I’m Alex, a licensed psychotherapist based out of Richmond, Virginia.

I help adults who have experienced trauma in close relationships break free from the grip of shame and self-criticism. I help them make lasting change and show up as their full, authentic selves.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER

As a psychotherapist my mission is to help you speak up about how you feel, what you want, and what you need.

Through working together, my hope for you is to:

Reconnect to your physical body, be kind to yourself, give yourself grace and patience.

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Allow yourself to feel and process your emotions that have previously been suppressed and minimized by self and others.

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10 Years of Experience

· Served 300+ Clients

· 8 Professional Certifications

· 10 Years of Experience · Served 300+ Clients · 8 Professional Certifications ·

Formal Education

BS Psychology, Virginia Tech, 2013

Master of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2016
Post-Bac Certificate in Gender Violence Intervention, VCU, 2016
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia, 2020
EMDR Basic Training (2020)
EMDR and Ego State Interventions (2021)
Mindful Self-Compassion course (2022)
Clinical Program on Psychotherapy Practice, New Washington School of Psychiatry (2024)
Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 (2024)
Certified Yin Yoga Instructor-200 hour (2024)

“A warm and engaging therapist.”

“Alex blends her passion for E.M.D.R and psychodynamic therapy creating profound shifts for her clients, especially individuals who are healing trauma, developing a stronger sense of self, and developing self worth.”
— Caitlin Shiflett, LCSW
“Simply put, Alex Schrum saved my life."

“Simply put, Alex Schrum saved my life. Prior to working with her, I had worked with several different therapists but still continued to struggle with severe anxiety, depression, and overall dissatisfaction with my own life. On my very worst day, I was living with a constant pit in my stomach, intense fear of failure, and the overwhelming feeling that I was not worthy of a life of happiness. It consumed me, ultimately causing significant issues in my relationship, professional career, and general quality of life. I was desperate for a change and that's when I found Alex. After our first meeting, I knew she was the right fit for my healing journey”
— Anonymous Client
“I felt free of judgment since day one.”

“I was struggling with grief, depression, anxiety, mom issues, body dysmorphia... You name it. Working with Alex is almost indescribable. I have felt comfortable and free of judgment since day one. I know I can feel comfortable saying anything, laughing, joking, crying... truly anything! I don't even want to think about what my life would be like if I had never met Alex! I would be more of a mess than I already was. Finding Alex and starting our work together started at a critical time in my life and it has made all the difference in the way I am able to interact with my family during some very difficult times. I am most proud of the work that came out of our EMDR sessions. I am amazed at how it helped me to see myself differently and give myself a ton of grace. I have also learned a lot about myself and how to love and accept myself.”
— Anonymous Client

Life is hard. Trying to do all the things: stay connected to friends and family, work, school, take care of kids and/or pets, maintain a partnership with a significant other, exercise, get enough sleep, eat well, and the list just goes on.

These things alone are hard to juggle.

It becomes so much harder when you are attacking yourself along the way. Thoughts like “I’m unlovable, not good enough, too much, etc.” have a way of getting stuck on repeat in our human brains. Then we may even start to believe that others feel that way about us too. It’s a hard way to live.

Once we start to create some distance from that critical voice by getting curious about it, we have the opportunity to move differently in our lives.

Once we understand where this inner critic came from, we give ourselves room to relate to ourselves in a more gentle way.

If this inner critic sounds familiar to an important figure from your past, we can start to make room for a new voice, one of kindness and compassion.

You are probably known to others in your life as a very kind and compassionate person, but the challenge is giving those things to yourself.

It is possible.

Changing the way you talk to yourself and feel about yourself is possible.

Personal History and Professional Background:

I began my social work journey in 2011 after experiencing my own difficulties with abusive relationships.

In an effort to cope with those difficulties I picked up some pretty self-destructive habits along the way. These experiences impacted me deeply and changed my career and life path.

I wanted to make a difference in the world, and help others through similarly challenging life circumstances.

I often felt like I could not access support from family and friends because I felt that no one really “got” it or understood my experiences.

I started volunteering in domestic/sexual violence emergency shelters where I began to deepen my understanding of the systemic barriers that victims/survivors of intimate partner abuse and sexual violence face. I was not a therapist at that time, but I often found myself sitting for long periods of time with clients in the shelter who opened up to me about their life stories. It felt like such an honor then, and it still feels that way to this day.

I completed multiple unpaid internships at a domestic and sexual violence agency during my undergraduate education, and received a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech in 2013.

In 2016, I completed the Master of Social Work program at Virginia Commonwealth University with a concentration in Gender Violence Intervention.

From 2011-2021 I volunteered, interned, and worked at multiple domestic and sexual violence programs in Virginia.

My work in these programs included operating a 24 hour crisis hotline, completing shelter requests, accompanying victims/survivors to the emergency room, individual therapy, group therapy, supervising student interns, and serving on a local Fatality Review Board for intimate partner homicide.

In 2020, I became licensed by the Virginia Board of Social Work as a licensed clinical social worker.

In 2021, I began my private practice in Richmond, VA and see clients in my office as well as virtually across the state of Virginia.

I strive to create a safe space to explore the messy, complicated, shadowy, parts of human existence.

My professional style is best described as warm and direct.

I listen deeply to what my clients bring in to sessions, and I also address inconsistencies and struggle areas. I will ask you to slow down and feel emotions and physical sensations in your body.

My sessions include a lot of mindfulness and meditation work with clients. We will look at the influence of past experiences on current difficulties and notice themes and trends that pop up in multiple areas of your life.

We will also build on existing strengths you already have within you.

Get to know me

My favorite hobbies include yoga, thrifting and hiking in the fall.
I’m a dog and cat mom and I love reading mystery novels.
My logo was inspired by my tattoo: The lotus, to me, represents growth through adversity: blooming from the mud.
Being near the water is soothing for me (the beach, the ocean, or a river… I’ll take it all!).