Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra (Alex) Washburn.
Hi Alexandra (Alex), thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a child I was frequently told by adults that I should become a therapist when I grew up. Looking back I can see that my sensitivity and insight were developing even at a young age, though I did not yet know how to protect this. Initially, I fully rejected the idea of becoming a therapist, opting to study Public Relations, Spanish, and English in undergrad. I remember thinking “I can’t become a therapist just because everyone always told me to!”. So I went and completed my Public Relations degree with minors in Spanish and English. And I believe I was wise in choosing this at the time, that there was an inner knowing that I was not quite ready to embrace therapy as a potential career. However, I found myself consistently drawn to public relations roles related to therapy and social justice (eg. a trauma treatment center for single moms, a coffee shop and mentorship program for refugees). I was clinical-adjacent but beginning to be ready for more. Fast forward three years later and I have graduated with a Clinical Mental Health Master’s Degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte feeling like I have finally landed in the career choice that was always meant for me. Truthfully, this is more than a career choice. As a therapist I daily live out my own healing and I believe that my clients can sense this. Speaking of clients, let me tell you about the reasons I love what I do. After graduating I spent two years working at a treatment center that offered PHP and IOP for folks healing from eating disorders. The clients that I had the honor of working with were gentle, sensitive, creative, and caring humans. They shaped much of my early experience as a therapist and as a human with loved ones who have also faced eating disorders. After two years of the fast pace of higher level of care treatment, I was ready to slow down and see clients with more flexibility for my passions. Today, I get to work with clients of all ages as an outpatient therapist with Next Steps Counseling and Consulting from my virtual office! I specialize in disordered eating, trauma, and LGBTQ+ affirming care. My clients are often deep feelers seeking healing from past trauma so that they can live more fully in the present moment and in alignment with their values.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The most significant obstacle along the way has been navigating systems that do not always prioritize clients’ well being. Many of my clients struggle with symptoms influenced and exacerbated by environmental and systemic factors. Understanding this will always remain an essential part of my role as a therapist.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in trauma work, often incorporating parts work to deepen the understanding of what lies underneath the presenting symptoms. This allows access to Experiential, Somatic, and Attachment-based techniques that can help to experience and release emotions or physical sensations held in the body that may be driving the symptoms that are showing up on the surface. I also truly enjoy working with families, caregivers, and couples navigating the impact of mental health on the family structure. In family work we get the chance to process rupture-repair cycles live with intention, care, and guidance.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My sensitivity is crucial to my role as a therapist. It allows me to connect with and attune to clients in a way that is felt tangibly in the (virtual) room. While I have always been sensitive, it took intentional healing and deep work on my part to protect and nourish this trait.
Pricing:
- Private Pay Sessions: $150
- Insurance: Aetna, Cigna, and Carelon accepted in the near future
Contact Info:
