Alena KwongLMSW, Under the Clinical Supervision of Mary C. McCluskey, LCSW, NY, 078329
Availability
In Eastern Time
What excites you most about the evolving mental health landscape?
There is so much depth and richness in our experiences , as we work towards dissolving shame and stigma in mental health we begin to embrace each other with more understanding and awareness, we begin to connect, we begin to listen and we begin to take the first step towards healing.
What does a first session with you look like?
The first session will be dedicated in exploring your personal goals and needs from therapy. The session will be geared to "meeting you where you are" and understanding and identifying what needs to be acknowledged in order for healing to occur. We will talk about what style and approach works best for you and what you hope to achieve through therapy.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
I come from a background in holistic nutrition and wellness coaching and am also a certified yoga practitioner and Reiki Master. I am a firm believer of the interconnectedness of the body, mind, soul and spirit for healing of one's innate state of well-being. With that said, I have also embarked on my own healing journey through the practices of mindfulness, yoga, meditation and psychotherapy.
Specialties
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the degree to which a person feels confident, valuable, and worthy of respect. Feeling low self-esteem can influence overall well-being and be linked to anxiety and/or depression.
Attachment issues
Children that experience parents and/or guardians that are avoidant, ambivalent, or resistant from an early age, may develop attachment issues. This can manifest as difficulty forming or maintaining friendships, romantic relationships and empathetic bonds throughout life, as well as other issues.
Cultural adjustment
Moving to another place or living in a different culture requires a normal adjustment period. This happens at different rates for different people, some adjusting more quickly than others. Can potentially lead to ongoing issues.
Stress
Distress stems from a subjective perception of something being unwanted, undesirable, or detrimental to your wellbeing. Excessive stress significantly impairs mental and physical health and is associated with many diseases and conditions.
Trauma
Trauma is the result of experiencing a perceived, extremely distressful event. Although the stress threshold for each person differs, meaning that each person considers and experiences trauma differently, it is an event that tops one’s threshold. It exceeds one’s ability to cope or emotionally process. Symptoms may include shock, anxiety, confusion, hopelessness, feeling disconnected, mood swings, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
General Expertise
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Careers
Designed to help people choose, change, or leave a career at any stage of life. Careers are often wrapped up in people’s perceived identity, therefore, any change can cause anxiety and/or depression.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Loss/Grief
Grief is a reaction to an emotionally significant loss and often comes with symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms can remain intense and last for a long time after a loss, making it difficult to move forward with a healthy lifestyle.
Fees
$170
First Session
$170
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Attachment-Based Therapy
Coaching
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Integrative Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Positive Psychology
Psychodynamic Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Training / Certifications
CBT Essentials
Holistic Nutrition Coaching
200hr Yoga Teacher Certificate
Reiki Master
Trauma Informed Training
Compassion Fatigue Training
Licensure
NY, LMSW, 112955
Education
MSW - New York University, 2021
B.S. Nutrition - California Polytechnic State University, 2006
Work History
-Grace Institute, NY - Offer individual short term supportive counseling/crisis management sessions using Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-based therapy, SMART goal setting strategies and mindfulness based approaches to assist client in achieving personal life and therapeutic goals. Resource referrals were also offered in regards to public assistance and social support services. -Absolute Sanctuary Health and Wellness Resort Nutrition and wellness consultant providing individual wellness counseling sessions using active listening skills and motivational interviewing techniques for adults coping with stress, anxiety and weight/health issues Design nutrition and wellness workshops to provide health education and self-care tips in a group setting•Facilitate yoga, reiki, meditation sessions for stress management to client-Orion Retreat Holistic Spa Wellness Consultant providing wellness counseling sessions to guests on with health/emotional and weight issues using cognitive behavioral therapy and private yoga sessions to support clients. Creating health and well-being focused intervention plans to clientsVolunteerCareer Village – Volunteer counselor offering career information and advice for studentsNew York Cares – Freelance volunteer for God’s Love We Deliver meals distributor for terminally ill population, Mock interviewer for adults with disabilities, Soup Kitchen prep assistant for feeding homeless population.Rhemedy by Rhed West Village Spa – Resident Reiki and meditation practitionerCSSI - Crisis Hotline Specialist
Location
Livingston Street, Brooklyn, 11201, NY