Alexandra (Alex) O'Brien

LISW

I know what it feels like to carry the weight of trauma, anxiety, and depression, and to have your body feel like it’s working against you. For years, I struggled not only with emotional and mental health challenges, but also with physical health imbalances that created a domino effect of symptoms. When I was exposed to toxic mold, my condition worsened, and I realized just how interconnected our mental and physical health truly are. My own healing journey taught me so much about how trauma and physical health intersect, from hormones and gut health to nervous system regulation and emotional resilience. These experiences inspired me to change careers and dedicate my life to helping others find relief and empowerment. I went from working as a Food Scientist to earning my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University, becoming a therapist so I could guide others through their own journeys of healing. Today, I bring both lived experience and professional training to my practice. I specialize in helping women trauma survivors uncover the root causes of their distress, whether emotional, physical, or a combination of both. I use an integrative approach that combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, somatic experiencing, and polyvagal-informed techniques. I often collaborate with functional medicine providers to address the underlying health factors contributing to symptoms. My goal is to help you move through life with more ease, presence, and freedom, so you can experience your emotions fully and engage in the life you want to live.

I wish people knew that therapy doesn’t have to feel like being analyzed, fixed, or told what to do. A good therapy experience is collaborative and human. It feels like coming home to yourself. It’s about building awareness, choice, and self-trust. It's not about forcing change or “thinking positive.”

As a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP), I recognize that mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Physical factors like hormones, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, and nervous system strain can significantly impact mood, energy, and emotional resilience. Because of this, when it’s helpful and with your consent, I often refer to and collaborate with functional medicine and integrative providers who focus on identifying root causes rather than just managing symptoms. My role is to support the emotional and nervous system side of the healing process while working alongside providers who address the physical pieces, so care feels more coordinated, grounded, and supportive of the whole person. You are always in control of what collaboration looks like, and any communication with other providers is done thoughtfully, with your consent, and with your privacy in mind.