Insurance

Alan accepts Aetna and Cigna.

Certifications and Specialties

Alan is certified in the PREP (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program) and specializes in integrating various therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages clients to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than struggling against them. It helps individuals align their actions with their core values, fostering a more meaningful and purposeful life. This approach is particularly effective for those feeling overwhelmed or stuck, guiding them toward greater psychological flexibility and resilience.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) blends acceptance and change strategies, providing clients with practical tools for managing intense emotions, reducing self-destructive behaviors, and improving relationships. It’s ideal for those facing emotional regulation challenges, offering skills for distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness.

About Alan

Alan brings a wealth of experience from his work in several non-profit organizations across Central Florida, focusing on mental health, relationship education, and food insecurity. His commitment to serving under-served and marginalized communities is at the heart of his practice. Alan deeply values the unique ways in which culture, community, and identity shape our experiences and perspectives.

Why Alan Does Counseling

Alan’s journey into counseling is deeply personal. He has navigated his own challenges with social anxiety/social phobia and profound grief and loss. Therapy provided him with the space to confront and process these emotions, leading to significant personal growth. This experience drives his passion for creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their own struggles and achieve healing. Alan is dedicated to helping others discover their true selves, build resilience, and create positive change.

For Fun

In his downtime, Alan enjoys playing video games, where he immerses himself in dynamic worlds and challenges. He also has a fondness for watching horror movies, particularly those that are "so bad they’re good." Alan finds joy and humor in the absurd, which provides a light-hearted escape and a break from the seriousness of daily life.

Education

Alan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University. His education provides a strong foundation for his integrative approach to therapy.

Approach

Alan utilizes an integrative approach to therapy, combining elements from various evidence-based practices to create a personalized treatment plan for each client. This means blending techniques from different therapies, such as ACT and DBT, to address the unique needs and goals of each individual. An integrative approach allows Alan to adapt his methods to fit the specific challenges and strengths of his clients.

What sets Alan apart is his commitment to empathy, validation, and creating a warm, nurturing environment. He believes in the power of sharing our stories to realize that we are not alone. Alan’s approach is designed to support you in exploring your experiences, processing your emotions, and embarking on a journey of healing and self-discovery with understanding and compassion.