anxiety and stress management, alleviating trauma and PTSD, managing life transitions, issues related to aging, and of course - challenges in interpersonal relationships. I am also a Transformational Life coach, trained and certified by the Brave Thinking Institute. I have lived a life that included many challenges and transitions, have resolved them all successfully, and have gained a wealth of personal experience in addition to my excellent education in my field. I am a very quick and inquisitive person by nature and love keeping up on all the new advances in Psychology and healing.

My approach

In my practice I use an eclectic approach based on the needs of each individual client, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive Psychology, EMDR, Existential and Reality Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, as well as elements from other approaches. My experience includes doing Christian Counseling, working with clients from an Interfaith/Spiritual perspective, New Thought and Louise Hay approaches, and clients from many different cultures.

My focus

I work with adults of all ages, and my style and approach are a particularly good fit for people who may be dealing with the challenges of mid-life transitions and aging: relationship challenges, divorce, dealing with children who are growing up, and (often) parents who need help, traumatizing life events, mid-life crises, work pressures, health problems, substance dependency, and addiction. Life can get overwhelming sometimes and many experience feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, etc. I am here to help provide a listening ear and effective emotional support, in addition to helping you learn helpful skills and expand your awareness. I enjoy seeing individuals improve and live their best possible life experience!

My communication style

As my client, you will find in me a voice that is calm and supportive, which will guide you to ask the questions and the answers to which will help you gain clarity into your unique situation, and provide tools that you can use immediately to start feeling better and support you in making the choices which are right for you. In working with me you will have a safe space of unconditional positive regard where you can share your thoughts and feelings without reservation. I know that we all long to feel accepted, validated, and understood and that when we are given this kind of nurturing space, we can begin the exciting adventure toward healing and happiness.

My journey to mental healthcare

I became a therapist because I wanted to learn and grow, I wanted to deeply understand how to effectively change my own life for the better - and help improve the lives of people I care about. It has been an amazing journey and a wonderful adventure where I am learning that it is definitely possible to feel better and improve your life experience.

My goals for you

My approach to goal setting with clients starts with very attentively listening to you and clarifying what it is that you are hoping to get from the therapy process. Then, over time, we will work together to set goals that are suitable for your unique personality and life circumstances, and then support and track your progress as you improve.

My first session with you

During your first session with me, you can expect me to listen carefully to what brings you to therapy and how you have been feeling lately. I usually ask questions to help clarify the situation you are going through and understand why you may be feeling that way. If this is your first time in therapy, I will encourage you to ask any questions about the process, what to expect, and any additional concerns you may have. This process will help us get to know one another and get comfortable with what it means to be in therapy. The first session is about us building an initial connection and helping me get a sense of where we should go from there.