Kia Alston Psychotherapy, LCSW

My path to becoming a Psychotherapist started with my own individual therapy journey and culminated with earning a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and an independent clinical social work license. After graduate school, I went on to work in a variety of settings, including child welfare (specifically foster care), school social work, and community mental health in both outpatient and in-home settings. I‘ve worked with diverse populations of all ages and I always utilize a trauma-informed and culturally-responsive approach. Upon gaining advanced clinical training in Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, I decided to start a private practice where I work with adults and couples from multicultural backgrounds. I am also in the process of pursuing my PhD in social work. Additionally, I’ve always been a very empathetic and compassionate person who enjoys helping others. Thus, my role as a therapist is very much congruent with my personality and identity.

I enjoy working with high-functioning, insight-oriented adults and couples from diverse and multicultural backgrounds. Working with me involves deepening insight and learning new skills to change problematic behavior and improve functioning. Utilizing both a Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic and CBT approach, I help clients explore WHY they are feeling, thinking, and behaving a certain way and how their past affects their present functioning. Together, we figure out HOW to make the changes necessary to improve their lives. My intake process consists of consenting to therapy and understanding both my role as the therapist and the role of the client. I emphasize that therapy is WORK and I complete a comprehensive intake assessment to identify the core areas of concern. Then in collaboration with the client, we set goals for our work together. Progress is measured by setting and accomplishing goals. Clients are encouraged to practice new skills in order to achieve the progress they seek.

I am continuously learning and building competencies as a provider through professional development opportunities and academic pursuits. I am currently a candidate in the Advanced Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program at the New Jersey Institute for Training in Psychoanalysis (NJI). In addition, I am in the process of pursuing my PhD in social work at Smith College School for Social Work with a focus on clinical social work and social work research. Advanced clinical training sharpens my skills and helps me feel more confident and competent as a clinician. It also ensures a higher level of clinical care and better outcomes for my clients.

My core values of collaboration, equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice all shape and inform my approach to therapy. I seek to work with clients from diverse and multicultural communities in hopes of improving their functioning, building on their incredible strengths, and helping them feel more empowered in an often hostile, invalidating, and oppressive society. My core values of helping others, service, and the importance of healing also shape my approach to therapy. I enjoy helping people heal from the trauma they have experienced in their lives, which helps them function at a higher level. I also enjoy helping to restore peace and balance in people’s lives as they learn new coping skills, improve relationships with those around them, and feel happier, healthier, and more supported.