Daily Inspiration: Meet Alana Carvalho

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana Carvalho.

Hi Alana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a child, I always knew I was meant to be a therapist. Always curious about the world and human interactions, it felt like a need for my soul to be a helper to people in distress. When I was in my early 20s, I began my own therapeutic journey which helped me come to terms with my own issues around codependency and perfectionism which catapulted my journey and later became the foundation of my nickname, The Codependent Perfectionist. I began my career as a substance abuse counselor working with people struggling with addiction and mental health and also with their families . I then went on to co-create a group psychotherapy practice in Midtown Manhattan called Intuitive Healing Psychotherapy Practice where we specialize in relationship based work. I’ve come to realize that most mental health issues are highly impacted by the relationships we have with ourselves and others in our life and so it feels very impactful to be working in this space. I focus on helping people heal from dysfunctional family dynamics as well as improve relationships with their spouses, children, friends or work relationships.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! During my last 20 years in the therapy world, I’ve worked in a lot of spaces where I didn’t feel the best treatment was being given to clients for various reasons. It’s hard to acknowledge that in a space meant for healing, many are not providing good care. I’ve now made it my mission to provide effective and supportive care for those I see and also teach other clinicians so that they are also able to provide this same high level care to their clients.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a licensed mental health counselor who works with individuals, couples and families. I’m most proud of my work with clients as I can see the impact it’s had on the lives of those I work with. I deeply connect with my clients and am known for my no nonsense approach that is both loving and honest. It’s also been an honor to train other mental health clinicians. Supporting up and coming therapists in learning how to do great work feels like an especially important calling to me.

Any big plans?
I continue to evolve as a mental health clinician. I look forward to continuing my work on helping people heal relationship issues including codependency and narcissistic abuse. I also continue training new clinicians and supporting them in their journeys as a professional. Look out for upcoming speaking engagements, workshops and trainings!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alanacarvalho.com
• Instagram: @thecodependentperfectionist
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecodependentperfectionist
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-codependent-perfectionist/id1457781449