Alexis Arzuaga
MDiv, MA, LCMHCA, LCASA, NCC, CSI
Alexis (or Alex) is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor-Associate, a Nationally Certified Counselor, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist-Associate. He earned an undergraduate degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and received his Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from Wake Forest University. He is a member of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society. In addition to his training in the mental health field, Alex is clinically trained as a chaplain where he worked with individuals and their families at hospital/clinical and residential settings.
He entered the counseling profession to support individuals that are having difficulties facing life’s challenges. Alex believes that many people struggle not because they are not capable of overcoming challenges, but because they often do not have the support and/or encouragement they need. Ultimately, these difficulties affect relationships, how an individual see themselves, and how they integrate to their environment.
Through Person-Centered principles, Alex utilizes a variety of modalities depending on client’s needs but focuses on Gestalt Therapy, Existential, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Wellness. Additionally, Alex received training through ART International Training and Research Inc., to utilize Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) – an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that utilizes eye movements – to address problems such as anxiety, depression, phobias, trauma, and other problems.
His areas of clinical focus are varied but mainly focus on veterans, first responders (and their families), victims of trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, grief/loss, spiritual, existential, self-esteem, and men’s issues. He is also fluent in Spanish and has worked with the Hispanic and Latin American population in various settings/contexts. In addition to counseling settings, he has multiple professional experiences which include law enforcement, chaplaincy, and has volunteered as a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician. He is a combat veteran with two deployments. He has also worked in substance use treatment facilities in various roles providing treatment to clients in outpatient and inpatient clinics.
Lastly, Alex’s goal is to provide a place of understanding for all clients to safely explore ways to work through life’s challenges by gaining self-awareness and insight, to improve quality of life.
