Alexandra Codjoe, LMSW

HEALING WORK

Therapy with me: My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy and a deep understanding of the emotional and physical toll that systemic oppression and structural inequalities have on one’s sense of identity and belonging. I walk alongside clients through the often-difficult process of self-exploration and healing, particularly when it involves rediscovering parts of the self that may have once been marginalized or suppressed. In therapy, clients are guided in rediscovering their inner resilience, rebuilding self-worth, and establishing healthy emotional boundaries.

Sessions with me are centered around your  liberation and freedom from social systems or communities that caused you to internalize shame. I invite you to consider new perspectives on how to liberate yourself from internalized shame and societal guilt little by little. These things are usually deep rooted and changes usually do not happen overnight, but with curiosity and self-compassion you can emerge more liberated than before.

My impacting identifies/roles that inform my work:  I am a neurodivergent, bicultural, biracial, black cishet woman with origins from Ghana and France.

My identities inform my work as a psychotherapist because I recognize how living under various forms of oppression negatively impacts our mental health and over generations, traumatizes us.

I feel informed and knowledgeable about: Working with folks with a spectrum of developmental trauma, racial trauma, advocacy, gender identity, stress and its effects on the physical body, social anxiety, life changes and transitions, losses, reclaiming identities that were once denied or forced to hide, complex family dynamics and being scapegoated, inter-partner violence/domestic violence and its impacts.

I work best with clients who are: Gender non-conforming or diverse, immigrants, adolescents, youth from ages 10 and up,  neurodivergent, have grown up with a narcissist parent/caregiver or have lived with a narcissistic/antagonistic partner, have multi/biracial identities, BIPOC, social justice activists,

I am not a good clinical fit for clients who: Actively work in law enforcement, are in therapy against their will/forced to attend therapy, experiencing schizophrenia, are actively experiencing very frequent substance use issues.

What makes me unique: I have been drawn to animals and spending long stretches of time with them from a young age and I eventually want to incorporate animals (horses and dogs) into my therapy practice with folks I am working with.

LEARNING AND GROWING

I am currently growing my skills in somatic practice, learning more about The Tao of Trauma: Chinese Medicine Meets the Neurophysiology of Traumatic Stress, and learning about running a community-based partnership.

FUN FACTS AND RESILIENCE BUILDING

I am a horse mom, motorcycle rider and recently started surfing over the last 6 months. I also have 5 dogs and 2 cats!
My resilience building involves supportive and trusted community of chosen friends and family and praticing boundary setting. Spending time in nature, specifically at the sea and in the mountains, is sacred to me. Learning about my families of origin (both from my white and black sides) and their practices of resilience helps me understand the ways in which my ancestors have lived and thrived.

EDUCATION

• Master of Social Work- Arizona State University, 2023

CERTIFICATIONS/TRAININGS

• Licensed Master Social Worker (MD Board) September 2023
• Certified Trauma Professional:
  Polyvagal Theory and the Neuroscience of Connection: How a Polyvagal Perspective Can Enhance the Treatment of Trauma and Anxiety
  Racial Trauma and the Polyvagal Response: Mind-Body Healing for African American Clients
  2-Day: Polyvagal Theory for Embodied Trauma Recovery: Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Certification Training
• Certification for Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (currently in progress)

WHAT I’M CURRENTLY READING…

• Powered By ADHD: Strategies and Exercises for Women to Harness Their Untapped Gifts by Amelia Kelley, PhD
• Empire of Normality: Capitalism and Neurodivergence by Robert Chapman

Alexandra is supervised by Caitlin Heffernan, LCSW-C.