Alexandra (Alex) Ader is currently doing her practicum and internship here at the Center for Family Transformation under the direct supervision of Monica Mouer. She is a master’s student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. She is expected to graduate in May 2024. Alex also has a BA in Dance and an associate degree in Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Advocacy of the Arts and the Public from Colorado State University in 2015. After graduating with her undergraduate degree, Alex worked as a youth minister, campus minister, and a young adults leader in various places, including Colorado, Utah, and Virginia.

While working in ministry, she experienced the importance of understanding mental health, how it impacts our behavior, thoughts, and emotional state, as well as how it relates to faith and one’s relationship with God. During her ministry work, she also developed a passion for working with teens, women who have experienced trauma, and people who have experienced religious trauma. Oftentimes, these groups lose a sense of their own voice and value; she is passionate about walking along with them as they heal and rediscover themselves and their voice. Alex strives to create a nonjudgmental place where people can come to better understand themselves, their mental health and move towards the version of themselves they hope to be.

As a counselor, Alex’s hope is to provide a safe space for her clients to share and process their experiences and discover their best, most authentic selves. Working through anxiety, trauma, insecurities, and transitions can be challenging and scary. Alex hopes to be a counselor who provides a trusting and safe therapeutic alliance with her clients so she can support and encourage them on their journey to find healing, peace and joy in the midst of their circumstances. Alex is learning about and exploring the life model approach, trauma-informed therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, and attachment theory.