Alisha Sweyd, LMFT

Their drive and passion in their work is part of the reason you fell in love. Knowing the good they are making in this world can fill you with pride. As a partner or loved one, you know it is hard for your responder, but you can't help feeling overlooked, disconnected, and frustrated. Missed holidays and anniversaries. Cancelled date nights. Others always asking where your partner is. It is exhausting going through life while loving the person behind the uniform. When trying to find support, it can be hard finding people who understand the culture of the first responder and military life. Watching your loved one go through mood issues, anger, depression, knowing they have seen traumatic things they would never burden you with, and the hypervigilance that comes with the territory, it weighs down on you. You want so badly to be there for your partner, but you don't know how when you struggle, too. You push on through because "it's all part of the job". Except, you know it doesn't have to be this way. Yes, the job is tough. Yes, the demands are exhausting. No, you can't imagine doing anything else.

therapist, therapy, counselor, counseling, pacific grove, monterey, California, online therapy, first responder, military, adolescent, teen

I'm here to help.

Growing up as the daughter of a police officer helped me to understand the family dynamics that are "normal" to first responder families. As the spouse of a law enforcement officer, I now see it all from a different and more insightful perspective. First responder and military cultures are often misunderstood by those outside of the culture itself, and thus it can be difficult to find someone who comprehends the adversity faced in these careers.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, my focus has been in working with trauma, adolescents, and family dynamics. I also have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, and grief and loss. One of my primary areas of interest is with first responders, military, and their loved ones. In sessions, I make sure to form a personal link with my clients to establish a relationship that is real, honest, caring, and helpful. Through empathy and a deep mutual understanding, I am able to bear witness to the experiences of my clients in a way that provides insight and allows for growth in the chaos of life.

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Collaborative

No client or situation is the same, and thus requires individual focus. My goal is to collaborate with my clients to create solutions for their unique set of circumstances. This allows for the client to remain their own self-expert throughout the healing process.

Family-Oriented

Even when working with individuals, I help them on strengthening close relationships with loved ones. It is my belief that a strong family and support system can be the most important factor for long-term success.

Creative

I often enjoy using creative interventions to support my clients with gaining insight and awareness. Particularly with children and adolescents, I find sand tray and art, in tandem with mindfulness, create a safe space for clients to engage in self-exploration.

Strengths-focused

My stance is that everyone has both a set of weaknesses and a set of strengths. As a counseling professional, I support clients in utilizing their own personal strengths to overcome their obstacles in creative ways.

Faith-Based

Our spiritual beliefs plays a significant role in how we experience life. I am humbled to witness how God draws clients closer and provides healing for those with deep pain and trauma. I enjoy supporting a client's journey toward a deeper and more life-giving relationship with God!

Compassionate

Compassion is a primary focus in my therapeutic approach. I believe compassion and empathy are primary agents of change. By providing clients with genuine compassion in an empathetic setting, change can be welcomed like an old friend.

"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches on the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all."

Emily Dickenson

1
1st Phase
Let's start by understanding you and the issues you face. What have you tried, whether it worked or not? What do you hope will change?
2
2nd Phase
You begin to gain a greater understanding of yourself and the issues you face. We work together to create solutions based on your personal strengths and resources.
3
Final Phase
Through confidence and a stronger sense of hope, you will be able to utilize your own tools for growth and change.

Free Consultation

I offer a 20-minute free consultation to all potential patients. It will give you a chance to describe your particular issue, ask any questions about my experience and services, and to come to a decision about whether I am the right fit for you.

Free consultation

What are the benefits of counseling services?
Counseling sessions offer plenty of benefits. Counseling helps to improve the lives of many people struggling with mental health issues, from stress and anger to complicated relationships. A therapist utilizes extensive training and education in the field of mental health to assist clients with living their best life. When looking for a therapist, finding the best fit for you will be crucial in the way therapy works for you. This is why I offer a free 20-minute consultation to determine if my experience and approach are a good fit for your needs.
How frequently are sessions scheduled?
During our initial consultation, we'll discuss the schedule that fits your needs the best. Typically, we'll set up a specific date and time to meet once each week or every other week. Based on your treatment, a higher frequency of sessions may be offered.
What is online therapy?
Online therapy, also known as Telehealth, is the provision of therapeutic services via video chat or phone call. Online therapy allows for more access to counseling services to those who would otherwise struggle with attending in-office appointments. Online therapy can address most counseling issues and can also be combined with in-office therapy. The programs utilized for online therapy are HIPAA compliant and encrypted in order to maintain your confidentiality and privacy.

Online therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Those who are in crisis, contemplating suicide, and struggling with extremely upsetting circumstances would not be best supported by online therapy and should seek out an in-office clinician.

Contact Me

If you have any questions or inquiries, please don't hesitate. Feel free to contact me and I will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Address

183 Forest Avenue Suite 2Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Hours

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Contacts

+1 (831) 272 2327cmoc.dyewsahsila%40tcenno