Alex Lajer

Alex Lajer is a psychotherapist and play therapist with experience working with both children and adults. He holds a position at Portobello Behavioural Health.

During his three years at Place2be, Alex worked within a school setting, helping children navigate and express their thoughts and emotions through the medium of play, storytelling, and metaphors. His therapeutic expertise covers a diverse client base, and he draws from a wide spectrum of therapeutic theories to inform his practice.

Alex specialises in addressing various emotional and psychological challenges, including family dynamics, addiction, anxiety, depression, bullying, and trauma in individuals of all ages. 

In his role as a therapist, Alex emphasises the importance of listening. He recognises that sharing one's thoughts, feelings, and uncertainties can be intimidating and unfamiliar. However, he views this act as a courageous step toward exploring countless possibilities for personal growth and viewing the world from a different perspective.

Alex identifies as an integrative therapist, incorporating various therapeutic modalities. Central to his approach is the understanding that past experiences inform the present, and he believes in the innate human desire to thrive.

As adults, many people may lose touch with their capacity for play and their inner child. Alex aims to help clients reconnect with this aspect of themselves. He employs creative materials within the therapy room, such as art, to facilitate the expression of emotions when words may fail. Alex also guides clients in exploring their relationships with caregivers and forming present-day connections, enabling them to shed outdated thought patterns and behaviours. This process leads to a sense of empowerment, choice, and newfound freedom to be oneself. 

With his prior experience at Place2Be as a therapist for young individuals, Alex understands the significance of early developmental years and the pressures young people face, including the quest for identity within shifting family dynamics, societal changes, academic expectations, addictive tendencies, and the search for purpose and meaning. For families feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn, play therapy offers a safe space for young individuals to express their emotions, discover inner resources, and make sense of themselves and their relationships with others. In this therapeutic setting, Alex provides an array of creative materials, from paint and crayons to clay, slime, and puppets, allowing each young person to engage in expressive work tailored to their needs.

In addition to his therapeutic practice, Alex introduces Mr. Fonzie, a therapy-trained dog, who often helps bridge the gap between self-consciousness and open expression of one's troubles.

Alex is also knowledgeable in the field of substance misuse and is well-versed in the 12 Step Programme. He believes in the synergy of harm reduction and therapy, enabling individuals and their families to engage in deeper reflection and gain insight into early indicators of addictive behaviour. This integrated approach empowers individuals to confront compulsive and detrimental behaviours head-on.