Alexandra Salone
Becoming a Relationship Therapist
I'm a relationship therapist dedicated to supporting individuals and couples on their journey of self-discovery and connection. My goal is to help you balance who you've been with who you want to become, embracing vulnerability and connection. I'm passionate about exploring new paths of growth within relationships, especially in communities where traditional models may not fit today's needs. I truly believe that everyone has room to grow; sometimes we just need more tools.
Counseling Philosophy
My approach to therapy is holistic, considering both personal experiences and cultural influences on well-being. I love meeting people where they're at and aiming to bring them closer to their ideal selves. We all have different sides to us, and that's okay. In my role, I create a space where everyone in the room can cultivate their own patience, providing support and allowing for personal growth.
My Counseling Style and Strengths
I am calm, accepting, and inquisitive. My counseling style emphasizes collaboration and empathy. I challenge individuals and couples to be curious with me. Let’s identify boundaries and explore opportunities for creativity and growth. I want to support couples in exploring those topics that are uncomfortable and can feel impossible to start.
My strengths include being open-minded, curious, and calm. I help clients pause, step back, and create effective plans for moving forward. I am committed to creating a space where diverse experiences and perspectives are valued. I embrace openness and curiosity, acknowledging multiple truths within relationships. My approach is enriched by my identity as a woman of color, which brings unique insights to my practice. I strive to foster an inclusive and culturally aware environment that honors and highlights the individuality of each client and couple. Let's explore together and discover paths toward deeper understanding and connection.
Professional Counseling Background
My background combines clinical experience, academic study, and research. In community mental health settings I've worked in diverse communities in San Diego. I have experience working with communities of color, addressing the inherent challenges associated with race, cultural identity, and how these considerations are experienced internally and projected by society.
I have also worked with a diverse range of vulnerable communities, including individuals involved in syringe exchange programs, sex workers, and communities at higher risk for HIV. Every experience is valid, and I approach my work with curiosity and openness, holding space for everyone I work with.
Additionally, I've focused on family dynamics with children and teens aged 6 through 17, addressing issues like substance misuse (for both adults and adolescents), child challenges impacting parenting, anxiety, depression, and separation. These experiences deeply influence my therapy approach, emphasizing the strong connection between personal journeys and relationships.
Professional Therapist Credentials and Training
I am an associate professional clinical counselor in California. I studied Psychology at the University of California Riverside for my BA. I earned my Master of Science in Child Development at San Diego State University. The SDSU LPCC program is designed to pursue clinical licensure utilizing a neurorelational (theoretical) framework with a Concentration in Early Childhood Mental Health to prepare to work with infants, young children, and their families. My additional training includes Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention, and Basic HIV/HCV Test Counseling, equipping me with diverse skills to meet the complex needs of my clients.
Hear From Our Clients
Hear from those who've experienced positive changes through our services.
“Dr. Dana made me feel so seen. I never felt shame for the trauma I’d caused. It was so healthy and helpful to find ways to navigate our conversations.”
“Thank you so much! It exceeded my expectations. You made me feel comfortable and supported.”
“I learned I need to take a 20 minute break when flooded, ask for clarity in facial expressions, use gentle startup and take ownership even if its small.”
“Gave me many tools and insights, I’m excited to implement them.”
“I couldn’t have had a better experience. Dana is so caring and smart and easily helped us navigate through our issues.”
“I learned that I need to ask for my needs and also take a break when I feel flooded.”
“I had an excellent experience, it helped me get clarity and learn valuable tools.”
“Dana was really effective at explaining the research, helping facilitate the conversation with figuring out how to address our biggest challenges.”
“Really pleased with the experience. Absolutely exceeded my expectations.”
“This helped lower the walls in our relationship.”
“Dana is superb, gracious, and kind. We’re very grateful.”
“I gained the clarity I was looking for!”
“Grateful to our extended therapist and her extended time! And of course, her dog!”
“The intensive process and longer sessions are incredibly helpful to push things further and get real work done.”
“The three-day package was necessary to enable the “emotional stretch” and that’s when we saw the best results.”
“This was a much needed intense session but helped promote healing and focus to decide where we go in life together.”
“This was well worth it and I’d definitely do it again!”
“This helped us sit and have uncomfortable conversations that were long overdue.”
“Exhausting but I loved everything about this!”
“This helped us have epiphanies and transformative thoughts.”
“Thank you so much for taking the time to really understand our issues and providing us with all the tools to use when future issues arise.”
“I feel like we have made huge progress on major issues with these three days.”
“Everything made me feel safe and comfortable here.”
“Therapist is great at listening and helping us with communication.”
“Absolutely, it was better than I expected and gave us great tools.”
“Empathetic and responsive.”
“Very accommodative and understanding.”
“I definitely feel Therapy Getaway helped with our relationship goals because it allowed a deeper dive in a structured fashion, with tools to continue improving our relationship.”
“Great session. They know their stuff and is really good at helping us find the language to effectively communicate.”
“They were incredibly instrumental in relating all the tools that my partner and I needed in areas where we struggle.”
“Therapy Getaway absolutely helped our relationship. They were amazing.”
“This was a very beneficial process. Dana made it easy for us to open up about every difficult issue we had been struggling with. We now have good tools.”
“It seemed at first that 2.5 days was long, but it feels so good to be in therapy that I wish it was 3-5 days!”
“Therapy Getaway immensely helped us talk about our problems in a safe place.”
“Dana is very experienced and sensitive to peoples situations and knows how to make you feel comfortable as if you were in your own home.”
“Learned a lot of coping tools. Dana was wonderful.”
