Alicia Kaja

I think I was born to be a therapist. I grew up in a challenging environment, and at an early age I became the family mediator. Growing up this way, I learned how to read others, be sensitive to the environment, and be encouraging and supportive. My empathy skills came naturally. As an adult, I am proud to be a cycle breaker. I have a unique ability to relate and empathize with others while encouraging them to be cycle breakers too. I can’t imagine a better use of my unique personal talents than to encourage others to face their challenges and feel empowered to improve their lives.

Obsessions and compulsions are often treated in ways that make them worse. Having been a therapist for more than a decade, when I learned about ERP, I knew it was for me. I thought about my own challenges and clients who received treatment that was ineffective or made things worse. I wanted to master the skills to dramatically improve people’s lives. ERP is an evidence-based practice that empowers people to overcome their personal challenges.

I've been helping children, families, and individuals thrive in challenging situations for more than a decade. I worked for many years in foster care in multiple roles. My favorite role was training foster parents to help children and families recover from trauma and break the cycles of abuse and neglect. I then worked for four years at the Friend of the Court. I wanted to help change the systems people interact with at their worst moments by assisting people with kindness, dignity, respect, and competence. During the pandemic, I knew it was time to do what I had always wanted to do: Help individuals directly through therapy. I worked in a community mental health setting to better understand the spectrum of mental health challenges in a diverse population. I then transitioned into private practice as a therapist helping children and adults in various life situations with unique mental health challenges.

Your personal struggles may feel overwhelming right now. You may not feel you can tell anyone about what you're going through. But there is help that works. You are not alone at NOCD. We’re here to treat you with respect and dignity and to help you achieve your personal goals. You are not your thoughts, and you are stronger than you know.

Know that I will not judge you. I am here to work with you at your own pace. I will encourage you and support you no matter what the situation is or what your thoughts are. You are not your thoughts, and you have immense value.