Alexandra Pinkus, M.A., LMFT

Certified Couples and Sex Therapist
Attachment Focus EMDR & Relational Counseling for Individuals and Couples

 

My name is Alexandra. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Couples and Sex Therapist, and a trained EMDR Therapist, practicing in Santa Monica. I specialize in working with individuals and couples, addressing relational struggles, such as disconnection, trust, fear, sexual dissatisfaction, and loneliness, as well as the various traumas that may impact these experiences. 

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For many of us, beginning therapy is not a decision we enter into lightly. The period during which we find ourselves reaching out is often filled with worry and pain, as we wonder, “How will I ever figure this out?” In this headspace, we may feel scared, stuck, and even hopeless. Many of my clients have described feeling that they are in a rut, either in their relationship or their lives, and are unable to be sure how to progress. However, in asking for help, we are taking the first step forward, out of this dark space.

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As I approach the therapeutic process, it is important to me that I develop a meaningful and authentic relationship with my clients. I view my role, not as an expert observing from the outside, but as a companion and confidant on your journey of exploration, self-discovery, and growth. On this journey together we’ll develop a deep understanding of your experience, so that I can join you in moments where you may feel lost or stuck. Here, we will begin to gain insight, revealing new ways we might approach the situation, opening doorways to a more satisfying life.

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I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore and push through their uncomfortable or dysregulating experiences, allowing them to grow and foster deeper connections with and understanding of themselves, their partner, and their relationship.

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I am passionate about my work and helping my clients fully explore their experiences in order to increase their self-awareness and promote growth. I look forward to meeting you.

 

Specialties

• Couples and relationship counseling - Addressing relationship challenges and life transitions; strengthening communication and feelings of security, desire, connection, and love

• Sex therapy - Addressing emotional, physical, and biological concerns related to sexual intimacy and functioning; education and skill building around topics such as erectile dysfunction, orgasms, low libido, shame, and history of abuse

• Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

• Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life

• Trauma - Coping and healing after threatening or scary events, such as witnessing accidents or experiencing sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse

• Life transitions - Coping with difficult or impactful life changes, such as moving to a new area, relationship transitions, child rearing, or career changes; learning self-care to better manage resulting stress

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​PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION, TRAINING, & MEMBERSHIPS

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Education

• BA Vassar College 2010

• MA Pepperdine University 2016

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Certifications​

• AACAST Certified Couples and Sex Therapist

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Training​

• Externship in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)

• Core Skills in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)

• EMDR for Individuals and Couples

• Brainspotting

• InterAnalytic Couples Therapy (IACT) and Human Sexuality, Sex Education, and Sex Therapy

• Community Resiliency Model (CRM)

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Memberships

• Member of the Los Angeles Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy (LA-CEFT)

• Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

• Member of the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Los Angeles (GTILA)

• Member of the American Association of Couples and Sex Therapists (AACAST)

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Additional Positions

• Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology (2020-Present)

• Chair of Professional Education and Outreach of the American Association of Couples and Sex Therapists (AACAST) at UCLA (2019- 2023)

• Board Member of the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Los Angeles (2020-2022)

• Co-director of the American Association of Couples and Sex Therapists (AACAST) at UCLA (2022-2022)

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