Dorothy Alexander LCSW

That clients are in control of the process at all times. While it's a pain in the ass to seek out therapists, too many phone calls, too many out-of-date insurance websites, too much phone tag – ultimately, the decisions in the room belong to the client. You decide what you need to talk about, how fast to go, whether this person in the opposite chair is a match or whether you need to try again. Therapists offer interpretations and new ideas, but it's up to you to decide if they work in your life. This is your show, always.

That people – no matter what screwed-up, terrible decision they have made and are now living with – are doing the best they can in each moment. Sometimes they are too trapped to see solutions, sometimes it's being pushed by family dynamics into an outgrown role, sometimes it's lack of life experience and recognizing options. But everyone really is trying. It's not fun to struggle and people don't do it if they don't have to. If they *were able* to do better, they *would be* doing better!

• New Jersey, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 44SC057373

Social Work is my third career. I used to be a newspaper reporter and a production artist, both careers that disappeared as the economy changed. People have always walked up to me and told me things – so I went back to school! I graduated with an MSW from NYU and worked in hospice for several years. I loved hypnotherapy’s usefulness for lingering and buried trauma, and got the training. I found out about in single session therapy – it helps clients feel better equipped to move on by themselves and I love the flexibility and focus of it. After training with Physicians for Human Rights, I began completing psychological evaluations for immigration. I know how to take stock, see where I need to go and make a plan to get there – and I can help you do the same.