Navigating New Beginnings: Dr. Alexis Dragun’s Journey into Private Therapy Practice
Holmdel, NJ — In the heart of Holmdel, a remarkable story of resilience and adaptation is unfolding. Dr. Alexis Dragun, a dedicated therapist, is making waves in the mental health community by establishing her private practice during one of the most tumultuous times in recent history — the COVID-19 pandemic. After nearly a decade of service as a high school social worker, Dragun took a courageous leap into entrepreneurship in May 2020, inspired by her personal experiences as a new mother amidst global upheaval.
The Transition: From Social Worker to Private Practitioner
Dr. Dragun’s transition into private practice was not born out of a long-held ambition but rather out of necessity and inspiration. “I began to feel overwhelmed with balancing a new baby and the demands of returning to school post-maternity leave,” she shared. This introspection, coupled with the seismic shifts due to the pandemic, led her to reevaluate her career. She decided to take control of her professional path, ultimately founding her own practice.
As a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, Dragun specializes in a wide array of areas including depression, self-esteem issues, stress, and significant life transitions. However, her initial focus was on adolescents and families amid the uncertainties brought on by the pandemic. “Living in a suburb during this crisis, I witnessed many families struggling with the rapid changes around them,” Dragun reflects, recognizing that her expertise could provide much-needed support within her community.
Embracing Perinatal Mental Health
Dr. Dragun’s expertise has evolved significantly since those early days. Following the birth of her second daughter in 2021, she pivoted her focus to perinatal mental health — a specialized area of therapy that addresses the mental health challenges faced during pregnancy and the year after childbirth. Often overlooked, perinatal mental health encompasses a broad range of issues, from prenatal anxiety to postpartum depression.
Recognizing a gap in awareness, Dragun pursued additional training, obtaining a certification in perinatal mental health. “I realized there should be more emphasis on maternal and perinatal mental health,” she states, emphasizing the need for support systems for new parents navigating the complexities of parenthood.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
In her practice, Dr. Dragun embraces a holistic approach, taking into account a patient’s past experiences, their current emotional state, and their aspirations for the future. This multidimensional perspective facilitates a more profound understanding of the individual’s journey. “Therapy is about creating a safe space for open dialogue,” she explains. By allowing her patients to explore various aspects of their lives, Dragun helps them uncover patterns of thought and behavior that may be influencing their current emotional state.
For many, the pathway to therapy is not marked by an epiphany; instead, it may arise from a subtle awareness of discomfort or the desire for self-exploration. Dragun notes that therapy can often feel isolating, especially for those who think they are alone in their emotional struggles. “Being able to sit down and articulate these feelings with someone else can be incredibly therapeutic,” she observes, underscoring the value of connection and shared experience.
Accessible Mental Health Care
Dr. Dragun is committed to making mental health care accessible to a wide demographic. She offers both in-person and virtual therapy sessions tailored for adolescents aged 13-17, adults, couples, and families. Her multifaceted approach not only accommodates various needs but also ensures that her practice remains responsive to the community’s evolving challenges.
As the demand for mental health services continues to surge, driven in part by the lingering effects of the pandemic, Dr. Dragun’s commitment to her clients remains steadfast. She aims to erase the stigma surrounding mental health and encourages those contemplating therapy to take that first step, regardless of their current emotional state.
For anyone interested in exploring therapy or learning more about Dr. Dragun’s services, she invites you to visit her website.
Navigating the complexities of mental health is no easy feat, especially during times of significant change. However, with dedicated professionals like Dr. Alexis Dragun in the community, individuals and families can find the support and guidance they need to thrive. In a world that often feels overwhelming, embracing mental wellness has never been more vital.
