Alexa Enyart, AMFT #141288

My name is Alexa Enyart and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT141288) in the state of California. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University.

Throughout my career, I have experienced working alongside individuals struggling with depression, personality disorders, anxiety, relationship issues, panic attacks, past trauma, addiction, eating disorders, and life changes. I utilize a psychodynamic approach, which acknowledges that our early life experiences influence our perceptions and behaviors. Together, we'll explore unconscious patterns and bring them to the forefront, shedding light on how they may be influencing your current struggles. 

My goal is not only to provide support during times of distress but to empower you with insights that foster lasting change. By connecting past experiences to present patterns, we can work towards breaking free from limitations, fostering healthier relationships, and cultivating a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Depression

Depression is like having a gray filter over life. It's not just feeling sad; it's feeling as if the vibrancy has been drained from everything around you. Simple tasks become these colossal challenges, and even the things that used to bring joy can lose their luster. 

The world might seem a bit slower, and your thoughts might be like a broken record, replaying negative scenarios or questioning your worth. It's not just feeling down about a bad day; it's feeling like each day is a struggle, and it's hard to see a way out.

Socializing might feel like an exhausting task, and hobbies that once sparked excitement might not hold the same appeal. It's like being stuck in a fog, where even the simplest decisions become overwhelming. And while everyone around you seems to be moving forward, you might feel stuck in this static, joyless place. Though it may not seem like it, these feelings are temporary. Utilizing coping skills taught in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, such as cognitive restructuring, diaphragmatic breathing, and journaling will help alleviate the symptoms associated with depression. We’ll also work to understand the root of your feelings and process unconscious emotions.

Anxiety:

Anxiety is a natural and adaptive response to stress or perceived threats, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. It's uncomfortable and can be a debilitating experience that involves a combination of physiological, cognitive, and emotional elements. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, an anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings become excessive, persistent, and interfere with daily functioning.

Having anxiety can feel like navigating through a storm with no clear end in sight. It's more than just a fleeting worry or nervousness; it's a persistent, sometimes overwhelming sense of apprehension that can affect various aspects of life. Symptoms of anxiety can include restlessness and nervousness, overthinking and ruminating thoughts, difficulty concentrating and relaxing, irritability, and physical fatigue. 

Luckily, there are many techniques that can reduce our levels of anxiety, including deep breathing, grounding techniques, and positive self-talk. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) can be useful when reducing anxious symptoms as key components include distress tolerance and emotional regulation skills.

Addiction:

Addiction is a complex and multifaceted experience that can manifest both physically and psychologically. Addiction may be driven, in part, by a desire to escape from negative emotions, stress, or challenging life circumstances. The substance or behavior provides temporary relief from emotional pain or discomfort. Understanding the root of addictive behaviors is instrumental in processing challenging emotions and past trauma. Common experiences in addiction include loss of control, obsession, escapism, guilt and shame and dependence. 

Utilizing CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) helps individuals identify and change maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction. It focuses on developing coping skills, managing triggers, and preventing relapse. Integrating holistic approaches such as yoga, meditation and art therapy can contribute to overall well-being and complement traditional therapeutic methods. Many individuals with addiction have experienced trauma, and trauma-informed therapy addresses these underlying issues. It helps individuals process past trauma and develop healthier coping mechanisms. We will work together to identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and create a plan to prevent relapse. Learning to anticipate and manage high-risk situations is a crucial component of relapse prevention.

Eating Disorders:

Having an eating disorder is like being entangled in a complex and often tumultuous relationship with food, body image, and self-worth. It's not just about what's on the plate; it's a constant, consuming preoccupation that permeates your thoughts and actions. Do you feel like food is a source of anxiety, guilt and fear?

The pursuit of an idealized body becomes an obsession, and self-worth can become intricately linked to the number on a scale or the perception of your physical appearance. There's often a sense of secrecy and shame associated with eating habits. It might involve hiding food, eating in isolation, or engaging in rituals surrounding meals. The internal dialogue becomes a relentless critic, whispering judgment and fostering a sense of inadequacy.

Recovering from an eating disorder includes addressing the underlying emotional challenges and fostering a healthier relationship with food and self-image. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on acceptance of thoughts and feelings, mindfulness, and commitment to values-based actions. It can be beneficial in addressing body image concerns and promoting a more flexible and values-driven approach to life. Dialectical behavioral therapy combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies. It helps individuals regulate their emotions, tolerate distress, and improve interpersonal effectiveness. This can be particularly beneficial for managing the intense emotional experiences often associated with eating disorders.

Attachment issues:

Attachment issues refer to difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy, secure emotional connections with others. These issues often stem from early experiences in relationships, particularly during infancy and childhood. Common attachment styles are avoidant attachment, anxious attachment and secure attachment. Other common struggles in relationships are attachment anxiety, fear of intimacy, difficulty trusting others and difficulty expressing needs. 

Understanding our attachment styles during our childhood can assist in the explanation of how we relate to others now. Other experiences, such as trauma, can impact our attachment styles. Emotionally Focused Therapy is a structured approach that focuses on emotions and the underlying needs and fears that drive behaviors in relationships. It helps individuals identify and express their emotions, fostering a secure emotional bond.

Relationship Struggles:

Many relationship issues stem from communication difficulties. Misunderstandings, unexpressed needs, or poor listening can create tension. Other common issues found in relationships include unmet expectations, lack of intimacy, trust issues, power struggles, lack of boundaries, financial strain and role changes (i.e. life transitions, becoming parents). 

Gottman Method is a transformative approach for couples as it focuses on relationship dynamics, communication, and conflict resolution. The goal in this modality is for couples to build friendship and enhance intimacy. While working with couples, I also use Emotionally Focused Therapy to incorporate understanding of attachment needs and patterns.

My primary intention is to create an environment where you feel genuinely heard, valued, and understood. I will approach our time together with an open heart and a nonjudgmental stance, recognizing the courage it takes to embark on the therapeutic journey. I am dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, explore your strengths, and navigate the complexities of life with grace and self-compassion.

I offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation to discuss your unique needs and explore how we can work together to achieve your therapeutic goals. This initial meeting is an opportunity for us to connect, and for you to ask any questions you may have about the therapeutic process.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for a free 20-minute consultation.

Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes/$150 per session and couples sessions are 50 minutes/$170 per session. 

Email: AcceptanceWithAlexa@gmail.com

 Phone #: (503) 515-8041