Renee Alpert, PhD

Dr. Alpert specializes in anxiety, depression, stress and anger management, relationship and family communications. She is dedicated to helping individuals, couples and families who are experiencing conflict and crisis find practical tools that work.

Her primary therapeutic modality is cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), which is based on the concept that the way we think about things affects how we feel. It is a relatively short-term therapy, with an emphasis on changing current maladaptive thought patterns/beliefs and behavior. Dr Alpert works with individuals to increase their conscious awareness of and to gain control over these destructive thoughts/beliefs which often fuel or trigger anxiety, stress, and depression.

Dr. Alpert is directive in her approach. She utilizes a number of modalities, customized to each client. Her tool chest includes: Cognitive restructuring, behavioral/cognitive rehearsal, assertiveness training, relaxation, guided imagery, systematic desensitization, role-playing, behavioral contracts, thought records, anger management, parenting and communication skill building. After the initial assessment, Dr. Alpert will go over your treatment goals and outline a treatment plan. Additionally, Dr. Alpert has been trained in EMDR, which has proven to be very effective in desensitization and the working through of traumatic experiences ( i.e. rape, abuse, car accidents). Dr. Alpert completed her post doctoral fellowship at Children's hospital in Orange and has extensive experience dealing with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. She has been in practice in Costa Mesa and Santa Ana since 1985.