MeeT the Clinician: Alex McLaughlin
Disclaimers:
Land Acknowledgment: We live and work on the unseated territories of the Wahpekute and Chumash peoples, we pay respects to their elders past and present. We encourage folks to explore the ancestral lands they live and work on, and to learn about the Native communities that live there, the treaties that have been broken. If folks feel called, we encourage them to consider taking actions to support Native communities, reparations, and land back movements (see other resources at the end for more info).
A note on language: The language in the DSM, including the use of the word disorder (D in acronym), some find this harmful, while others prefer the language “disorder.” When this language is used, it is because, as mental health professionals, we need to use this same language when referring to “diagnoses” in the DSM. In addition some Autistics find the use of the level system helpful in identifying the level of support needed, while others view it as an overly simplistic way of defining something that’s fluid, and may feel it’s harmful and minimizing. The beauty is that each individual gets to choose what language feels validating and affirming to them. Inspired by Dr. Jennifer Mullan, Alex uses the term, “therapy participant” rather than “client” or “patient,” as they work toward decolonizing therapy.
Welcome to our series on our therapy and evaluation clinicians! Each piece of the series will dive into their indivividual approach and work in therapy spaces! If you are interested in working with any of them, please fill out our therapy inquiry here.
Meet Alex McLaughlin
At Neuron and Rose, Alex McLaughlin (they/them) stands out as a therapist who combines empathy, evidence-based practices, and a commitment to social justice. Their unique therapeutic approach is informed by multiple frameworks and modalities, each tailored to meet the diverse needs of their therapy participants. Rooted in collaboration, Alex empowers individuals to navigate life’s challenges by honoring their lived experiences and fostering growth in a safe, inclusive environment.
Eclectic Approach:
Alex works collaboratively with each therapy participant, adapting their therapeutic approach to best suit individual needs. While structured therapies such as ERP, I-CBT, and TF-CBT may be central to treatment at times, other methods are integrated to provide comprehensive support.
Justice-Oriented Therapy
Alex’s practice is deeply influenced by intersectional feminist principles, and ecological systems theory, which emphasize that people do not exist in isolation. Instead, we are shaped by interconnected systems, from family dynamics to broader cultural norms. By exploring the intersectionality of a therapy participant’s identity, Alex helps them understand how these systems influence their experiences and relationships. Alex helps therapy participants understand and cope with the emotional effects of systemic problems, fostering resilience, self-compassion, and a sense of empowerment through advocacy and a supportive therapeutic environment.
Alex’s is continuously working toward decolonizing therapy, by challenging the oppressive systems that disproportionately affect individuals with marginalized identities (for example: Neurodivegent individuals, 2SLGBTQIA+, People of the Global Majority (POGM) / BIPOC, and disabled folks) inside and outside of the therapy space. Recognizing the inherent power differentials in therapy, Alex operates from a place of cultural humility, continuously learning and growing to provide an equitable therapeutic space.
Incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - from trauma-informed and decolonial lenses.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) serves as a foundation of Alex’s therapeutic toolkit. By examining the interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, Alex helps therapy participants develop strategies to manage their mental health. With an emphasis on validation, Alex integrates CBT techniques in an ND-affirming, flexible, therapy participant-centered way, tailoring interventions to each individual’s needs. To read more about how Alex incorporates CBT into their therapeutic work head to their blog post here.
For therapy participants with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Alex employs structured CBT-based approaches such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT). These evidence-based treatments are designed to address OCD’s underlying mechanisms, fostering lasting change.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is another branch of CBT that Alex may incorporate. Read more about ND-adapted DBT here.
Specialized Approaches for OCD and Anxiety
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Alex guides therapy participants through gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations while helping them resist compulsions. While working on exposures and response prevention, Alex will explore with you the “core fears,” that drive your OCD and work with you to address these fears. This process not only reduces symptoms but also builds confidence in facing fears.
Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT): Alex takes folks through I-CBT, which takes a unique approach for OCD and anxiety. Alex will focus on helping you gain understanding of the mechanisms that create and maintain OCD and anxiety. By blending mindfulness and acceptance techniques, I-CBT facilitates lasting changes in thought and behavior without relying on formal exposures. While ERP emphasizes tolerating discomfort and embracing uncertainty, I-CBT empowers therapy participants to find certainty through self-awareness, sensory grounding, and common sense. Though formal exposures are typically not used in I-CBT, therapy participants are encouraged to manage their compulsions.
Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
Trauma can have profound effects on mental health. Alex’s training in Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) allows them to provide targeted support for young therapy participants* grappling with the aftermath of trauma. Combining cognitive-behavioral techniques with trauma-informed interventions, Alex helps therapy participants process their experiences, manage symptoms, and rebuild their sense of safety and self-worth.
TF-CBT is an evidenced-based approach for children, and adolescents, with emerging research with transitional age youth (ages 15-25).
Mindfulness and Somatic Practices
Mindfulness and somatic practices play an essential role in Alex’s approach. By encouraging therapy participants to focus on the present moment without judgment, mindfulness helps alleviate stress and enhance emotional regulation. Recognizing the connection between mental and physical health, As a 500-HR registered yoga teacher, with trainings in trauma-informed yoga, trauma-informed children and teen yoga, Alex also incorporates somatic techniques such as breathwork, yoga, and polyvagal exercises. These practices enable therapy participants to explore how their bodies respond to the world and develop tools for grounding and resilience.
Play and Sand Tray Therapy
For younger therapy participants, Alex employs play therapy to create a nonverbal avenue for expression. Play therapy allows children to process emotions, develop coping skills, and navigate their experiences in a way that feels natural and engaging.
Similarly, sand tray therapy provides therapy participants of all ages with a creative medium to explore their inner worlds in ways that do not rely solely on verbal communication. By providing a creative and symbolic medium, it allows clients to explore their inner worlds, process emotions (especially those difficult to verbalize), and gain insights into their experiences. This kinesthetic approach can be particularly beneficial for clients who may have difficulty verbalizing emotions , or experiences.
Additional Modalities
Alex’s neuro-affirming approach extends to incorporating aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, parts work, and self-compassion. These modalities offer a versatile framework for addressing a wide range of challenges, from emotional dysregulation to life transitions. By integrating these evidence-based practices, Alex ensures their therapy participants receive comprehensive and personalized care.
A Collaborative Journey
Alex McLaughlin’s therapeutic philosophy is rooted in collaboration, compassion, and a deep respect for each therapy participant’s unique journey. By combining evidence-based techniques with a commitment to social justice, Alex creates a space where therapy participants feel seen, heard, and empowered to thrive.
At Neuron and Rose, Alex embodies the belief that therapy is not just about addressing challenges—it’s about fostering a neuro-affirming environment where individuals can grow and achieve their goals. For those seeking a therapist who values inclusivity, growth, and evidence-based practice, Alex McLaughlin is a compassionate guide on the path to well-being.
Do you live on Wahpekute land (colonized as MN), and have, or suspect you might have OCD, ADHD or are Autistic? Alex is an AuDHD therapist with lived experience of OCD, who is trained in treating OCD and committed to providing ND-affirming therapy, reach out to schedule a free consultation. Live on either Wahpekute land, or Chumash land (colonized as Los Angeles, CA), and wanting an assessment to understand what might be going on (Autism, ADHD and/or OCD, among other things), then reach out to see about scheduling an assessment!
