

Welcome! I'm Alina Halonen
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELOR
As someone with a history of complex trauma and addiction, I have an "expert" understanding of how scary and difficult the healing journey can be, what is required, and how important it is that we go at your pace.
As a trauma-informed therapist, I understand that trauma affects us holistically and must be treated through an integrative approach beyond talk-centered therapy. Recovery from trauma is the ability to live in the present without being overwhelmed by the thoughts and feelings of the past. I use strength and empowerment-focused perspectives to promote resilience while reducing re-traumatization risk.
I provide alternative approaches to the 12-step model of recovery, as I do not believe that we are powerless over our addiction. I believe that no two people are alike and that everyone has their own unique experiences. My treatment plans are custom-tailored, consisting of various behavioral techniques from a wide range of treatment modalities that specifically suit each person’s needs and goals.
My personal style is warm, reflective, and genuine. I welcome and value collaboration, input, and specific needs during the therapeutic process.
I am an educator at heart and love to combine the art of therapy with education about mental health and the mind-body connection.
I believe it is important to lead by example, therefore I embrace my own vulnerability and utilize my lived experience when beneficial. I primarily use Behavioural therapies (CBT, DBT, REBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment-oriented therapies, somatic work (SE), trauma-informed practice, and person-centered through a psychodynamic framework.
LICENSURE & CERTIFICATES
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Licensed to provide mental health services and psychotherapy in California (LPCC 12680)
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Department of Mental Health - Seeking Safety (2020)
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International Association of Trauma Professionals (2019)
CLINICAL FOCUS & APPROACHES
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Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
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Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
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Cognitive Processing (CPT)
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Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
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Emotionally Focused
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Integrative
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Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
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Motivational Interviewing
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Narrative
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Person-Centered
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Psychodynamic
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Somatic
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Strength-Based
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Trauma Focused
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Person-Centered
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Prolonged Exposure Therapy
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Outdoor Walk Therapy
EDUCATION
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Masters, Mental Health Counseling, Chi Sigma Lota, Capella University (2019)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
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American Counseling Association (ACA)
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California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Association (CALPCC)
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California Licensed Professional Marriage and Family Therapy Association (CAMFT)



