Alexa Perez, LMSW
Therapist
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when survival mode becomes so familiar that it’s hard to remember what it feels like to truly feel safe, connected and at peace within yourself. It can feel even harder when we’re carrying pain, navigating change or trying to meet the expectations of others while losing ourselves in the process. Whether you’re struggling with trauma, anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, or identity exploration, we’ll co-create a space where you no longer have to carry everything alone.
About Alexa
As a queer clinician, I understand the importance of spaces where identity is honored rather than questioned. I understand how powerful it can be to feel seen, affirmed and accepted, and that understanding shapes the way I approach therapy and the environment I strive to create with my clients. While therapy can involve challenging conversations and a ton of meaningful work, I don’t believe the environment needs to feel sterile and intimidating. I strive to create a therapeutic space that prioritizes warm, authentic human connections. I like to bring my full humanity into the therapy room and chances are phrases like “what in the world?” or “oh my god” may occasionally make an appearance as we process the realities of life together. My goal is always to create a space where you feel comfortable showing up as your authentic self while feeling supported, understood and empowered by an empathetic, curious, and compassionate therapist.
Working with Alexa
I am a trauma-informed therapist who approaches this work with warmth, authenticity, empathy and often, humor and levity. My style is collaborative and affirming, grounded in the belief that you are the expert on your own experiences and have the answers within you. Together, we can explore patterns, experiences, and relationships that may be keeping you stuck while building
tools for greater self-understanding, emotional safety,
confidence and connection.
I view my clients as more than the challenges that they bring with them to therapy and I strive to create an environment where all parts of you are not just welcome but celebrated and never judged. As a team, we’ll explore how your unique experiences, relationships, identities and the world around you have shaped the way you move through life. At the same time, we’ll identify and build upon the strengths, resilience and insight you already possess. Therapy can be a space to slow down, feel seen, and deepen your connection with yourself while working toward greater self-compassion, healthier boundaries, more fulfilling relationships and a stronger sense of who you are.
Specialty
I specialize in working with clients navigating complex trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, relationship conflicts, burnout, life transitions, and identity exploration. I am especially passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ clients, including transgender, nonbinary and gender-expansive individuals, and affirming the full spectrum of gender identities, expressions and experiences. I work from a queer and gender affirming, sex-positive lens that welcomes diverse relationship structures and experiences. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative and rooted in the creation of a space where clients feel safe exploring authenticity, boundaries and relationships.
Education, Training, and Certifications
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Dominican University
Master of Social Work from Rutgers University
Certification in Interpersonal Violence and Trauma (C-IVT) from Rutgers University
In-Depth Education on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care
Specialized Training in Crisis Intervention and Risk Assessment
