About Therapist Alex Bleiweis:
I’m Alex Bleiweis and I am a clinical social worker at Montgomery County Counseling Center. Therapy can often be a serious and challenging experience. But I believe it can also be the most fulfilling and rejuvenating part of your week. In our sessions, we’ll work together to help make sense of yourself and the world around you. We’ll work on building the motivation to make changes in your life and we’ll address unhelpful thinking patterns that may cause distress. Beyond that, in this space, I invite you to share whatever’s on your mind, whether there is a specific problem you would like to address or you just need a listening ear. Everyone can benefit from therapy and I already appreciate you for taking the first step.
Afterall, how often are you able to hit the pause button in life and have a safe space to talk about your challenges, relationships, transitions, fears, or just have a chance for self-discovery?! Let’s face it, life can be challenging! That doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you.
In therapy, the relationship between the client and the clinician is key. For this reason, I work best with those who are seeking a long-term partnership. However, I am also comfortable working in a goal-oriented and solution focused style. I use humor and authenticity to create a warm and enjoyable environment and am truly motivated to help you live your best life. Among the many clients I work with, I particularly enjoy helping college students and young adults navigate the challenges of “adulting.” I also find purpose in working with bereaved clients as we process emotions surrounding grief & loss, and confront the process of adapting to a changed reality.
Education and Experience as a Therapist
Originally from New York, I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland in 2012. Having worked in high-ranking positions in government and hospitality before entering the therapy field, I understand the unique challenges that come with finding your path in the professional world. I found my in 2021 when I got my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work in 2021. Here, I was named the Student of the Year in my graduating class. In 2023, I also completed additional training in the treatment of Prolonged Grief Disorder through the Columbia University School of Social Work.
My training is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and I typically operate from this perspective. I also ground myself in the principles of person-centered (Rogerian) therapy. This means I strive to be a non-judgmental presence for my clients in order to allow for a space where they feel most comfortable to express themselves.
Prior to joining Montgomery County Counseling Center, I completed my externship training at The Catholic University of America Counseling Center. I conducted individual therapy sessions with undergraduate and graduate students with a wide range of presenting concerns. I also received training at Hearts & Homes for Youth, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, and homelessness.
Specialties
- Grief & Loss
- Relationship & interpersonal issues
- Life Transitions
- Academic stress
- Career concerns
- General Anxiety & Social Anxiety
- High achieving students and young professionals
- Depression
- Gambling, Technology, and other Process Addictions
- Chronic health issues & disability
- Sexual Identity
What Clients Say About Working With Alex
Alex is a fantastic therapist. He understands me and my concerns, he is patient and has hit the right combination of listening to me and eliciting responses from me. His attention to detail and his memory are outstanding. I’ve worked with several therapists and he is by far the best.
My child is less stressed on a daily basis. He is overall happier and is learning constructive ways to deal with his stress and feelings of anxiousness.
Alex is super easy to talk to and is great at putting things into perspective and help me see things in a different way. [I’ve benefitted from] dealing better with my depression and compulsive spending habits. [I’m] very happy about my therapy experience.”
Personal Life
In the thousands of times I’ve been asked for a fun fact during an ice breaker, I always go with my favorite one: I’m a triplet! My favorite place to be is in my kitchen and I’m on a quest to cook at least one new dish every week. So far so good! I love to go on cruises and have visited countless countries with my family on past sailings. When not watching the New York Yankees or Jeopardy, you can bet I’ll be singing along to any number of Broadway musicals or catching up on podcasts! Sometimes it feels like I’m operating a small petting zoo with my poodle and two cats, but they keep life interesting and provide the best comfort! Plus, they’re super cute. I look forward to meeting you!
Contact Alex Bleiweis
Email: Alex@mccounselingcenter.com
Blogs and Publications
Young Adult Therapy for Preventative Care
Sports Betting Comes to Maryland
Let’s Talk About Screen Addiction
Anxiety About Going to College