Alessandra Snavely, LMFT
(She/Her)
About Me
You may be used to being the person others rely on, the one who notices what everyone needs, keeps things moving, and pushes through even when you feel anxious, exhausted, or unsure of yourself. Over time, carrying so much can leave little room for your own needs or for experiences from the past that continue to affect you today.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ with more than 11 years of experience. I work with adults experiencing trauma and PTSD, anxiety, self-doubt, relationship patterns, and the pressure of holding everything together. I also have additional training in FND-informed psychotherapy and support people navigating Functional Neurological Disorder, chronic illness, medical trauma, and the emotional exhaustion that can come with seeking answers and adjusting to changes in your health.
EMDR is the foundation of my work. It can help you process experiences that continue to shape how you feel about yourself, relate to others, or respond to situations in the present. EMDR may involve focusing on a memory, emotion, belief, or body sensation while using guided eye movements, alternating sounds, or tapping. You do not need to describe every detail of what happened for the process to be effective. I also incorporate mindfulness, person-centered therapy, and practical CBT skills based on what feels most useful to you.
My style is warm, collaborative, and active. I will take time to understand what you have been carrying, ask thoughtful questions, and offer honest feedback without rushing you. We will decide together when you feel ready for deeper processing, and if something feels too overwhelming, we can slow down and build additional support first.
In addition to standard therapy sessions, I offer extended EMDR intensives for clients who would benefit from more uninterrupted time to focus on a particular experience, pattern, or concern. Whether we meet weekly or through an intensive, the work will be tailored to your needs and move at a pace that feels manageable.
Education & Experience
I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 2012 and my master’s degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara in 2016.
Throughout my career, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in a range of mental health settings. I spent eight years supporting adults living with severe and persistent mental illness through community mental health programs, day centers, and residential care settings. I also worked in an elementary school, helping children in kindergarten through sixth grade develop emotional regulation and coping skills while navigating challenges at school, at home, and with peers. In addition, I spent three years working at a youth shelter, where I provided therapy and crisis support to foster youth and adolescents experiencing significant stress, instability, and difficult life transitions.
For three years, I have been in private practice, working primarily with adolescents and adults navigating trauma and PTSD, anxiety, OCD, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, life transitions, neurodivergence, chronic health concerns, and struggles with self-worth. I am an EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, and EMDR is central to my work. I also draw from CBT, mindfulness, and person-centered therapy to shape treatment around each client’s needs, strengths, preferences, and goals.
Professional & Volunteer Affiliations
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) - EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)
Functional Neurological Disorder Society (FNDS)
Specialty Area
- Abuse/Neglect
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Chronic Illness/Medical Issues
- Chronic Pain
- Marriage/Relationship Issues
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Sexual Abuse
- Traumatic Incident
Population Served
- Adolescents (13-17)
- Adults
- BIPOC
- LGBTQ+
- Underserved
Language
- English
Insurance
- Aetna
Straight Medi-Cal; Providence; $185 out-of-pocket
