Dr. Alexis Candelier Psy.D.
Meet Dr. Alexis Candelier Psy.D.
My name is Alexis Candelier, and I am a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.). I was born and raised in the Greater Portland Metro area and am returning to the local area after spending the last six years in Los Angeles County, CA attending graduate school and receiving my post-doctoral supervision. I am greatly looking forward to learning more about and working with our northern neighbors in Vancouver, WA. Prior to completing my education, I was a United States Marine (ooh-rah!), so I have a special place in my heart for all the Veterans struggling to make it as a “civilian” in these trying and unprecedented times. Additionally, I love living in a place where I can hike, camp, and “play” on the water year-round but my newest hobby is wire wrapping; a.k.a. making jewelry by hand out of wire and crystals/stones.
While, I have experience working in community-based mental health, the majority of my practice thus far has taken place in forensic settings, such as juvenile halls, state-run mental hospitals, and conditional release programs. I specialize in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of severe mental health disorders including those on the psychotic spectrum, (Schizophrenia and Delusional Disorder), trauma-related illnesses (PTSD), dysfunctional personality structures (Borderline, Co-Dependent, and Avoidant) and/or those with violent behavioral patterns (Antisocial PD and conduct disorder).
Approach and education
My therapeutic orientation is derived primarily from the cognitive-behavioral model of abnormal psychology (i.e., thoughts/perceptions have a stronger influence on behavior than the environment); thus, I practice from an evidence-based, biopsychosocial model of treatment. Whether that ends up being shorter, crisis-based assessment and treatment or long-term psychotherapy, I leave mostly up to the client’s individual needs and wants. I also am trained in utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I came to practice psychology after spending 6 years as a Military Police Officer, where I got to see and meet people on what was often the worst day or their lives (regardless of their victim, witness, suspect status). However, it was the inability to provide ongoing support and follow-up services to those I served in the community that eventually drove me to change my profession, as well as my approach to understanding humanity and why people do the things, they do, mostly to one another.
“You don’t have to struggle in silence. You can be un-silent. You can live with a mental health condition, as long as you open up to somebody about it.”
— Demi Lovato