Alexandra Calestini , LCSW

Alexandra Calestini is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in New York. She brings 12 years of clinical experience helping people who face stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and struggles with self-esteem and self-love.

Alex focuses on clear, compassionate listening and practical steps. She meets people where they are and centers the person's goals in each session. Conversations are straightforward and aimed at small, manageable changes that add up over time.

Her work often addresses attachment and abandonment concerns, body image, caregiver stress, codependency, and communication problems. She also supports people dealing with domestic violence, divorce or separation, dissociation, and issues around gender dysphoria.

Alex uses a mix of approaches to fit each person's needs. That mix includes client-centered work to strengthen the therapeutic relationship, cognitive behavioral techniques to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and mindfulness and DBT skills to manage intense emotions.

She describes her style as authentic and nonjudgmental. People who choose her can expect a respectful space to talk, steady guidance on practical skills, and encouragement to try new ways of coping. The focus is on small steps toward a more satisfying and stable life.

Therapeutic approaches that translate to online care

Client-centered therapy focuses on building a respectful, accepting relationship where the person's experience guides the work. In an online session this means the therapist listens closely and follows the client's priorities to set goals together.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through concrete exercises and practice. Online sessions can include homework, thought records, and short behavioral experiments between meetings to track progress.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) offers skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and better interpersonal communication. These skills are often taught in short, practical steps that translate well to video or text check-ins and can be practiced in daily life.

Finding the right mix of approaches is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, then adapt methods over time to match what helps the person move forward.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different needs. Video is helpful for deeper conversational work and skill demonstration. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when a person prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text are useful for brief check-ins, skill coaching, or when someone needs more frequent, shorter contact. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or busy schedules.