Alejandra Gastelum
Associate Clinical Social Worker | MSW, ASW
Supervised By: Dr. Stefanie Smith
Client Focus
Youth
Group Therapy Participants
Individuals Involved In Legal Proceedings
Specialties
Group Therapy
Youth Therapy
Depression
Anxiety
Self-Esteem Challenges
Forensic Cases
Marital Issues
Treatment Methods
Somatic Experiencing
EMDR
Hypnotherapy
Multilingual Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Trauma-Focused CBT
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Gottman Method
Alejandra balances empathy with clear direction, building strong therapeutic relationships while keeping clients focused on their goals through structured yet flexible approaches that support long-term growth.
Her expertise in forensic evaluations and work with youth provides her with specialized skills for navigating complex legal and developmental considerations that may impact therapeutic work.
Alejandra's background in education and group facilitation equips her with unique abilities to create learning environments where clients can develop new skills while feeling genuinely supported and understood.
"'How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.' -Wayne W. Dyer. I believe that by learning to control our thoughts and emotions we can have a greater understanding of our behavior and response to our surroundings. My hope is that clients feel supported and confident throughout our work together, walking away feeling like they achieved something valuable while gaining clarity about their path forward."
- Alejandra Gastelum
Alejandra Gastelum is an Associate Clinical Social Worker who creates a collaborative therapeutic environment where clients feel supported and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.
With specialized expertise in working with youth, forensic evaluations, and group therapy facilitation, she brings a unique combination of clinical skill and practical wisdom to her practice. Alejandra particularly enjoys working with clients who value clear communication and are open to collaborative partnership in their healing journey, creating therapeutic relationships where mutual learning and growth can flourish.
Her therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Art Therapy techniques. This versatile toolkit allows her to help clients recognize and shift unhelpful thought patterns while exploring their inner wisdom through both verbal processing and creative expression. Alejandra's CBT expertise focuses on practical tools and structured strategies that empower individuals to manage anxiety, depression, and self-esteem challenges in their everyday lives. Her use of Motivational Interviewing creates a collaborative, non-confrontational environment that helps clients explore and resolve ambivalence around change, particularly in areas like substance use, health behaviors, and life transitions.
With a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, Alejandra brings strong academic foundations combined with diverse experience as an educator working with children of all ages. This background has equipped her with unique insights into developmental needs, learning styles, and the importance of creating safe spaces where young people can express themselves authentically. Her educational experience informs her therapeutic work, helping her adapt her approach to meet clients at their developmental and emotional stage.
Outside the therapy room, Alejandra nurtures her creativity and connection with nature through pottery classes and outdoor adventures. She finds renewal through hiking and exploring natural landscapes, activities that reflect her belief in the importance of grounding practices and creative expression for mental wellness. Her hands-on approach to pottery mirrors her therapeutic philosophy—that healing happens through patient, skillful guidance and the willingness to shape something beautiful from raw materials.