Therapy with Alex G
Life Transition Therapy
Phase of life challenges, relational and communication concerns, women’s issues, and LGBTQIA+ counseling for children, teens, and adults in Santa Barbara, CA.
Find Increased Balance And Alignment
Our lives rarely follow a straight line but, rather, unfold as a series of zigs and zags, which can be both exciting and necessary. However, for all of us, there will be times when we experience change that is unwelcome and unwanted. In such situations, it can be especially difficult to accept this change, as we may struggle to manage our feelings or know how to respond. This can, understandably, be overwhelming and impact our lives. Whether you are entering a new phase of life, starting a new job, moving, experiencing relationship challenges, or questioning your identity and purpose, it's important to be able to take care of yourself, and that may mean finding help. You do not have suffer in silence and are deserving of care and support.Let me help!
Pre-Teen & Teen Concerns (10-18)
As a teenager, you may face various concerns and challenges that can impact your mental health. Specifically, during adolescence, you are in the process of trying to figure out who you are and how you fit into the world. This can be extremely challenging because you are likely experiencing many things for the first time. As a result, it is not uncommon to feel confused, uncertain, and overwhelmed as you try and juggle family, friends, knowing who you are, and academic demands. Therapy can provide an additional source of support and guidance to teenagers as they navigate this challenging time. Through therapy with me, I will help by encouraging open communication and providing a safe and supportive environment. I can also help you to develop healthy coping skills and improve your self-esteem and confidence. In addition, we will identify ways for you to build better relationships with others and work towards achieving your goals so that you can start feeling happier and more content within yourself.
Communication/Relationship Concerns
Communication and relationship concerns can be some of the most difficult and challenging issues you will likely experience, mainly because these issues go to the very core of your connection both with yourself and others. In addition, these issues are often complex and hard to talk about; especially as seeking help from those around you may feel uncomfortable when those closest to you are invested or have personal opinions about your concerns. Therapy can help you address communication and relational issues in your life and improve how you relate both to yourself and others. Together, we will identify patterns that may be contributing to your relationship problems, such as unhealthy communication styles, negative thought patterns, or unresolved issues from your past. We will also work to help you gain problem-solving skills to address conflicts in a healthy way. As you gain increased understanding and awareness of yourself, therapy will help you effectively share who you are in a way that resonates with others and leads to understanding and supportive relationships.
Gender and Sexual Orientation Affirming Care
Sexual orientation and gender-affirming care refer to healthcare practices recognizing and respecting a patient's sexual and gender identity. Sexual orientation refers to a person's pattern of romantic or sexual attraction to people of the same sex, opposite sex, or both sexes, as gender identity refers to a person's internal sense of being male, female, or something else. Sexual orientation and gender identity are important aspects of a person's overall identity, and alignment within these elements is necessary for you to live authentically and healthily. For individuals who are questioning their sexual orientation, gender identity, or struggling with gender dysphoria, therapy with me will provide a space to explore any concerns that you might have and develop a plan for coming out or transitioning, if desired. I will also provide a supportive environment for you to understand your feelings, explore and reinforce a healthy relationship with your body, and honor your sexual or gender identity. In addition, I can help you develop healthy coping strategies, build stronger relationships, and navigate a world that can be hostile or indifferent. Together we will also work to increase your sense of self and prioritize your needs, wants, and desires.
Navigating Your 20s & 30s
Your 20s & 30s can be a time of significant transition, such as finishing school, starting a new job, moving to a new city, navigating new relationships, or starting a family. This can be both exciting and overwhelming as you may feel like you're on the right path one day but totally lost the next. In addition, society often puts pressure on people in their 20s & 30s to have their lives figured out, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. Therapy with me can help you navigate the transitions of your 20s & 30s with increased ease. Together, we will focus on ways for you to be more self-aware, compassionate, and understanding toward yourself, your feelings, and your needs. I will also help you identify elements within your life that are holding you back and assist you in creating strategies for change. Everyone's journey is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to navigating your 20s &30s. However, by setting goals, building a strong support system, and taking care of your health, I can assist you in making the most out of these decades of your life.
Women’s Issues
As a woman, you will face specific concerns and challenges stemming both from within yourself and also from those around you and even society. Gender roles, expectations about being a woman, and how you see yourself can all contribute to your experience in the world. In addition, women often feel that they are expected to conform to certain roles and standards of behavior, which can be challenging. Due to these factors, it is important, as a woman, for your experiences and struggles to be understood and celebrated with care and compassion. Therapy with me will help you embrace your uniqueness and find your own path so that you can live life on your terms. Together, we will work to develop strategies for coping with life’s challenges and improving your sense of well-being. I will also help you manage your stress in healthy ways, approach difficult emotions and feelings effectively, and build stronger relationships. I believe that all women deserve to feel safe and valued, which is why I prioritize providing a welcoming, supportive space for women of all ages.
Infertility & Perinatal
Infertility is a condition characterized by the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. While perinatal mental health refers to a woman's mental health during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Struggling with infertility and navigating the perinatal period can be a long and difficult process, leading to distress and emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, and feelings of grief and loss. Additionally, certain treatments used to address infertility, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), can increase the risk of certain complications during pregnancy and delivery, which may feel overwhelming and lead to intense worry or nervousness. Through therapy with me, I will help you to recognize and embrace all of the challenges and changes that come with infertility, pregnancy, and birth. I will also provide you with tools and resources to meet your needs during this time, as well as support you in finding ways to cope with stress and feel empowered so that you can make informed decisions. Additionally, I understand how it feels not knowing where to turn when you are feeling sad, anxious, or depressed during this time. I can provide you with support, guidance, and a safe place to discuss your thoughts and feelings.
