Alex Lesniak,
Student Therapist

I am a second-year graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at The George Washington University, where I am strengthening both my academic foundation and my hands-on clinical skills. My journey into counseling has been shaped by both personal identity and professional passion. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I feel a strong sense of purpose in working with queer and BIPOC clients, particularly in a time when many of our communities face ongoing systemic oppression and challenges. I have had the privilege of working with queer and BIPOC individuals across the lifespan, and I am especially committed to providing a space for those whose voices are too often overlooked. 

When you are facing something painful, confusing, or overwhelming, such as life transitions, navigating relationships, anxiety/depression, or exploring your identity, it can feel incredibly isolating. I try to cultivate a space where you do not have to carry the weight of it alone. A place where you can share openly and untangle the knots of your experience with someone walking beside you on this path, not in front of or behind you. In sessions, I strive to create an environment that feels safe, affirming, and grounded. I believe that healing happens in relationships, where we can be witnessed as our authentic selves without judgment. I approach my clients with an intersectional and holistic lens, paying attention not just to the individual, but to the larger systems they navigate. My clinical approach draws primarily from Acceptance and

Commitment Therapy (ACT), while also integrating somatic and narrative therapy techniques. I have also practiced crisis intervention and trauma-informed care through my work as a Digital Crisis Counselor with The Trevor Project, an experience that deepened my compassion and responsiveness in moments of acute distress. 

I find the most meaningful work happens with clients who are willing to engage in the messy, often uncomfortable process of self-exploration. Therapy is not about perfection, it is about showing up for yourself. If that resonates with you, I would be honored to work alongside you as you navigate your journey toward healing and growth.