Alein Haddad-Perez, LCSW, SEP

Licensed in:
NJ, NY, VT, FL

Works with:
Individuals (18+), couples, parents

Languages:
English, Arabic, Hebrew

Credentials:
EMDRIA Approved EMDR Consultant
Somatic Experiencing Personal Session Provider - Beginner Level
Certified Clinical Social Work Supervisor

Sessions:
In-Person and Telehealth

I am the founder and clinical director of Holding Space Therapy, The Center for Holistic Psychotherapy and Trauma Healing. I am truly honored to accompany you on your journey of self discovery and growth. 

I work with clients who are struggling with complex trauma, persistent anxiety and depression, chronic pain and unexplained physical ailments.  I also work with people facing relationship challenges, including with parents who seek to repair their connection with their estranged children. 

Many of my clients have faced: 

• Significant childhood trauma (including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or neglect), 

• Severe mental, emotional, or physical symptoms, 

• Feelings of isolation from themselves and the world around them,

• Difficulty sustaining long term relationships,

• Challenges with feeling better even after seeing multiple therapists and not getting better.

My therapeutic approach is relational, experiential, and integrative of the various modalities and tools that I trained in, including Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, parts work, Emotionally Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy*. Together, we will focus on the relational and experiential aspects of our work, in addition to zooming in on the story of what happened to you and problem solving. We will hone into learning the hidden language of your body, emotions, and relationships, while tapping into the wisdom of your nervous system and inner knowing.

* Expected to be certified in summer 2025

My Philosophy

Trauma does not have to be a life sentence! It is my core belief that all humans are inherently resilient with an innate capacity to heal from trauma and live rich, fulfilling lives. If you don’t share my belief, don’t worry! I will hold this hope for you while you develop your own confidence in your inner strength. 

I am humbled by my clients' resilience and relentless fight for life. Trauma healing is uncomfortably hard work.  My role is to serve as a facilitator of your therapeutic journey, to walk alongside you and hold a solid container for you to revisit, work through, and overcome your painful past experiences. My primary focus is to make sure we first develop a therapeutic connection that feels safe, nonjudgemental, and compassionate as healing can only sprout from you feeling safe, seen, and understood.  

As an indigenous person who experienced various forms of systemic oppression and adversities, I understand the importance of a therapeutic space that is committed to be guided by anti-racist decolonization work, and that acknowledges the impact of such systemic factors on mental health, sense of identity, and overall well-being. As a member of the BIPOC community who immigrated to the US from a different cultural and systemic context, I recognize my blind spots in the context of working with individuals from different historical, racial, or social backgrounds. I am committed to an ongoing education and self-reflection to deepen my understanding of those who have been marginalized in our society.