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Alex Cantrell, Resident in Counseling

Outpatient Therapist

Pronouns: She/her
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Specialty Areas

​Adolescents, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, LGBTQIA+ ​

Education

  • Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.Ed.)
    • William and Mary
  • Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology and Society (B.A.)
    • UCLA

Clinical Profile & Philosophy

I have experience providing outpatient therapy to adolescents and adults. I was a biology major at UCLA for undergrad and that is where I built my foundational knowledge of human behavior, psychology, physiology, and sociology that inspired me to seek work in counseling. I started in the working world in federal contracting and commercial consulting and after several years of wanting more meaning and positive impact, I decided to earn my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at William and Mary. I have enjoyed being able to integrate many of my former career and academic experiences with clinical theories and techniques to build on my interdisciplinary background and a therapeutic style grounded in science, real world experience, and interpersonal dynamics.
 
I approach therapy through the lens of patient autonomy, moral neutrality, curiosity, and the application of neurophysiology on human thoughts, emotions, and behavior. I believe trauma and stress reactions have a large subconscious impact on emotional reactions, the development of thought patterns, and the ability to challenge core beliefs, leading to difficulty with emotional identification, regulation, and meaning making. I also believe neurodivergence plays a massive role in presentation of symptoms and being able to give patients a wide knowledge base of psychoeducation and coping skills helps them create change over time.
 
My approach to therapy centers on understanding how each person is already working to help themselves. Whether someone is trying to regulate their thoughts and emotions, gain deeper self-understanding, or overcome life’s barriers, I use those natural efforts as a guide. Together, we bring greater self-awareness and insight to support meaningful growth and change. I find that I am a psychoanalysis heavy clinician in that I find it helpful for the person to be able to tune into their deeper, more vulnerable parts to build therapeutic trust quickly, gain insight into pattens rather than problems, and identify unmet emotional needs leading to internal distress. I hope clients gain a sense of inner peace, self-acceptance, and internal security to face life's challenges with intention, healthy interdependence with others, and confidence in their ability to thrive. 
 
I primarily use DBT, IFS, solution-focused, and psychodynamic interventions, while pulling skills from ACT, somatic experiencing, and family systems theory. I welcome clients from all walks of life and with a wide range of experiences. My background includes working with people who have experienced complex trauma, depression, anxiety, live with personality-related challenges, neurodivergence, or who don’t fit neatly into one diagnostic category. I’m also passionate about supporting women, couples, young parents, and young adults navigating new stages of independence. Above all, I aim to create a safe, affirming space for anyone seeking greater understanding and healing.

Fun Fact

I love the summer months where you get to be outside and hang out with friends and family going to the beach, hanging on the river, or just grilling in the backyard. My husband and I love the lake in our neighborhood, have a sassy, fluffy, white cat named Hazel, and play in a volleyball league every Wednesday!  ​
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Telephone:
(804) 447-6382
Fax:
(804) 447-6383
​Hours:
Monday - Thursday
8:30am-7:00pm
Friday
8:30am-5:00pm
Saturday and Sunday closed
​8310 Midlothian Turnpike
N. Chesterfield, VA 23235
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, dial the national crisis number: 988
request appointment for Outpatient therapy
Crisis Numbers and Other Local Resources
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