Alexandra Kljuseva

Hi there, My name is Alexandra and I welcome you to my profile. Thank you for taking the time to explore the eye-opening process that is therapy. My approach to counseling is not one of "what do you need from me", but rather, "what do you need from you?" Who would you like to be for yourself? My humanistic background compels me to believe that clients often carry potential for growth that may be nurtured by the therapeutic relationship. My work draws on the contributions of existentialists in the field of psychology, who seek to tap into the deeper meaning derived from one's experiences. While the specifics of clients' issues may vary, ultimately, many of us wish to be heard and understood. Although therapy may be directive at times, I often allow clients to lead and exercise their capacity for change. This is because an overarching goal in therapy is to allow clients to empower themselves . Not always in life are we granted the opportunity to express our own sense of agency. After completing my undergraduate degree in health sciences and psychology, I continued my academic journey in the field of psychotherapy and spiritual care. The combination of these fields allows me to be attentive to a client's holistic wellbeing, i.e. body, mind, and soul. These interests have been fueled by my Christian background and personal journey, moving between various countries and encountering many beautiful souls along the way. I also offer therapy in the Macedonian language, and am receptive to client's experiencing difficulties adjusting to new cultures or strengthening their sense of identity. In my practice, I have ample experience working with adolescents who are transitioning to adult, deliberating on major life decisions, and engaging in some of their first romantic relationships. If any of these marked events are taking place in your life, I warmly encourage you to reach out and connect. In my work, I draw upon various modalities, including psychodynamic therapy, CBT, narrative therapy, and IFS to deepen my understanding of a client's concerns. For work with couples, I draw upon attachment theory and EFT as evidence-based modalities that serve to identify and express unmet emotional needs in partners. The presenting issue, duration of treatment, and specific client preferences are all factors I consider when selecting appropriate interventions based on client goals. For example, a treatment plan may include CBT to challenge maladaptive thoughts influenced by childhood trauma. Like many life processes, therapy is not a continuous upward trajectory. Building self-compassion for when we are "stuck" in the lows, reaching out to others, and reframing our perceptions of an issue are all parts of the process that serve to improve one's relationship to themselves.