Alysia Schwartz
Alysia Schwartz
She/Her • MA, LPCC, LADC
Licensed Mental Health Therapist & Licensed Alcohol/Drug Counselor
Coon Rapids • Virtual
Specialties
Anxiety + OCD Mood/Depression Trauma/PTSD Polyamory/ENM
Sex +Kink Positive
LGBTQIA2S+ Affirming Body Inclusive Relationships & Intimacy Narcissistic Abuse Survivors
Substance Abuse + Loved Ones
Ages Served
Teens Adults
Older Adults
Modalities
Integrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Relational & Attachment-Based Therapy Person-Centered Therapy Trauma-Informed Care
About Me
I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, but I often refer to myself as a former emo kid turned therapist. My path into this work began with my own experiences as a consumer of mental health services. My own journey in therapy shaped the kind of therapist I strive to be, and the kind of therapist I never want to become.
Those early experiences formed my belief that therapy should feel human, collaborative, and grounded in genuine connection. It is important to me that my clients see and experience me as another human and not some robotic head nodding “tell me how that makes you feel” kind of therapist.
Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of settings including inpatient, residential, outpatient, harm reduction/substance abuse clinics, and private practice. I primarily work with women and LGBTQ+ individuals and have a special interest in supporting people within the kink, ethical non monogamy (ENM), polyamorous communities, as well as survivors of narcissistic abuse. I enjoy helping clients explore sexuality, sexual identity, intimacy, and relationship dynamics in a space that is affirming, curious, and free from judgment.
Clinical Approaches
My approach is relational and attachment-based, which means I pay attention to how past experiences and relationships influence the way we connect with ourselves and others today. I believe that therapy is most effective when it starts with a real human connection. I show up as a person first and a therapist second, and I strive to create a space where you can bring all versions of yourself, the messy, complicated, uncertain, joyful, and painful parts without fear of judgement.
What you can expect from me: I am warm, compassionate, and deeply empathetic, but I also believe growth sometimes requires gentle challenges. I won’t make decisions for you, but I will help you recognize patterns, ask difficult questions, and explore places where fear, shame, or old wounds may be keeping you stuck. Bring the hard stuff, the weird stuff, the messy stuff, and the things you’ve never said out loud. No topic is off limits, no emotion is too much, and yes, dark humor and colorful language are always welcome.
My work is grounded in anti-racist, social-justice oriented, gender-affirming, and sex positive values. I believe our identities, relationships, communities, and lived experiences matter, and I honor the many ways people navigate the world. Whether you’re exploring your sexuality, relationship structure, identity, trauma, or simply trying to better understand yourself, you deserve a space where you feel seen, heard, and affirmed.
Most importantly, you are never “just another client” to me. I genuinely care about the people I work with and feel immense gratitude for the trust they place in me. It is a privilege to be invited into someone’s story and to witness both their struggles and their resilience. I don’t take that responsibility lightly.
The human behind the credentials.
Outside of the office, you can usually find me hiking Minnesota state parks with my dog, Romy, who may make the occasional telehealth appearance. She takes her role as my coworker very seriously. When I’m not in session, I’m usually pretending I know what I’m doing in the garden, birdwatching, hunting for agates along rivers and dirt roads, wandering thrift stores and estate sales in search of hidden treasures, camping, exploring small towns for the best hole-in-the-wall food, or taking spontaneous road trips around Minnesota.
At my core, I’m someone who cares deeply about people, their stories, their experiences, and their well being. I’ve always found myself in the role of the caretaker, listener, advocate, and supporter among friends, family, and community. I’ve always been a deep feeler and thoughtful observer of people. Again, a former emo kid destined to be a therapist.
Book a free 15-minute consult
A real person reaches out fast to get you scheduled.