Alexander Warnow, LMFT

Hi, I’m Alexander Warnow and I’m the founder of XY Counseling. I’m a Licensed MFT (Marriage & Family Therapist) practicing Psychotherapy and Counseling in Alameda, CA. I work primarily with adults and couples – though at this time I am not taking on new clients. 

You are reading this right now because you have something in your life that isn’t working for you. And you believe (or you’re coming around to the idea) that you can’t figure it out on your own. That’s where a good therapist can help. I believe in the amazing potential for growth offered in the therapeutic relationship. I use many different techniques, but ultimately I support my clients in compassionately exploring what is holding them back, and figuring out how to shift it.

Psychotherapy has evolved a lot in recent years and I pull from many of these developments. Coming to individual counseling with me means we will holistically address your life – not just the thoughts in your head! This means paying attention to your body and the signals it is sending. We’ll look at the relationships and communities you exist in or long for. We consider how you relate to the environment and the natural world. Finally, we examine any spiritual longings you may have, and how you connect with a sense of something larger than yourself. These Five Aspects are key to your growth.

For couples, I emphasize practicing good communication – which isn’t just about the words we say. We practice how to be vulnerable with your partner – which we know builds emotional connection. I also emphasize how every couple gets trapped in a unique and frustrating back and forth dance as they try to get their needs met, and help them chart a path out of this pattern. A loving relationship takes work. When we truly feel supported by our partners – like our needs will be met – we are more fully equipped to successfully go out in to the world.

I welcome people of all ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender expressions, and socio-economic classes. I count myself as an ally – who is always trying to learn and grow – in helping examine and shift systemic issues such as racism, sexism, the patriarchy and colonialism.

Finding a therapist you are comfortable with is important. I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation to help you in this process. During this meeting or call we will explore what it would mean to work together, if it would be a good fit, pricing, and any other questions you might have. Contact me today – email, phone, or text – to set up a time to talk .

I draw from many different orientations including Psychodynamic, Hakomi, Somatic, Expressive Arts, Narrative, Ecotherapy, Solution-Focused, and I’ve trained in Brainspotting, a powerful tool for trauma as well. For couples I am PACT Level 2 Trained and have additional training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. I choose from these orientations based on the needs of my clients.

I received my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with a focus in the Expressive Arts from the California Institute of Integral Studies in 2010. In the past, I have worked with adults and couples at mental health clinics, with at-risk youth at schools, and with families in homeless shelters.

I am a member of the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists and I am listed and verified by Psychology Today.

-Alexander Warnow, Licensed MFT # 92437
Pronouns: he, him, his