Alexandra Calestini, LCSW

Alexandra Calestini is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New York with 12 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief. She also works with clients seeking to build self-love, self-esteem, and greater confidence, applying practical skills and compassionate support to meet each person where they are.

She approaches care with respect, empathy, and authenticity, maintaining a non-judgmental stance and attention to cultural competence. Alexandra emphasizes the power of being truly heard and supported, believing that careful listening and steady encouragement create space for meaningful growth and change.

Seeking therapy can take courage, and Alexandra frames her role as a collaborator and guide who supports and empowers clients as they take steps toward a more fulfilling life. She cultivates a welcoming environment where different experiences and identities are embraced, and she partners with clients to set realistic goals and develop strategies that fit their lives.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Support and Growth

Alexandra frequently draws on Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to guide her work online. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating an accepting, empathetic relationship that helps people explore their feelings and identify their own solutions - it is especially useful for building self-esteem and processing grief. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps clients recognize and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, making it a practical approach for addressing anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms.

She also incorporates elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy when needed, teaching skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication, which can be helpful for those managing intense emotions or relationship difficulties. Determining the right mix of approaches is part of the collaborative process - Alexandra works with each person to identify goals, try methods that fit their style, and adjust as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers flexibility to meet people where they are, with options for video sessions, phone appointments, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to schedule care around work, family, and other commitments, and they allow licensed professionals to provide consistent support even when in-person visits are not possible.