Counseling | About the Counselor

Photo of Alisha Sweyd is a counselor who helps people with marriage issues, teen struggles, and trauma experiences.

Alisha Sweyd, LMFT

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Pacific Grove.
I specialize in treating trauma, teens, and anxiety. I also have extensive experience working with couples, depression, and grief and loss. I absolutely love working with first responders, military, and their loved ones.
I believe that counseling is most effective when tailored to the specific experiences you have. This approach helps you by exploring symptoms as helpful tools to increase your own personal awareness. Through counseling, you will be able to learn more about your own experiences in a safe and non-judgmental environment. It is in this environment that you can find meaning with your experiences in order to reach your fullest potential. For those who believe, I also incorporate Christian counseling practices and biblical understanding in sessions.
When I am not supporting my clients, I truly enjoy spending time with my family and our dogs. Other hobbies include reading, catching up with friends at different coffee shops, volunteering at our church, and watching the waves along the Monterey Coast.

Collaborative

No person or situation is the same, and thus counseling requires individual focus. You and I will collaborate to create solutions for your own unique set of circumstances. This allows for you to remain your own self-expert throughout the counseling process.

Family-Oriented

Even through one on one sessions, you will strengthen close relationships with loved ones. Strong connections with family and your support system can be the most important factor for your long-term success.

Creative

You will gain insight and awareness through the use of creative interventions. Particularly with children and teens, using sand tray and art, in tandem with mindfulness, create a safe space to engage in self-exploration.

Strengths-focused

Everyone has both a set of weaknesses and a set of strengths. I will help you recognize and learn how to utilize your own personal strengths to overcome obstacles in creative ways.

Faith-Based

Our spiritual beliefs plays a significant role in how we experience life. You will witness God draw you closer through counseling as He provides healing for your deep pain. Your journey will take you toward a deeper and more life-giving relationship with Jesus!

Compassionate

We all know that compassion and empathy are primary agents of change. By providing you with genuine compassion in an empathetic setting in our sessions together, you are able to welcome change like an old friend.

Education

Master of Arts in Psychology - Brandman UniversityBachelor of Arts in Sociology, Minor in Education & Applied Psychology - University of California, Santa Barbara

Credentials

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #115264Certified Clinical Trauma ProfessionalCertified SYMBIS Facilitator for couplesCertified First Responder Counselor For license verification, click here.

Featured On

Wellspring Church "Marriage Talks" Podcast SeriesTwo Drifters - Couples Communication ExercisesPrevention - Long Distance RelationshipsUpJourney - Fighting for Your Marriage AloneO.School - Long Distance Relationships & SexAmazon Mental Health Initiative

Affiliations

California Association of Marriage and Family TherapistsCouples SYMBIS FacilitatorsCo-Founder & Director of Code 3 CounselingFirst Responder Counselor by Academy HourLifegiver Clinician DirectoryCoffee + Consult Professional Group