About Alexandra
Alexandra Calestini is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New York who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and self-esteem concerns. She offers straightforward support and a calm, respectful presence for people who are feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Alex brings 12 years of clinical experience to sessions.
She listens first and works with each person to set realistic goals. Her style is warm and nonjudgmental while also focused on practical steps clients can use between meetings.
Background and approach
Alex uses a mix of approaches to match what a person needs. She draws on client-centered work to make space for each person’s story. She also uses cognitive-behavioral methods to identify unhelpful thinking and build different habits.
When trauma, grief, or complicated loss are part of the picture, Alex helps people name what happened and find steady ways to cope. She also supports those facing issues tied to attachment, abandonment, body image, caregiver stress, communication, and relationship patterns like codependency. Sessions are offered in English and take place remotely by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Alex explains options clearly and helps people choose what fits their life and schedule. Small, concrete changes are emphasized alongside emotional processing. She encourages people to reach out when they are ready to begin.
The first steps are handled simply: complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a time to start working toward clearer thinking and more manageable days.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online care
Alexandra often blends client-centered work with cognitive-behavioral techniques to help people feel heard and then build different patterns of thinking and behavior. Client-centered work focuses on listening and creating a respectful space where people can tell their story and set their own goals. Cognitive-behavioral techniques look at unhelpful thoughts and teach concrete skills to reduce anxiety and change reactions.She also frequently uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy - DBT - skills when emotional regulation and distress tolerance are central concerns. DBT skills teach ways to tolerate hard moments, improve emotional balance, and communicate more effectively. Together these approaches give room for emotional processing alongside concrete tools for everyday life.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Alexandra will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped in the past, then tailor methods to the person’s needs. Clients are invited to give feedback so the plan is adjusted over time.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for a full conversation and visual cues, while phone sessions can work when bandwidth is limited or a quieter check-in is preferred. Live chat or text messaging can be helpful for brief check-ins, practicing skills between sessions, or when someone wants written reflections. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy days and to keep consistent momentum between meetings.
Questions people ask
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
What is her general approach to therapy?
How much clinical experience does she have?
What are her credentials and where is she based?
Which languages are offered for sessions?
How are sessions delivered online?
What does therapy cost?
How do I begin working with her?
What this therapist works with
Most often
Also listed
- Abandonment
- Attachment issues
- Body image
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Co-morbidity
- Codependency
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Dependent personality
- Depression
- 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 esteem
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 12 years
- Licensed
- New York
- Languages
- English
We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.