Healing That Lives On
Areas of Expertise
Trauma Therapy
Trauma-informed therapy interventions are diverse and tailored to meet individual needs. Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing situation that impacts your sense of security. Trauma can affect your emotional, social, and physical well-being. It is important to recognize the signs of trauma and seek support for healing and recovery.
We promote a supportive, reliable environment to help individuals heal from difficult experiences. Individuals will increase their knowledge of trauma, develop coping strategies, and engage in evidence-based interventions to promote long-term healing.
LGBTQIA+ Therapy
Therapy that is made to support the unique mental health needs of the LGBTQIA+ community through identity exploration, clinical intervention, and acceptance. With your voice, goals, and consent in mind, we can create a space that supports you in your growth, while providing a safe space.
We recognize how stigma and internalized stress can impact mental health. Therapy provides coping strategies, resources, and community-building to enhance an individual’s overall health. Therapy also includes support letters for insurance and/or medical providers for those seeking affirming care.
Sex Therapy + Partner(s) Therapy
Sex Therapy supports individuals and partners in addressing concerns related to intimacy, sexual health, relationships, and confidence. Using a trauma-informed approach, therapy supports safe reconnection with the body while building skills for clear, empowered boundary-setting.
Treatment incorporates evidence-based interventions, including psychoeducation, emotional regulation, cognitive restructuring, and somatic practices. Sessions also focus on addressing internalized shame related to sex and sexuality, fostering a more affirming relationship with yourself and, if desired, with others.
Neurodivergent Therapy
Therapy that acknowledges the unique strengths and challenges of those who are, or suspected to be, neurodivergent. We aim to empower individuals through coping strategies, confidence-building, relationship exploration, and psychoeducation.
Therapy provides a judgment-free space where individuals can explore their identities and express themselves in a sensory-friendly environment. Therapy services do not involve testing services at this time, but we are able to make referrals to local agencies for this service.
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Consultation Call
FREE
10-MINUTE CALL
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Individual Therapy
$185
55-MINUTE SESSION
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Partner(s) Therapy
$200
55-MINUTE SESSION
Alicia Cadena, LMSW
As a queer, neurodivergent human, I understand the importance of finding safe spaces. I am passionate about the LGBTQIA+ community and unpacking the impacts of minority stress on mental health. Our work may include building stability, refining coping skills, and addressing mental health symptoms that interfere with your ability to thrive.
Therapy can be a vital resource for navigating the emotions of the current political and social climate. Sessions may include processing identity-related stress, addressing internalized shame around sex and sexuality, and fostering a more affirming and compassionate relationship with yourself. I strive to provide a holistic, sensory-friendly, inclusive environment where all clients can explore identity and self-expression safely.
Somatic work focuses on mind-body techniques to address how emotions and traumatic events appear within the body. Somatic work can improve body symptoms of chronic stress, pain, sleep difficulties, anxiety, depression, panic, muscle tension, dysphoria and dysmorphia.
My clinical specialties include neurodivergent support, sex therapy, trauma, depression, anxiety, somatic concerns, and challenges related to negative or intrusive thought patterns. I utilize evidence-based modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Progressive Counting, and Somatic Therapy. I also hold certifications in Sex Therapy, Sexuality Education, Trauma, and Trauma Therapy, which further inform my integrative approach.
My approach to therapy is collaborative and genuine. You are not here to be talked at; you are part of the process. I will respectfully challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors as it pertains to your goals. I encourage questions, feedback, and honest conversations throughout treatment. We will often check-in about safety, as it central to our work, including emotional, relational, cultural, and systemic features.
I am a Grand Rapids local. I enjoy exploring the city, finding new music, and supporting local businesses. I find respite spending time with my two rescue animals and being in nature.
