Alexandra Calestini, LCSW
Compassionate therapist who listens and guides
Details
| Name | Alexandra Calestini |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LCSW |
| Based in | New York |
| Licensed in | New York |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 12 |
About Alexandra
Alexandra Calestini is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in New York with 12 years of experience. She focuses on helping people who face stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and struggles with self-esteem and self-worth. Alex aims to create a calm, respectful space where people can begin to sort out what matters to them and feel heard.
Her approach centers on Narrative Therapy alongside client-centered methods. She invites people to tell their stories and look at the themes that shape their choices.
Background and approach
That work can help when feeling stuck by patterns related to abandonment, attachment, or codependency. Alex also uses practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Those methods support managing overwhelming thoughts and emotions, improving communication, and building coping skills.
Mindfulness practices are woven in to help with grounding and present-moment awareness. She has worked with individuals affected by domestic violence, dissociation, divorce and separation, caregiver stress, and body image concerns. Alex pays attention to how co-occurring conditions interact and helps people set small, achievable goals.
Her style is warm, direct, and nonjudgmental. Sessions are collaborative and paced to each person's needs. People who want support sorting grief, rebuilding confidence, or learning healthier ways to relate often find her practical and steady guidance helpful.
What this therapist works with
Her listing names Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief among the things Alexandra works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Abandonment
- Attachment issues
- Body image
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Co-morbidity
- Codependency
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Dependent personality
- Dissociation
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Gender dysphoria
- Guilt and shame
- Hoarding
- Impulsivity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Mood disorders
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Post-traumatic stress
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Alexandra among the ways she works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Alexandra among the ways she works.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Listed by Alexandra among the ways she works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Alexandra among the ways she works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Alexandra among the ways she works.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Listed by Alexandra among the ways she works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Alexandra among the ways she works.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Alexandra among the ways she works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Alexandra directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Alexandra directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
Narrative and Skills-Based Therapy Online
Alex uses Narrative Therapy to help people look at the stories they tell about themselves and where those stories come from. This approach helps uncover patterns such as abandonment or attachment issues and supports reframing those narratives to open up new choices.She also uses Client-Centered Therapy to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the person leads the conversation. That approach emphasizes empathy and collaboration, and works well for building trust and exploring personal goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, offered alongside narrative work, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavioral changes to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. Alex works with each person to decide what methods feel most useful based on their needs and goals. Therapy is a collaboration where practical techniques and story work are adjusted over time.
Online sessions are available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different situations. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation, phone sessions can fit into a break or when bandwidth is low, live chat supports shorter check-ins, and text messaging helps with ongoing reflection between sessions. These formats make it easier to schedule therapy around work, caregiving, or busy days.
Common questions about this listing
What concerns does Alex commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, and self-esteem challenges. Additional areas include abandonment, attachment issues, body image, caregiver stress, codependency, and communication problems.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is client-centered and narrative in orientation, emphasizing listening and helping people reframe their stories. She combines that with practical skills to manage emotions and behavior.
What kind of experience does she bring?
Alex has 12 years of clinical experience working with people facing a range of emotional and interpersonal difficulties. She has supported people through trauma, grief, and relationship challenges.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, licensed in New York. Her practice is based in New York.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats does she use?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How does cost work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with therapy?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Alexandra are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Alexandra where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.
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